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These days, I only take long trips that require packing a suitcase about once a year. Because of that, I don’t spend much time looking at the luggage in my house, and when the time comes once again to lug them out and pack them up, it dawns on me. Oh, right: My suitcases are all pretty old. And aside from one teal-hued hard-shell roller, they’re all plain black. This becomes especially apparent at baggage claim, when I’m squinting at a sea of monochrome rectangles and feeling jealous of any pops of color I see.
As much as I’d like to treat myself to a luggage refresh, quality travel suitcases can be quite pricey. So, when I hear about luggage that looks nice, performs well, and won’t totally break the bank, I pay attention — and the latest brand to join the affordable suitcase game comes from none other than Drew Barrymore, who just dropped a collection of hardside luggage that’s simply, well, beautiful.
What Is the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Luggage Collection?
Founded by the eponymous actress, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore originally came on the scene as a cookware brand. The brand has since expanded substantially; it now sells furniture, home decor, bedding, pet products, and now, lucky for me, luggage.
Beautiful’s first luggage collection is available at Walmart and consists of three different hardshell rolling suitcases with retractable handles. There’s a 20-inch carry-on suitcase and two suitcases (one 24-inch and one 28-inch) that are meant to be checked.
Shoppers can choose from three elegant colors — Porcini Taupe, Rose Pink, and Starry Night — but no matter what shade or size you go with, the interior of each suitcase prioritizes organization, containing “two compression straps, two expandable pockets perfect for shoes, two open pockets, and two zippered pockets for organized packing.” This is perfect for holiday travel — bringing back new gifts and dirty laundry can pose quite the conundrum — but also just regular weekend trips.
What Makes Beautiful By Drew Barrymore Luggage So Great
A celebrity-fronted brand could easily hike up its prices. However, the cost of Barrymore’s luggage line is actually quite reasonable, especially for pieces that will look chic and distinct coming down the carousel at baggage claim. (For comparison, a 28-inch checked bag from Samsonite retails for $149.99, while Beautiful’s is $109.)
The available colors are also quite nice to look at, and a lifetime of dark, drab suitcases makes me really appreciate the lighter shades and playful interior print. Plus, since you can get the whole three-piece set for under $300, it feels feasible to get one in each size for a true luggage refresh. Make your travels a bit easier by getting each one in the same color, or switch things up and try one of each shade. Hey, it might even get you excited about packing.
Maybe it’s due to the latest Wicked film, Wicked: For Good, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about actress Kirsten Bell’s Wicked-themed Christmas tree from last year – I think it taps perfectly into the bold, maximalist styles we’re seeing this year.
This year, Christmas trends have been overwhelmingly bold. With oodles of tinsel, hoards of glittery baubles, nutcrackers, streamers, and, of course, XL bows, Christmas this year is one big celebration of personality and nostalgia.
If you’ve been feeling inspired to turn your Christmas decorating ideas into an expression of self, Kristen Bell’s Wicked tree is a perfect source of inspiration. It’s quirky and fun, whilst showing the star’s love for the musical.
Kristen Bell’s Wicked tree
Wickedcore has been a huge interiors trend for the past couple of years as fans have waited in anticipation for the completion of the film franchise adapted from the iconic musical. It also made us all realise that pink and green make a surprisingly chic combination.
Kristen shared the tree in an Instagram post, and fans were quick to praise her creativity. It features a yellow brick road leading up to the tree, and the legs of the Wicked Witch of the East poking out at the base of the tree.
‘The Wicked tree is still having its moment in 2025 because it taps into the cultural phenomenon that is Wicked. With the new film, Wicked: For Good, interest in Wicked-inspired décor has surged, and the timing aligns perfectly with Christmas,’ commented Sales Manager at Christmas Tree World, David Sumner.
‘We’ve also seen a growing appetite for whimsical, dramatic decorations, such as this tree. Displays that tell a story offer a sense of escapism and joy, allowing people to bring a little fantasy into their homes, and what better time to do that than during the magical festive season?’
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‘People aren’t just decorating for the sake of tradition anymore; they’re decorating to express a mood, a memory, or a bit of their personality. Whether it’s a nostalgic theme, a pop-culture reference, or a playful story, themed trees give people the chance to be more creative and intentional with their decor. They make a statement, they’re fun to put together, and they help create a really immersive festive atmosphere, which is why we’re seeing more of them each year,’ says David.
How to get the look
If you’re feeling a little inspired by Kristen’s tree, then don’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of putting together a themed Christmas tree – if it’s a theme you care about, it’s easier to create a cohesive look.
Pink decor already lends itself very well to the festive season.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)
‘If you’ve got a child running around the house singing songs from the new film, then a tree like this is a brilliant way to make their interests feel appreciated, and it works for parents who love a maximalist theme,’ suggests Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James.
‘The fashion and interiors in Wicked are incredibly kitsch and this can easily translate into homes that already lean into this trend, perhaps with colour blocking sofas or printed wallpaper. I’d advise going all-in to really make the themed tree effective. Giant pink bows and sparkly baubles are the perfect way to go, but don’t stop there. Add bright pink fairy lights and tinsel to make a true maximalist statement.’
Add to basket
M&S
Wicked™ Elphaba Hanging Decoration
M&S is selling a range of character baubles from the Wicked franchise – but you’ll have to be quick as they’re selling fast.
Kunjocy
10 Meters Christmas Tinsel Garland
Use pink tinself to define the pink and green colour theme on your tree. You’ll see for yourself how well the two colours work together.
Habitat
Habitat Pack of 24 Shatterproof Timeless Christmas Baubles
Green baubles can be used alongside the pink tinsel for a Chirstmas tree packed full of Character.
Kristen Bell’s Wicked tree is a beautiful, maximalist example of how you can inject nostalgia and personality into your Christmas decor. If you were to create a themed Christmas tree, we’d love to know what you’d choose.
Victoria Beckham is undeniably a tastemaker of the highest calibre who has a great eye for both fashion and interiors. Which is why I – and many others – pay attention whenever she gives something the thumbs up. The latest interior trend to receive Victoria Beckham’s seal of approval is swapping out a regular coffee table for a large ottoman or a footstool, as she has done in her own living room.
This home decor trend made an appearance in an Instagram reel that the fashion designer recently posted on her account followed by over 33 million people. The video sees Victoria sitting on her sofa in what appears to be her London home, singing along as her son Cruz Beckham plays the guitar. But what caught my eye – similarly to when the Ideal Home team was taken with Victoria’s white glossy kitchen last month – was the absence of a regular coffee table which was replaced by a huge olive green ottoman.
This is an increasingly popular living room trend that I’m seeing in many high-end homes, but I had my reservations at first about the practicality of this switch. An ottoman is, of course, much softer than a traditional coffee table – so how can one put a cup of tea or a plate of snacks on top of it without risking spillage? But interior experts are fully on board with this look and back it as an alternative.
‘Ottomans offer a relaxed and versatile alternative to a traditional coffee table,’ says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. ‘They help to unify the look and feel of your upholstery, offering an opportunity to add a new fabric choice – be it a complementary plain or characterful print. Ottomans are highly multifunctional, serving as a table, extra seating and a storage solution all in one.’
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
And the pros have an easy practical solution for my conundrum, too. It all lies in the addition of a good – and ideally a pretty and stylish – tray. ‘Of course there are practical considerations,’ say Liz and Sarah Hellmer, co-directors of Lathams. ‘If you are accessorising with books, ornaments and candles, or serving drinks and snacks, you will want a sturdy tray so you limit spill risk and denting on upholstery.’
Tray top picks
Dunelm
Sophie Robinson Large Wavy Edge Tray
This tray is not only pretty and fun with its wavy edges and bold green shade, it’s also bigger than most similar alternatives.
H&M Home
Lacquered tray
Even a small home accessory like a tray can provide an opportunity to incorporate more pattern. This chequered H&M Home number is the perfect example.
M&S
Rattan Round Tray
Soft curves and rounded edges are welcome even when it comes to trays for your ottoman. This rattan design from M&S is especially chic.
What ottoman should you pick?
For this coffee table alternative to work, you need to pick the right ottoman from the many available on the market – it’s all down to the design and upholstery choice. For example, leather tends to be a harder material – and therefore more stable to rest things on. ‘The fabric choice is key; performance upholstery, boucle, leather, a rich woven texture or patterns hold up better in everyday living,’ Liz and Sarah at Lathams say.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)
Meanwhile, Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS, recommends a more traditional ottoman design to swap out your coffee table for. ‘Opting for a plush, upholstered Chesterfield-style buttoned lid with elegant wooden feet is a timeless choice.’
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(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
And don’t let a living room storage idea and opportunity go to waste if you’re running out of space to put your things. ‘Built-in storage helps keep living areas tidy by concealing items like magazines, toys or cushions. They are also a great choice for small spaces, where their multifunctionality and built-in storage can help maximise the room without overcrowding it,’ Julia at Sofology says.
Top ottoman picks
Swoon
Plymouth Footstool in Easy Velvet Biscuit
Kellie at DFS recommends a Chesterfield-style ottoman with wooden legs – this Swoon design is exactly that. And the neutral-coloured velvet and bobbin legs make it look especially elevated.
Habitat x Morris & Co.
Merton Sunflower Fabric Footstool
Habitat’s Morris & Co. armchair covered in the classic Sunflower print was a sellout success. And I just found this matching ottoman that will look stunning either on its own or paired with said chair – but best be quick before this one goes, too.
DUSK
Soho Ottoman Storage Pouffe in Dark Olive
If you’re into the dark olive green shade of Victoria Beckham’s large ottoman, you’ll love this number from DUSK. And if you’re short on storage space, you’re going to love the storage design within, too.
‘Ottomans instinctively signal comfort; there’s something very relaxed and luxurious about putting your feet up with a book and a cup of tea. They are especially wonderful in rooms where you want a sense of warmth and tactility,’ Liz and Sarah at Lathams conclude.
If you’ll be buying a real Christmas tree for your home this year, there’s one trick that will keep it fresh for longer – and you’ll need to do it right before you stand your tree in water.
Of course, knowing how to care for a Christmas tree properly will extend its life more generally – but when I spoke to B&Q’s lead outdoor buyer, Mark Sage, he told me about the one thing he recommends to Christmas tree buyers taking their tree home for the first time.
It’s all to do with the base of the trunk – and all you’ll need is a handsaw.
When Mark gave me a mini masterclass on the UK’s most popular Christmas trees, I learned a lot. For one, the Nordmann fir takes the lead – and it’s also one of the best Christmas trees you can buy if you have pets, thanks to its brilliant needle retention.
What really piqued my interest, though, were Mark’s tips for increasing a Christmas tree’s lifespan – and the most important move should be made as soon as you bring your tree home. B&Q calls it ‘the crucial cut’.
‘Before standing, it is advised to saw 2.5cm off the base of the trunk,’ Mark explains. ‘This removes the sap ‘plug’ that forms after cutting, allowing the tree to absorb water efficiently.’
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(Image credit: Future PLC/Nathalie Priem)
So, why, exactly, does it work?
‘By cutting the base of the trunk, you effectively reopen those water vessels, allowing the tree to drink water again and survive for longer, as well as slowing down the rate it loses its needles,’ explains Gareth Mitchell, founder of Tree2myDoor.
From there, you’ll need to keep your Christmas tree topped up with water every day. To say they’re thirsty trees would be an understatement – Mark told me they drink over a pint of water each day!
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French Photography)
Slicing an inch off the base of the trunk is a great way to make a Christmas tree last longer, but if you stand it in the wrong place, all that effort could go to waste. In fact, location is key.
‘Keep your tree well away from direct heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, and floor vents,’ advises Mark. ‘A cool location ensures the tree loses water slowly, harnessing its lifespan.’
What you’ll need
B&Q
2ft Nordmann Fir Pot Grown Christmas Tree
This Nordmann Fir is available in shorter (2ft) and slightly taller (4ft) sizes.
Draper
Draper Venom First Fix Venom Triple Ground Handsaw
A high-rated handsaw that can cut through wood easily.
GEEZY
GEEZY Christmas Tree Stand with Water Tank
This tree stand holds 1.6 litres of water.
So, when you bring your Christmas tree home, slice an inch off the base of the trunk before you stand it in water. It’s a simple trick, but it’ll make your tree last longer!
It’s Black Friday madness at Ideal Home HQ, as we’re hunting down the best deals for you to browse, and I’ve just found a cracker. IKEA’s Black Friday sale is about to go live, and here you can snap up a sofa for a little as £50.
With so many sales to muddle through, finding the best Black Friday deals can feel like a full-time job (it is!). But one you should be browsing is IKEA’s Black Friday event, which goes live tomorrow (24 November).
With sofas reduced to just £50 to a sleek acacia wood dining table reduced to £29 from £129, there are huge savings to be made. This is everything you need to know.
(Image credit: IKEA)
IKEA has said this is one of their most ‘dramatic discount events ever.’ Running from Monday until 1 December, shoppers can snap up key furniture and home accessories at a bargain price – ideal for anyone looking to update their home on a budget.
The standout deal is the BACKSÄLEN 2-seater sofa in the versatile Hallarp Grey colourway, which will be reduced from £399 to just £50 – a huge reduction of 87%. It’s a simple, two-seater sofa whose neutral colourway will suit most living room colour schemes.
However, when Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor and Certified Expert on Furniture, tested the sofa for herself, she was left unimpressed by how thin the cushions were. So while one of the best sofas, the BACKSÄLEN 2-seater sofa may not be, for £50 I still believe it is a good deal, especially for students or if you’re working to a small budget.
Instead, the IKEA sofa worth investing in is the IKEA VIMLE, which is £530 for a two-seater. It’s modular, comfortable and offers deep seating so you can kick back and relax.
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(Image credit: IKEA)
The other deal I’m excited about is the NACKANÄS Dining Table, which will be reduced by 78%, going down from £129 to just £29. In my book, snapping a dining table (that isn’t second-hand) for under £30 is practically unheard of.
Made from durable and beautiful acacia wood, this Shaker-inspired table seats two to four people comfortably. Its round shape also makes it well-suited for small dining rooms, as it can squeeze into most spaces.
Also on offer is the PORTLAKMÅLLA bed linen, which will be reduced from £20 to an incredible £3 – I’m not sure you’ll find bedding anywhere cheaper. Decked out in stylish green and white stripes, it’s certainly a bold choice, but without doubt a funky one, too. I’ve said it before, IKEA is the new Urban Outfitters, and this bedding is proof of this all bar price.
‘At IKEA UK, our goal has always been to make everyday life better for the many people. That’s why, this Black Friday, we’re excited to offer our customers meaningful savings on well-designed, quality home furnishings. Whether you’re refreshing your space for the new season or finding the perfect gift, we invite everyone to shop smarter and more affordably with IKEA this Black Friday,’ said a Spokesperson for IKEA UK.
With items such as plant pots, candle holders and storage starting at as little as 25p, IKEA is where I’m heading to grab a bargain this Black Friday. What about you?
Other bargain Black Friday sofas
If you’re in the market for a sofa, but not a fan of the IKEA BACKSÄLEN I’ve picked out two other sofa deals worth checking out this week.
Habitat
Habitat Julien Velvet 2 Seater Sofa – Natural
This stunning sofa is Ideal Home’s best rated budget sofa, and right now you can snag an extra 20% off with the code ‘FURN20’. It may not be £50, but it looks incredible and is super comfortable.
Wayfair.co.uk
17 Stories Quinston 2 Seater Corduroy Sofa
This stylish green sofa is a great price under £200. We haven’t test it, but it has hundreds of five-star reviews praising how comfortable and easy to assemble it is.
