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This £35 Dunelm lamp is perfect for colourful country kitchens – and it looks just like a more expensive style

This £35 Dunelm lamp is perfect for colourful country kitchens – and it looks just like a more expensive style

by | Sep 24, 2026 | Design Inspiration

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.

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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.

Cream country kitchen.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)

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.

White kitchen cabinets with exposed brick walls, wooden shelf, stack of colourful mugs, green lamp and silver kettle.

(Image credit: Future PLC / Bee Holmes)

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.

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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.

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1 place you should never put a plug-in solar panel, according to experts – or put your property at risk

1 place you should never put a plug-in solar panel, according to experts – or put your property at risk

by | Sep 24, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Since the Government announced plug-in solar panels were legal to buy and use in August this year, generating solar power at home is more accessible than ever before. However, this doesn’t mean that you can go and position your plug-in solar panels wherever you fancy – in fact, experts are warning against this one place in particular.

Now you can buy plug-in solar panels to harness solar energy without relying on traditional roof panels. They’re less expensive than rooftop panels and better suited to rentals and flats.

This all sounds great, right? And those of us looking to generate solar power may be eyeing up our shed roofs as a prime spot for plug-in solar. But it’s not, and positioning your plug-in solar panel here could even be dangerous.

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Can you put a plug-in solar panel on a shed?

In the same way you shouldn’t put a plug-in solar panel on a fence, you also shouldn’t position one on a roof, as they are both made of wood.

Wooden garden shed with a gravel seating area behind a lawn with plant pot on it

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

‘Homeowners may want to put a plug-in solar panel on their shed roof because of the angle the solar panel would lie. It’s best practice to have a tilt of around 30 to 40 degrees to ensure the sunlight is being captured properly, and a shed roof may provide that. However, homeowners are encouraged to consider wall-mounted solar panels or another surface, such as a balcony, to house their solar panels,’ says Alvaro Iturmendi, Uswitch solar energy expert.

‘Plug-in solar panels shouldn’t be installed on anything wooden, including gates, sheds, or shed roofs, due to the potential increased fire risk. This is due to components potentially overheating and causing a fire to start, with timber being a very combustible material.’

As you are dealing with electricals, it’s important to ensure your electricals are not in constant contact with flammable materials, like wood, as excess heat generated can act as a fire risk. However, if your shed is not made from wood, it could be used to house your plug-in solar panel, but it is worth checking with a professional first – especially if you have older wiring or need an outdoor socket installed.

Garden in bloom with flowers, plants, steps and wooden table and chairs with blue shed in background

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

‘Before installing anything, check the direction of the shed roof and how much shade it receives from nearby trees and buildings. You should also inspect the shed itself, ensuring the structure is in good condition, and the roof is strong enough to carry the additional weight,’ says Garden shed expert Sam Jenkinson, from garden building retailer Tiger.

‘You’ll also need a suitable mains socket to safely plug the solar panel into. The cable run should be short and safe, without extension leads stretching across the garden.

‘Once installed, each system must be registered with your local Distribution Network Operator. It’s also important to check whether you need permission from your landlord, freeholder or your local council before installing.’

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While plug-in solar offer ample opportunity to save energy and money on your bills. However, safety should always be your number one priority.

The iconic Big Green Egg has just received its first colour update in 50 years – its sophisticated new look is perfect for a modern garden

The iconic Big Green Egg has just received its first colour update in 50 years – its sophisticated new look is perfect for a modern garden

by | Sep 24, 2026 | Design Inspiration

When you think of premium BBQs, the first image that comes to mind is undoubtedly the Big Green Egg. Its round shape and British Racing Green colourway have become synonymous with quality cooking. But the time has come to change your perception, as Big Green Egg have just dropped a brand new colourway – The Onyx.

Big Green Egg is one of the best BBQs you can buy and is highly favoured by chefs and celebrities due to its superior cooking abilities. And this is the first time a new colourway has been announced in the brand’s 50-year history.

The Big Onyx Egg gives the iconic egg a sleek black update and is designed to blend seamlessly into contemporary gardens. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Big Onyx Egg on patio.

(Image credit: Big Green Egg)

Launching today (24 September), the Big Onyx Egg is available in large size and to Big Green Egg members only. It is free to sign up for the membership scheme.

Inspired by the precious stone, Onyx, the ceramic outer shell features a deep, dark glaze, with the faintest hint of green shining beneath the surface. Inside, customers should be familiar with what they see.

The most important things to know about these egg BBQs are that they deliver precise temperature control, are incredibly versatile to use and are suitable for roasting, baking, slow cooking, smoking and even rotisserie. It’s these features, as well as the incredibly high-quality materials used to craft them, that make Big Green Egg BBQs so popular amongst professionals and one of the best charcoal BBQs on the market.

‘The decision to add a colour to the world’s most famous green was not one we took lightly. The Onyx came from listening to our customers, who wanted an EGG that could sit naturally within the more contemporary outdoor spaces they were creating. It took us time to get the finish right, but we knew we had it when we could still see that subtle trace of green in the sunlight. The Onyx may look different, but underneath it is the same EGG our customers have trusted for generations,’ comments Dan Gerstacov, CEO of Big Green Egg.

Big Onyx Egg in outdoor kitchen.

(Image credit: Big Green Egg)

However, despite the colourway being the most obvious change, the Big Onyx Egg has had two upgrades to be aware of. The Quick Lights Kit means you can light the coals from below, via the Draft Door, for faster ignition and better heat distribution. It also has a Dual Zone System that makes it easier to switch between cooking modes or use multiple modes simultaneously. For example, you could roast a chicken on one side of the dome and grill vegetables on the other.

There’s no denying that large Big Green Eggs can be expensive, retailing for £1,495, and the Big Onyx Egg is expected to be no different. If it’s a little out of your budget, here are a few cheaper alternatives we recommend.

Alternatives

Are you a fan of the latest Onyx colourway, or do you remain loyal to the iconic green egg.

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Dunelm has the perfect kitchen island for a country kitchen for just £250

Dunelm has the perfect kitchen island for a country kitchen for just £250

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

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.

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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.

Country-style kitchen with cream cabinets and wooden accents, red island and bold rug

(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachael Smith)

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.

country kitchen with a freestanding island, stone floor tiles, cream units and range cooker

(Image credit: Future/ Brent Darby)

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.

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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.

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Habitat x Morris & Co have just nailed this year’s biggest headboard trend – and for a pretty amazing price, too

Habitat x Morris & Co have just nailed this year’s biggest headboard trend – and for a pretty amazing price, too

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

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.

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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.

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