Deep and rich colours such as burgundy reds, soft beiges and even moody purples have become a big breakout kitchen colour trend this year, and KitchenAid has jumped on the bandwagon with the colours of its new upgraded Artisan Plus Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer.
The new addition to KitchenAid’s line-up of the best stand mixers has an RRP of £699, and is available in five new gorgeous colours: Sun Dried Tomato, Oat, Mint Julep, Wild Blueberry and Iron Ore. It also comes in the classic shades: Porcelain White, Juniper, Medallion Silver, Feather Pink, Cast Iron Black and Pebbled Palm.
But the colours aren’t the only update. The new design also boasts extra handy features to make it easier to bake your favourite treats, including an interior bowl light, which means you’ll always easily be able to see the ingredients in your bowl, down to the very bottom, no matter whether you’re mixing at 9 AM or 9 PM.
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KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Wild Blueberry
The wild blueberry is a lovely deep navy that will look super stylish in a burgundy kitchen or as a contrast to a butter yellow kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Mint Julep
Mint Julep is a softer blue that will pair with darker blue cabinets for a tonal look or look fabulous paired with pink for a soft and feminine kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Oat
White is slowly drifting out of fashion this year and being replaced by cream and these more earthy beiges. For fans of a minimalist look, pair it with beige cabinets and a luxe-marble effect countertop, or complement a brave terracotta red.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Iron Ore
This stylish take on a classic black, I can see this stand mixer looking chic in a dark kitchen. Alternatively, blush and black are a colour combo you can’t beat and will add a rock and roll edge to a pink kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Sun Dried Tomato
Unexpected red theory is the trend going nowhere. If you’re not a fan of the traditional glossy red KitchenAid this rich velvety burgundy is a subtler alternative.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus
2026 is the year of pink as the new neutral so this colour will complement nearly every kitchen, but I love the idea of stylish it with moss green cabinets or a sunny yellow.
I swear by my stand mixer (a Kenwood). It’s one of those appliances that’s a bit like Marmite — you either use it loads, and couldn’t live without yours, or it sits in a cupboard getting dusty until it’s someone’s birthday. Mine is used once a week, so I’m firmly in the camp that a good stand mixer, like the KitchenAid Artisan, is worth the investment.
(Image credit: KitchenAid)
An integrated bowl light might not sound like a major development, but my Kenwood stand mixer has an integrated light, and I can vouch for its convenience when checking that your ingredients are properly mixed. Gone are the days of having to use my phone flashlight to peer into the bowl.
The new Kitchenaid Artisan Plus also offers 2 speed control modes and 11 preset speeds, all of which are easy to navigate. It offers a 1⁄2 fold speed to gently incorporate your ingredients once first added to the bowl, which makes for less mess on your worktops.
(Image credit: KitchenAid)
Paired with a 4.7L bowl with a precision-welded handle, each of these stand mixers comes with stainless steel accessories — a dough hook, a wire whisk, plus a double flex-edge beater with silicone edges and a flat beater. Yes, these are all dishwasher-safe (including the bowl) and better yet: they’re all rust-resistant, too.
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It’s safe to say that a KitchenAid is a great way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen worktops — albeit an expensive one. If you can afford to treat yourself to one of these new designs, then why not? Right now, I need to stick with my trusty Kenwood Stand Mixer, which is admittedly an incredible piece of kit, but it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing appliance around.
Did any of these fancy colourways convince you to upgrade?
I love an Aldi special buy, my home includes many things I’ve snapped up from the middle aisle during a weekly shop. However, when I was considering recommending the new bargain Aldi robot mower to a friend, I was warned off it by Ideal Home’s robot lawn mower tester, who recommended the budget Bosch VISIMOW at B&Q instead.
Initially, I was impressed by the bargain price of Aldi’s option. At £199, Aldi’s robot mower is one of the cheapest models on the market; it’s even £92 cheaper than the same Yard Force robot mower model sold on Amazon for £291. However, while we haven’t tested the Aldi mower, it was the product description that made our robot mower reviewer and Garden Editor Sophie King sceptical about how good a buy it actually was.
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She spotted lowdown in the product description that the Aldi robot mower uses a boundary wire, a feature that made her visibly shudder.
Aldi
Robot Mower
The Aldi robot lawn mower can cut grass in up to 400 m² gardens, and can be connected to an app on your phone. However, it requires boundary wire installation
Bosch VISIMOW18V-100
This robot mower is ultra-simple to set up, whisper-quiet and provides an even cut. It doesn’t use a boundary wire, but you also can’t control it via an app.
Sophie has tested all the latest robot lawn mowers at Ideal Home, and would personally never recommend choosing one with a boundary wire. A boundary wire is a physical cable you have to lay around the edge of your lawn to define the operating area for the robot lawn mower. They’re part of why early robot mowers had a reputation for being quite a faff to set up.
‘There definitely seems to be a shift away from robot mowers with boundary wires, with more and more brands releasing wire-free models that use GPS tracking and smart cameras to navigate a lawn,’ explains Sophie. ‘I’ve tested lots of robot lawn mowers without boundary wires, and they’re so much simpler – setup is fuss-free, super simple, and a lot quicker than those that require wire installation.’
The Bosch VISIMOW in action
(Image credit: Future PLC / Sophie King)
If the low price is the most important factor to you and you’re not bothered by the prospect of a wire installation, you can give the Aldi robot mower a go. However, if you’re after something that’s a tried and tested easy-to-set-up robot mower, Sophie recommends the Bosch VISIMOW, which she gave 4 out of 5 stars in her review. The Bosch VISMOW can be picked up for £354 at B&Q right now, so it’s around £150 more expensive than Aldi’s
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‘For faff-free setup, the Bosch VISIMOW is well worth the extra £150 – it’s ready at the press of three buttons, it gives grass a smooth cut, and its camera technology is so intelligent for the price,’ Sophie explains.
The Bosch VISMOW is designed for smaller lawns up to 100m², while the Aldi one is suitable for lawns up to 400m². There isn’t an app for it to connect to like more expensive mowers like the Eufy E15 that can map your lawn. However, it is quiet, compact and easy to set up for beginners testing the waters with a robot mower.
If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, these are the two other boundary wire-free robot mowers we’d recommend.
Eufy
Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower
This mower is an investment, but it’s from the brand behind one of the best robot vacuums we’ve tested, and the lawn mower option also impressed us. It provides an even cut and top-notch obstacle avoidance.
Mammotion
Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 Robot Lawn Mower with LiDAR
If you don’t want to give up your lawn stripes, this is the robot mower for you. It has efficient mapping and mowing ability with great object avoidance.
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This week, Habitat shared with Ideal Home that the brand’s made-to-order sofa service is being paused until further notice. This means that popular Habitat sofas such as Hendricks and Fenner have been pulled from the site and made unavailable – and it’s not yet known when the situation will be resolved.
Habitat launched its made-to-order sofas last May. As part of the launch, the brand introduced new sofa styles and a number of Habitat’s existing bestsellers became made-to-order, such as the aforementioned Hendricks, which used to be included in our guide to best sofas as our pick for the best value sofa. Habitat has paused the made-to-order sofa service because its furniture supplier entered administration this March.
All the affected customers who had placed orders for made-to-order sofas were contacted as soon as Habitat learned of the news. The brand reports that they’ve apologised to the customers, offering a refund alongside a gesture of goodwill.
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(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
Fortunately, Habitat also offers a range of ready-made sofas which are still available, and some of them are even more popular than the made-to-order styles. This includes one of our favourite sofas – and the best budget sofa from our guide – which is the bestselling Julien sofa.
But if you’ve had your eye on one of the Habitat made-to-order styles, I found the best ready-made alternatives you can invest in instead. And most of them are currently available with 20% off when you apply code FURN20 at checkout.
Habitat
Hendricks made-to-order sofa
The Hendricks sofa is one of Habitat’s moc iconic and instantly recognisable sofas. Boasting a midcentury modern-inspired look, the sofa comes with very generous armrests.
Habitat
Jacob Velvet 3 Seater Sofa
Habitat’s Jacob sofa features a similarly angular, midcentury-style design to the Hendricks. It’s also elevated off the floor, set on slim legs. And while the armrests are not as wide as the Hendricks, it comes with a set of bolster cushions which make up for it.
Habitat
Fenner made-to-order sofa
Similar to the Hendricks, the Fenner is also known for its midcentury look, but it comes with much slimmer arms and a more textural button back.
Habitat
Kleo Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Kleo is a great alternative both for the Fenner and the Hendricks as they are in many ways similar. It comes with a removable button-through seat cushion similar to Fenner’s and even has two additional scatter cushions for extra comfort.
Habitat
Aston made-to-order sofa
Featuring a Scandi-inspired aesthetic, the Aston was one of the brand’s recent additions to the range which coincided with the launch of the made-to-order service. It’s most notablefor the fully exposed legs.
Habitat
Myra Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Myra sofa launched only earlier this year but as soon as I saw it, I was impressed with both its stylish look and affordable price point. It takes the ‘exposed look’ of the Aston even further by exposing the entire base and I love it.
Habitat
Wynn made-to-order sofa
The Wynn sofa is as pillowy and squishy as it looks which is exactly what it’s become loved for. It even extends the pillowy look to its armrests.
Habitat
Willow Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
If a pillowy look and feel is what you look for in a sofa then the Willow sofa won’t disappoint you. Just like the Wynn, the Willow comes with removable back and seat cushions. It’s only available in one colourway but it’s a very timeless and neutral one at least.
Habitat
Lars made-to-order sofa
Habitat’s Lars made-to-order sofa is a more modern take on the Scandi look. It’s chunky in the best way possible with levelled arm and backrests.
Habitat
Kristen Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Kristen sofa boasts a similarly chunky look to the Lars with an additional quilted finish and a slightly more on-trend curved sofa design.
If you had your heart set on something made-to-order for your living room sofa ideas, we’ll keep you up to date with the situation and any good value alternative we recommend on the high street.
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Spring is the perfect time to invest in garden lighting ideas to get your garden ready to enjoy on those warm summer evenings. However, if you want to spruce up your lighting without the fuss of charging batteries or plugging lights into an outdoor plug (if you even have one), solar outdoor lights are a game-changer.
I’ve already got some wired festoon lights in my gardenthat I can rely on year after year, but this summer I’m looking to add another layer of style to my cosy outdoor seating ideas that won’t add ££s to my electricity bill each month, and these wicker solar lights are it.
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These lights have been crafted in 3 different lighting types, including string lights, a hanging light and a floor lantern to nail the perfect layered light look in an outdoor space.
The White Company
Solar Wicker Lantern with LED Candle
The White Company
Solar Wicker Lantern
The White Company
Solar Wicker String Lights
The lantern design is made to sit on a garden table with a solar-powered candle in the centre. While the string lights, measuring 419cm, will add a little flair to a fence with a 8 little wicker shades.
If you are looking to make a bigger statement, the larger lantern includes a bulb and measures 24cm in height. It is illuminated with the help of a single solar panel and can be set on a timer. It can be styled on the floor or hung from shepherds crook hook like this pair on Amazon for £8.99.
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Claire Anstey, Lighting Buyer at Heal’s says this trend for natural materials in garden lighting is growing alongside a trend towards lighting with a more organic shape. ‘Think earthy materials like rattan and wood, alongside mushroom-like silhouettes that feel almost ‘planted’ within a space, as though they’re gently growing from the ground,’ she says.
‘There’s also a growing interest for soft, flowing forms with slightly irregular, organic edges, designs that feel a little raw or unfinished, reflecting the imperfect, ever-changing character of the natural world.’
(Image credit: The White Company)
When it comes to styling this type of lighting, Claire says, ‘to introduce this look into your garden, weave delicate fairy lights through the branches of trees or around sculptural shrubs. This helps diffuse the light softly through foliage, creating an inviting glow once the sun sets. Opt for warm-toned bulbs wherever possible; their golden hue creates a relaxed, cocooning ambience that’s ideal for lingering dinner parties and elegant outdoor soirées.’
The White Company isn’t the only brand nailing this organic and stylish type of lighting. Here are three alternatives to consider for revamping your garden this summer.
Alternatives
Dunelm
Woven Rattan Solar Lantern
Place this in a corner, nestled with some of your favourite plant pots and add some instant style to your decking or even balcony.
Garden Mile
Set of 2 70cm Rattan Solar Lights
Illuminate a pathway in an instant with these rattan stake lights from Amazon, that are also waterproof.
ferm LIVING
Luver Led Portable Table Lamp
If your garden doesn’t get that much light, a rechargeable light might be a better option. I love the wood finish of the striking table lamp as another natural alternative to wicker and rattan.
As someone cooking in a very tiny flat kitchen where every inch of counter and cupboard space matters, I genuinely think Our Place may have just launched my dream cookware collection.
The brand has unveiled its new Tiny Cookware Collection, a downsized take on its bestselling Always Pan and Perfect Pot that feels perfectly timed for smaller homes, solo dinners and the reality of how most of us actually cook day to day. Because, realistically, not every meal is a big hosting moment.
The 1.75L version of the Perfect Pot with lid is perfect for serving 1-2 people at a time.
Our Place
Tiny Cookware Duo
The Duo contains the Tiny Always Pan, and the 1L Tiny Perfect Pot with a lid which fits both. Or you can bundle and snap up all three, with two lids for £175 instead of £210 if purchased separately.
Sometimes it’s one egg before work, pasta for one after a long day or a quick bowl of soup eaten standing in the kitchen because your flat barely fits a dining table (speaking from experience here). And while cookware has traditionally been designed with families and large gatherings in mind, this launch feels much more aligned with modern small-space living.
As someone currently balancing pans precariously in a cupboard the size of a shoebox, the appeal is immediate.
This collection feels refreshingly realistic for how many people live now. The pieces are lightweight, stackable and intentionally compact, with details like dual pour spouts and a shared interchangeable lid to save on space.
(Image credit: Our Place)
The Tiny Cookware Duo comes as a stackable pan set, while the Petite Perfect Pot has a 1.75L capacity that’s designed for smaller portions like oatmeal, grains, sauces and broths.
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Both are made with an aluminium core for fast, even heating and finished with Our Place’s signature non-toxic nonstick coating, free from PFAS, PTFE, lead and cadmium. Plus, they fit perfectly in the brand’s cult Wonder Oven.
(Image credit: Our Place)
Importantly for anyone else navigating limited kitchen storage, the collection has also been designed to look good left out on display.
Available in five of the brand’s signature shades (Steam, Sage, Char, Blue Salt and Spice), these are the kinds of pans you wouldn’t mind permanently living on your hob because there’s nowhere else to put them.
(Image credit: Our Place)
It also taps into a much bigger kitchen trend we’ve been seeing lately: compact, multifunctional cookware and appliances built for modern living. As homes, and especially kitchens, get smaller, products that can earn their keep without dominating your space are becoming increasingly desirable.
Shiza Shahid, co-founder of Our Place, said: ‘We often talk about big tables and large gatherings, but so much of our life happens through smaller moments in the kitchen.’
She added: ‘We designed our Tiny Cookware Collection to make those moments as beautiful and joyful as cooking for others can be.’
(Image credit: Our Place)
There is one thing to note before adding to basket: unlike the wider ceramic cookware collection, the Tiny range is not induction compatible due to its smaller sizing.
The Tiny Cookware Collection is available right now, but with limited stock available, I wouldn’t be surprised if these sell out quickly, especially among fellow tiny-kitchen owners like myself.
