When I say my garden kneeler transformed the way I garden, I’m not joking: it made gardening so comfortable, I’m not sure how I ever worked outside without one.
Here’s what I loved about the Wrendale Designs ‘Daisy Chain’ Garden Kneeler – and why I think you should gift one to a green-fingered loved one (or yourself!) this Christmas.
Wrendale Designs
‘Daisy Chain’ Garden Kneeler
Wrendale Designs’ garden kneeler is durable, waterproof and beautifully designed. I have the Wrendale Designs ‘Daisy Chain’ Garden Kneeler, which features three rabbits munching on some daisies on one side, and a row of five sparrows sitting on a branch on the other (which Wrendale affectionately name the ‘Chirpy Chaps’).
I love Wrendale’s portfolio of designs, and as a fan of both rabbits and sparrows, I swiped this one off the rack as soon as I saw it. It certainly beats using an old pillow in the garden instead (although that does work as a temporary measure!).
The ‘Daisy Chain’ design is set against a duck egg blue background, made from coated cotton which can easily be wiped clean once you’ve finished gardening. It’s really tough, too – I haven’t managed to puncture mine yet, and I’ve used it for a good few years (although it is for your knees, not the pointy end of your secateurs – so I wouldn’t recommend putting it to the test for fun!)
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The pad inside is made of thick foam, which provides complete, comfortable protection for your knees when you’re gardening. I often use it as a cushion when I’m sitting on the ground, removing weeds from my patio, too.
(Image credit: Wrendale Designs)
There’s also a really convenient handle on one end of the kneeler, so you can hang it in the shed when you’re not using it. It’s beige, which I think sets off the blue kneeling pad nicely, and it’s a brilliant way to spruce up the inside of a garden shed.
Amazon buyers agree that this kneeling pad is well worth buying (it’s got a whopping 4.7 stars!), with one reviewer mentioning it ‘Makes gardening a lot more pleasurable and comfortable,’ and another saying it’s ‘Great quality, [a] sensible size and nice and thick with [a] wipeable cover’. Several reviewers say they bought it as a gift for a loved one, too.
Other garden kneelers
If you’re still browsing for garden kneelers, here are some other bestsellers I’ve spotted.
Thistlewood
Memory Foam Garden Kneeler
An affordable memory foam garden kneeler (it’s one of Amazon’s Choices!).
Crystals
Foldable Foam Padded Garden Kneeler
This foldable garden kneeler has side handles for additional support.
Crocus
Garden Trading Classic Garden Kneeler
This luxury garden kneeler has a waxed cotton centre pad.
Wrendale’s garden kneeler has become a real staple in my garden shed, and I’ve had it for four years now. It’s really stood the test of time – of course, with a few mud stains here and there (but that makes it all the more special, in my opinion) – and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a gift for a loved one this Christmas.
If you’re feeling stuck for tree decorating inspiration this festive season, cast your eyes over Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young, who is celebrating ‘Kitschmas’ this year as her foodie-themed gold Christmas tree embraces the ‘tacky Christmas’ trend we’re loving.
One thing I’ve noticed about Christmas decorations this year is that our favourite influencers and celebrities have all opted for bold and expressive styles, from Stacey Dooley’s flamboyant disco tree to her whimsical ghost tree. In short, nostalgia has been a key Christmas trend this year, and we’ve been reaping the rewards in the form of kitsch, maximalist styles.
Heather’s bold tree is another example that deserves a spot on your moodboard (not that we’re biased or anything!). Bright, fun and a joy to look at, this tree walks the line between glamour and chaos. And this is how you can get the look, too.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Heather Young)
The tacky Christmas trend is way out of my usual decorating comfort zone. I love a trend, but I usually keep everything quite sophisticated,’ says Heather Young, Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief.
‘It was the gold tree that sparked the look – it’s the perfect vintage-style shade of gold, and I loved the idea of leaning into the kitsch vibe. I wanted to introduce a tree in my kitchen this year, and as I’ve been seeing food-related baubles absolutely everywhere this year, so I decided to roll with it and give my tree a foodie theme.
‘My husband and teen twins weren’t convinced at first, but I think I won them over once I added some more decorations. I’m still waiting for another delivery of food-related baubles (including a hotdog!), and I can imagine having fun adding new ones to my collection in years to come.’
If you’re wondering which best artificial Christmas tree Heather used, it is the John Lewis Pendleton Pre-lit Christmas Tree, 7ft (£200). Unfortunately, this tree has sold out online, but at the time of publishing, it is available in selected stores. So, if this tree has taken your fancy, you can check the stores still stocking it online.
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It’s easy to see why this tree has been so popular. With soft twinkling lights and a subtle gold colourway, it actually looks quite stylish, whilst embracing the ‘Kitschmas’ trend. Alternatively, the Habitat 6ft Pre-lit Snowy Christmas Tree – Beige, looks fairly similar to the John Lewis tree and right now is reduced from £60 to £30 at Argos.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Heather Young)
‘Gold trees are having their moment because they beautifully blend retro nostalgia with modern glamour,’ says Whinnie Williams, Designer and Trends Forecaster for Balsam Hill.
‘Metallic trees have mid-century roots, so they slot perfectly into the retro revival we’re seeing with Retromaxxing and kitsch decor. They’re also ideal for the transition into the New Year, when red and green give way to added sparkle.
‘And with one in five people now putting up three or more trees, gold doesn’t need to be your main showstopper; it can be a brilliant secondary or table top tree. Another showstopping way to embrace this look is through covering your tree in gold lametta. And you’d be right on trend as Gen Z has brought back kitsch-classic, tinsel, with 27% planning to use it this year.’
Another key part of Heather’s tree is the inclusion of the food-themed baubles. With just about every high street brand offering foodie baubles this year, it’s another huge trend that focuses on fun over chicness.
‘Food has become a big part of how we express our personality – from favourite snacks to coffee orders and viral recipes – so it makes sense that this is now appearing on the tree too. Tiny takeaway cartons, martini glasses, glitter-encrusted wedges of cheese and croissants all act as little in-jokes and talking points. They’re highly giftable, very shareable on social media and instantly make a tree feel personal,’ adds Annabelle Sacher, Retail Trends Lead at MediaVision.
How to get the look
While Heather admits her tree embraces the ‘tacky Christmas’ trend, it is still considered and put together. But don’t worry, it’s not too difficult to style kitsch decor into something that looks stylish, whilst retaining its playful elements.
If you already have a tree, adding some gold accents, and bold baubles is a great way to embrace the trend.
(Image credit: Future/Carolyn Barber)
‘The trick with kitsch is to embrace it wholeheartedly but style it with intention. Here’s how I recommend pulling the look together beautifully,’ begins Whinnie.
‘Lean into those retro colours. Think ’50s pastels of tutti-frutti blues, bubblegum pinks, mint greens, balanced with a more traditionally festive cherry red.
‘Mix your ornaments. Blend classic baubles with novelty charms, varying the textures and tones so nothing clusters too heavily in one spot.
‘Bring in paper decorations. Paper chains and garlands are a really easy way to bring colour and a kitsch festive feel to any space. Plus, they can also be easily recycled at the end of their use (if you’re not saving them for next year!).
‘Choose colourful lights. If you love kitsch, nothing beats the glow of multicoloured lights—pure nostalgic joy!’
Shop the look
Habitat
Habitat 6ft Pre Lit Snowy Christmas Tree – Beige
This is a great, affordable alternative to the John Lewis tree. It may be beige, but it lends itself beautifully to the ‘Kitschmas’ trend.
Argos Home
Argos Home Single Cheese With Hat Christmas Hanging Ornament
Who doesn’t like cheese at Christmas? A food-themed tree isn’t finished without one of these cute decorations.
HERZWILD
6pcs Glass Pickle Ornament
I love how bonkers the idea of putting pickles on your Christmas tree is – perfect if you want to create some maximalist fun.
SKYTE
50ft Luxury Metallic Tinsel Garland
You can’t have a nostalgic, Kitsch tree without lots of gold tinsel…
If you love the gold aspect of Heather’s tree, these gold baubles from Next are simply stunning.
M&S
Glass Hanging Ice Cream Cone Decoration
M&S are known for their quirky baubles, and this ice-cream one, complete with sparkles and pastel hues, is perfectly kitsch.
After years of pared-back, beige, scandi-style trees, many people are craving colour, humour and a bit of chaos. Kitsch Christmas décor is the antidote to the perfectly curated neutral home. It’s joyful, nostalgic and deliberately over-the-top,’ concludes Annabelle. ‘In a year that has felt quite serious for many households, there’s real comfort in a Christmas scheme that doesn’t take itself too seriously.’
And this is what Christmas is really about. You want your decoration to feel fun and expressive, rather than perfect. So go on, get the gold tree…
To make the staircase the statement Matthew and his husband were after, Matthew bought some green tiles that caught his eye at Lowe’s. “I knew immediately what I was going to do with them,” he says. “Everyone thought the idea of tiling a staircase was crazy, but I told them to trust the process.”
And trust the process they did; Matthew’s husband and a friend, Sarah, actually installed the tile over a holiday break when Matthew had to work. And it seems the tile was truly meant to be, because not a single piece had to be cut to size! “The tiles across fit perfectly, and they were the exact height that we needed,” Matthew says. “The tile at first seems to make the biggest difference, but in my mind, as soon as the honey-colored wood tone was gone, the space immediately felt better,” Matthew says.
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
When you love the idea of having a really calming home, it’s something that you need to be very proactive with. It’s never going to just fall into place. Instead, you need to be intentional and to curate the overall feel. This works in two ways, both with the design and the intentions that you’re setting. Let’s take a look.
1. Set The Tone
Before you think about décor or layout, it helps to remember that the atmosphere of your home often starts with you. If you’re aiming for a calm, soothing environment but find yourself rushing, snapping or carrying tension around with you, the space will naturally pick up on that energy. It’s not about being perfect or serene all the time, it’s about being mindful of the tone you bring into the rooms you live in. When you pause, breathe and respond rather than react, you create a ripple effect that gently influences everyone else in the household. This internal shift isn’t something you can buy or decorate your way into, but it’s one of the most powerful foundations for creating a genuinely peaceful home.
2. Keep Everything Organized
Now, from a practical perspective, it’s important to make sure that everything stays organised. If your home is messy, things are all over the place and it’s crowded, this isn’t going to feel calm. It’s only ever going to add to the level of stress you feel. Instead, you need to make sure that everything has its place and can be put away. Bringing in the right storage solutions and putting things out in storage units when you run out of space in the home is key here. When your home feels clearer and more organised, it will always feel calmer.
3. Use Calming Colours
It also helps to be mindful of the colours you surround yourself with. Bold, vibrant shades can lift the energy of a space, but if your goal is calm, gentler tones tend to work far better. Soft neutrals, muted hues and understated palettes have a way of settling the eye and creating a quieter backdrop for daily life. Think warm whites, earthy beiges, soft greens or dusky blues – colours that don’t shout for attention but quietly support the mood you’re trying to create. Layering these tones across your walls, textiles and accessories can bring a lovely sense of harmony, making each room feel more restful the moment you walk in.
4. Have Boundaries
At the same time, when you want to really curate that feeling of calm, it’s important that you have boundaries. It’s not just about the way that you design the house, it’s also about how you live in it. Having set rooms for set activities and ensuring that everybody in the house knows when it’s quiet time and when it’s time to wind down for the evening can also help you to create calm in the household.
5. Enhance The Atmosphere
It’s also worth thinking about the atmosphere you’re creating day-to-day. A calm home isn’t only about how it looks or how everyone uses the space — it’s the blend of the two that really shapes the mood. When the atmosphere feels soothing, it naturally encourages everyone to settle, breathe and slow down a little. Gentle lighting, soft background music and subtle scents can all work together to shift the energy of a room. With a few thoughtful choices, you can create an environment that feels peaceful the moment you step inside.
6. Bring Nature Indoors
One of the simplest ways to make your home feel instantly calmer is to bring in a touch of nature. Plants, natural textures, and organic materials have a grounding effect that softens the atmosphere without you having to do very much at all. A leafy plant in the corner of a room, a vase of seasonal branches, or even a woven basket by the sofa can create a quiet visual cue that encourages you to slow down. Nature has a way of reminding us to breathe, and even small nods to the outdoors can shift the energy of a space.
7. Create Small Rituals
Calm isn’t only about how a home looks; it often comes from the tiny routines that help you feel anchored. Think about the rituals that soothe you: lighting a candle before you sit down to read, putting on a warm lamp instead of the overhead lights, taking five minutes to tidy the kitchen before bed. These small habits can act as gentle bookends to your day, easing you through moments that might otherwise feel chaotic. When you build rituals that feel grounding, the home naturally begins to take on that same steadiness.
8. Prioritise Comfort
A calm home is, above all else, a comfortable one. This doesn’t mean you need to fill every corner with cushions, but it does mean tuning into what genuinely makes you feel at ease. A soft throw on the end of the bed, a cosy armchair that invites you to sit down for a moment, or even swapping out scratchy fabrics for something softer can make a surprising difference. Comfort is deeply personal, and when your home supports your senses rather than overwhelms them, it becomes much easier to unwind.
9. Reduce Visual Noise
Credit: Shutterstock
Sometimes a space can be tidy yet still feel busy. That’s where reducing visual noise comes in. Too many patterns, clashing colours or overly decorated surfaces can create a subtle sense of tension. Streamlining what’s on display – whether that’s clearing your countertops, simplifying your shelves, or choosing décor with a more understated feel – can bring an almost immediate feeling of clarity. When the eye has room to rest, the mind tends to follow.
10. Make Space For Stillness
Finally, it’s worth thinking about where, in your home, you can simply pause. A quiet corner with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket and a warm lamp can become a little sanctuary you retreat to when life gets loud. This doesn’t have to be a grand reading nook or a perfectly curated moment; it’s more about giving yourself permission to have a pocket of stillness in your day. When you carve out that space, the rest of the home starts to feel calmer because you’ve built the habit of slowing down within it.
