As an Ideal Home reader, you’re likely to be in the know about home fragrances, what types of scents smell expensive and which ones conjure up that cosy feeling in autumn, and it’s the latter that I want your opinion on.
Scented candles and the best reed diffusers are a huge part of changing up your home and welcoming in autumn and the cosy season. In the last month, many retailers have started to drop their autumn candle ranges, and this year there has been an explosion in the sweet and spicy ‘pumpkin pie’ and ‘pumpkin spice’ inspired scents, with everyone from Very Home to Aldi launching a version.
However, for everyone who loves using these sweet scents, there is another who can’t stand them and prefers welcoming in the new season with something muskier, smokier or even fruitier. Scent is hugely personal, and what is one person’s dream autumnal scent is another’s worst-smelling nightmare. As such, we’d like you to have your say: as readers, we want to know what scent says autumn to you.
On the Ideal Home desk, there is a huge range of candle and diffuser scents we switch to come September. I prefer something with a crispy and fruity edge, waiting for The White Company’s elusive Autumn candle to return every year with its notes of pear, quince and amber.
Our News Writer Kezia is a fan of a cosy, slightly sweet scent like the Buhn Soft Focus Candle, which has notes of Tonka Bean, Jasmine and Lemon. While Senior Digital Editor Jenny hates anything too sweet and always opts for something with amber or oud notes.
Is there an autumnal scent or particular candle you adore and think deserves more attention? Or is there an autumnal scent growing in popularity that you can’t stand? Let us know what the scent is, why you love it and any particular home fragrances or brands that do that particular type of scent best.
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Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below to join the discussion and help us settle the debate on what is the best autumnal home fragrance scent. We’ll share your thoughts in a follow-up article.
Given my job as the Room Decor Content Editor here at Ideal Home, I look at stylish and pretty home decor all day long – and much of it includes chic lamps and light fixtures. The focus on great lighting on the high street has exploded in the last couple of years. This autumn, it is Marks & Spencer’s new table lamp offering that is seriously tempting me to add to my lamp collection.
Marks & Spencer, with their affordable but oh-so-stylish lamps have been at the helm of this high street lighting trend and revolution (closely followed by H&M and John Lewis). But that’s exactly why I always recommend M&S as one of the best places to buy lighting. Not that they need it, considering their viral hits like the many times sold-out Kirsten table lamp.
What makes this new season drop exciting is its use of different and unusual textures, from draped fabric to rattan. Plus, much of it is made up of wireless lamps, so you don’t have to worry about unsightly cords and having a plug nearby the spot you’re looking to position your lamp.
I have said this before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t really have any more room in my home to add a new table lamp – but if I had the space, these are the 6 new M&S table lamps that I would love to incorporate into my home. But until I have some space freed up, I will settle for living vicariously through you and your lighting purchases.
M&S
Wooden Rechargeable Table Lamp
If I had to pick just one top pick from the new M&S lighting range, it would be this rechargeable lamp which looks so much more expensive than it is. It has a streamlined midcentury air about it which I love, as well as the wooden base contrasted by the little golden ‘cherry’ on top.
M&S
Striped Ruffle Rechargeable Table Lamp
This lamp is so cute in its cottagecore aesthetic. And while that’s usually not necessarily my style, it’s done so well here with the striped pattern (a major home decor trend) and ruffled hem, that even I am on board. It would look so nice in the kitchen – and since it’s rechargeable it’s perfect for that.
M&S
Roma Ceramic Urn Table Lamp
This table lamp design is currently the bestselling one from the new releases. And given its timeless rustic farmhouse style, I’m not surprised. It has something of The White Company look to it, but without the high price point.
M&S
Skeletal Petal Dual Lit Table Lamp
Somehow, this lamp managed to look both pretty, floral, modern and statuesque at the same time. And I’m so here for this unexpected and unique look.
M&S
Helix Table Lamp
The beautifully structured pleated lampshade alone caught my attention. But paired with the swirl base – a look on track to replace the much-loved bobbin trend – in dark olive green, it’s just chef’s kiss.
M&S
Colby Rechargeable Rattan Table Lamp
If you’re after just something petite to warm and cosy up a little corner of your home, this wireless rattan lamp is the perfect choice in all its compact, rattan beauty.
As we’re heading into a new season, which always calls for a little rethink, rejig and redecorating of our homes, it’s the ideal time to invest in a new lamp and give your abode a small update. It’s especially fitting as autumn is the season of cosiness and shorter days – and setting the mood with some atmospheric lighting can make a world of difference!
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After a long summer of warm, sunny weather, September is bringing us a reality check in the form of torrential rain and storms this week. And while the sunshine will have allowed your garden to thrive, don’t let your hard work go to waste, as experts have revealed how to protect plants from storms.
There’s nothing worse than seeing the fruits of all your pruning, planting and fertilising being destroyed by a storm, which is why taking a bit of time to protect your plants is an important part of any storm preparation.
Storms can cause bucket loads of damage to plants. High winds can uproot plants with shallow soil, while heavy rainfall can waterlog your soil, increasing the risk of root rot, and the weight of the water can damage delicate shoots and flowers. Here are five things you need to do to protect your plants from storms.
‘If any plants have dead or diseased branches, these are the most likely to be blown off in a storm. Additionally, a plant that does not have dead or diseased areas is more likely to be able to withstand the damage that a storm can cause,’ says Richard Barker, commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
2. Cover bedded plants
‘Storms can injure plants in several ways: heavy rain leads to flooding, root rot, soil erosion, and fungal issues, while hail can shred leaves and petals. Strong winds may flatten bedded plants, uproot young ones, or crack stems,’ says Stephen Kohley, gardening expert and owner of Sonny Alexander Florist & Flower Delivery.
(Image credit: Future/David Giles)
‘So, to keep everything snug and secure, I lay down a thick blanket of mulch over my garden beds, and this helps prevent erosion and protects the roots. For the more delicate plants, I cover them with floating row covers or even a bit of burlap, and then make sure it’s all held down tight with stakes.’
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Your taller plants, such as delphiniums, hollyhocks, and alliums, will need to be staked to help keep them upright and supported during high winds. You can pick up a pack of 12 gardening stakes for just £13.99 at Amazon, or you could use any leftover bamboo canes from growing runner beans this summer.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
‘Taller plants will need to be supported during a storm, whether this is through a trellis, staking or being tied to some sort of support,’ says Graham.
4. Move potted plants indoors
In high winds, there’s potential for your potted plants to be blown all around your garden, so it’s important to move them to a temporary shelter for safekeeping.
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
‘As for my potted plants, they either get moved to a shelter or right indoors if I can manage it. I group the big, heavy pots together and tie them up loosely. This gives them enough room to move without breaking when the wind is really strong.’ says Stephen.
5. Take hanging baskets down
Planting hanging baskets is an easy way to transform your garden and give it some floral charm, but in high winds, they can go flying.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Derby)
‘Any hanging baskets or window planters should be taken down and placed on the ground or somewhere sheltered. If they blow away the plants inside will be damaged, and the planter can act as a projectile itself and damage other areas,’ says Graham.
Of course, British weather is unpredictable, and there is potential for it to change once again (here’s hoping). However, if you do find yourself facing stormy weather, these tips will help minimise any damage to your plants.
Lara Walsh is a freelance lifestyle writer covering home, wellness, travel, and beauty topics from an experiential angle. Previously the Associate Experiences Editor at Elite Daily, Lara has also written for InStyle, Bustle, Business Insider, and the EveryGirl. When she’s not…read more
If you’ve ever seen an episode of a reality show that focuses on turning rundown fixer-uppers into modern and luxurious apartments, it might give you a boost of confidence that any project can succeed. After all, there are several stories of investors flipping dilapidated homes with caving roofs, outdated wiring, and tripling their investments.
However, it’s also important to know when to stop, especially when you have limited funds and often have to work with a timeline to avoid defaulting on your loan or missing a seller’s market. So the question arises, at what point is a house not worth fixing? We’ve put this article together to help you answer that question and make smarter financial decisions, so continue reading below.
Signs a House May Not Be Worth Fixing
Structural Issues
Major structural issues are an excellent place to start if you’re looking to rule out potential money pits. Unless you’re looking to build your dream home from scratch, a house with major faults, such as cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, or a leaning chimney, is simply not worth the investment.
Not only are these issues incredibly expensive to fix, but they’re also time-consuming, and they can easily throw off your project timeline. Because of how sensitive structural issues are, you can’t simply bypass them when they start taking too long and decide not to complete them because of the cost.
You also have to be ready to source the right experts and sacrifice valuable time and money that could be spent on other renovations with such projects. For investors looking to cut expenses and maximize profits, fixer-uppers with structural issues are hardly worth the hassle.
Extensive Water Damage
Extensive water damage can be a nightmare in properties. Water damage weakens wood, corrodes metal, and even encourages mold growth, which can endanger your tenants’ health.
In the long run, no renter would endure musty odor, soft spots on floors, or water stains on the ceilings and walls for a few fittings. Even a property that comes fully furnished won’t hold its value if the underlying structure is compromised by water damage. That’s why you have to be on the lookout for these signs, especially since repairing water damage can be expensive.
Outdated Systems
Modernizing old houses certainly comes with a lot of charm, and could be a major selling point for some buyers. However, replacing outdated systems can also be a pain. Generally, the older the house, the more expensive it is to upgrade electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.
While you may be able to get away with preserving features such as staircases, windows, and doors, no one really wants to freeze during the winter because the house has an ancient furnace. That means such upgrades are practically inescapable, and the costs can be substantial. Sometimes they even require breaking open walls to complete the extensive work.
Timeline Costs and Considerations
Stress of Property Management
How do you know if rental properties are a good investment? For most investors, the straightforward answer is to weigh your yield against your capital. Embarking on a major renovation project can turn you into a part-time, unpaid property manager. You will become the point of contact for contractors, overseeing timelines and tracking daily expenses.
Risk of Burnout During Renovations
As you’d expect, this high-pressure role can be a fast track to burnout. Constantly dealing with demanding schedules, unexpected problems, and the need to make quick decisions can quickly take a toll on you. For many investors, the mental load of juggling these responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially when you’re working with a tight deadline.
Unexpected Costs and Delays
Speaking of deadlines, beyond the initial estimates for materials and labor, renovation projects are notorious for their hidden expenses. These can include permit fees, the cost of bringing outdated systems up to code, or the need for temporary housing while you sort out water damage. Delays are also considered a major source of unexpected costs, as a project that runs over schedule can lead to increased labor fees, extended living expenses, and a growing sense of financial strain.
Conclusion
Major structural issues, widespread water damage, and outdated systems can make repairs more expensive than the property’s future value. This can bring homeowners to a decision to consider that not every house is worth saving. The hidden costs and stress of managing contractors, delays, and financial surprises can quickly drain your resources. Renovating a home takes time and energy, and burnout is a real risk, so research thoroughly before deciding if it is worth it in the end.
If you’re planning any maintenance work on your roof in the run-up to the colder months, then legal experts say you need to check for bats, as this could land you with a hefty fine of up to £5,000 per bat.
Bat populations have declined massively in the UK over the past century, which is why it’s more important than ever to know how to attract bats and make your wildlife garden hospitable for them.
Bats are protected by law in the UK, so if you disturb any that might be roosting in your roof by carrying out any maintenance, you risk breaking the law. This is everything you need to know.
The law
In the UK, all bat species and their roosts are protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This makes it a criminal offence to disturb bats or damage or destroy a bat’s roost, whether it is occupied or not.
Bats are protected in the UK
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘It can be a criminal offence to disturb bats or even an empty roost. You may be charged by the police, fined, even imprisoned, and/or made to pay compensation for the rehoming of bats,’ says Austin Lafferty, Consultant Solicitor at Austin Lafferty Solicitors.
‘As bats tend to return to the same roosts each year, these sites are protected whether the bats are present or not. Thus, damaging or removing annual roosts is illegal even if planning permission is granted.’
You can be charged up to £5,000 per affected bat if you’re found to have disturbed or destroyed their habitat, intentionally or not.
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This time of year is busy for both bat activity and home improvements ahead of autumn, so it’s even more important to be aware of the law.
‘It’s not just about avoiding penalties. Disturbing a roost during the breeding season can devastate an entire local bat population,’ says a spokesperson for ecology consultancy Arbtech.
‘Even if you don’t see bats, they could be present, and you could still be committing a criminal offence by damaging their habitat, so it’s crucial to check for bats before any work begins, no matter how small the job may seem.’
Signs bats are nesting in your roof
If you have any home renovation plans or upkeep to get started on your roof, you should first check for signs that bats are nesting.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Bats can be seen – usually at dusk or dawn, flying in and out of enclosures like gaps between a roof and eaves. If you see bats flying above your garden, then it is likely they come from your roof or a neighbouring one,’ says Austin.
‘The best way to check whether there is a roost in your property is to commission a bat survey from a licensed professional – indeed, the local planning authority may insist on this if it is known that there are species of bats locally. There may be bats roosting or signs like piles of dropping or other waste left by the inhabitants. That survey in turn may lead to an impact assessment and protection plan – perhaps to find or construct an alternative roost.’
The experts at Arbtech also recommend looking out for bat droppings, listening out for strange chittering, squeaking or rustling noises from your loft and strong musty odours. Bats may also leave scratch marks on your loft walls as they navigate and can leave oily, greasy marks around entry points such as roof tiles and eaves.
Make bats feel at home
Bats are amazing natural pest control and an important part of any ecosystem. Installing a bat box in your garden provides a safe, artificial roost for bats to nest – that isn’t your roof!
