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Martin and Shirlie Kemp have opted for this wildcard fruit to plant in their garden this month – it’s surprisingly easy to grow

Martin and Shirlie Kemp have opted for this wildcard fruit to plant in their garden this month – it’s surprisingly easy to grow

by | Sep 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Martin and Shirlie Kemp took to Instagram to reveal their latest growing endeavour – grapevines. And while this may sound like a more unusual choice of fruit to grow in the UK, with the right amount of care, it is entirely possible to grow your own bunches.

While grapes may seem like an odd choice considering the UK climate, they’re actually one of the best fruits to grow in pots and one of the best plants to grow up a pergola. Plus, with the UK’s climate predicted to get warmer due to climate change, gardeners may start to find growing and harvesting grapes easier and more plentiful.

The Kemps planted their new vines against a trellis structure this week. So, I asked a garden expert how it would fare, and whether we could do the same at home.

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Martin and Shirlie Kemp frequently share glimpses of their gorgeous garden on their home’s Instagram account @maisonnumber9. On 15 September, the couple posted their latest endeavour, growing grapes, stating: ‘I know it’s a bit late to plant grapes, but they’re for next year.’

‘It’s absolutely fine to plant grapes at this time of year, as the soil is still warm and isn’t yet waterlogged. If we have a relatively dry winter, you can successfully plant throughout the season, but planting now gives the vines a good opportunity to establish themselves, and they should have a good chance of success,’ says Amber Tunney, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

Amber also points to the trellis they’re growing the grapes on, stating that it will make a lovely garden display once established. However, she does warn that grapes can quickly become heavy, which may topple a delicate trellis.

‘A trellis is a lovely way to start the vines off and can create a really attractive feature. However, grapevines can fill out quite quickly, so over time they may find the structure becomes too small to support the fruit and weight of the vine,’ she says.

‘During the summer, some foliage will also need to be removed to allow enough sunlight to reach the grapes and help them ripen. This can be easier to manage when vines are grown against a wire or wall, or over a larger trellis structure such as a gazebo.’

Can you grow grapes in the UK’s climate?

In the video, Shirlie can be heard stating that they were planting the grapes in a south-facing area of the garden that gets plenty of sunlight. ‘It gets so hot,’ she says. And this is ideal as grapes prefer a south- or west-facing warm spot in your garden. They also need fertile, free-draining soil and plenty of space to grow and climb.

Plus, with meteorologists predicting the UK will see hotter summers, gardeners may find it easier to grow grapes with warmer temperatures predicted to be the new normal.

Close up of red grapes on a vine.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Hotter summers can make it easier for grapes to ripen successfully in the UK. However, a sheltered position is still important, as extremely hot conditions can also put the plants under stress,’ says Amber

‘Provided winters don’t become significantly harsher, hardier grape varieties should continue to cope well with UK winters. Choosing the right variety and planting it in a sheltered spot will give the vine the best chance of thriving.’

Top tips for growing grapes

If you want to add growing grapes to your list of September garden jobs, you’re in luck as Amber has some top tips for growing this delicious fruit – whether you want a snack for your fruit bowl or have your own vino on your mind.

Grapes growing in a conservatory.

‘When choosing a vine, look for a strong, healthy plant and make sure you select a variety suited to what you want to grow, as there are different varieties for wine-making and eating,’ says Amber.

‘Varieties such as Phoenix, Boskoop Glory and Lakemont are good choices, as they have a strong tolerance to colder winters, good disease resistance and can produce good crops.

It’s also important to be patient, as grapevines can take a few years to establish and produce a good crop. In the first year, remove all fruit so the plant can focus its energy on establishing itself and ideally, do the same in the second year. By the third year, it is best to remove a few bunches as they begin to grow so the plant can focus its energy on producing a smaller quantity of good-quality, tasty fruit.’

Where to buy grapes

Growing grapes may sound a little difficult or even too exotic to achieve in the UK -but that’s not the case! And as Martin and Shirlie prove, you still have time this month to get started.

Dunelm’s candy-striped sofa bed might be the prettiest guest bed I’ve ever seen – no wonder shoppers are ordering two

Dunelm’s candy-striped sofa bed might be the prettiest guest bed I’ve ever seen – no wonder shoppers are ordering two

by | Sep 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve seen a lot of sofa beds in my time. However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one *quite* so pretty as Dunelm‘s recently launched candy-stripe sofa bed.

In my opinion, this sofa bed has far more wow-factor than many sofa beds which are twice its price, and it seems that Dunelm shoppers feel the same way – some are even ordering two!

What’s more, there’s a whole range of matching accessories that elevate the look even further.

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Whether you opt for the wide-striped coral pink colourway, the stylish sage green, or the graphic black and white striped option, the Dunelm Beatrice II Sofa Bed is dressed to impress. However, this sofa bed isn’t just a standout amongst the best sofa beds on the market because of its looks.

This is a pull-out sofa bed, which, considering its (relatively) affordable £799 price tag, is pretty unusual. Most sofa beds of this price range are click-clack options, where the backrest folds flat in line with the sofa seating to become the sleep surface.

There’s nothing wrong with a click-clack sofa bed – some of the best sofa beds I’ve tested have been of this design – but it does mean your guests can end up sleeping *on* your sofa’s upholstery. And when a sofa is as pretty as this one, that may not be ideal.

Dunelm Beatrice II Woven Stripe Sofa Bed pull-out

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Instead, the Beatrice II offers a dedicated pull-out mattress folded underneath its seat cushions. It can seat three people at a time, and once transformed into a bed, it becomes a double sleeping area.

Little wonder then that Dunelm shoppers are already raving about this collection. ‘Absolutely love it,’ says one 5-star reviewer of the 3-seater sofa bed on the Dunelm website. ‘I ordered two for my living room… great hardwearing material for kids around, fantastic bed, easy to assemble, lovely colour and pattern. Couldn’t ask for more!!’.

‘Really easy to pull out, and I absolutely love the colour,’ says another owner, ‘it’s genuinely true to the photos.’

And if you don’t need that much seating or sleeping space? The smaller Beatrice II Snuggle Single Sofa Bed packs just as much style into a loveseat snuggle seat.

Dunelm Beatrice II Woven Stripe Snuggle Sofa Bed green

(Image credit: Dunelm)

For those of us with small living rooms, or small guest bedrooms, like me, this space-saving snuggle chair bed is ideal.

‘I am so happy with this,’ shares one Dunelm reviewer, ‘its compact size is perfect for our spare room. The chair is quite firm but large and comfy to snuggle up in with a book. I’m very happy with the quality and think it is great value for money. The bed folds out quite easily and feels comfortable.’

‘A great chair, says another 5-star reviewer. ‘We have it in our daughter’s bedroom, and it’s lovely to read stories on and means one of us can sleep in there while we’re accustomising her to her own room.’

Dunelm Beatrice II Woven Stripe Sofa Bed

(Image credit: Dunelm)

However, for me, the icing on the cake is all the matching accessories you can add to really style up the Beatrice Striped Sofa Bed.

There is matching bed linen, scatter cushions, and all sorts of other coordinating products to inspire your guest bedroom ideas. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites below.

Sophie Habboo and Jamie Lang have mixed two timeless bathroom tile styles for an effortlessly cool finish – it’s a masterclass on how to nail the luxury look

Sophie Habboo and Jamie Lang have mixed two timeless bathroom tile styles for an effortlessly cool finish – it’s a masterclass on how to nail the luxury look

by | Sep 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Sophie Habboo has unveiled her and her husband Jamie Lang’s bathroom on Instagram, and if you wanted a masterclass on how to make a bathroom both trendy and timeless, you’ve landed in the right place.

Expressive designs with rich colour palettes have defined the year’s bathroom tile trends, and TV personalities and podcasters Sophie and Jamie are proving that you can embrace modern trends, whilst retaining a timeless look that will stay relevant for years to come.

If you’re looking for bathroom tile ideas to inspire you, Sophie and Jamie’s mix of rich reds, marble and checkerboard work in complete harmony to create a timeless, luxury bathroom – and experts have revealed how you can do it, too.

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Looking at the bathroom, one word comes to mind: glamorous. With rich red tones, marble and gold finishes, the space has a gorgeous yet dramatic look – there’s something very ‘Hollywood’ about the space, which I love.

‘It feels very good now, but none of the ingredients are flash-in-the-pan choices. Checkerboard, marble and brass have all been used in interiors for generations, so the freshness really comes from how they’ve been put together,’ comments Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

‘The deep wine-toned checkerboard feels much more interesting than a predictable black and white, while the marble brings movement and just enough drama without tipping into ‘look at my marble bathroom’. That balance is what makes the whole thing work. It feels glamorous, but it still has personality, and that is usually what gives a room real staying power.’

Green tile-drenched bathroom with skylight.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Snook)

And Sophie and Jamie’s bathroom is reflecting a growing bathroom trend – that we want our spaces to look and feel luxurious.

‘Freestanding baths, brushed and unlacquered brass brassware, panelled walls, and marble-effect surfaces are all growing categories for us. Part of it is the influence of boutique hotels and the number of people who now travel and want to bring that feeling home,’ says James Roberts, Director at Sanctuary Bathrooms.

‘Part of it is that the bathroom has become a place to slow down rather than just a functional room, so people are willing to invest in it. And crucially, the look has become far more achievable. Marble-effect porcelain, high-quality acrylic and stone-resin baths, and a much wider range of brass finishes mean the luxe look no longer needs a luxe budget.’

Zoning a bathroom with tiles

You’ll probably have noticed from Sophie’s photo that a mismatch of patterned tiles has been used throughout. And no, this isn’t a quirky design choice; it’s actually an excellent way to zone a bathroom.

Green checkerboard tiled floor, built in whitebath with verticle blue stripe tile walls.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter)

‘Different tiles can do different jobs within the same room. Here, the checkerboard gives the floor rhythm and swagger, while the marble in the shower feels softer and more fluid, so you get contrast without the two fighting for attention,’ says Grazzie.

‘It’s also a really clever way to zone a bathroom without physically dividing it. You can give the shower, floor or vanity area its own identity and still make the whole room feel connected. The trick is to find a thread between the two choices, whether that’s colour, undertone, material or finish, so it feels layered rather than random.

‘I always think a bathroom is more interesting when it reveals itself gradually. You want a little surprise as you move through the room rather than everything announcing itself at once.’

Marble sink area with blue tiles reflected within the mirror.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Been Holmes)

Grazzie also goes on to say that the checkerboard and marble designs not only complement each other, but help modernise the look.

‘I think they rescue each other slightly. Marble can get a bit grand if you let it, and checkerboard can go full period-drama if you’re not careful. Put them together and suddenly both feel cooler,’ she says.

‘The marble brings all that lovely, loose natural movement, while the checkerboard gives you something much more graphic and ordered underfoot. It’s the contrast between the two that makes the combination feel fresh. The marble stops the checkerboard feeling costume-y, and the checkerboard stops the marble feeling like a hotel lobby.’

How to get the look

‘Start with the floor. A large-format checkerboard floor is the foundation of this room and immediately gives it that classic, high-end feel. Marble-effect porcelain tiles can create a very similar look to natural stone, but with easier maintenance and usually at a lower cost,’ says James.

Pink marble tiles and gold accents in shower in a white bathroom.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside)

‘Choose one hero marble and repeat it throughout the space. Look for a veined marble or marble-effect tile with a strong colour running through it, then use it in two or three places – for example, around the shower, on the vanity top, and on a shelf or bath surround. Repeating the same finish helps the room feel considered and cohesive rather than overly busy.’

Grazzie agrees, stating that for this bathroom idea, you need to ensure you take scale into account, too.

‘Scale matters too. A bold floor pattern can take a larger-format or quieter wall tile without the room feeling busy, and then you can soften all those hard surfaces with timber, warm metals, painted furniture or textiles,’ she says.

‘And know when to stop. If the floor is dancing, the walls don’t need to start doing jazz hands too.’

Shop the look

Sophie and Jamie’s luxury bathroom has gone straight onto my bathroom moodboard. It’s elegant, glamorous and will never go out of style.

Teddy bedding, step aside! Next’s adorable deer print fur bedding set is the cosiest I’ve seen – it will keep you warm all winter

Teddy bedding, step aside! Next’s adorable deer print fur bedding set is the cosiest I’ve seen – it will keep you warm all winter

by | Sep 19, 2026 | Design Inspiration

By now, there’s no way you haven’t spotted deer print quietly entrenching itself in both the fashion and interiors world this year. And I’m not about to complain, as Next’s Natural Deer Dapple Faux Fur Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set (from £50) has to be the cosiest example of how to do this trend well I’ve seen – I can’t wait to put it on my bed this winter.

Perhaps one of the more surprising home decor trends, and subsequently now a bedding trend of 2026, delicate deer print has been everywhere of late, even taking favour over cult animal prints like leopard and zebra.

But I don’t think I’ve seen this trendy print used better than as a cosy bedding set. If you’re excited for snuggling down during the colder months, this is the statement bedding set to get your hands on now.

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Right now, deer print is very much centred in the fashion sphere. But as with any clothing trend, it is starting to trickle through into home decor. Most recently, Dunelm dropped a deer print fabric floor lamp, which proved a bold and playful way to embrace the trend. However, I’d argue that it fares far better as a bedding idea.

Deer print is trending because it is a gentler interpretation of the classic animal print trend. It uses a softer colour palette than leopard print, and the pattern is less defined. Because of this, I’d say deer print is better suited to your sleep space (although I do also love this funky leopard print bedding set, also from Next).

Next’s deer dapple duvet set combines a warm, white shade and a tawny brown to create a delightfully warm deer print. Its faux fur material only adds to the overall cosy look, and I do not doubt that it would be a godsend on cold winter nights. Next says this set will turn your bedroom into a ‘cosy sanctuary ’, stating the faux fur material feels incredibly soft to the touch.

Natural Deer Dapple Faux Fur Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set

(Image credit: Next)

I’m no stranger to fluffy bedding – I whip out Dunelm’s Teddy Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set in cream (£20) every winter – and it genuinely is the one thing I introduce in winter that makes my bedroom feel miles cosier. However, I have noticed that Next’s deer print set is made from 100% polyester, and if you’re looking to avoid synthetic materials, I’d opt for brushed cotton bedding.

If you’re looking for funky, on-trend designs, Next is definitely one of the best places to buy bedding. Their faux fur deer print set went straight to my wishlist as soon as I spotted it, and subsequently had me checking out the rest of Next’s cosy bedding sets. Here are three more stylish designs I spotted.

Is the Next deer print duvet set going on your wishlist, too?

TOPICS

Experts are calling for a 7 pm curfew to keep spiders out of your home this September – here’s how it works

Experts are calling for a 7 pm curfew to keep spiders out of your home this September – here’s how it works

by | Sep 19, 2026 | Design Inspiration

I hate to say it, but it’s definitely spider season in the UK, and if you’ve noticed an influx of arachnids to your home, then you may benefit from introducing a window curfew to your home.

While I must point out that spiders won’t harm you in the UK, many adults are afraid of them, which is why many of us will be looking for ways to get rid of spiders during this time of year.

Instead of worrying about the things luring spiders into your home, it’s time to be proactive and stop them from entering your home in the first place. Introducing a 7 pm window curfew can help prevent spiders from creeping into your house. Here’s everything you need to know.

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What is a window curfew?

A spider curfew is a completely free and easy way to keep pests out of your home, without having to rely on chemicals such as spider spray. All you have to do is shut your windows before 7 pm every night, and you should see a reduction in the number of spiders in your home.

Spider in a stainless steel kitchen sink

(Image credit: Getty Images/Arterra/Contributor)

‘A lot of people notice more spiders around the home at this time of year, but they’re not usually coming inside looking for shelter. More often than not, they’re following their food. As the evenings get darker, insects are attracted to the lights in our homes, and spiders tend to follow where there’s an easy meal to be found,’ comments Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex.

‘Open windows can provide an easy route indoors, especially in the early evening when it’s cooler, and people are trying to let fresh air in. Once it starts getting dark outside, the glow from lights inside the home can attract insects towards windows and doorways, which is why you may see more spider activity around these areas.

‘Closing your windows from around 7 pm can help reduce the chances of spiders finding their way inside, particularly during late summer and early autumn when they’re most active. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but limiting access points after dusk can certainly help make your home less inviting to both insects and the spiders that follow them.’

Is this a good method to use?

While we can’t quite promise you’ll see spiders disappear completely from your home, introducing a curfew can be handy alongside using other deterrents such as scents spiders can’t stand.

Beige painted loft bedroom with two decorative trunks sitting underneath a window with blue painted frames

(Image credit: Future PLC/Mel Yates)

‘It won’t guarantee you never see a spider, because they can get in through other gaps and some will already be living in and around the building, but closing windows and external doors earlier in the evening should reduce the chances of more wandering in,’ says Darren Coates, window expert and sales director at SolarFrame.

Simon points out that you should also consider opening your windows during different parts of the day during spider season.

‘If you want to keep rooms feeling fresh without leaving windows open late into the evening, it’s worth thinking about ways to manage ventilation earlier in the day. Keeping windows open in the morning or afternoon, then closing them as night falls, can help strike a balance between maintaining airflow and reducing the likelihood of unwanted visitors making their way indoors,’ he says.

Deter spiders from your home:

Will you be introducing a spider curfew to your home this month?

Clodagh McKenna’s clever mirror trick doubles her bedroom size and banishes clutter – it looks so chic

Clodagh McKenna’s clever mirror trick doubles her bedroom size and banishes clutter – it looks so chic

by | Sep 19, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Who doesn’t love a bit of celebrity storage inspo to get you in the mood for decluttering? Well, the latest to catch my eye is TV chef Clodagh McKenna, who’s added a mirror to her built-in bedroom storage, and it’s proved to be a clever design trick for making the space look bigger and brighter.

Integrated wardrobes and drawers are at the top of my bedroom storage ideas, or should I say wishlist. Ensuring all your clothes and accessories have a home, without looking too bulky or taking up too much space.

Having said that, Clodagh’s immense amount of built-in storage had the potential to dominate the room, and this is why the mirror is so clever. Not only does it make the room look bigger, but it breaks up the wall of storage for a considered, luxe look – making it a great example to follow, especially in small bedrooms.

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I’ve used Clodagh McKenna’s home as a source of inspiration for some time now. From her use of dried lavender in her kitchen to her gorgeous garden pub, her wonderful rustic style is both cosy and homely, making it a perfect autumnal example to follow.

And her bedroom storage, which is of course painted in her signature green colourway, is proof that you can opt for both style and practicality.

Wooden wardrobe with rattan doors, with a wicker accent chair in front

(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)

‘Building a dressing-table zone or additional storage into the wardrobe run is one of the best moves you can make in a bedroom. It treats the wardrobe as a room rather than a wall, and the freestanding dressing table that usually clutters the room disappears entirely,’ says Philipp Nagel, director of Neatsmith.

‘The mirror is framed in the same shaker beading as the doors, so it reads as part of the cabinetry rather than as an addition. Warm LED’s make more difference than people expect. The advice for anyone planning something similar is simple: design this space first and the wardrobe around it, not the other way around.’

A pink-painted bedroom with a panelled wall behind the bed and an oval mirror hung on another wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)

What Clodagh has done well is position her mirror to break up what would otherwise be a block wall of storage. The mirror, in turn, makes the room feel brighter and look bigger, compensating for the large amount of storage on offer, which could have looked clunky otherwise.

‘Integrating a mirror into the cabinetry gives the storage a more considered, bespoke feel. For me, luxury in a bedroom comes from balancing that polished finish with warmth and texture. At Reclaim Nation, we love the character reclaimed wood brings – it’s a lovely way to make a room feel inviting and individual,’ says Mark Ward, founder of sustainable furniture retailer Reclaim Nation.

‘It gives you a useful dressing mirror without taking up extra wall or floor space, which is particularly helpful in smaller bedrooms. I’d always consider what it reflects, though – a window or an attractive corner will do much more for the room than a cluttered surface.’

White painted room with yellow fitted wardrobes and a fireplace in between them

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

And to achieve the look yourself? Mark says to work with what you’ve got.

‘Repainting existing wardrobes and updating the handles can make a big difference. A generously sized framed mirror nearby can give a similar sense of light and depth without the cost of bespoke work. Finish with soft bedding and a reclaimed or second-hand wooden bedside table to bring in some warmth and character,’ he says.

Clodagh has me seriously inspired to declutter and tidy my own sleep space. These are the storage essentials I swear by, and the things people with tidy bedrooms always have.

‘We recommend incorporating mirrors onto the back panels of the wardrobe along with LED’s as a great way to bounce light around the wardrobe and lift the space. To maximise storage, use all available height and make the most of corners to allow easy access to all parts of the room while creating extra storage space at the same time,’ concludes Philipp.

If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your bedroom storage this autumn, Clodagh’s is a great example to follow if you don’t want to lose a sense of space – in fact, her trick does the opposite, making her bedroom look bigger.