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M&S and Kelly Hoppen have quietly added a bold new colourway – 6 pieces that will cosy up your home this autumn

M&S and Kelly Hoppen have quietly added a bold new colourway – 6 pieces that will cosy up your home this autumn

by | Oct 10, 2026 | Design Inspiration

The M&S x Kelly Hoppen collection has quietly dropped more products to the range, adding pops of red to Kelly’s typical monochrome style; these latest home buys are an ideal mix of sultry and cosy.

Since it launched just two years ago in 2024, the M&S X Kelly Hoppen collaboration has fast become one of M&S’s most iconic collections. Setting her own home decor trends, the interior designer is well known for her love of neutrals, taupe and an ‘East meets West’ aesthetic.

Having dropped new lighting ideas, soft furnishings and fragrances for the autumn and winter months, I’ve trawled through Kelly’s new designs to bring you my six favourite pieces that not only embody Kelly’s signature style, but will make your home more stylish and cosy, too.

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M&S x Kelly Hoppen Pure Cotton Geometric Appliqué Cushion

(Image credit: M&S x Kelly Hoppen)

‘This collection is all about creating homes that feel beautifully considered yet effortlessly comfortable. We have introduced new colours, patterns and sculptural pieces that bring freshness to the range, whilst remaining true to the timeless aesthetic and balanced design principles that define my work. I love creating collections that help people transform their spaces with ease, and this season offers more opportunities than ever to achieve that look,’ said Kelly Hoppen CBE.

And I have to agree this is what Kelly has achieved. Red has been a hugely popular colour trend for the past few years, largely because it is a warm and comforting shade, perfect for making your home feel cosier on autumn nights. Products such as Pure Cotton Geometric Appliqué Cushion (£35) retain Kelly’s love of sharp lines and creamy neutrals, whilst introducing a pop of rich red to your living room ideas.

This latest collection is perfect for anyone looking to introduce colour to a neutral colour palette, but doesn’t want to get carried away. If you love cosy colour, but prefer a neutral home for a calming set-up, these are my top picks.

Bear in mind that this collection is already starting to sell out. The iconic leopard print bolster cushion has sold out for a second time, and the stunning glazed red vase has sold out, too. So, be quick if you want to get your hands on one.

Which piece is your favourite?

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Can you complain about bad smells coming from your neighbour’s property? Yes – everything you need to know, according to legal pros

Can you complain about bad smells coming from your neighbour’s property? Yes – everything you need to know, according to legal pros

by | Oct 9, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Forgive me for being a little crass, but do your neighbours stink? And I mean, really stink?

If you’re nodding your head, do you know what legal rights you have if bad smells are coming from your neighbour’s property, do you know what legal rights you have?

There are many home and garden features that cause neighbour disputes. From overhanging gutters to fallen fences, there are plenty of physical things that can cause friction between neighbours. But what if the issue is a little more sensitive?

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Bad smells are never pleasant, and if they’re coming from your neighbour’s home, it can feel inescapable, too. So, I spoke to legal experts about when smells become a nuisance, and what you can do if said bad smells are affecting your day-to-day life.

Can you complain about bad smells coming from your neighbour’s property?

I’ll admit I’m unfortunately speaking from experience. Having lived in a flat where one of my neighbours was particularly stinky, I was never sure if I could complain or not. Despite the fact that I was practically holding my breath every time I walked past their door, it felt rude to say anything – and I wasn’t sure if it was the sort of thing that warranted a complaint anyway.

However, it turns out you can complain to your landlord or even council about bad smells. But there are a few considerations to take into account.

A three-bedroom 1930s semi near Watford in Hertfordshire, home of Charlie and Paul Galsworthy and their children, exterior view.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

‘The specific ‘smell’ category of statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies only to industrial, trade or business premises, not private homes. The council can still act under other categories that do apply to homes: fumes or gases emitted from a private dwelling; premises in a state prejudicial to health or a nuisance; accumulations or deposits that are prejudicial to health or a nuisance; and animals kept in a place or manner that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance,’ explains Yulia Barnes, managing partner of Barnes Law.

‘If your neighbour is a tenant, complaining to their landlord can be very effective. Most tenancy agreements contain nuisance clauses, giving the landlord leverage to require the problem to be addressed. Social housing landlords also have their own anti-social behaviour procedures. Where a rented home has serious damp, mould or sanitation problems, the council can also inspect it and take enforcement action against the landlord under the Housing Act 2004. When you complain, explain what steps you have already taken, such as speaking to your neighbour, and share your smell diary.

‘If the council decides not to act, you can bring a statutory nuisance complaint directly to the magistrates’ court yourself, or make a civil claim in private nuisance for an injunction or damages. Take legal advice before starting either route.’

What smells can you complain about?

There’s no list of the sort of stink you can complain about, but there are some scents that are worthy of complaint. You should also be keeping a diary if you notice poor smells, recording what they smelt like and when you smelt them.

‘The council can potentially take action if the smell is considered a statutory nuisance. This may apply to persistent or serious odours caused by things such as waste, animals, smoke, or poor conditions. The council can investigate the complaint and, if necessary, require the person responsible to take steps to reduce or stop the smell,’ says Jack Malnick, founder of Sell House Fast.

Row of terraced red brick houses.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

It has to be considered a statutory nuisance for the council to uphold your complaint. But renters can complain to their landlord about other smells.

‘If you own or rent your home, you may be able to bring your own civil claim for private nuisance. The test is whether the smell substantially and unreasonably interferes with your use or enjoyment of your home, considering the character of the area and the frequency and intensity of the smell. A fleeting whiff is unlikely to qualify; a persistent, overpowering odour that stops you opening windows or enjoying your garden may well do so,’ says Yulia.

‘Cooking smells will rarely meet either threshold unless extreme and persistent. One exception is where a home is used to run a food business, such as an unregistered commercial kitchen. The property may then count as business premises, bringing the smell within the council’s statutory nuisance powers.’

How to speak your neighbour about bad smells

Of course, the last thing you want to do is fall out with your neighbour, and before you lodge a complaint, the right course of action is to have an open conversation about the smells. I know this can be awkward, so I asked our experts exactly how we should go about this conversation.

‘As with all neighbour problems, the best way to resolve them is to start by speaking to your neighbour in person, politely and calmly. The owner may not be aware of any issue due to what people often call ‘nose blindness’, or they could be working their way to sorting it, so it is best to approach the conversation politely,’ says Jack.

Four bedroom 1970's semi detached house with extension on the side.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Oliver Gordon)

Julia also says it’s worth trying to work out what the bad smells are, such as bad drains, before speaking to your neighbour.

If the smell seems to come from drains, bear in mind that shared sewers are usually the responsibility of your local water company, which you can contact directly,’ she says.

‘If talking does not help, contact your council’s environmental health team. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils must take reasonably practicable steps to investigate statutory nuisance complaints from people living in their area. Also check your lease or title deeds for nuisance clauses or covenants. If you share a landlord with your neighbour, you will usually need to ask the landlord or management company to enforce these terms, and some leases require you to cover the costs.

‘Freehold covenants can sometimes be enforced between neighbours, but only where you have the benefit of the covenant, so take advice. If the smell affects your health, see your GP and keep a record of symptoms.’

Bad smells are both awkward to talk about and unpleasant to encounter. But if you stay calm and speak to your neighbours, it should be easy to resolve.

I got a preview of Aldi’s hugely popular Christmas Specialbuys for 2026

I got a preview of Aldi’s hugely popular Christmas Specialbuys for 2026

by | Oct 9, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Who doesn’t love a great, budget-friendly Aldi Specialbuy?! While it’s great any time of the year, the supermarket goes all in for Christmas and regularly treats us to some serious gems. That’s why I was so excited to get an early preview of the Aldi Christmas Specialbuys for 2026 earlier this week.

I’m not one to gatekeep, so these are the pieces to bookmark and look out for in your nearest Aldi store, including the specific dates they’re set to launch over the next couple of months. You can look forward to everything from some of the best scented candles at such affordable prices to outdoor lighting.

Some of the products are returning favourites from last year’s Christmas Specialbuys, while others are brand new additions to the range. And as with all Specialbuys, these, too, are only going to be available in Aldi’s physical stores, not online. So keep an eye out!

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Cookware

Aldi's green cast iron cookware displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

Aldi’s cast iron cookware is always extremely popular with shoppers due to the pieces’ affordable price points. It’s back for another Christmas, launching on the 5th November. And I’m especially excited for the Dutch oven with a snowlake-design lid, set to be selling for £19.99.

Scented candles

Aldi's inclusion candles displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

The range of Aldi’s festive home fragrance is impressive this year. There are several reed diffuser scents to choose from but it’s the scented candles launching on the 1st November that I was most taken by.

The classic inclusion candles rivaling the likes of The White Company inclusion candles are back in regular and XL sizes, as well as a rectangular shape. Available in my favourite Winter Spice scent with orange, cinnamon and other festive spices, as well as Scandinavian Forest centred around pine. The XL size is priced at £24.99, while the rectangular one is £9.99.

Aldi's confetti glass scented candles displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

The super-sized confetti glass candles which were extremely popular with Aldi shoppers last year are back, selling for just £24.99 each, while the similar-looking Black Pearl Maxi Max scented candle from Baobab, available at John Lewis, is selling for £480.

Aldi's snow globe scented candles displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

The snow globe candles were among my favourite designs as they look so charming. And they’d make a lovely Christmas present and even a Secret Santa gift. There are two versions available to choose from – the Orange, Clove and Cinnamon with a little fawn inside the globe or the Eucalyptus, Pine and Musk with an adorable house, both of which look and smell lovely.

Scented candle advent calendar

Aldi's scented candle advent calendar displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

Speaking of scented candles, Aldi is also getting into the best advent calendar game with its Hotel candle advent calendar as alternative calendars have been growing in popularity year after year.

Filled with 25 mini scented candles and boasting a charming gingerbread house-style design, the £24.99 calendar is launching on the 25th October. And I predict it will fly off the middle aisle shelves in no time.

Decor

Aldi's Christmas character mug and bowl sets displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

There was one Christmas decor design that really stood out from the rest for me – and that was these light-up ceramic village houses. I think it’s a beautiful alternative to a snow globe.

They come in a range of different designs, from a bakery to a cafe, each retailing for £9.99 and launching on 29th October.

Festive tableware

Aldi's gingerbread-style tableware displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

Among my absolute favourite pieces from the entire offering were these gingerbread-style mugs which are the perfect dupe for Pottery Barn’s Christmas tableware that traditionally features these gingerbread designs every year.

Aldi's Christmas character mug and bowl sets displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

Launching on the 5th November and selling for £2.99, there’s a gingerbread man-shaped mug, as well as a simpler gingerbread house-like design. And if you’d like to make it a set, there’s a matching gingerbread man-shaped plate, as well as a Christmas mug and bowl set for £3.99. The latter also come in a snowman and a Santa Claus design if that’s more to your taste.

Outdoor lighting

Aldi's hot air balloon-style LED outdoor lights displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

I’m not a big fan of the over-the-top outdoor Christmas lights reminiscent of American films. And while those are going to be available at Aldi – everything from a lit-up snowman to little penguins – I prefer the vintage-inspired hanging hot air balloon LED Christmas lights, available in three different colourways and launching on the 29th October.

Wooden toys

Aldi's wooden toy modern kitchen displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

If you’re looking for affordable but adorable and engaging treats for your little ones this Christmas, Aldi’s wide range of wooden toys would be my go-to. They just launched in stores earlier this week and there’s everything from a wooden takeaway food cart to a full modern kitchen, each for £29.99.

Aldi's wooden toy food carts displayed at the retailer's Christmas press preview for 2026

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

What are you keeping your eyes peeled for in your local Aldi in the run up to Christmas this year?

IKEA’s LED Christmas tree is made entirely of fairy lights – and it’s perfect for small spaces,

IKEA’s LED Christmas tree is made entirely of fairy lights – and it’s perfect for small spaces,

by | Oct 9, 2026 | Design Inspiration

If there’s one thing IKEA is really good at, it’s producing space-saving designs that actually work for small homes, especially their Christmas decorations, and the STRÅLA LED tree (£25) is both affordable and well-suited to homes that can’t fit a full-size Christmas tree.

While it’s not quite December yet, it’s worth remembering that the best artificial Christmas trees sell out fast every single year. And while we may all dream of adding the bushy foliage and twinkling lights to our homes for the festive season, not all of us are blessed with the space to do so.

In the past, we’ve been impressed with IKEA’s peg tree, but the STRÅLA LED tree is perfect for those amongst us who still want the twinkle and glitter of Christmas, even if they lack the space for a full-size tree.

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If you have a small home or flat, it can often feel like the leading Christmas trends are unsuitable for your space, frequently requiring sweeping hallways, open-plan living rooms and spacious kitchens to take shape.

Standing at 150 cm tall, this narrow Christmas tree is moulded into its tree shape by its warm, twinkling fairy lights. With multiple festive light modes, it can also be used both indoors and outdoors, so you can incorporate it into your Christmas garden lighting ideas, too. It’s made from stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about the weather spoiling your display.

However, what attracted me to this tree was its space-saving capabilities. Unlike a real tree (which inevitably drops needles all over your floor) or an artificial tree, you don’t have to worry about sprawling, bushy branches dominating your floor space.

IKEA STRALA LED Christmas Tree in corner of a living room.

(Image credit: IKEA)

Speaking as someone who lives in a small flat, my artificial tree does frequently get in the way when the festive season rolls around, and it dominates a lot of my floor space. What I like about the STRÅLA LED tree is that it will neatly slot into a corner, and you don’t have to worry about branches getting in your way.

At £25, it’s also cost-effective. Technically speaking, this tree is a Christmas light, so you don’t have to worry about bringing extra ornaments, tinsel or fairy lights to decorate. It also works as an extra piece of decor, tucked under your stairs to illuminate dark corners, on your patio, or even in a kitchen or dining room corner to ensure festivities run through the home.

IKEA is not the only retailer producing stylish Christmas decor for small spaces. Here are a few more of my favourites.

Christmas comes round faster than you think, so it’s always a good idea to start prepping now, and IKEA’s LED tree is a great option for small spaces.

Richard E. Grant’s circus-inspired dining area is characterful, humorous and kooky – here’s what designers love about it

Richard E. Grant’s circus-inspired dining area is characterful, humorous and kooky – here’s what designers love about it

by | Oct 8, 2026 | Design Inspiration

I, along with much of the nation, have been completely charmed by Richard E Grant’s performance on The Traitors. But we at Ideal Home have been singing his praises for his interior style for a while now, and his circus-inspired dining space is the latest part of his home to catch our attention.

If you were wondering if the actor’s home was as eccentric as his personality, I’m delighted to say that yes, it is! From his magical garden zoning to his hot pink snug and the XL baubles hanging in the garden, it’s clear that home decor trends don’t dictate Richard E Grant’s home – and that makes it all the more wonderful.

It’s his dining room idea that again puts hi.s quirky style front and centre His theatrical maximalism has created a space that it is perfect for entertaining. And interior design experts have revealed how you can achieve it, too.

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Posting a group photo to Instagram, Richard was hosting a dinner party for his friends – which included the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Christine Baranski – and despite the smiling famous faces at the table, my eyes were immediately drawn to his Victorian-circus decor.

You may remember back in January, Pinterest declared FunHaus would be a huge trend in 2026. Another circus-inspired trend that sets out to increase joy levels in one’s home, it could easily be argued that Richard’s dining space is a brilliant example of how to do this trend well. However, having been following Richard’s interiors for a while now, I wouldn’t say this is intentional. His characterful, eccentric decor isn’t about trends; it’s about creating an entertaining space that suits the personality of its owner.

Conservatory, assorted plants and foliage, set table with red striped tablecloth, red and pink tableware and glassware

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘I think we have to agree that his dining room is unapologetically his, and for that you have to love it. People will go to his, and they expect the dining experience to be a reflection of him, which it 100% is. It’s kooky. It’s a little bit mad. It takes you by surprise, but so does Richard E. Grant. And I think that this is what design is all about. It’s a reflection of the person who lives there, and I absolutely love that he has done everything that he clearly loves. So, when people come over, it’s almost just an extension of his personality into his interiors,’ says Lia Gold, Interior Designer and winner of BBC One’s Interior Design Masters.

‘If you’re hosting, you never want guests to feel awkward or maybe you run out of conversation. And there are definitely so many conversation starters that Richard has decorated his home with! From the massive circus-shaped clowns and the bunting to the beautifully laid table. He’s not taken himself too seriously, and I think this is something key in making your guests relax when you invite them round for dinner.’

From looking at one Instagram post, you can see huge circus-inspired masks, bunting, colourful lighting and garlands, not to mention the masses of hydrangeas, houseplants and mismatched servingware. One thing you can never accuse Richard E. Grant of is being boring – which is why his dining room is such a good spot for entertaining.

Wood dining table and black woven chairs in front of a pink, white and green painted wall.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Carolyn Barber)

‘Despite all the drama, it still feels comfortable and relaxed. It looks like a room people actually use, rather than one that has been created just to photograph well,’ says Alison Westaby, Head of Interior Design at Barker and Stonehouse.

‘There is of course humour in it too, which immediately makes it feel less formal. You can imagine sitting around that table for hours, noticing different things in the room as the evening goes on.

‘We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make our homes look perfect before guests arrive, particularly around Christmas, but people respond far more to the atmosphere. A room with comfort, personality and a sense of fun will always feel more welcoming.’

How to get the look

If you want to achieve a similar vibe when hosting yourself, Lia’s advice is simple. ‘Take a leaf out of Richard’s book, there are no rules! Bunting is super easy to drape over your table and you can make it yourself, keep it on brand with a bold red and white stripe!’ she says.

Wooden dinging table and chairs with colourful accessories in a conservatory.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby)

You don’t have to go as maximalist as Richard. If you’re nervous to work with bold colours and patterns, the trick is to start small. An ornament on the table, interesting serving ware or as Lia says, bunting, are also simple ideas but undoubtedly conversation starters.

‘You don’t need to recreate the entire room or suddenly fill your home with circus pieces. Start with something you genuinely love, even if it feels slightly unusual, and build from there,’ says Alison.

‘Mix older or collected pieces with newer furniture, introduce stronger colour through artwork or accessories and use plants to add height and soften the room. If you are combining lots of different elements, look for something that connects them, whether that is a repeated colour, material or shape.

‘Most importantly, don’t edit out all the things that make your home feel like yours. The point isn’t to create a perfect version of Richard E. Grant’s dining room. It’s to have the same confidence to create a room that could only belong to you.’

Shop circus-inspired interiors

Richard E. Grant’s dining area is simply charming. It perfectly shows off his personailty, whilst also creating a welcoming hosting area. Even if you’re not a fan of circus-inspired design, this is feeling you should be striving for when hosting.

Tom Kerridge’s bestselling M&S cookware range has just dropped new additions, starting at £10 – here’s what to buy before it sells out

Tom Kerridge’s bestselling M&S cookware range has just dropped new additions, starting at £10 – here’s what to buy before it sells out

by | Oct 8, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Tom Kerridge’s cookware collection with M&S has proved very popular with shoppers and the range just got even bigger, with the addition of products tailor-made for Christmas 2026.

I enjoyed a preview of the Michelin-starred chef’s collaboration with M&S last year and I knew that the best cookware designed by the man himself would be a hit. Our impressed reviews of the 3-Piece Cast Iron Set and the multifunctional Stainless Steel Saucepan proved that this is certainly more than a celebrity name stamped on products.

Now, you can also pick up some essential roasting buys from M&S that have all been stress-tested by Tom Kerridge – just time in time for hosting season to begin. Here’s a look at the shiny new picks.

Another hugely popular pick from the collection (which actually sold out multiple times last year) was the 2-in-1 Wooden Butcher’s Block (£50 via M&S). It’s crafted with two built-in sorting compartments for chopping up food and has fluting built into it for meat carving too, so that the juices flow out neatly. It’s another buy that really comes into its own for Christmas.

I can’t wait to see these new picks from the Tom Kerridge collection on show at the new M&S Pantheon on Oxford Street, which has a dedicated space to show off these cookware bestsellers. Can you see yourself investing in one of these picks for Christmastime?

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