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Argos Home has dropped a sleek recycling bag, and it’s perfect for small spaces

Argos Home has dropped a sleek recycling bag, and it’s perfect for small spaces

by | Oct 3, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Argos Home have just dropped a discreet new recycling bag (£8), and I’ve decided it’s one of the best waste disposal options for small kitchens.

Since the introduction of the Simpler Recycling Rules, I’ve personally been investigating for Ideal Home how we can make the recycling process more streamlined at home, especially if you have a small kitchen to contend with.

What I’ve found is that opting for space-saving recycling designs really does make a difference to the process and this is why the recycling bag caught my eye. If you’re someone who doesn’t want recycling receptacles on show 24/7, I think the Argos bag is a perfect fit for you. Here’s why.

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I can appreciate that discussing something as mundane as recycling is a little dull. But stay with me, as it is part of everyday life, and what Argos is offering is a recycling vessel that can be stashed out of sight when not in use. It’s perfect for people who don’t want their bins on show – or even, in the case of Lauren Goodger, someone who doesn’t like bins full stop.

The Argos Home Recycling Bag pops up in minutes and folds completely flat when not in use. Under the new rules, waste is separated into four categories; this bag has four handy four compartments meaning you can separate waste as you go, making trips to your outdoor recycling bins all the more easier.

I have a built-in recycling section in my bin (Habitat’s 60 Litre Twin Compartment Kitchen Pedal Bin, £70). It’s proved to be one of the best kitchen bins for my small flat, taking up little space and doing away with the need for a separate recycling bin. However, it only has one compartment for recycling, so when I take the bins out, I have to sort through it – which can feel a little gross.

Argos Home recycling bag in kitchen.

(Image credit: Argos Home)

The biggest strength of the Argos recycling bag is that you can separate your waste as you go, placing plastics in one section, cardboard in another and so on. If you hate sorting recycling, this bag is such a handy and affordable solution.

Plus, right now Argos is offering an extra 20% off the bin with the code COSY20, making it even more affordable. I also think the plain black colourway makes the bag look more discreet. It won’t stand out in your kitchen, making it a more attractive option compared to standard recycling bins.

Alternatively, Argos has a few more attractive options to shop online. Here are a few more recycling solutions we recommend.

While recycling isn’t exactly the most glamourous of jobs, it is an essential task. So why not make your life easier?

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This £2 buy could help keep spiders out this autumn – and you probably already have it at home

This £2 buy could help keep spiders out this autumn – and you probably already have it at home

by | Oct 2, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Autumn is officially in full swing, and while most people love the falling leaves and cooler weather, the change of seasons also means that spider activity is at its peak. If, like me, you’re desperately searching for a way to keep eight-legged critters out of your home, experts are recommending a simple hack using one secret ingredient that you probably already have in the back of your cupboard.

There are many methods that you can try to get rid of spiders in your home, but this latest hack focuses on creating a deterrent at entry-points in your home to stop spiders from gaining access in the first place. And it’s as simple as using a stick of chalk to draw a spider barrier – here’s all you need to know.

How can chalk deter spiders?

Chalk is an effective home remedy to get rid of pests, like ants. And it turns out that spiders don’t like it either. ‘Spiders have chemoreceptors on their feet that detect surface chemistry as they walk. Chalk, which is calcium carbonate, creates a dry, alkaline surface that is deeply unpleasant for spiders to traverse,’ explains Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

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‘The texture of chalk also disrupts the grip of spiders’ tarsal claws, which they use to navigate surfaces confidently. The combination of chemical irritation and physical discomfort makes spiders reluctant to cross a chalk line, even if they can clearly detect a space beyond it,’ adds Mosh.

With this in mind, experts are urging us to draw chalk barriers around entry points to the home to help reduce the presence of spiders. To do this effectively, it’s important to identify where spiders are entering our homes from.

A garden facing patio doors leading into the home

(Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles)

‘The most useful places to draw a chalk barrier are around likely external entry points, such as door thresholds, window frames and small gaps where spiders may be getting inside,’ explains Emily Green, home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber. But chalk can also be effective when used inside the home too.

‘Indoors, chalk can be used around windowsills, doorways and gaps around frames, where it should remain undisturbed for longer,’ says Emily. ‘But test the chalk on a discreet area first as it can mark some surfaces.’

With autumn marking the start of spider season, early October is the ideal time to put your barriers in place to see a drop in spider activity. ‘Draw your barriers now, in early October, which is peak spider mating season when males are actively moving around and looking for a way indoors. A dry day will give the best result as chalk on damp stone or wood is less effective and degrades more quickly,’ says Mosh.

It’s also worth noting that, in order for the chalk barrier to do its job, you have to keep them in good condition. ‘Chalk barriers degrade with moisture, foot traffic and cleaning, so it needs to be refreshed regularly to remain effective,’ says Mosh. ‘It might not make spiders permanently avoid an area but, if consistently maintained, it creates a meaningful deterrent.’

Are chalk barriers effective?

There’s no denying that spiders hate chalk, and while a barrier can deter them from entering your home, it might not work for every spider. ‘Chalk is often suggested as a simple way to deter spiders because the dry, powdery surface may make an area less appealing for them to cross. However, I would think of it as an extra deterrent rather than your main line of defence,’ says Emily.

A spider on beige tiles

(Image credit: Getty Images / PATSTOCK)

Chalk will work well to reduce spider numbers somewhat, but it might not be enough to keep them out entirely. If you don’t want to take any risks, then it’s worth also addressing the things that make your home inviting for spiders. This includes reducing bright lights in the evening, managing humidity and moisture in your home, and being mindful of clutter.

Try a layered approach

In fact, it’s often thought that chalk works best as a layered approach, alongside shutting windows and implementing scents that spiders hate. Spiders are likely to view open windows as an open invitation into your home. So, as well as securing your windowsills with chalk barriers, it may also be worth implementing a spider curfew, just in case. And spray scents like eucalyptus or peppermint around entryways for extra defence.

‘Combine chalk with peppermint oil spray along the same entry points and make sure any visible gaps in door frames or window seals are physically sealed,’ suggests Mosh. ‘The chalk will deter spiders from crossing, the peppermint oil makes the area unpleasant to approach, and sealing gaps removes the entry point entirely. Each method reinforces the other.’

Dunelm’s rotating shoe storage is 30% off – and its clever design doubles your hallway storage

Dunelm’s rotating shoe storage is 30% off – and its clever design doubles your hallway storage

by | Oct 2, 2026 | Design Inspiration

If shoes cluttering up your hallway has become the bane of your existence, then I have some good news. Dunelms’ Ria Rotating Shoe Storage is currently 30% off and perfect for small spaces.

If you have a small hallway, I’m sure you’re well aware that a build-up of spare shoes can quickly make your space look cramped and chaotic – and in some cases dangerous! If you want to reduce the amount of trip hazards as you come through the front, it’s worth learning the clever tricks people with tidy hallways always do.

One thing is for sure: good shoe storage. And if you’re short on space, the rotating feature of the Ria shoe storage makes it a solid option. Here’s why.

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There are plenty of amazing shoe storage solutions for small spaces, including Lakeland’s new space-saving rack and the Amazon shoe boxes (£15.99) that the Ideal Home swear by.

But I’ll admit I’d not seen rotating shoe storage before. Recently, I coveted Dunelm’s Ria Rotating Bookshelf, and having spotted the same design was available in the form of shoe storage, I was instantly intrigued.

Reduced from £199 to £139.50, this space-saving storage solution has four shelves that rotate around an inner console, so you can access the pair you need while keeping four on show at all times. The idea is that you can keep multiple pairs of shoes out of sight at one time.

Ria rotating shoe storage by front door.

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Its stylish design means it’s storage you won’t mind having on show, and at 113.5cm, it won’t take up much room either. You could even place a key tray on top and use it as a side table in your hallway, too.

‘This item came bigger than expected but lovely quality! It weighs a ton ! Very pleased -probably should have had it constructed by delivery drivers as they take packaging away. Our lovely lady who does managed it and every part was there but not a job for a novice!’ says one review.

Another review points out it is ‘too complicated’ to build, so if you are a DIY novice, it’s probably worth getting some help putting it together.

More shoe storage buys

If DIY really isn’t your thing, here are a few more stylish shoe storage options you can shop online – and don’t take much effort to assemble.

Would you invest in the Dunelm Ria Rotating Shoe Storage?

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Miranda Hart has beautifully zoned her open-plan living room – it’s a brilliant example if you’re stuck for ideas

Miranda Hart has beautifully zoned her open-plan living room – it’s a brilliant example if you’re stuck for ideas

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Comedian Miranda Hart may be best known for her hit sitcom Miranda, her books or even her current stint in The Traitors castle, but interior design experts say her open-plan living room is a brilliant example of successful zoning ideas.

While an open-plan living room may be a selling feature for many, when it comes to crunch time, having moved into your open-plan space, it can be difficult to know exactly where to place what for a stylish and flowing finish.

This is where it pays to know how to zone an open-plan living room. And one of the best ways to learn is to visualise. So, if you’re stuck for ideas, take a look at Miranda’s example.

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In a video displaying Miranda’s skills as a paw-rent, I was just as interested in how the comedian had decorated her living space as I was in Patti (her dog) on camera. With levels to her open-plan layout, her furniture placement looks completely natural, creating a distinct seating area that looks perfectly positioned, without the need for a wall.

‘The room has clear separate functions and doesn’t look too divided up, so this is definitely a good example of zoning. The back of the sectional creates the boundary of the living area and you can immediately see where that zone starts and finishes, but because the sofa sits low it doesn’t block the view across the rest of the room,’ says Blanca Sanchez, director of Halo Design Interiors.

‘Then beyond it, what looks like an exercise area (I think I’m seeing a yoga mat?) feels distinct with the equipment and artwork. The pale timber flooring then runs continuously through both spaces which stops them feeling disconnected. It’s a good example of zoning through layout rather than adding more objects.’

Of course, you can also use the best living room rug ideas to zone off your space, too, but as Blanca points out, the bare flooring ties Miranda’s space together. The room works seamlessly with its different elements.

How to zone an open plan living space

Without zoning, a room can very easily fall into the trap of looking and feeling cluttered. Speaking from experience, when I moved into my flat, which has an open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen space, it was overwhelming trying to work out the best place for my belongings. But, having established zones, it’s now easy to see where each of my belongings naturally fit.

A pastel pink-painted open-plan living room with a cream modular sofa and a rattan chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)

‘Layering rugs with each other and over carpet, over hard floors, is an effective way to zone open-plan spaces, and to add comfort and visual interest throughout the home. A large rug can be used to anchor other pieces of furniture such as a sofa, armchair or coffee table to define your living room and effectively organise your layout,’ says Lizzie Mosley, Creative Director at Hug Rug.

I took this advice and used my Sonia Terra & Sage Rug from Ruggable to anchor my furniture in my ‘living room’. But if you’re starting completely from scratch, Blanca has this advice.

An open-plan living room with an L-shaped green velvet sofa and a sideboard displaying decorative items and a TV hung above it

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

‘I’d start with the largest piece of furniture, usually the sofa, and use that to establish where one zone ends. Turning the back of a sofa towards another area is one of the easiest ways to create a boundary without blocking light or sightlines,’ she says.

‘After that, work out the main walking route through the room before adding side tables, chairs or storage. If people constantly have to weave around furniture, the zoning probably isn’t working. I’d also give each area its own lighting rather than trying to illuminate the whole space in the same way.

‘Softer lamps suit a seating area, while brighter task lighting makes more sense for working, cooking or exercising. You want the zones to feel different in use, but still visually connected as part of the same room.’

Zoning essentials

Miranda does it well: she doesn’t over-zone her space. Her sofa pretty much does all the talking and is complemented by soft lighting and furnishings that suit their ‘zone’. If you’re struggling for inspo, Miranda’s living room is a great example of zoning done well.

‘Burrowcore’ is taking over from ‘Cottagecore’ as autumn’s cosiest decor trend – how to layer your lighting for a fairytale glow

‘Burrowcore’ is taking over from ‘Cottagecore’ as autumn’s cosiest decor trend – how to layer your lighting for a fairytale glow

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Burrowcore has been the emerging ‘cosy’ trend we’re seeing everywhere this autumn, and with warm, layered lighting resting at its core, interior design experts say it’s the ultimate lighting trend to embrace in 2026, as the days get shorter and cooler.

At its very core, Burrowcore is a home decor trend centred on making your home look and feel like a scene from a childhood storybook – think Beatrix Potter. Essentially, you want to create an environment where you can snuggle down and wait out the winter.

Given that this cosy microtrend is characterised by warm, diffused and layered lighting, it makes perfect sense to approach the style from a lighting perspective. Here’s how the experts would use the Burrowcore trend to make their lighting cosier this autumn.

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What is Burrowcore?

While I don’t expect Burrowcore to fully replace cottagecore, there’s no denying that it’s the trend surging in popularity this autumn, and this largely comes down to the increasing popularity of whimsical decor. Gone are the days of cold, clinical interiors; instead, we’re all seeking spaces that ooze warmth and personality.

Cosy cabin living room, with a bed and woodburner stove with a lit fire.

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘Since the beginning of September, searches for ‘Burrowcore’ have increased dramatically, with interest in the trend up 244.8% on Google. The new trend follows on from the whimsical cottagecore trend we saw last year, which leaned into vintage charm, reused furniture, layered rugs and materials like linen and wicker,’ states Pawel Kruszynski, trend expert at Promizi.

‘Burrowcore is a fresh take on that. It’s all about reconnecting with our childhood and creating the feeling that you’re living inside a fairytale. For interiors, that means creating a space that feels cosy and restorative, using everything from lighting to fabrics to bring warmth and personality into the home.

‘The part that really brings Burrowcore together is the cosy lighting. Warmth really is the foundation of the trend. In fact, Pinterest is already seeing growing interest in this, with searches for ‘warm lighting’ up 66% in the past month.’

How to use the Burrowcore trend to make your lighting more cosy

Lighting really is at the core of this microtrend, and while Burrowcore might eventually fall off the trend cycle, warm, cosy lighting is in vogue every autumn and winter.

Cosy green panelled dining room with lit log burner, black dining table and chairs and candles.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Bevan)

‘I think the growing popularity of layered, cosy lighting this autumn reflects a wider desire to make our homes feel more comforting and nurturing. As the evenings draw in and we spend more time indoors, people naturally look for ways to create spaces that feel warm, inviting and relaxing. Rather than relying on a single overhead light, layering different light sources allows you to build an atmosphere and adapt a room to suit different moments throughout the day,’ says Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.

‘Cosy lighting is absolutely central to the ‘Burrowcore’ trend. The trend is all about creating a home that feels like a sanctuary from the outside world, encouraging us to slow down, unwind and embrace simple comforts. Lighting plays a huge role in setting that mood. Soft, ambient lighting instantly makes a space feel more cocooning, helping to create the sense of comfort and escapism that sits at the heart of Burrowcore.’

The key to achieving this lighting style is to say goodbye to your big light and opt for soft, diffused lamps instead. For example, M&S fabric lamps can add a beautiful, diffused glow to a space; meanwhile, rechargeable lighting can be used to illuminate dark nooks and crannies.

A colour-drenched green living room with a floral sofafringe-trimmed table lamp and gold ceiling light fixture

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

‘To style lighting in line with Burrowcore, the goal is to make every light source feel gentle and diffused. Swap exposed or clear bulbs for frosted or warm-white alternatives and look for materials that soften the output,’ suggests Julian Page, head of design at BHS.

‘A fabric or woven shade instantly mellows overhead glare while adding subtle organic texture. From there, bring the focus down to eye level with low-standing accent lamps. Table lamps introduce a gentle patina and cast a focused, warm glow that sits beautifully on a cluttered bookshelf or beside a reading chair.

‘For larger living spaces, an arched or multi-drop standing light helps envelop a seating area without overpowering the room. Pair these lower pools of light with textured textiles, dark woods and warm, earthy tones to complete that deeply cosy, burrowed-in feel.’

Lighting that nails the Burrowcore trend

Are you ready to hunker down in your cosy ‘burrow’ and wait for winter to pass? I know I am.

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