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I only use 1 thing to banish mould from my shower grouting – it works every time and requires minimal effort

I only use 1 thing to banish mould from my shower grouting – it works every time and requires minimal effort

by | Sep 27, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Having spent my entire adult life renting, I’ve had my fair share of grotty, mouldy bathrooms. And to remove said mould from my bath and shower grouting, there is one Amazon buy in particular that I always rely on to strip mould effectively, with minimal effort on my part. I’m talking about Skylarlife Home Mould & Mildew Stain Remover Gel (£13.99).

There’s a good reason this Amazon mould gel has been crowned one of Ideal Home’s best cleaning products. Its easy application, minimal scrubbing and effectiveness have made it one of my favourite ways to get rid of mould fast.

So much so that when I swapped one poorly ventilated bathroom for another last year, it was the first thing I reached for when it came to whipping my new bathroom into shape. Here’s why it’s the product I swear by to remove mould from grout.

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When my partner and I moved into our one-bed flat in June last year, it was pretty much perfect. My only little niggle was the lack of a bathroom window, but any Bristol renter knows that somewhat affordable rent coupled with a good location is few and far between.

We have an extractor fan, but I have noticed that mould builds up fairly quickly without adequate ventilation. Alongside cleaning my bathroom, I frequently douse my shower cubicle with Astonish Mould & Mildew Stain Remover Spray (£2.50, Dunelm), which is highly effective.

Before image of my shower before applying mould gel. There is black mould in the grouting.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Kezia Reynolds)

But when it comes to my grouting, sometimes it needs a little extra TLC, and this is where the Skylarlife mould gel comes into play. I apply a thin strip of gel to my sealant, wait six to eight hours and then use the shower head to rinse it away. And that’s literally it!

While I’d love to sit here and give you a full step-by-step, that is genuinely all I need to do. I usually apply it before bed, so it can rinse away in the morning or before I start work in the morning. And the results do speak for themselves. Sometimes there is a little mould left over, but I find this mould is easy to remove with white vinegar.

My shower after rinsing mould gel - it is pretty much gone.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Kezia Reynolds)

What I will say is that this product is a strong bleach, so you should avoid getting the gel on your hands and keep it out of the way of children. And of course, remember to wash it off your tiles before getting in the shower!

Mouldy bathrooms are unfortunately something we all deal with, especially in the colder months. I’ve found this mould gel to be the best thing I’ve tried. Honestly, I hate scrubbing away at bathroom tiles, and this gel allows me to clean my bathroom faster and more efficiently. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to clean mould grouting, I recommend you try this miracle buy before choosing to regrout.

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Why robins keep driving birds away from your feeder – and what you can do to stop it

Why robins keep driving birds away from your feeder – and what you can do to stop it

by | Sep 27, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Robins may be the UK’s favourite bird, famous for their cheerful, red-breasted demeanour. But don’t let their good looks fool you. These little birds have a reputation for being territorial around resources, and if you’re having trouble ensuring all songbirds are getting access to resources in your wildlife garden this autumn and winter, experts are here to help.

Many gardeners love attracting robins to their gardens. Robins are not only instantly recognisable, but they are confident and chirpy and, of course, carry a lot of symbolism. But if you’re looking to attract all songbirds to your garden, you may have spotted that robins can get a little aggressive with each other and with other birds.

So, I asked wildlife experts what we need to do to ensure all birds get a fair shot at the food and water you provide during winter. And this is what they said.

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Why do robins get territorial?

‘Robins are naturally very territorial birds; it’s in their nature and driven by survival needs. Even their red breast serves as a visual attack trigger. A garden can provide everything they need to defend, including food, shelter and potential nesting sites. Regardless of sex, robins hold territories and aggressively defend their patches against trespassers – even other robins,’ explains James Ewens, bird specialist at Green Feathers.

‘They’re especially protective of their garden if it has plenty of insects, worms, berries and suitable cover. It’s valuable, and we can compare it to having a house full of valuables that we don’t want to share. It’s totally normal and in their nature to have territorial behaviour, and leaving robins to it is one of the best things you can do.’

Robin perching on a wooden fence

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you’re wondering how to check whether robins in your garden are acting in a territorial way, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.

‘Robins use their loud songs as a warning to notify other birds and tell them to stay away. If singing doesn’t work, robins can physically chase away other small birds that have a similar diet, such as dunnocks. They may bully these birds at feeding areas to keep resources for themselves,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

‘Robins can mistake anything that is bright red, including reflections, for a rival robin and will attack it. Robins use their bright red breasts to warn other birds, and will attack competing species that cross into their territory.’

What can you do to stop this?

As much as it’s lovely to provide a robin’s favourite food and tend to them in your garden, if you want to ensure other songbirds get a look in, all you need to do is ensure you are providing different feeding stations.

Robin holding nesting materials in its beak

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Sandra Standbridge)

‘Robins aren’t generally trying to prevent every other bird from using the garden; many birds can feed in the same area if they use different foods, feeding heights and different areas of the habitat. If a robin has claimed a feeding spot, that’s theirs, though, and you better remember it!’ says James.

‘It’s important not to interfere too much with nature; it’s very normal for them to have territorial behaviour, but you can reduce the need to be territorial by providing a range of food and several feeding stations in different parts of the garden. Like separating enemies, you don’t want them in the same place. Give smaller birds places to retreat from a robin seeing red by planting dense shrubs, hedges and low vegetation to give them all some space.

‘It’s worth remembering that a robin defending a territory isn’t necessarily preventing other birds from using the whole garden. Removing a robin won’t help – we still love them as fiercely as they can be. Instead of interrupting nature, simply provide more food and shelter spots to reduce competition.’

winter garden bush with berries and robin

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And if you want all birds to enjoy your garden space, it’s important to make it as bird-friendly as possible, such as bird-feeding plants and rewilding parts of the garden.

‘Plant berry-bearing shrubs in your garden to provide birds with food through autumn and winter, as well as planting seed-bearing flowers for seed-eating birds,’ recommends Lucy.

‘If you install nest boxes in your garden, ensure that you have hole-nesting boxes for blue tits, open-fronted boxes for robins and multi-layered or specialised boxes for other bird species.

Set up bird baths or water features in a safe, shaded spot of your garden so birds can drink and bathe. These should be refilled with fresh water daily and cleaned regularly to stop the spread of disease.’

As James says, it’s best not to interfere with nature too much. But by offering multiple feeding spots as and access to multiple resources, you stand a better chance at keeping all your visiting birds happy.

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John Lewis’ viral Harry Styles mouse Christmas decoration is already sold out – these are the perfect alternatives

John Lewis’ viral Harry Styles mouse Christmas decoration is already sold out – these are the perfect alternatives

by | Sep 26, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Yes, it’s happened again! Yet another Christmas decoration has gone viral and sold out in a matter of days as a result. This time, it’s the John Lewis Harry Styles mouse Christmas tree decoration which was gone in 48 hours after dropping on the retailer’s website.

But if you missed out the first time around, fear not – I’ve got insider intel that a restock is coming at the end of this month. And while the felt bauble is currently out of stock in the John Lewis online Christmas shop, you might be able to find it in the physical Christmas shop at the John Lewis Oxford Street store which opened earlier this week.

John Lewis The Enthusiast Felt Pop Star Mouse Tree Decoration

(Image credit: John Lewis)

The £8 felt mouse decoration doesn’t actually bear the pop star’s name per se but the heart-print jumpsuit – the very same that Harry Styles wore back in 2022 while performing at the Wembley Stadium – and the microphone in its hand makes The Enthusiast Felt Pop Star Mouse Tree Decoration unmistakeable.

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A basket display of felt mice Christmas decorations from John Lewis at their Christmas shop on Oxford Street

(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)

And the very enthusiastic Harry Styles fans went crazy for it, with TikTok posts about this Christmas bauble getting thousands of views. Content creator Charley King (@charleyking on TikTok) was one of TikTokers that posted about it and made it go viral as her video attracted over 16K likes and over 127K views. And that’s just one TikTok video of many – so it’s no wonder this little guy is already sold out.

Luckily, John Lewis has gone all out on the felt mouse decorations front this year. So if you missed out on the first drop of the Harry Styles mouse and can’t wait for the next drop to land (or miss out the second time, too), there are plenty of alternatives to go for instead. And they’re just as adorable, if not more.

Top John Lewis felt mice picks

These cute felt mouse decorations make for the perfect gifts for friends and family – since there are so many different characters to choose from, the chosen mouse can be really personalised to the person you’re getting it for. So which one of these cuties are you getting?

‘Please keep the orange!’ – why Stacey Solomon’s orange bathroom suite has potential to make the ultimate style statement this autumn

‘Please keep the orange!’ – why Stacey Solomon’s orange bathroom suite has potential to make the ultimate style statement this autumn

by | Sep 26, 2026 | Design Inspiration

This is not a sentence I ever believed I would write: Stacey Solomon is making a case for bright orange bathroom suites.

The TV presenter and personality is well known for her more neutral home decor style, but after sharing her house move with fans following her departure from Pickle Cottage, it seems the star is plumping for a bolder bathroom colour scheme.

Despite being in her new home for less than a month, she’s already wowed us with her autumn staircase, and now she’s asking fans for advice on what to do with her orange suite. I decided to ask bathroom experts what they would do, and spoiler alert: they’re all for keeping it. Here’s why.

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Posting a video of the suite to her Instagram, Stacey told fans that it was likely to be her first upcycle project at her new home.

‘Even though 99% of people have told me it’s got to go, I just believe it can be more than what it is right now,’ she said in the video before asking her fans what she should do with the suite at the end. And a few celebrities’ faces were arguing in favour of the orange.

‘Oooooh, some brass fittings, a warm mirror and some deep rich greens on the walls, a few plants and it would be very fitting 🧡,’ said Supernanny Jo Frost.

‘😍Keep add some gold fittings lush,’ was Alison Hammond’s contribution.

And they’re not the only ones in favour of this surprising bathroom trend; bathroom experts also want Stacey to embrace this retro suite.

‘Keep the orange. Please keep the orange! You could spend weeks searching for something with that much personality and Stacey already has it sitting there waiting to be loved,’ says Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra.

How to modernise coloured bathroom suites

A couple of years back, it seemed that avocado bathrooms were making a comeback, as retro home decor trends began to surge in popularity. But in 2026, retro bathrooms are not as focused on the very ‘Marmite’ avocado shade – they’re bolder and more confident.

Peach bath in peach tiled alcove with gold metal finishes.

(Image credit: BC Designs)

‘Colour is coming back in a much more confident and individual way,’ says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.

‘Rather than choosing a coloured bath, basin and WC and then trying to match everything else to them, people are using one or two pieces almost like furniture. A coloured bath can anchor the whole room, while the rest of the scheme is allowed to be quieter.

‘I think that reflects a wider change in how we decorate bathrooms. For a long time, white sanitaryware was treated as the safest choice because a bathroom was expected to last for years. Now there is much more appetite for creating a room that actually says something about the person who lives there.’

‘I’d treat the orange as the starting point for the palette rather than a colour that needs disguising. Warm whites, soft stone shades and natural textures would give it a completely different context. I’d also look at the brassware. Chrome or another cooler metallic finish would be really interesting against orange and could immediately sharpen the room up.’

Terracotta bath in yellow and terracotta bathroom with blue side table and green chair and window panes.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Matthew Heritage)

The way to modernise colourful suites is all about how we style them. With orange, use it as an anchor point in your bathroom, complementing it with warm, creamy neutrals (such as your tiles) so as not to overpower it.

‘What I definitely wouldn’t do is panic and start trying to make everything match. Orange bath, orange tiles, orange towels and suddenly we’re on the set of a 1970s sitcom. The suite has already turned up to the party wearing the fabulous outfit; everything else can calm down,’ says Grazzie.

‘I’d probably give it something slightly unexpected to play with. Creamy tiles would make it feel softer, a dusty pink could be brilliant, or you could introduce a little burgundy or deep red through a border or patterned floor.

‘And don’t underestimate how much changing the backdrop changes the way you see something. Put an old orange bath against tired tiles and it looks dated. Put exactly the same bath against a really beautiful new surface and suddenly everyone wants to know where you bought it.’

Shop the look

I won’t lie, I’ve been won over by the orange bathroom suite and belive with the right styling and accessories has potential to look very cool. Are you in favour? Or should this retro trend stay in the past?
IKEA’s just dropped its festive lighting collection, and it’s perfect for giving your home a hygge glow

IKEA’s just dropped its festive lighting collection, and it’s perfect for giving your home a hygge glow

by | Sep 25, 2026 | Design Inspiration

It feels like it’s suddenly getting darker earlier once again, and right on cue, IKEA has dropped its twinkling new STRÅLA collection, whereby more Scandi lighting styles have joined its sell-out series of cosy, festive lighting.

IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is largely known for its sell-out paper stars, which are big contributors to the biggest Christmas lighting trends. Its paper design is quintessential of classic Scandinavian design and is perfect for practising hygge in your home on cold winter nights.

This year, STRÅLA has seen some colourful and quirky additions to the range. I’ve rounded up my favourites – from pieces that will bring festive joy to your home to the weird and wonderful lights that will get your guests talking.

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IKEA STRALA lights hanging from ceiling.

(Image credit: IKEA)

The IKEA STRÅLA collection produces some of the best budget Christmas decorating ideas, with prices starting from just £3 for the lace paper star lampshade. You’ll need a separate light source (such as the IKEA table lamp base), but the finished look is simply beautiful.

Alas, this is not my top pick, although it is a good one. That award goes to the Paper Petal Star (£9), whose delicate design looks like a perfect snowflake. It’s an elevated take on the typical STRÅLA star, and perfect if you want to create cosy ambient lighting. I think this would be beautifully hung on windowsills or along your stairs’ bannister, so you give the darkest areas of your home a soft glow in the evenings.

It reminds me of a more affordable version of H&M’s £19.99 paper lampshade, although I will admit the H&M version does offer more detail.

Alongside the beautiful paper lampshades, here are a few more options from the IKEA STRÅLA collection that caught my eye.

These IKEA lights have really got me in the mood for festive lighting, so I’ve done some more digging, and here are a few more stunning examples I’ve found that you can shop online.

Alternatives

IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is perfect for creating a hygge glow in your home – and that makes celebrating Christmas worth it.

These are the 5 Christmas buys that always sell out come October – so snap them up fast

These are the 5 Christmas buys that always sell out come October – so snap them up fast

by | Sep 25, 2026 | Design Inspiration

I’ve been saying this all throughout this month when I talk or write about something Christmassy – I know it’s only September, but brands are dropping their Christmas collections now. And the best ones have to be snapped up asap because people go crazy for them and they sell out fast. These are the 5 Christmas buys that sell out by October year after year in my experience – so it’s likely to happen again this festive season.

Whether you’re in the market for the best artificial Christmas tree or want to get your hands on some of the most popular and viral Christmas decor ideas, this curated list has got it all. In order to avoid regret at a later date closer to Christmas when you’re ready for your holiday shopping, I recommend getting ahead and adding these to basket now while you still can.

1. John Lewis Cotswold Christmas tree

A decorated John Lewis Cotswold Christmas tree surrounded by presents in a mid-century style room with a blue tiled fireplace and a floor lamp

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Every year, the John Lewis Cotswold potted pre-lit Christmas tree comes out on top in our best artificial Christmas tree buying guide as the best tree overall. I just did a Christmas tree testing shoot this week and this was one of the trees I tried. And as expected, it did not disappoint.

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The only downside of this tree is that it comes only in one size – which is 7ft – and perhaps that’s partly why it sells out so early. Usually, it’s gone by mid October despite its rather high price point of £580.

The tree’s extremely realistic look is one of the reasons behind its popularity, as well as the potted design. Instead of a flimsy metal stand which needs to be covered by a tree skirt or presents, the Cotswold comes with a black ceramic planter which looks so much more aesthetically pleasing and adds to the realistic effect.

2. Marks & Spencer light up candles

M&S Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Refillable Light Up Candle.

(Image credit: M&S)

The M&S light up candles are notorious for selling out within days of launching. Particularly the Yuletide Pine & Spice Refillable Light Up Candle is flying off the virtual shelves – it’s currently the number one bestseller in the M&S home accessories department. And soon after launch last week, it already went out of stock. But luckily it’s been restocked since then.

Aside from this top seller, there are two other also very popular light-up candles – my personal favourite Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon light up candle and the Frankincense & Myrrh light up candle, all of which are refillable and sell for £12 a pop.

3. Next gingerbread house Christmas tree skirt

Gingerbread House Light Up Wooden Tree Skirt

(Image credit: Next)

Last year, the whole Ideal Home office missed out on the Next gingerbread house tree skirt as it sold out within days. It all happened so fast we didn’t even manage to let our readers know it had dropped.

But this year, we’d been checking the Next site daily and a couple of weeks ago it launched. Selling for £35, this whimsical tree skirt is made from wood to resemble a row of gingerbread houses. And there’s even a light-up function! How cute and how clever! No wonder it’s so popular.

4. The White Company Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

The White Company Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

(Image credit: The White Company)

The White Company’s Christmas trees are well known for being some of the best, most realistic and highest quality trees on the market. And this is reflected in how quickly they sell out. While the also popular Grand Spruce Pre-lit tree – which I regularly rank as the best pre-lit Christmas tree in our buying guide – usually hangs around a little longer as it comes in various sizes, the Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas tree tends to go out of stock early.

It’s only available in one 7.5ft size but it comes with a stylish wicker tree skirt included. And much like the John Lewis Cotswold tree, this one from The White Company is also extremely realistic-looking. It traditionally comes unlit but now, there’s a pre-lit version available, too, and it’s been one of the brand’s top tree sellers so far this year as well.

5. Marks & Spencer XL velvet bows

A staircase decorated with a Christmas garland and an extra large red velvet Christmas bow

(Image credit: M&S)

The super-sized M&S velvet hanging bow decorations have had us all in a chokehold for the past three Christmases as they sell like hotcakes and go viral every single year. So here’s to hoping that M&S stocked up on these this year so that there’s plenty to go around.

There are two sizes available this time around – the ‘smaller’, currently more popular one is 65cm long and sells for £20, available in three colourways, while the extra large version is £30 and measures a whopping 95cm.

Which one of these top Christmas buys are you snapping up before October?