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Habitat x Morris & Co have just nailed this year’s biggest headboard trend – and for a pretty amazing price, too

Habitat x Morris & Co have just nailed this year’s biggest headboard trend – and for a pretty amazing price, too

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Upholstered headboards are a timeless interior design choice, yet there’s no denying 2026 has truly been their moment to shine. And the latest offering to catch our attention is the Habitat x Morris & Co Hyacinth Double Headboard, which, at £200, is one of the most affordable headboards I’ve seen that will give your bed a timeless, designer look.

Having now worked at Ideal Home for more than two years, September is eagerly marked in my calendar as the arrival time of the Habitat x Morris & Co autumn collection. And the one thing this collaboration does consistently well is nail (and sometimes help set) the biggest bedroom trends.

Fans of the iconic Arts & Crafts designer don’t want to miss out on this statement headboard. Its stunning design will add some romantic charm to your bedroom – and I bet it will never go out of style, either.

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Personally, I see September as the perfect opportunity to reset my life, and one way I like to do this is to update my sleep space. I’ve already recently raved about the Habitat x Morris & Co bedspread which is the perfect transitional layer to add to your bed as the temperature starts to drop.

But having spotted this statement headboard, I’m about to push those shopping plans to a whole bedroom revamp; honestly, I’ve not seen anything this stylish for that price. The headboard is elegantly curved with rich pink cord piping for a stylish finish. The upholstered headboard trend goes hand in hand with curvy designs, and the trend is focused on creating an environment that is both comforting and elevated.

The pattern itself is taken from Morris & Co’s Hyacinth wallpaper, which was designed by John Henry Dearle between 1900 and 1912. Its block-printed pattern shows a sprawling floral display with twisting foliage and rich colours of green, blue, pink and orange.

The 2026 Habitat version has been reimagined slightly bolder. Set against a navy backdrop, it features bolder reds, greens and blues whilst retaining the romantic charm of the original.

If this Hyacinth headboard is too bold for you, consider the Habitat x William Morris Apple Double Headboard – Cream (£200). This intricate floral and fruit print is stunningly sophisticated, in a soft green and cream colourway.

This headboard is inspired by the Apple wallpaper, which was designed by William Morris in 1877. The pattern combines apples and acanthus leaves against a backdrop of foliage. While the original has a small splatter of orange hues, the Habitat version lacks it. However, I do prefer this take if you’re looking to create a more relaxing sleep space.

The headboards are available in a double or king size. The double measures at W153, H127 cm, while the king is W168, H127 cm. The boards come with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

If you love the Habitat x Morris & Co headboard but are not due for an upgrade, no fear, as here are a few of their new bedding sets that will look gorgeous in your bedroom this autumn.

If you are due for a new headboard idea, or this one has simply caught your eye, I don’t think you’ll regret the purchase. It will make a beautiful statement in any room.

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Simba has just slashed the price of its top-rated mattress – it’s the ‘Goldilocks of mattresses’

Simba has just slashed the price of its top-rated mattress – it’s the ‘Goldilocks of mattresses’

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

At Ideal Home, our team of professional mattress testers have slept on over 150 different types. However, one mattress always emerges as the top-rated every time we retest it: the Simba Hybrid mattress. Right now it’s also on sale with 25% knocked off the price tag in the Simba September sale.

Simba produces some of the best mattresses on the market; we’ve given rave reviews to the Simba Hybrid Luxe and the more affordable Simba Hybrid Essential. However, the Simba Hybrid Mattress retains the top spot as the best mattress overall due to its value for money, comfort levels and temperature regulation. Our reviewer went as far as to call it the ‘Goldilocks of mattresses’, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating.

Right now, this crowd-pleasing mattress is even better value, with the price for a double mattress dropped from £899 to £674.25.

The Hybrid mattress isn’t the only product Simba has dropped the price on. They are having a sitewide sale on some of their bestsellers. If you are looking to refresh your bed for cosy season, now is the time to pounce, as there is up to 30% off everything.

The Simba Hybrid mattress being tested at home in a bedroom

(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)

There are usually a couple of Simba sales a year, but these are some of the lowest prices we’ve seen at Simba in 2026. Now that the weather is starting to change and get colder, duvet season has commenced. If your bedroom needs a little TLC, these are the other star buys on offer to snap up in the September sale while you can.

The sale currently runs for the rest of this week and next, ending on the 1st October subject to availability. If you’re bed is due and upgrade, this is the payday to make the investment.

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I never thought bulb planters were worth the hype, but this £6 buy makes planting so easy

I never thought bulb planters were worth the hype, but this £6 buy makes planting so easy

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Ever used a bulb planter? I’ve always wondered if they’re really a necessary garden tool – and then I used the Kent & Stowe hand bulb planter.

It’s designed for larger bulbs like daffodils, and since the cheerful spring flowers were on my list of spring bulbs to plant in September, I decided to give it a whirl. After a scorching summer, my garden borders are particularly dry right now – but the bulb planter’s design made planting a breeze.

Here’s what I love about the Kent & Stowe hand bulb planter, which is just £6.13 at Amazon – and why it’s convinced me that bulb planters really are worth adding to your garden tool collection.

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The Kent & Stowe hand bulb planter has a serrated edge, so it’s easy enough to insert into the soil – even if yours, like mine, is hard and heat-baked after all the heatwaves. You’ll just need to twist it a bit on tougher earth.

There’s also, of course, a handy measurement scale on the side – four inches, which guides a consistent planting depth (and learning how to plant bulbs properly is really important if you want them to grow and flower well).

Once you’ve pushed the Kent & Stowe hand bulb planter into the soil at the required depth (I had to double-check how deep I should plant daffodil bulbs!), you simply twist the tool and pull the core of earth from the ground. It tasks a bit of wiggling if your soil is particularly dry and compacted, but it’s so much easier than digging the hole with a hand trowel.

Then, you simply pop the bulb in the bottom of the hole (you can use some bulb starter beforehand like Empathy Bulb Starter Biofertiliser from Amazon to encourage strong root growth), and empty the soil within the bulb planter over the planting hole to fill it back in. All in all, it’s a satisfying process – and it really is as simple as it sounds. For reference, I planted Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’ bulbs, which you can order from Thompson & Morgan.

The Kent & Stowe hand bulb planter is also a durable tool. It’s traditionally styled, and as sturdy as it is nice to look at. The metal part is made from carbon steel, and the handle is crafted from beautiful FSC-certified ash wood. It’s no wonder it has a 10-year guarantee.

At 23cm long, the bulb planter is bigger than I expected – but since it’s designed for larger bulbs, it makes sense. If you’ll be planting your daffodil bulbs together, it’s handy for making multiple larger holes in one area.

Bulb planting kit

The Kent & Stowe Hand Bulb Planter has completely transformed the way I plant spring bulbs. It’s affordable, durable and so easy to use.

Next has just dropped the cutest robin bedding in time for the colder months

Next has just dropped the cutest robin bedding in time for the colder months

by | Sep 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

I know we’re only at the end of September, but I have just spotted the bedding set that is going to see me through the winter months: Next’s Sateen Robins Christmas Duvet Cover and Pillowcase (from £55).

Next is one of the best places to buy bedding, particularly colourful and patterned bedding. If you want your bedroom ideas to stay on trend, Next is one of the brands I recommend for personality-packed bedding.

But one thing Next absolutely nails is their seasonal bedding sets, and this sateen set, complete with festive red bows and detailed robin foliage, is just the right amount of festive. In fact, I’d be tempted to use it all winter long.

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If this year’s bedding trends have proved anything, it’s that nature-inspired colour palettes and floral prints are having a huge comeback, and with this bedding set featuring a border of bushy green foliage, it’s perfectly on trend for the new season.

Last year, Next dropped a fleecy robin bedding set, and it’s safe to say we were all charmed by its good looks. Made with a soft, fleecy material, it was perfect for snuggling up on cold winter evenings. This year, Next has given robin bedding a luxury spin.

This set is made from sateen. Sateen bedding has a luxuriously smooth, silky finish, which often makes getting into bed feel like getting into bed at a posh hotel. Alongside its luxury feel, this bedding set has beautiful red bows along the edge of the duvet cover and pillowcases. While I am tired of the bow trend, I do think this makes for a striking and thoughtful finishing touch.

Natural 200TC Sateen Robins Christmas Duvet Cover And Pillowcase

(Image credit: Next)

The robins themselves can be spotted in pairs or individually nestled amongst branches of festive mistletoe. If you’re a fan of attracting robins to your garden (and honestly, who isn’t?)This is a lovely way to continue the charm into your bedroom. Given that the set is largely white, the set isn’t too loud either.

If you really want to nail the luxury hotel feel, there are a couple of extra things you can do to make your bed feel even comfier this autumn and winter. Alongside your sateen robin set, investing one of the best mattress toppers offers an additional layer of cushioning for a bed that’s even comfier. Our best-rated topper, the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, is currently reduced from £349 to £296.65.

Similarly, the Simba Hybrid Pillow is also 25% off right now. If your pillows are looking a little worse for wear, I’d recommend using this deal to give them an upgrade.

Alternatively, if it’s just bedding you’re after, here are a few more of Next’s seasonal sets that have caught my eye.

Christmas has definitely landed early at Next. But this robin bedding set has convinced me to welcome the festive season early to my bedroom, too.

How to Make Open-Plan Living Spaces Feel More Comfortable

How to Make Open-Plan Living Spaces Feel More Comfortable

by | Sep 22, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Open-plan living is a popular design choice for homeowners and professionals due to the space, natural light, and flexibility it provides. While there are clear benefits to open-plan living, it can also be challenging to create comfort in large, open spaces, which can leave the space feeling cold and impersonal. With this in mind, this post will explore a few strategies that make open-plan living spaces feel more comfortable.

Table of Contents

Defining Zones for Comfort & Function

First, you should define “zones” within the space. Furniture arrangement and spatial zoning can add both intimacy and function, helping to create a more comfortable and practical space. You can use rugs, shelving, and plants to create visual boundaries while still maintaining the open feel. It is also important to consider traffic flow by leaving clear pathways that will make the space easy to navigate and avoid overcrowding the space. 

Layering Materials for Warmth & Acoustics

You can also layer different materials to create a warmer feel. Mixing soft furnishings, textiles, and natural materials makes the space feel cozy, warm, and aesthetically pleasing. Throws, cushions, and curtains can also provide a tactile appeal that adds personality. It is also worth using acoustic walls and ceilings to enhance both comfort and sound quality in the living space.

Lighting Solutions for Inviting Spaces

Lighting is a powerful tool when it comes to interior design and can make or break the space. In an open-plan area, layered lighting can create atmosphere and functionality, so experiment with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create different layers. You can also use dimmer switches, lamps, and pendant lights to create mood. Natural light is another important consideration and can make the room feel bigger, brighter, and airier – you can maximize natural light by avoiding blocking the windows, using light colors, and strategic placement of mirrors.

Personal Touches & Professional Insights

Open plan living can feel cold and sterile, which is why personal touches are key. Add artwork, personal photos, souvenirs, and personal belongings to make the space feel like your own and add visual interest. This allows you to benefit from the flexibility of open-plan design for entertaining or relaxing. Small seasonal changes, such as changing the window treatment, adding blankets in the colder months, and updating the decor can help keep the space fresh and fit-for-purpose all year round.

Give Each Zone a Focal Point

A seating area feels more settled when the sofa and chairs face something deliberate, such as a fireplace, view, bookcase or piece of art. In a kitchen–living space, turn the sofa away from the working end of the room where possible. This helps the living area feel like a place to relax, even when the kitchen is in view.

Use Colour To Connect The Space

An open-plan room benefits from a colour palette that carries through each zone without making them identical. For example, dusty blue kitchen cabinetry could be picked up in a patterned living-room rug, while warm wood or a rust accent appears in both the dining and seating areas. This would give readers a practical way to add warmth and cohesion.

Plan For What You See From The Sofa

Visual clutter can make it harder to relax when the kitchen, dining table and living area are all visible at once. Suggest closed storage for everyday items, a place for post and bags, and a way to keep work equipment out of sight after hours. Even choosing the sofa’s position with these sightlines in mind can make a difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in an Open-Plan Room

  • Pushing every piece of furniture against the walls: Bring the sofa and chairs closer together to create a more inviting seating area. Leave enough room to walk comfortably around them.
  • Choosing a rug that’s too small: Pick one large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs to sit on it. This helps the seating area feel like one defined zone.
  • Relying on ceiling lights alone: Add table lamps, floor lamps and task lighting so you can light each part of the room separately.
  • Placing the TV where daylight causes glare: Check how sunlight falls across the room at different times of day before deciding where the screen should go.

Evolving Your Open-Plan Space

One of the advantages of open-plan living is that the room can change as your needs do. A dining table might become a place for homework during the week, while the seating area needs more room when friends visit. If the space isn’t working quite as you hoped, try moving the furniture before making bigger changes. Turning a sofa, shifting a rug or adding a lamp can make a zone feel more comfortable.

Pay attention to how you use the room throughout the day. Is there a clear route through it when someone is cooking? Does the seating area feel relaxing in the evening? Can you keep everyday clutter out of sight? The answers will help you decide what to adjust.

A comfortable open-plan space doesn’t have to look perfectly styled or stay arranged the same way forever. Give each activity a place, carry a few colours and materials through the room, and make changes as your routines evolve.

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Solar Panels and Interior Design: What to Think About Before You Go Solar

Solar Panels and Interior Design: What to Think About Before You Go Solar

by | Sep 22, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Most articles about home solar focus on the roof and stop there. Understandable, since that’s where the panels sit, but it leaves out a question that matters just as much to anyone who cares about how their home actually looks and feels day to day: what changes inside the house once you make the switch. If you’re weighing up solar as part of a wider move towards a more sustainable home, it’s worth thinking through the interior side before the installers arrive, not after.

Table of Contents

The Inverter Needs a Home Too

Every solar installation includes an inverter, the unit that converts the energy your panels generate into something your home can actually use, and it needs to live somewhere. Too often that somewhere ends up being the most visible wall in the utility room or garage, purely because it was the easiest place to run the cabling. A bit of planning at the design stage, working out where that unit can sit tucked away in a cupboard or utility space rather than mounted at eye level, saves you from staring at a grey plastic box every time you go looking for the washing powder.

Battery Storage Changes Your Floor Plan

If you’re pairing panels with a home battery, which more UK homeowners are doing as electricity prices stay unpredictable, you’re adding another piece of equipment that needs proper space. Batteries generate a small amount of heat and need ventilation, which rules out simply squeezing one into an already-tight airing cupboard. Homeowners renovating a home office or converting a garage often find this is the moment to finally sort out a proper utility zone, since the battery gives them a reason to plan the space properly rather than let it stay a dumping ground.

“People plan the panels and completely forget about the box on the wall,” said Andrew Hoesly, who runs operations for solar company SolarTech. “The equipment inside the house is what homeowners actually see every day, long after they’ve stopped noticing the panels on the roof. It’s worth five minutes of planning to make sure it doesn’t end up somewhere awkward.”

Roof Lines and Kerb Appeal

For anyone renovating a period property or working within a conservation area, panel placement is as much a design decision as a technical one. Discreet, low-profile panels laid flush to the roofline read very differently from an obviously bolted-on array, and the difference matters if you’re trying to preserve a period exterior while updating what’s happening beneath it. It’s the same principle that applies to home improvement projects generally: the best updates tend to be the ones that don’t announce themselves.

None of this should put you off. It’s simply worth treating solar as part of the whole-home plan rather than a separate project that happens to your roof. A little forethought about where the equipment lives, and how the panels sit against your roofline, is the difference between a system that blends into a well-designed home and one that always looks like it was added on afterwards.

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