Anthropologie never disappoints with its incredibly stylish furniture offering. The Fern Ash Wood Storage Cabinet is arguably one of Anthropologie’s most well-known and popular designs – and also one of my favourite styles. But given its £2498 price point, it’s not within my budget. That’s why I was so excited to find the Habitat Collins Arched Display Cabinet, a Habitat budget alternative for the Anthropologie arched display cabinet in the brand’s new-in section.
Curves, arches and more organic shapes have been among the biggest home decor trends for the last couple of years – and it’s clear they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. The look of both the Anthropologie and Habitat cabinets comes across as timeless with vintage inspiration, whether that’s midcentury modern or Art Deco, which is set to be a major interior trend for the upcoming season, according to Pinterest.
Anthropologie
Fern Ash Wood Storage Cabinet
On the OG Anthropologie version, the glass doors cover the entire front of the design. Meanwhile, Habitat’s take has glass doors down to about two thirds of the way where it switches to more concealing doors instead.
Habitat
Collins Arched 4 Door Display Cabinet
At first glance, the thing that stood out to me the most was the absence of the decorative, antique-style legs of the Anthropologie cabinet. Habitat’s version has more streamlined legs instead.
But the biggest major difference between the two cabinets is the price – as mentioned, the Anthropologie costs nearly £2500, while the Habitat design is only £350 which is more than £2000 difference. How crazy is that?! As I’m typing this, I’m still utterly shocked at that price difference.
Of course, there are other design differences as well. And I’m not alone in my love for the design Anthropologie display cabinet. Of course, there are thousands of fans out there, including the nearly 300 people that actually invested in this spectacular piece of design and have left a review on the site. But even on the Ideal Home team, our Digital Deputy Editor, Rebecca Knight is just as smitten.
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
‘I’ve been obsessed with the Anthropologie arched cabinet for years and have been keeping an eye out for a more affordable option,’ she says. ‘Curved cabinets are a great way to add a little architectural interest to a room (especially if you’re a renter).
‘They work a treat for blending decorative display and storage, especially the versions with hidden drawers or wooden doors on the bottom half. I’m considering investing in one to fill a dead space in my bedroom to make a smart storage feature of my favourite shoes and handbags.’
(Image credit: Habitat)
For one, the Anthropologie display cabinet is available in several colourways – six to be exact – while the Habitat one comes only in the natural oak veneer. Which brings me to the other main difference between the two – the material.
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Anthropologie makes its Fern cabinet from solid ash wood. But Habitat’s is made with veneer which is a cheaper material and is partly the reason why Habitat was able to price the cabinet so well.
Some more alternatives
Dunelm
Indus Valley Atomic 2 Door Glass Cabinet
Dunelm’s take on the arched display cabinet is the closest to the Anthropologie design down to the solid wood material, glass doors covering the whole front design and the three bottom drawers behind the glass.
Beliani
Glenwood Glass Display Cabinet
If you’d like an arched display cabinet for even less than the Habitat design, this Beliani style available at B&Q is the perfect option with its price point close to £300. But the design is quite different to the Anthropologie one, though.
Cox & Cox
Hamar Display Cabinet
If you’re after a design that’s a little more substantial then the Hamar cabinet from Cox & Cox ticks that box. Made with solid oak and plywood, the dark painted interior paired with the brass hardware looks moody and sophisticated.
Are you a fan of arched display cabinets like these? And if so, where would you put yours?
I finally got my hands on the kitchen appliance of the summer: the Ninja Swirl by Creami soft serve and ice cream maker and let me tell you, it’s a good one if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
Many elements of this souped-up version of the ice cream maker are identical to the original Ninja Creami (which we awarded 5 stars in our review), but there are also a few crucial differences. Namely, that there’s also a soft serve processor on the left-hand side, which is controlled with an easy-to-use handle, plus the added functionality for the creation of low-calorie protein-packed desserts.
After waiting almost a year to get hold of this soft serve maker in the UK, I couldn’t wait to try it out at home. Here are three things I learnt on my first try.
Ninja
Swirl
With 13 functions in total, there’s plenty to experiment with if you pick up the Swirl, including 6 soft serve programs, 6 classic ice-cream programs and the chance to mix in sweets and chocolate into your desserts too.
I was super impressed with the ability to use the Frost Fusion to make soft serve in under 30 minutes from start to finish, but when it comes to comparing the firmness levels between the Frost Fusion and the Swirl, the two were worlds apart.
The big difference is that the Swirl requires pre-freezing, which might be the factor behind the discrepancy in how frozen the ice cream turned out. Sure, it requires more effort and prep, but my first impression is that it might be worth the price difference with investing in the Swirl (which is around £50 more expensive).
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There are still plenty of functions I’m yet to explore with the Swirl, which I’ll cover in my upcoming review, but my first impression of this machine is that it won’t disappoint those looking for an at-home treat just like you could buy from an ice-cream van.
2. It has plenty in common with the OG Creami
If you already have the Creami, or the Creami Deluxe (which I reviewed last year), then you’ll take to this machine with ease. That’s because the creamifying process is practically identical.
For the uninitiated, the steps to creamifying your ingredients involve mixing and then freezing your ingredients for 24 hours, before slotting your ice-cream tub into the right-hand side of this machine and selecting from the 13 programs available.
Image 1 of 2
After Creamifying my mix. (Image credit: Future)
Before processing. (Image credit: Future)
Then, the blade within the unit will churn up your mix to its desired consistency, leaving you with either ice cream or your soft serve mix to dispense on the left-hand side of the machine. On my first try I found the handle to dispense the soft serve very intuitive, though I definitely need to polish up my swirling skills before its time to write my full review and invest in some larger cones.
Despite the processing similarities, there are some new modes with the Swirl that might sway you even if you already own the Creami, including the CreamiFit mode which is designed as a ‘one-spin solution for protein-packed treats under 150 kcal’. There are 9 recipes for this mode included in the booklet you receive with the Swirl, so I’m looking forward to trying those out.
3. It’s not quiet
As far as initial impressions go, I have to say I’m seriously impressed with the Swirl. But one thing I had forgotten about with the Creami is that the processing is pretty loud. Given that the process involves a blade crushing through frozen ingredients to turn them into ice-cream, you might say that’s fair enough but it certainly won’t be winning any awards for quietness.
(Image credit: Future)
For the calibre of ice-cream this machine can unlock for you at home, I think a bit of a racket for a few minutes is a fine price to pay, but if you’re particularly noise sensitive then it’s worth bearing in mind.
For a first try, then, I have to say I’m mightily impressed by the soft serve element of the Swirl, though there are still plenty of recipes I haven’t tried yet for my full review.
Are there any particular recipes you’d like me to try? Let me know in the comments.
Lidl is launching its most aesthetically pleasing kitchen range yet, with everything from frying pans to air fryers drenched in pretty pastel colourways. However, let’s not bury the lead, as the highlight of the range is definitely the coffee machine available in mint green and pastel pink.
Pastel kitchens have been a big kitchen trend this year. Light and airy pastels, think soft mint greens, petal pinks, delicate yellows or even lilacs, provide a timeless colour scheme that makes kitchens feel brighter.
But if you don’t want to paint your kitchen cabinets or walls a new pastel shade, Lidl’s latest kitchenware, which launches this Sunday (31 August), is exactly what you need to brighten your worktops at minimal effort and cost.
The Silvercrest Espresso Machine comes with a three year warranty, two filter inserts for one or two shots, a removable water tank and powerful 15-bar pump pressure for the perfect crema and flavour.
Swan
Swan Sk22110gn Retro Espresso Coffee Machine With Milk Frother
One of Ideal Home’s trusted reviewers has tested the Swan espresso machine and found it was great for cappuccinos and lattes, easy to use and affordable.
Pastel airfryer
Also, I can’t ignore the mint green and pastel pink air fryers. I’m a big fan of the growing number of pretty air fryers available on the market, from Aldi’s pistachio green air fryer to the floral Laura Ashley air fryer (£99.99 at QVC), and I’m pleased to see Lidl continuing the trend.
Lidl
Silvercrest Pink Air Fryer
At £24.99, the Silvercrest Air Fryer in pink or mint is a bargain buy. Like we’ve come to expect from supermarket air fryers, it’s a standard air fryer suitable for a small family and capable of frying, grilling, baking and cooking.
SWAN
Swan Retro 4.5l Air Fryer
The Swan air fryer is one of the only other air fryers available in pastel colours. It is currently not available in pink, but you can pick up a sleek baby blue, pistachio and cream colourway.
Pastel Standmixer
If you’re gearing up for Bake Off Season the Silvercrest Stand Mixer is a dead ringer for the Kenwood kMix Standmixer, priced at £229 on Amazon. While most of us will lust after a Kitchenaid, the Kenwood kMix actually holds the title as the best stand mixer our expert reviewers have tested, beating the Kitchenaid on value for money.
Lidl
Silvercrest Pink Stand Mixer
I haven’t tested the Lidl stand mixer, but it looks very similar to the Aldi version that Ideal Home‘s Digital Editor Rebecca Knight has at home. She found that while it is very noisy, it get’s the job done.
Kenwood
Kenwood Kmix Stand Mixer Pastel Pink
Supremely powerful this standmixer was unparalled in terms of performance when our team tested it. It is also available in a pretty pastel pink.
Pastel Kettle
The rest of the collection
Those are just the highlights; Lidl has given nearly every essential kitchen appliance a pastel makeover. The range includes a mint green and a pastel pink kettle pricedd at £16.99. It may not be as pretty as Smeg’s gorgeous electric kettle (£149 at John Lewis) but at a fraction of the price, Lidl’s kettle is a great way to introduce pastels to your kitchen.
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You’ll also find microwaves (£49.99), toasters (£16.99) and even a toastie maker (£9.99) available in the mint and pink colourways. If you’re packing a kid off to uni, keep an eye out for the pastel cookware too starting at £3.99.
Why is pastel kitchenware trending?
Pastel kitchenware is trending because it embraces a retro, nostalgic look without being too loud or in your face.
(Image credit: Lidl)
T’hey are more subtle and therefore calmer, dropping a dash of personality without overpowering your kitchen counter. For some, they probably also tap into nostalgia as many associate pastel shades with retro or 50s inspired kitchens. Ultimately, this can give your kitchen a homely, comforting feel without the need of any garish eyesores,’ says Isabella Forgione, small appliances expert at AO.com.
‘While pastels might feel like a trendy choice, they have cycled in and out of kitchen appliance fashion for decades. It began in the 50s yet now they’ve resurfaced again in kitchens and serve as a timeless option for households. If chosen carefully, your next coffee machine or toaster might be one that never goes out of fashion.’
With brands famed for pastel such as Smeg, being a wishlist item for many, it’s proof that pastel kitchenware isn’t going anywhere. It blends well with both modern and rustic styles, adding nostalgic charm to any kitchen.
Shop more pastel kitchenware
Salter
Salter Retro Pink Kettle & Toaster Set
I have this set in the cream colourway so can vouch for how beautiful it looks in person. It’s sleek with metal accents. The kettle boils incredibly quickly and the toaster makes perfect toast every time – it is the star of my kitchen.
Smeg
Espresso Coffee Machine – Pink
If you have your heart set on a pink coffee machine and have the money to spare, then this slimline Smeg version is one for the wishlist. Well-made and ideal for fitting into a small kitchen for a delicious morning latte.
ProCook
ProCook Soho Cookware Set 4 Piece Coral
ProCook’s cookware is excellent quality and comes with a 10-year guarantee. This pretty pink set will add a pop of colour and personality to your kitchen.
I personally am eyeing up the pink toastie maker ( I mean how fun!). What has caught your eye.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Even though it feels like summer just started, kids are already going back to school, which means fall isn’t far off. While it’s always sad to bid farewell to a season, there’s joy in knowing that another fresh start lies ahead, specifically when it comes to decor. So, as you begin to phase out your summer decor, rest assured there is plenty of fun fall decor headed your way — especially if you plan to visit Dollar General anytime soon.
As far as Dollar General is concerned, it’s time to start shopping for fall kitchen items and other festive products. One of the latest pieces to land on Dollar General’s shelves is this Harvest Pumpkin Soup Bowl that might just be as useful as it is cute — and that’s saying something because it’s really cute.
Available in a sophisticated cream color as well as classic pumpkin orange, the Harvest Pumpkin Soup Bowl is made from high-quality ceramic, so you’ll be able to enjoy it year after year. The bowl looks just like a real pumpkin, with a lid that you can lift with a stem-shaped handle, the same way you would if you carved a jack-o’-lantern.
Each pumpkin soup bowl has a pair of handles, so it’s easy to carry without burning your hands. It’s perfect for serving soups, stews, and all of your favorite comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes, but it also doubles as seasonal decor. The fact that it gives you the best of both worlds is a huge win for small spaces where you might not have room to store seasonal decorations and seasonal dinnerware.
My mum always taught me that ‘if you buy cheap, you buy twice.’ And while I’ve come to appreciate that spending a little more for a quality home appliance pays off in the long run, I also love a bargain and will always try and save money where I can. That’s why I’m always looking at the ‘secret’ side of Dyson for a must-have deal.
Of course, as Ideal Home’s resident floorcare and air quality expert, the best Dyson vacuums and the best air purifiers always catch my eye. And although I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a big fan of the impressive engineering that makes this brand the crème de la crème, I often struggle to justify the price tag.After all, they’re not cheap.
But when I discovered a secret way to buy official Dyson products for less, I knew that I had to share the news with my family, friends… and now you. So, let me introduce you to Dyson Renewed.
What is Dyson Renewed?
Essentially, Dyson Renewed is the brand’s official purchase point for refurbished products, a feature also offered by other brands such as Dunelm through their hugely popular returns outlet. But the difference between Dunelm and Dyson is that the recommended RRP of the refurbished products is generally much higher, and you also get a bigger discount.
These discounts span across the best vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, the best fans, and even the brand’s sellout haircare range. And while it’s easy to find refurbished vacuum cleaners from other third-party retailers, the beauty of buying from Dyson Renewed is that it also offers a 35-day money-back returns policy and a one-year Dyson guarantee.
(Image credit: Future/Lauren Bradbury)
Rosie Walldock, Global Refurbishment Engineer at Dyson, told me, ‘Dyson Renewed offers expertly refurbished machines, including vacuum cleaners and purifiers, that perform just like new. Every product is meticulously serviced, hygienically cleaned, and rigorously tested to meet Dyson’s high standards of performance and reliability. By choosing a refurbished machine, you’re helping to extend its lifespan and reduce the need for new materials, all while maintaining a clean home and better air quality.’
Of course, it’s worth noting that these refurbished models aren’t going to be perfect. As they are refurbished machines that have been previously sold by Dyson and returned, they’ll often have small scuffs, scratches or other cosmetic imperfections that affect the exterior of the appliance. But Dyson will never resell something that hasn’t been checked and isn’t still in full working order.
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These refurbished models are also renewed with genuine Dyson parts, which is something third-party alternatives don’t do – and something our Renovations Editor, Sarah Handley, knows from first-hand experience is incredibly important.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
She told me, ‘I’ve had my Dyson vacuum for more than 10 years, and during that time, I have replaced the brush head a couple of times. The first time, I bought an official Dyson replacement head, which lasted a good few years. But more recently, I bought a cheaper, non-branded version, and the first time I used it, I knew I’d made a mistake. Despite looking the same, it’s nowhere near as effective at picking up all the dirt and debris from the floor. I wish I’d paid a bit more and got an official Dyson part – I won’t make the same mistake again!’
Rosie also adds, ‘Each refurbished purifier also includes a brand-new filter to ensure optimal hygiene and performance.’ So, you can be confident that the appliance will still work as intended, albeit maybe not as beautifully as a brand-new model, but that’s a small price to pay for something that’s often hundreds of pounds cheaper.
(Image credit: Future/Lauren Bradbury)
Of course, the downside of this initiative is that stock levels—and the products available—are constantly changing. Case in point is that, at the time of writing, all of Dyson’s refurbished air purifiers have sold out completely on the brand’s website.
You can still buy air purifiers on Dyson’s official Renewed Outlet on eBay, though, as the stock is often different to the products you can purchase through the brand’s website. Because of this, it’s worth checking out both options to find what works best for you and your needs.
The best refurbished Dyson products to buy right now
Refurbished Dyson V8™ Absolute vacuum cleaner
This is one of my favourite Dyson vacuum cleaners, and although this refurbished model is cheaper than a brand-new model (the RRP is usually £399.99), it’s also on sale right now. So, it’s even cheaper!
Refurbished Dyson Pure Cool™ Autoreact purifying fan
The Dyson Pure Cool™ Autoreact fan is no longer available to buy brand new, but when it was, it would set you back £399.99. So, the fact that you can buy a refurbished model for £100 off is perfect for these late summer days. We seriously rate it, too.
Although we haven’t tested the Animal model, we have tested the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, which offers an almost-identical run time and specs. It also comes with the precisely angled laser that we all know and love Dyson for.
As someone who has tested (and loved) the Dyson V12, I can safely say that the current £379.99 price point for a refurbished model is an absolute steal. After all, a brand new one will set you back 1p shy of £500.
We’re in the process of testing the Dyson V11 right now, but, on paper, it’s an ideal addition to your cleaning routine. It offers an XL cleaning head for busy homes, up to 60 minutes or run time, and touch-free bin emptying system.
The Living Masterpiece, a project by Anastasiia Mudrak, is where timeless elegance finds its perfect match (read: in modern comfort). This home isn’t just about looking beautiful; it’s about living beautifully. Every room has been carefully designed with zoning and ergonomics in mind, so style and function work seamlessly together.
From the delicate balance of colors and textures to the thoughtful attention to detail, the interiors feel complete yet never overwhelming. Even in more compact spaces, the design preserves a sense of openness, proving that luxury doesn’t need excess. Instead, it thrives in harmony.
The living area is anchored by a sculptural, low-profile sectional in soft beige tones. Its clean geometry contrasts beautifully with the ornate white fireplace. This features intricate carvings and a deep marble hearth. Above it, bold artwork framed by classic wall moldings introduces a dramatic focal point. Simultaneously, deep burgundy accents—from the velvet armchair to the glossy coffee table—add richness to the otherwise light palette. The chandelier overhead is a statement in itself, cascading with delicate chains that shimmer softly against the natural daylight flooding in from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Just steps away, the dining area feels like a natural extension of the living space while carrying its own distinct personality. The glass-like pink marble dining table instantly captures attention. It reflects light and sets a tone of modern elegance. Surrounding it, plush cream chairs with rounded silhouettes soften the space. Above the table, a striking magenta chandelier adds a playful yet luxurious edge. A sculptural centerpiece on the table reinforces the idea that here, even the smallest details are designed as works of art.
The kitchen is anchored by a striking marble island, its veined surface extending seamlessly into the backsplash. The sculptural bar stools, wrapped in intricate black-and-white patterns, transform functional seating into art pieces. Overhead, a fluid ribbon-like pendant light cuts across the ornate ceiling medallions. Touches of whimsy and elegance are found throughout: metallic wall sculptures ripple like liquid on the panelled walls and glass-beaded partitions add sparkle.
The bedroom is a dramatic yet serene retreat. It is anchored by deep burgundy ceilings with ornate detailing and a statement feather chandelier. A striking portrait adds an artistic focal point, balanced by soft textiles and a low-profile bed that grounds the space.
The walk-in closet is a showcase of refined luxury. Floor-to-ceiling shelving with golden accents creates an organized display for clothing and accessories, while a sleek burgundy marble island adds both storage and a bold centerpiece. A sculptural oval mirror and layered lighting complete the space.
The bathroom embraces moody sophistication with dark wood, rich marble veining, and subtle lighting. A floating vanity and deep soaking tub highlight the modern functionality, while layered textures bring warmth to the darker palette.
