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My garden is littered with leaves and branches from my neighbour’s tree after Storm Boelo – I asked legal experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

My garden is littered with leaves and branches from my neighbour’s tree after Storm Boelo – I asked legal experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Storm season is officially here, and if your garden has been left strewn with fallen leaves and branches from your neighbours’ trees, you may be wondering who is responsible for the clear-up post Storm Boelo.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of garden features that cause neighbourly disputes, and who is responsible for clearing up fallen leaves is one of them. And post Storm Boelo and Austen, we bet there are plenty of gardens that have had debris blown into them.

If you’ve found yourself knee-deep in leaves and branches this week, and have been scratching your head as to whose job it is to clear it all up, I’ve asked legal experts to explain who is responsible and why. This is what they told me.

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Who is responsible for clearing up leaves and branches after a storm?

The short answer to who is responsible for clearing up fallen leaves and branches following a storm is simple. You are. If fallen leaves have blown onto your property, I’m afraid it is your responsibility to tidy them up.

Grass lawn in garden surrounded by border planting

(Image credit: Future PLC/Carl Hodgson)

‘In most cases, the owner or occupier of the land where leaves or branches have fallen will be responsible for clearing them from their own property. A neighbour is not usually liable simply because leaves from their tree have blown onto adjoining land,’ explains Daniel Stern, partner and head of property litigation and contentious probate at Slater Heelis Solicitors.

‘If a healthy tree loses a branch due to exceptional weather, the affected homeowner will usually be responsible for clearing the debris from their property and, where damage has been caused, may need to make a claim under their buildings or contents insurance policy.’

An early Victorian home in Sussex, home of Clare Clarke and husband David, exterior view of the garden with a paved garden path.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

You will only have a claim against your neighbour if it can be proven that the neighbour knew their tree was damaged or diseased ahead of the storm.

‘A neighbour could potentially be liable if their tree causes injury or property damage and they have failed to take reasonable care to manage a foreseeable risk. For example, if a tree is diseased or structurally unsafe, and a falling branch subsequently damages a roof, there may be grounds for a negligence or nuisance claim,’ explains Paula Moses, legal director in the commercial dispute resolution team at Blacks.

‘However, disease alone does not automatically make a neighbour liable, and a healthy tree falling during a storm would not necessarily amount to negligence.’

What can you do if your neighbour’s tree keeps dropping leaves into your garden?

If your neighbour’s tree is constantly dropping leaves into your garden, it can be a little frustrating, especially if you lack the mobility to keep clearing them up yourself. If this is the case, a polite, friendly conversation with your neighbour can go a long way.

Wooden garden furniture nestled against a green hedge.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rene Stoeltie)

‘There is nothing to stop you from asking your neighbour to help clear the leaves, and an informal conversation is often the best way to resolve this. However, there is generally no legal obligation for a neighbour to clear leaves that have naturally fallen onto someone else’s property, so any agreement to help would usually be a gesture of goodwill rather than a legal requirement. In this day and age, it might be better to offer to pay someone’s teenager to clear them up, perhaps at a shared cost,’ recommends Paula.

If you ask your neighbour, and they refuse, remember they are within their rights to do so. However, if you do believe the tree is a danger, Daniel recommends putting it in writing.

‘If you are concerned that your neighbour’s tree is damaged, diseased or poses an ongoing risk to your property or the safety of others, you should raise your concerns with your neighbour and ask whether the tree has been inspected by a suitably qualified tree surgeon,’ he says.

‘If the neighbour refuses to engage and you believe there is a genuine safety risk, it is sensible to keep a record of your concerns in writing. This may assist if damage occurs in the future and questions arise about whether the risk ought reasonably to have been identified and addressed.’

It’s more than likely that we will see more storms in the coming months. So while you should definitely make a note of what to do with fallen leaves, you should also look at stormproofing your garden, patio and home. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Habitat’s Morris & Co. Christmas decorations are future heirlooms in the making

Habitat’s Morris & Co. Christmas decorations are future heirlooms in the making

by | Oct 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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As an interiors journalist, Christmas doesn’t just last for one month in December; I’ve been living in Christmas land since September. So my enthusiasm for the new high street festive decorations has worn off slightly. However, this week one new launch revived my festive spirit and had me excited for Christmas all over again: the Habitat x Morris & Co decoration collection.

I am a massive fan of what Habitat has done with Morris & Co; they’ve revived and reinvigorated the classic arts and crafts patterns to work in modern homes. I currently have the Merton sunflower armchair in my living room, which remains one of my best investments for my home. Now the designers have turned their attention to christmas decorations, and they’ve nailed it.

I’ve seen Morris & Co Christmas decorations before, but they’ve always felt a bit twee and unimaginative. The Habitat collection is none of these things. It was the set of medium Habitat x Morris & Co paper stars that jumped out at me first. Paper stars are a decoration Habitat already does incredibly well; they have been reimagined in classic Morris & Co designs, including Strawberry Thief, Hyacinth and Leicester in rich burgundy and forest greens.

They’ve also turned their hand to baubles, bows and even a wreath, interpreting the iconic patterns into rich jewel-toned decorations. Here are the 6 gems in the range I’m eyeing up for my own home.

If you want to try the heritage Christmas trend in your home but aren’t a fan of tartan, this Morris & Co collection offers an alternative way to style it out. It is classic and filled with decorations you know will be pulled out year after year by you, your kids and potentially even your grandkids.

How Early Design Decisions Shape a New Home Before Construction Begins

How Early Design Decisions Shape a New Home Before Construction Begins

by | Oct 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Building a new home is one of the few times you get to plan every room around the way you actually live. The fun stuff grabs attention first (tiles, tapware, the right shade of white). Yet much of what makes a house comfortable is settled long before anyone opens a paint chart. Once the slab’s poured and the frame is standing, room sizes, wall positions and the way your living areas face are pretty much set.

That’s why the design stage deserves a bit of patience. You want a home that suits the people in it, works with its block and climate, and still makes sense in ten years’ time.

Table of Contents

Planning the Layout Around Daily Living

Put the list of rooms aside and picture a normal weekday.

Daily routines. Where do school bags and shoes land? Who does most of the cooking? Is anyone working from home? Small questions, but they shape the plan. A modest drop zone by the entry (a bench, a few hooks) can help stop clutter drifting through the house.

Room placement. How rooms sit next to one another matters about as much as their size. A kitchen near the garage makes carrying the shopping in easier, and bedrooms tucked away from the living area are usually quieter.

Open-plan and separate zones. Open-plan living is great for keeping everyone together. It’s less great when dinner’s on the stove, someone’s taking a call and the TV is on. A second living area helps. So does a study with a door that shuts.

Setting Budget Priorities Early

Plenty of wish lists run longer than the budget, which is why priorities should be sorted early.

  • Needs, wants and extras. Split everything into three piles: the things you can’t live without, the things you’d love, and the things that can wait. It makes the trade-offs easier later.
  • Hard-to-change features. Spend on what’s hardest to change later. Ceiling heights, room sizes, window positions and the staircase location are expensive to alter after the build. A light fitting or benchtop can be upgraded later.
  • Inclusions. Quotes for similar-looking homes can cover quite different things. In Australia, many builders spell this out in an inclusions list, so people comparing home builders in Brisbane can line those lists up before deciding where the extra money goes.

Responding to Climate and Site Orientation

A floorplan can look great on paper and still feel wrong once it’s on the actual block. Often, it comes down to two things.

Sun and orientation. Where the sun lands through the day affects how bright and warm each room feels. In most Southern Hemisphere climates, living areas do well facing north. North of the equator, the general rule flips to south, so check which way the block faces before choosing a plan.

Airflow and shading. Eaves, window placement and covered outdoor areas shape how a house copes with summer. Windows on opposite sides of a room let breezes move through, while well-sized eaves keep high summer sun off sun-facing windows. West-facing glass needs extra care, as eaves do little against low afternoon sun.

Wherever you’re building, ask how a design handles local conditions before you fall for a facade.

Integrated Storage Solutions

Storage can look adequate on paper. Then you move in. Adding it later is harder, so build it in from day one.

  • Built-in joinery. Robes, linen cupboards and a walk-in pantry look tidier, and use space better, when they’re in the original plan.
  • Underused areas. Under the stairs, or that awkward end of a hallway, can take more than you’d think.
  • Bulky items. Suitcases, camping gear and the Christmas tree all need a home. Otherwise they end up in the garage or spare room, for good.

Lighting and Electrical Planning

Lighting and power are easier to get right while the frame is exposed. Mentally walk through each room: where will you read, charge phones or work late? The answers point to where switches and sockets should go.

Layering ambient, task and feature lighting can give a room more depth than a simple grid of downlights. Plan outdoor lighting and power for the alfresco or deck at the same time, since adding them once the walls are lined is generally more disruptive.

Designing for Long-Term Flexibility

Families change. A nursery turns into a teenager’s room, the playroom ends up as a second lounge, and the spare bedroom quietly becomes a home office.

A few choices now make those changes easier: a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, wider hallways and doorways, and walls placed so an opening could be added later. All are simpler to build in at design stage than to retrofit.

Final Thoughts

Some selections come up earlier than expected. With a concrete slab, toilet drainage is usually set before the pour, and because toilet suites vary in the set-out they need, you may have to pick the toilet long before it’s installed. Windows can need ordering early as well, as lead times differ between suppliers and products.

So before signing off the floorplan, ask your builder which selections will be needed and in what order. That way, big decisions aren’t rushed on site.

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When will I receive my £100 household energy payment? I asked an energy expert what we need to know about the Government’s energy bill payments

When will I receive my £100 household energy payment? I asked an energy expert what we need to know about the Government’s energy bill payments

by | Oct 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Around 20 million households in England will receive a £100 payment from the Government this winter to help with their energy bills, Chancellor John Healey confirmed, delivering the Autumn Budget.

The October price cap saw bills rise by £60 a year for millions of households, and consultants at Cornwall Insight have predicted a further 16% price increase in January 2027 compared to October of this year. This means energy bills could rise to £1,999 a year for a typical dual-fuel household in January 2027.

Unsurprisingly, many of us are looking to tighten our belts as a result, searching for ways to save energy and money at home. So, I asked an energy expert what exactly we can expect from the Household Energy Payment, who is eligible, and what difference it may have on our bills.

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Who is eligible for the payment?

‘Eligibility depends on where you live. In England, the £100 payment is for eligible households responsible for council tax on their main home in bands A to D. The governments in Wales and Scotland have also confirmed a £100 payment for households in those bands. So, if you don’t know, checking what council tax band you are in is the best place to start,’ explains Gareth Kloet, expert at Go.Compare Energy.

‘In Northern Ireland, which uses domestic rates rather than council tax, funding has been allocated for similar support, but households should await confirmation of the Executive’s arrangements rather than assuming the same rules apply.’

To check which council tax band you are under, you can use the Government’s free postcode checker.

Gareth Kloet

Gareth Kloet

Gareth Kloet has been involved in utilities since working for Welsh Water in 1994, then in the energy market since it’s deregulation in 1996 for gas and 1998 for electricity, making him Go.Compare’s go-to for any energy and comparison know-how.  He’s worked for both new businesses and established energy companies, including Atlantic, Energylinx and now Go.Compare, in his current role as energy expert and Director of Partnerships. 

What impact is this payment expected to have on bills?

‘The £100 payment will be welcome support for eligible households at a time when energy costs remain a concern. But it’s important to note that this support is a one-off payment to help with paying your bill, rather than a reduction in the cost of energy. It can help offset some of your costs, but it won’t prevent your bills from rising if your energy use or the rates you pay increase,’ says Gareth.

Door from a living room opening up to a hallway with checkered tiled floor and a white radiator cover

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

How will households receive the payment?

‘In England, payments are expected to start from January 2027. Those who pay council tax by direct debit should receive the money automatically, while others will be invited to apply through their council,’ says Gareth.

‘Wales and Scotland have also confirmed support, but households should check local guidance for payment details. Northern Ireland’s arrangements are yet to be confirmed. Be wary of unexpected messages asking for bank details and always check with official sources first.’

How do recieve payment if you don’t pay council tax?

‘In England, some households exempt from council tax are still expected to qualify, although full eligibility details have not yet been published. However, people who are not responsible for council tax are not currently included under the guidance. Councils will also receive extra funding to support households that miss out on the payment. Those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should check local guidance, as different rules may apply,’ says Gareth.

How is the payment being funded?

‘It’s government-funded support, not a discount provided by energy suppliers. The scheme is being funded through a temporary increase in the tax surcharge on bank profits and is expected to cost around £2.6 billion,’ says Gareth.

Neutral kitchen diner with jute rug beneath dining table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)

What else is the Government doing to keep energy costs down?

‘The Government has extended the temporary removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills in Great Britain until July 2027. There are also plans to remove gas standing charges from 2027, although those costs would be moved into unit rates rather than disappear altogether. That means lower-use households could benefit more than higher users. In Northern Ireland, eligible customers already receive support through the Household Electricity Discount Scheme, which is separate from the new £100 payment,’ says Gareth.

What should we be doing to keep costs down?

‘Ultimately, one of the best things you can do to keep your energy costs down is regularly review your tariff and check whether switching could save you money. Even small differences between deals can add up to meaningful savings over time,’ says Gareth.

If you haven’t already fixed your tariff, it can be a good idea to fix now, considering energy bills are expected to increase.

If you are struggling to pay your bills, you should reach out to your energy supplier to see what support you’re entitled to.

I swapped the £265 Le Creuset Bread Oven on my Christmas list for this £20 version from Aldi instead

I swapped the £265 Le Creuset Bread Oven on my Christmas list for this £20 version from Aldi instead

by | Oct 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Aldi has just added an absolute gem into its Specialbuys collection of bestselling cast iron cookware: a £19.99 bread oven which is a dead ringer for Le Creuset’s £265 version (which is beloved by bread makers everywhere). Available from the 5th of November in the middle aisle, this is one limited-edition buy I’m desperate to get my hands on.

I’ve recently got into making sourdough at home in a big way – a task that you can’t rely on one of the best bread makers alone for – and have been fervently researching the kit I need to buy to make my loaves even better.

That led me to eyeing up Le Creuset‘s Bread Oven, which was recommended by my friend and Ideal Home’s previous Kitchen Appliances Editor Millie Fender, who tried it out for us in her Le Creuset Bread Oven review, where she said it helped to make a brilliant loaf of bread.

Here’s how Aldi’s version, which is part of its longstanding editor-approved line-up for one tenth of the price, stacks up against the Le Creuset classic that’s all the rage on bread-making forums (trust me, I’ve read them all).

I’ve been researching this Le Creuset bread oven obsessively over the last few weeks, trying to work out if it’s worth splashing over £250 on in order to improve my sourdough. My biggest dilemma is over whether this oven really has that much over a standard Le Creuset casserole, which I’ve managed to get pretty good results out of already.

Making sourdough in Le Creuset's Cast Iron Casserole Dish

Making sourdough in Le Creuset’s Cast Iron Casserole Dish.

(Image credit: Future)

In the course of my research, I’ve found that if you’re after a dedicated bread baking vessel then Le Creuset’s Bread Oven is the ultimate bit of kit to pick up. It has the edge in a few ways including safer loading (you place your dough onto the flat plate) and a shape that lends itself better to preheating when empty and creating that all-important steam trap.

It’s important to note that if you’re looking for an all-rounder cast iron dish, the consensus is that a standard Le Creuset (or alternative) casserole is the best way to go. My own Le Creuset casserole in Chambray (£405), as pictured below, has been in constant use this winter for sourdough, stews and one-pot meals.

Aldi specialbuys bread oven

(Image credit: Aldi)

One thing I have been concerned about with using my standard Le Creuset for sourdough is having to preheat it dry for 45 minutes before I pop my dough in as it’s not necessarily recommended by the manufacturer. I’m worried that doing this frequently might spell trouble for the enamel layer.

That’s where Aldi’s sub £20 bread oven comes in, seeming to me like a very affordable investment as a kind of middle ground. It’s shape will allow me to experiment with using a bread oven while I decide if I want to take the plunge on Le Creuset’s version and its price tag won’t break the bank in the meantime.

It’s not the only cast iron Specialbuy that Aldi will be stocking up the middle aisle with in December either – the supermarket’s £19.99 casserole is back too as well as a range of accessories from as little as £1.99.

This is one lookalike I’m definitely going to be venturing to my nearest Aldi for!

TOPICS

The Victorian Christmas trend having a huge revival in 2026 – and it spotlights the nation’s favourite songbird

The Victorian Christmas trend having a huge revival in 2026 – and it spotlights the nation’s favourite songbird

by | Oct 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Robins are the UK’s favourite bird, according to the RSPB, and with long associations with Christmas, it’s easy to see why you’ll often spot robin motifs within Christmas decor. And this year, robins appear to be everywhere, and experts say this is down to the fact the traditional Christmas trend is booming.

If you take a look at the year’s biggest Christmas trends, you’ll notice that many of them are focused on a return to traditional festive styles. From traditionally decorated trees to the use of heritage tartan and whimsical folk decorations, it’s out with the new and in with the old this year.

And considering the cheerful, red-breasted robin has been associated with Christmas since the Victorian era, it makes perfect sense we’re seeing a surge in its popularity as a Christmas decorating idea this year. Here’s how to introduce robins to your home this Christmas.

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Why are robins trending?

Any gardener will know how wonderful it is to attract robins to their gardens. These birds are curious, confident, and have a beautiful birdsong, and the good news about incorporating them into your home is that one of the best artificial Christmas trees will suffice to house them.

Sofa with robin cushion next to Chrismas tree with dried orange garland, orange baubles, mushroom baubles, stars and fairy lights.

(Image credit: Dunelm)

‘The robin has long been a staple of Christmas decor, but this year, it’s helping us rediscover the magic of a truly traditional Christmas,’ comments Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

‘After a decade of ever-changing festive trends, 2026 is all about nostalgia. Cherished memories, familiar decorations and the comforting traditions that make Christmas feel like Christmas. It’s less about reinventing the festive season and more about celebrating Christmases past, creating new memories and building traditions that will be treasured for generations to come.’

According to Natasha Copper, a trend and social expert at MediaVision, searches for ‘Christmas robin decor’ are up 100%, proving the increase in popularity.

‘Robins are definitely a timeless trend, as it’s been a trend that sticks every season and will be for the foreseeable future. There are certain things that will never go out of style, and this is one of them with its historical connection to Christmas,’ she says.

In the Victorian era, postmen wore bright red uniforms and were nicknamed ‘robins’ or ‘robin redbreasts.’ As a result, many Victorian illustrations depicted robins delivering their Christmas cards, cementing the association.

How to style robin-inspired decor

‘Unlike fleeting decor trends that come and go, the robin has a timeless place in our Christmas traditions. Year after year, these cheerful little characters return to our homes, bringing with them a comforting sense of nostalgia, familiarity and festive warmth,’ says Natalie.

Morrisons Home robin tableware on a decorated table for Christmas.

(Image credit: Morrisons Home)

‘Introduce a few subtle touches of robin décor into your home, rather than going overboard and creating a look that feels too themed or faddy. Better still, why not start a new family tradition? Choose a special robin decoration together, something that can be brought out and treasured year after year,’ she continues.

‘After all, Christmas decorating isn’t just about how our homes look. It’s about the memories we make, the traditions we build and the stories behind the pieces we choose together.’

You don’t have to go full-blown robin maniac to get the look. You could opt for some robin-themed Christmas cookware, baubles or even nestle a few robin ornaments within your festive ornaments. If you’re in need of inspiration, here are a few of my favourite styles I’ve spotted, and you can shop them online.

Shop the trend

I love robins, whether that’s watching them out in the wild, or adding a few seasonal touches to my home. This is a traditional style that will never go out of fashion.