When most people hear “affordable housing,” they tend to think about numbers – income brackets, rental caps, and government programs. But what if we started thinking about it from a design perspective instead? Affordable housing isn’t just a policy discussion; it’s also a design challenge and an opportunity to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and accessible to everyone. In a time when housing insecurity continues to rise, design has the power to make affordable living both dignified and desirable.
Rethinking What “Affordable” Means in Design
Credit: Envato
Affordability isn’t only about how much rent costs. It’s also about how efficiently a space functions. Smart design can help residents save on utilities, make the most of limited square footage, and enjoy a higher quality of life, all without requiring a luxury budget.
This is where interior design meets social impact. The best affordable housing developments recognize that good design should not be a privilege. When every square inch counts, thoughtful choices in layout, lighting, and materials can make small apartments feel spacious and welcoming. For example, multi-purpose furniture, open shelving, and natural light can completely transform the feel of a compact unit.
Designers working in the affordable housing sector often talk about “livability”—a word that combines comfort, beauty, and practicality. It’s not about following trends but about creating homes that adapt to their residents’ needs over time.
The Role of Design in Community Building
Good design doesn’t end at the front door. Affordable housing that promotes community connection is proven to have longer-lasting positive effects on residents. Shared green spaces, communal gardens, or simple, well-lit walkways can all help foster a sense of belonging.
Urban design can play a transformative role here. By blending affordable units into mixed-income neighborhoods and ensuring they meet the same design standards as market-rate housing, developers can combat stigma and promote inclusion. The visual continuity between “affordable” and “market-rate” housing sends a subtle yet powerful message: everyone deserves to live in a well-designed space.
Sustainable Design on a Budget
Credit: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock
Sustainability and affordability often go hand in hand, even though they might seem at odds at first. Energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and recycled materials can all reduce long-term costs for residents. Many affordable housing projects now include solar panels, green roofs, or passive heating and cooling systems.
Designers are reimagining what it means to live sustainably without inflating costs. Using locally sourced materials, modular furniture, and reclaimed wood not only reduces environmental impact but also brings character and warmth into a home. A well-placed skylight, for instance, can reduce the need for artificial lighting while improving the ambiance dramatically.
Affordable housing shouldn’t mean cutting corners. It’s about cutting waste – of space, resources, and opportunity.
The Emotional Impact of Interior Design
The psychology of space is often overlooked in the affordable housing conversation. The colors on the walls, the height of the ceilings, and even the placement of windows can influence mood and behavior. People thrive in environments that feel open, bright, and harmonious.
Designing for emotional well-being doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as choosing lighter paint colors to make rooms feel larger or integrating natural textures to add warmth. Research shows that residents who feel comfortable and proud of their homes are more likely to maintain them and engage positively with their community.
Aesthetics are not an afterthought, they are essential to human dignity. When design respects the people it serves, it contributes to social stability and individual well-being.
How Section 8 Housing Fits into the Design Conversation
One of the most well-known affordable housing programs in the United States is Section 8, which provides rental assistance to low-income families. While it’s often viewed through an administrative or policy lens, there’s a growing conversation around how design can enhance the Section 8 experience for residents and landlords alike.
Many developers and property owners underestimate how design quality impacts tenant satisfaction and long-term property value. Well-designed homes featured on a Section 8 housing list can inspire confidence among renters and landlords alike, showing that affordable housing can be both functional and visually appealing.
Design-forward affordable housing can challenge outdated stereotypes. When Section 8 housing is designed with care – using modern layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and welcoming aesthetics – it not only improves residents’ lives but also revitalizes entire neighborhoods.
Small Spaces, Big Impact
With urban centers facing housing shortages, compact living has become a necessity rather than a choice. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped. Designers are rethinking micro-apartments, using creative solutions like foldable furniture, sliding partitions, and vertical storage to make small units feel open and flexible.
Color and light play major roles in these spaces. Reflective surfaces, mirrors, and neutral palettes can expand visual boundaries. Even a strategically placed rug or piece of wall art can create zones within an open-plan area, making it feel more organized and livable.
In affordable housing projects, every design decision counts twice: once for its immediate aesthetic value and again for its contribution to usability and cost efficiency.
Partnering Design and Policy
The future of affordable housing lies in collaboration. Policymakers, developers, and designers must work together to balance cost and creativity. Too often, design is treated as a luxury add-on rather than a central component of project planning. But as more architects and designers enter the affordable housing space, that mindset is changing.
Cities like Portland and Minneapolis are pioneering new models where design is integrated from the ground up. They’re proving that with the right policies and creative design, affordable housing can be beautiful, sustainable, and community-driven.
Anyone interested in the latest updates on affordable housing can follow Section 8 information for key changes and news that impact both renters and property owners.
The Designer’s Responsibility
Ultimately, the design side of affordable housing is about empathy. It asks designers to understand the real lives of residents – their routines, challenges, and aspirations – and to create spaces that support them. It’s about using design not as decoration, but as a tool for equity.
Designers have the power to normalize affordable housing as an essential part of the urban fabric rather than something set apart. When good design is accessible to everyone, we all benefit—from healthier communities to more resilient cities.
Conclusion: Beauty and Accessibility Can Coexist
Affordable housing doesn’t have to be plain, sterile, or uniform. It can be modern, functional, and inspiring. As more designers engage in this space, we’re starting to see what’s possible when creativity meets compassion.
Every home, regardless of its price tag, deserves thoughtful design. By bridging the gap between affordability and aesthetics, we can redefine what it means to live beautifully and sustainably. Affordable housing, after all, isn’t just a social mission. It’s a design opportunity that can reshape how we think about home itself.
H&M Home’s Christmas collection just landed online and in selected stores – and let me tell you, it’s a good one. It’s perhaps one of my favourite Christmas ranges I’ve seen this year, at least thus far.
So what’s so special about it? For one thing, I love that it’s an elegant, timeless yet contemporary range that’s not over the top, as many Christmas collections can be. And despite its timeless feel, the collection doesn’t just hit several of the biggest Christmas trends of this year but also many home decor trends that have been dominating the majority of 2025.
I’m a big fan of H&M’s homeware in general, especially the H&M lamps, which I regularly lust over but sadly don’t really have any space for. I love that the brand’s holiday range doesn’t feel separate from the main homeware collection – on the contrary, it’s merely a more festive continuation of the existing range. And these are the pieces that have caught my eye and that I think will be the most popular, too.
Festive bistro tableware
(Image credit: H&M)
A few months ago, H&M Home launched a tableware collection inspired by the bistro kitchen trend, recreating the look of Parisian bistros and cafes with black and white tableware.
And for Christmas, H&M expanded the range with a red and white colourway that also features festive slogans like ‘The Holiday Club’ across a serving platter or ‘Jingle’ and ‘Fa La La’ on top of small side plates.
H&M Home
Large porcelain serving plate
Even the writing on this is reminiscent of an old Hollywood movie – what’s not to love?!
H&M Home
Small porcelain plates, Set of 4
These little side plates are both fun with their various slogans and super chic in a very Parisian way.
H&M Home
Porcelain cup
Inscribed with ‘Happy Holidays greeting on the side, this stylish coffee (or tea) cup also reveals a little heart on the bottom once you finish your drink of choice.
And it’s available in many different shades too – from deep chocolate brown as seen on things like this ceramic Christmas tree that looks like it’s made from melting chocolate to a softer brown as seen on this striped ruffled Christmas tree skirt which might just be the prettiest and most stylish tree skirt I’ve seen this year.
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H&M Home
Frilled Christmas tree skirt
Stripes, ruffles and brown – could this tree skirt get any dreamier?! It also comes in a red and white striped version though if that’s more your vibe.
H&M Home
Christmas decoration
Between the dark brown shade and glossy glaze, this ceramic tree-shaped decoration looks like melting chocolate. But it also comes in white.
H&M Home
Printed cotton cushion cover
Christmas bows are not going anywhere this festive season, and this cushion cover (along with many other pieces from the range) are a testament to that.
Christmas candle holders
(Image credit: H&M)
In recent years, the focus on layered, warm and atmospheric lighting in our homes has grown. H&M Home knows this very well, given the brand’s stellar range of lamps and light fixtures. But for this Christmas, H&M is drawing attention to the cinematic drama and warmth of candlelight by offering a wide and super stylish range of candle and tealight holders, as well as candelabras.
H&M Home
Cityscape tealight holder
Also available in a silver-coloured version, this tealight holder will create beautiful and charming light effects when your tealight is lit in the darkness of winter evenings.
H&M Home
Cityscape candle holder
Alternatively, you can incorporate the cityscape motif – a running one throughout the H&M Home Christmas collection – with this ceramic dinner candle holder.
H&M Home
Tealight carousel
Also available in a gold colourway, this tealight holder comes with a carousel of bows which is set in motion by the heat of the candle.
A few extra bits I predict will be popular
H&M Home
Printed coir doormat
H&M Home
Pom-pom Christmas decoration
Tinsel is making a comeback this Christmas. And different brands are introducing different takes on the look – these tinsel pom-pom decorations from H&M are among my faves. And they’re available in four different colours.
H&M Home
Metallic tapered candles, set of 6
Chrome furniture and home decor are among the biggest interior trends of the year. And I love how H&M turned that look into these metallic tapered candles. They are also available in a gold colourway, but I’m obsessed with this silver/chrome.
Of course, there are so many more lovely pieces championing everything from the popular Christmas bow trend to sweets-shaped tableware. Which is why I recommend having a look through the whole collection at your leisure.
There’s been a slew of alternatives to the Always Pan (£125 from Our Place) released in recent months, but this version from Tesco is by far the cheapest if you can grab it at the Clubcard price. Though it has to be said that the quality of the alternatives we have tried so far, including the Lakeland Only Pan (which we’ve reviewed) and the M&S All in One Saucepan (which we awarded 4.5 stars in our review), has been impressive.
Here’s a full look at Tesco’s version and how it differs from the other lookalikes we’ve tried.
This cream pan from Tesco is a dead ringer for the Our Place Always Pan in Steam. It also features a built-in steamer and utensil, like the more expensive original.
ORIGINAL
Our Place
Always Pan 2.0
The original pan that spawned all of these alternatives is the Always Pan from Our Place, which is available in an array of gorgeous colours. But my favourite from the brand is the unbeatable (in my opinion) Titanium version.
HIGHLY RATED
Lakeland
Only Pan
This is one of the pans of this type that we’ve already tried and tested here at Ideal Home with our expert reviewer and home economist marking it 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars. High praise!
The USP of these all-in-one pans is that they can, in theory, replace multiple pieces of cookware in your kitchen. Deeper and with more pronounced sides than a usual frying pan, it means you can use this sort of cookware to shallow fry as well as even boil vegetables, adding an element of versatility to busy or cramped kitchens.
Both of these All in One products from Tesco have sizeable capacities. The pan can hold 4 litres while the stockpot rises to 6.
(Image credit: Tesco/Future)
The pan and pot are both made from aluminium, while the steamer elements are made of stainless steel. The bamboo spoon is an added extra with both that means you shouldn’t need to pick anything else up to get started with this cookware set.
With both the pan and matching pot available with a Clubcard for just £61 as opposed to the original Our Place set which will set you back £200, it’s fair to say this Tesco version is offering a real steal for those who love a high street lookalike!
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If you’re battling damp patches, condensation or drying your clothes indoors in the colder weather, Aldi might just have the answer, in the form of a 2-litre dehumidifier.
With the cost of living and energy bills still on everyone’s minds, dehumidifiers have become a smart and affordable way to make homes feel drier without having to turn up the thermostat.
And if you haven’t invested in one of the best dehumidifiers yet, you’ll save a bomb with this absolute bargain, priced at £39.99, which promises to quietly pull moisture from the air to keep your space dry, comfortable and mould-free.
Although like all of Aldi’s Specialbuys, when it’s gone, it’s gone, and with the chilly weather already settling in, I can predict this steal won’t stay on shelves for long.
(Image credit: Aldi)
With an official launch date of 23rd October, along with lots of other winter must-haves to follow, this dehumidifier will be a lifesaver as the colder, wetter months creep in, with its compact and portable design, two-litre water tank and ability to work in rooms up to 15 square metres.
Add to that, it’s the perfect device to help speed up drying your laundry indoors, which can take an age in the wintertime. And I swear by a dehumidifier for doing just this. Although you’d usually have to fork out a lot more for the privilege.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Its small stature is ideal for smaller homes and flats, and perfect for anyone looking for an affordable way to cut down on indoor humidity without spending hundreds on a premium model.
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This bargain of a dehumidifier is guaranteed to sell out fast, though, so I recommend getting down to the middle aisle as soon as you possibly can!
However, if you’re late to the party and didn’t get your hands on one, there are plenty of other great dehumidifiers that get my seal of approval.
Shop these alternative dehumidifiers
MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier
Meaco Arete Two is the best dehumidifier we’ve tested, because it’s quiet, easy to use and is very energy-efficient. Its Smart Laundry Mode is also brilliant at drying wet washing indoors.
Pro Breeze 30L Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier
Pro Breeze’s 30L High Capacity Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode is one of the highest extraction rates on the market.
EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier
EcoAir’s DD1 Simple MK3 dessicant dehumidifier is a great option for unheated rooms during the winter months. It still performs brilliantly in normal conditions too, making quick work of drying wet washing.
Remember, Aldi’s SpecialBuys are known for vanishing fast, and with the weather about to turn chilly, this particular budget buy won’t hang around for long!
When it comes to a good night’s sleep, what lies beneath the surface of your mattress is just as important as the comfort you feel on top. The layers and construction affect everything from sleep quality to body support and long-term health. If you’ve ever wanted mattress materials explained in a clear and simple way, this guide will walk you through the key components and why they matter. With a better understanding of what your mattress is made of, you’ll be able to choose one that truly meets your needs for comfort and support.
1. Why Mattress Construction Matters
Many people choose a mattress based on feel or brand reputation, but the design inside determines longevity, support, and overall comfort. A mattress is not just a soft surface; it’s an engineered system meant to cradle your body, relieve pressure points, and promote healthy spinal alignment. Poor construction can lead to sagging, uneven wear, and disrupted sleep, while a well-designed mattress can improve sleep quality, reduce back pain, and even enhance mental well-being.
Understanding the inner layers allows you to match a mattress to your sleep style, body type, and personal preferences. It also explains why some mattresses feel softer or firmer than others, even if they’re labeled the same.
2. The Core Components of a Mattress
A mattress typically consists of several layers, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s break them down:
A. Comfort Layer
The top layer is where your body makes first contact. It’s designed to provide softness, pressure relief, and initial comfort. Materials in this layer vary widely:
Memory foam: Contours to the body, relieves pressure points, and reduces motion transfer.
Latex: Offers a bouncier feel, is naturally hypoallergenic, and is more breathable than traditional memory foam.
Pillow tops or fiberfill: Often add a plush feel and extra cushioning, commonly found in hybrid mattresses.
The comfort layer is essential for providing immediate comfort and affects how “soft” or “firm” a mattress feels initially.
B. Support Core
Beneath the comfort layer is the support core, which is usually the thickest layer. It provides the structure and durability for the mattress, supporting your spine and distributing body weight evenly.
Innerspring coils: Provide traditional bounce and support. Zoned coils can offer firmer support in heavier areas like the hips and softer support in lighter areas like the shoulders.
High-density foam: Often found in memory foam or hybrid mattresses, offering consistent support and durability.
A strong support core ensures that your mattress maintains shape over time and prevents sagging, which can cause discomfort and back pain.
C. Transition Layer
Some mattresses include a transition layer between the comfort layer and support core. This layer helps with gradual weight distribution, easing the shift from soft top layers to the firmer base. It often uses slightly firmer foam or hybrid materials to enhance spinal alignment and prevent the feeling of “bottoming out.”
D. Edge Support
Edge support is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in sleep quality. A mattress with reinforced edges prevents sagging and allows you to use the full surface of the bed without feeling like you might roll off. This is particularly important for couples and those who sit on the bed edges regularly.
3. Materials Matter: How Each Type Affects Sleep
The choice of materials impacts temperature regulation, motion isolation, and durability. Here’s a closer look:
Memory foam: Excellent for contouring but can retain heat if not gel-infused or ventilated.
Latex: Naturally breathable and resilient, offering a balance of support and softness.
Innerspring: Promotes airflow, which helps with cooling, but may transfer motion more than foam.
Hybrid: Combines foam and coil benefits, balancing comfort, support, and temperature regulation.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each material allows you to pick a mattress tailored to your sleep preferences, whether you sleep hot, need firm support, or prefer a plush surface.
4. How Mattress Layers Affect Sleep Health
Your mattress directly impacts your physical health:
Spinal alignment: Proper support keeps the spine neutral, reducing pressure on joints and muscles.
Pressure relief: Softer top layers relieve stress on hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Temperature control: Breathable materials reduce overheating, ensuring comfortable sleep.
A mattress that combines these elements appropriately helps reduce back pain, fatigue, and restlessness. It also contributes to mental well-being by allowing deeper, uninterrupted sleep cycles.
5. Signs Your Mattress Design Isn’t Working
Even high-quality mattresses can fail if their design doesn’t match your body type or sleeping style. Warning signs include:
Waking up with stiffness or pain
Sagging or uneven surface
Feeling hot during the night
Constantly shifting to find comfort
If any of these signs appear, it might be time to evaluate the mattress layers and materials to ensure they support your body properly.
6. Choosing the Right Mattress Based on Design
When shopping for a mattress, consider the following:
Sleep position: Side sleepers often benefit from softer comfort layers, while back and stomach sleepers need firmer support cores.
Body weight: Heavier individuals may need firmer cores and thicker transition layers to prevent sagging.
Temperature needs: Hot sleepers may prefer breathable foams, latex, or innerspring designs.
Durability: High-density foams and latex tend to last longer, while softer materials may compress faster.
Taking the time to understand mattress construction ensures your investment supports better sleep for years to come.
7. Future Innovations in Mattress Design
The mattress industry continues to innovate with advanced materials and smart design features:
Gel-infused foams and phase-change materials: Improve cooling
Zoned support layers: Offer targeted spinal alignment
Eco-friendly and natural materials: Latex, wool, and organic cotton reduce environmental impact and allergens
Adjustable and hybrid designs: Customize firmness and comfort for individual needs
These advancements show how understanding what’s inside a mattress can directly influence comfort, support, and overall sleep quality.
8. Final Thoughts
Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of health and well-being. Knowing what goes into your mattress and why each layer matters helps you make an informed decision. From comfort layers that cradle your body to support cores that maintain spinal alignment, every design choice impacts how well you rest. By exploring mattress materials, you can find the perfect balance of comfort, support, and durability, ultimately improving your nightly rest and daily performance.
Investing time in understanding mattress construction is investing in better sleep, better health, and a better life.
Stop what you’re doing because I’m possibly about to bring you the best discount of the year – DUSK is selling their stunning Ascot Ottoman Double Bed for just £49. Yep, you heard me right, £49.
There’s no denying that the best beds can often come with an expensive price tag. After all, you want your bed to last years, as you would your best mattress. While DUSK has always been one of the most affordable outlets to purchase quality bed frames, this is easily the best deal I have seen for a long time.
Originally £299, the Ascot Ottoman Double Bed is £250 off and already members of the Ideal Home team are racing to snap it up fast. But you’ll have to be quick, as this deal will only last for today, or as long as stocks last – here’s everything you need to know.
DUSK
Ascot Ottoman Storage Bed – Apricot
Wtih curved edges and a rich, apricot colourway, this bed is unbelievably stylish. It’s great for adding a pop of warm colour to your bedroom
DUSK
Chambery Bed Frame – Berry
No-one will believe you picked up this bed frame for just £51! It has a grand, timeless look, and it’s rich berry headboard only adds to its luxe style.
DUSK
Versailles Bed Frame – Mauve
I love the scalloped edges of this bed which give a playful edge to an otherwise luxe look. It’s mauve headboard add a warm, soft glow to your bedroom without dominating the space.
I thought it was a practical joke when I first spotted this deal, a very, very delayed April Fools prank. But while a £49 DUSK bed frame was not on my 2025 bingo card, I was happy to be wrong.
Alongside two other discounted bed frames – the Versailles Bed Frame in Mauve (£65) and the Chambery Bed Frame in Berry (from £51) – DUSK has drastically dropped the prices of these beds in homage to a mistake last autumn, where products were accidentally reduced by 80% for just over an hour until the error was corrected.
Now, you have just today to pick up these bargain beds. In fact, Content Editor, Lauren Bradbury, has already snapped up the Ascott Ottoman Bed this morning.
The Ascott Ottoman bed is discounted in Apricot, and given that terracotta bedrooms are surging in popularity right now, I’d say this peachy tone is a great choice. Made with soft, matte velvet fabric and a soft, curved headboard, this bed looks stylish and comfortable. Curved furniture is certainly the flavour for 2025 – your guests won’t believe you picked up this on-trend frame for less than a meal out for two.
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Of course, the biggest draw of this bed is its handy underbed storage, where there is plenty of space to store everything from bedding, towels and pillows – or any clutter you don’t want on show. This bed is also owned by Molly Cleary, one of Ideal Home’s Content Editors, who recommends it based on its handy storage.
‘I’ve had the Ascot bed for about a year now, and the storage element has been a revelation for keeping clutter out of my bedroom,’ she says.
‘Assembling it was so easy, and the mechanism for lifting it is very uncomplicated. The storage space is deep enough to allow you to pop more organised boxes in there – I use mine to stash winter or summer clothes as well as bits and bobs that I don’t want to put far out of reach in the loft.
‘The design of the bed adds so much to a room too, with its subtle curved edges. All in all, it’s a really high-quality bed, especially at this sale price!’
With Christmas right around the corner, now is the perfect time to elevate your bedroom and guest bedroom ideas. And I have to say you won’t get a better price than this stylish DUSK bed frame. Will you be picking it up?
