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Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

by | Jul 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

If there’s one thing that all this hot weather calls for, it’s a delicious tub of homemade ice cream. And no, you don’t need the Ninja Creami (£169.99, Argos) to do this, as Aldi has just dropped a similar alternative for just £69.99.

Over the past few years, the best ice-creams have become the ‘it’ appliance of any kitchen, even overtaking air fryers in terms of viral popularity. But they can be expensive appliances – until now, at least.

Landing in stores on 16 July, the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker is dropping as part of the supermarket’s latest Modern Kitchen range. Here’s everything we know about this star buy so far.

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Having been writing about Aldi for a few years now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for Aldi to drop an ice-cream maker. Yes, there may have been an Aldi ice cream maker to hit the shelves before, but I’ve been on the lookout a slightly fancier gadget.

And my prayers have been answered, as their new premium ice cream maker is a dead ringer for the Ninja Creami.

More than £100 cheaper than the Ninja Creami Deluxe (£249.99, Ninja), the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker allows you to create delicious homemade ice cream, sorbet, milkshake and even frozen cocktails. It’s easy to operate with a self-cleaning function, has an adjustable blade and dishwasher-safe accessories, making clean-up an equally easy job.

There’s not much detail on how the machine operates, however it does look as though it will be easy to use via a simple dial, and we predict that, like the Creami, you’ll need to freeze your ice-cream mixture first. With a Ninja Creami, this is around 24 hours, so bear in mind that you might need to account for some freezing time when preparing your frozen treats.

Aldi premium ice cream maker on pink background

(Image credit: Aldi)

‘Of all of the Ninja Creami rivals that have been released recently, including the cleverly designed NutriBullet Chill and Russell Hobbs’ version, this ice cream maker from Aldi is by far the cheapest,’ says Molly Cleary, Kitchen Appliances Editor at Ideal Home.

‘At £69.99, if it works well, it’s a total bargain. It has the same ‘slot in and mix’ design of the Creami and looks like it’s aiming for similar functionality with the ability to whip up ice cream, milkshakes, sorbets and other sweet treats. After testing the Ninja Creami Deluxe, I can safely say that this type of appliance is one you’ll have a lot of fun with, and though I haven’t got my hands on Aldi’s version yet, I’m sure it’s about to be a hit with those looking to spend a little less!’

Due to the fact that it is under £70, I’m inclined to believe that it won’t be quite as good as the original. However, if you want to try an ice cream maker or have a tighter budget, it’s a good starting point and worth a try.

However, we do think this ice cream maker will sell out like soft serve on a hot day. So, if you can’t track one down, here are a few more affordable options you can shop online.

With 2026 on track for a scorcher of a summer, what better way to cool down than with a delicious, homemade ice cream?

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Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

The cordless patio cleaner I’d recommend to anyone fed up with stubborn weeds – they were gone in a flash with zero effort needed

by | Jul 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

While much of my garden has been suffering in the heat, it doesn’t seem to have had any effect on the weeds, which are growing as much as ever. But the hot weather has meant that I have zero energy for digging weeds out by hand, so I was happy to give the Ryobi Cordless 18V ONE+™ Patio Cleaner at Amazon a go and save myself the effort.

The combination of paving slabs, pointing and brick edging on my patio means that there are plenty of gaps and crevices for weeds to take root in. While I’ve tried plenty of different methods for removing weeds from a patio, it can be back-breaking work stooping down to get at them, not to mention hard on the knees, too.

I was also pleased to discover that the patio cleaner is cordless, meaning it can be used outside without the hassle of having to drag out an extension cable, and with plenty of weed-ridden paths at my allotment (which has no outside power), I plan to put it through its paces there too.

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Using the Patio Cleaner

Ryobi patio cleaner

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

The Patio Cleaner works by using a battery-powered motor that rotates a wire brush head, which whizzes round and dislodges any weeds, moss, grass and debris from the gaps in between paving slabs and along path edges.

Set up was fairly speedy. The Patio Cleaner comes complete with a rechargeable battery and charger – it takes an hour to fully charge and promises to run for up to 32 minutes on a single charge.

Looking similar in shape and size to a strimmer, it has a contoured handle at the top, plus a steadying handle further down that simply needs to be clipped in place.

It also has a telescoping handle which can easily be adjusted in height, should it feel more comfortable longer or shorter. And to operate, there is a safety trigger and button at the top that need to be pressed in unison to start it up.

Weight-wise, it does feel pretty hefty at 2.83 kg in weight, but it is fairly easy to manoeuvre without putting strain on your shoulders or back.

Ryobi patio cleaner

The wire brush head is recommended for hard paving

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

The Patio Cleaner comes complete with a wire brush head, which is recommended for use on patios, driveways and bricked surfaces where you’ll come up against the most common garden weeds. A lighter nylon brush head is also available, which is recommended for softer surfaces like sandstone or marble paving, but does need to be ordered separately and costs £17.99.

Ryobi patio cleaner

Simply guide the Patio Cleaner along the edge of paving

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

Operation of the Patio Cleaner was pretty straightforward. The wire brush head sits on one side of the sweeper, while on the other side, there is a small wheel that helps guide it along the line of your paving or pathway.

All that’s needed is to hold onto the top handle and grab the guiding handle lower down to steer it. Once switched on, the Patio Cleaner easily whizzes along in a line, with the rotating brush head getting into gaps and dislodging weeds and debris as it goes. I found that small weeds came out instantly, but with bigger, more deep-rooted weeds, I needed to run it over them again a couple of times.

Ryobi patio cleaner

Weeds are dislodged in seconds

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

For my patio, with regularly spaced paving slabs, tackling the job in sections and working methodically in lines going down and then across the patio worked best for me. Clearing the entire patio was speedy (in under 15 minutes) and required no back-breaking bending or getting down on hands and knees.

Ryobi patio cleaner

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

The Patio Cleaner does send weeds and debris whizzing out, although there is a plastic shield that guards the brush head and prevents debris from flying upwards – it is also recommended that you wear safety goggles while operating it. Afterwards, you will have to give the patio a thorough sweeping down to clear up, so do have a sturdy brush on hand.

Ryobi patio cleaner

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

When it comes to corners and tricky angles, it does take a little manoeuvring to make sure that you get into the edges, but that was no problem.

I found the noise levels of the Patio Cleaner to be a lot less noisy than a regular garden strimmer (check out the video below to see and hear it in action), with less vibration than a strimmer, so much easier on the arms.

The verdict? Having previously tested QVC’s electric Weed Sweeper, my only gripe with that design was having to drag a cable around with me. So upgrading to this cordless Patio Cleaner makes cleaning the patio that much easier and means I can also use it in places where a power source isn’t available, such as the front garden or over at my allotment.

And while it is great for clearing weeds from hard surfaces like patios and paths, when it comes to removing weeds from lawns and borders, investing in a manual weeding tool like the Gardena Weed Puller is also worth considering, so you’ll have every type of weed covered.

Ryobi patio cleaner

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazzani)

Shop these Patio Cleaner alternatives

If the Patio Cleaner isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we have a few alternatives you can shop.

Will you be investing in a patio cleaner? Or do you have your own clever ways of dealing with weeds? Let us know.

Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

This £30 cooling gel mattress pad is a game-changer if you’re struggling to sleep in the heat – it’s the only thing that helped me keep cool in the last heatwave

by | Jul 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, and a self-certified very-hot-sleeper at the best of times, I’ve tested a *lot* of cooling bedding over the past five years.

And, as many parts of the UK prepare to navigate a sweltering heatwave for the third time this year, there’s one product I recommend time and time again to anyone looking for a cooler sleep.

The Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad costs £30, and (as long as you have space for it in the fridge), it offers almost glacial cooling compared to pretty much every other bedtime cooling hack I’ve tried.

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When temperatures are this high, even the best mattresses need some extra help to stay cool, so it’s little wonder the smaller version of this cooling pad, Silentnight’s Cooling Gel Pillow Pad, sold out pretty much everywhere during the June heatwave.

The larger mattress pad is exactly the same design, just longer, measuring 60 x 90cm. It’s only a few millimetres thick and constructed of three compartments, each of which holds cooling gel within a thick PVC cover.

Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad

(Image credit: Silentnight)

Now, it’s worth pointing out that, depending on which retailer you look at, this cooling pad has mixed reviews.

The Cooling Gel Body Pad is marketed as being cooling straight out of the box. And it is; I was really surprised by how cool to the touch I found this product upon first handling.

However, I also agree with many reviewers who say that that coolness soon wears off after you’ve been lying on the pad for a while. Body heat causes the gel to slowly warm, and in a heatwave, that happens pretty quickly.

But where I think the cooling pad really comes into its own is if you pop it in the fridge before bed.

Kitchen with blue cabinets and a large fridge-freezer in the middle

(Image credit: Future PLC/Philip Lauterbach)

Admittedly, you will need enough space in your fridge to fold the pad up and chill it for an hour or so before bed. But, if you can, the pad then becomes *really* cold.

After doing this, I actually find it *too* cold to use next to my skin, so I pop it under a fitted sheet to lie on, or simply slide it into bed to cool down the sheets and then remove it before I get in.

If you choose to keep it in bed with you, then it will still warm up gradually over time, but that cool blast as you get into bed can really help you to drop off to sleep during a heatwave, as our temperature dropping a few degrees is what triggers the sleep cycle to begin.

‘I needed this so that I could get to sleep in this heat,’ says one reviewer of the Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad at M&S. ‘It helped enormously, even though it was warm to the touch by morning.’

A bedroom with green wall panelling behind the bed

(Image credit: Future PLC / Cristogatin)

Pair the cooling mattress pad with the cool-against-the-skin M&S Stay Cool Lyocell Rich Fitted Sheet I just tested, and a lightweight dohar over you for the ultimate breathability in bed, or some of the best linen bedding for hot weather, and you’ll have a sleep setup that’s as hot-weather ready as it will ever be.

Although be warned: as the mercury continues to climb, I think this Cooling Pad might go the way of Silentnight’s smaller version, and start selling out fast. So, I’ve popped three stockists below to ensure you have more chance of snapping up stock.

And, of course, if all else fails, you could also use the classic (and free) cooling hack of popping your fitted sheet into the fridge before bed.

In my experience, the cooling effect doesn’t last as long as when using a cool pack or cooling pad, but in these temperatures, every degree cooler counts!

This new three-in-one IKEA playmat turns into a ball pit and a toy storage box within seconds – it’s genius and under £30!

This new three-in-one IKEA playmat turns into a ball pit and a toy storage box within seconds – it’s genius and under £30!

by | Jul 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Aside from budget-friendly flatpack furniture, IKEA is also becoming well-known for its clever problem-solving designs. The just-dropped IKEA GREJSIMOJS playmat is the latest addition to the lineup as the foldable mat turns into a toy storage box or even a ball pit within seconds – and what parent can resist a genius product like that?!

The £29 mat is part of IKEA’s wider children’s GREJSIMOJS collection released earlier this year and filled with playful designs like a giraffe-shaped floor lamp or a clothes stand taking on the look of a potted cactus. But while the previous GREJSIMOJS drop was more fun and playful, this genius toy storage idea is a more functional addition.

The three-in-one design makes toy clean-up super quick and easy. After your little one is done playing on the mat, you can simply fold it up – still with the toys on top of it – using the eyelet fastenings the design comes equipped with and turn it either into a cube-shaped storage box or a wider, lower shape which can fit under a sofa or a bed as a hidden toy storage idea. The latter configuration can also be used for play, turning it into a small ball pit.

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The IKEA GREJSIMOJS storage box in a living room with toys inside

(Image credit: IKEA)

Existing customers are already loving it. One reviewer wrote, ‘I love such well thought-out products – that’s why I had to grab it immediately when I discovered it under new products at IKEA. Great workmanship, absolutely practical, does exactly what it should! Fits under our IKEA sofa when low.’

IKEA GREJSIMOJS foldable mat/toy storage box with toys inside slotted under a sofa

(Image credit: IKEA)

The only downside that customers are disappointed with is that when folded into a storage box, the GREJSIMOJS doesn’t fit into a KALLAX unit. ‘I got so excited about this for our Lego collection. Then I saw the dimensions didn’t fit in the kallax unit and now I’m trying to work out where we can store it,’ a reviewer wrote.

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On top of all of that, given the GREJSIMOJS mat’s multifunctional design, it’s also a great buy for any compact spaces, whether it’s a small playroom idea you’re after or if you want to squeeze a play area into a small living room.

This IKEA mat is set to become every parent’s favourite toy storage solution and a secret weapon for quick toy tidy up.

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Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

Aldi just dropped a £13 solar fountain that taps into one of this summer’s biggest garden trends – it’s giving champagne looks on lemonade money

by | Jul 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Aldi is launching a stylish LED solar fountain that will add both ambience and style to your garden this summer. It looks so good; I can’t believe it’s only £12.99.

There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the soft tinkling of a water feature. It’s often a simple addition to your garden, yet the best water feature ideas can transform your outdoor space into a chic and calming environment.

This year, micro ponds and DIY fountains have been doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram; however, for the cash-strapped, less creative among us, Aldi has come to the rescue with its solar LED fountain, landing in stores on Thursday (9 July). It will make a serene addition to even the smallest of gardens and patios.

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This isn’t the first solar fountain from Aldi to impress us. The viral mosaic solar water fountain is a middle aisle favourite and is coveted by a couple of members of the Ideal Home Team. While I do love the Mediterranean look of this fountain, Aldi’s new Solar LED Fountain is a sleeker alternative that’s perfect for evening entertaining.

The latest solar fountain not only has a sleeker bowl-like appearance that will look gorgeous nestled amongst your container garden ideas, but it is fitted with twinkling LED lights to provide a soft, ambient glow in the evening.

The solar fountain has an external solar panel to ensure it flows beautifully throughout the day and glows when the sun sets. It’s available in three neutral colourways, and you can choose from a smooth or riffled finish – I personally think the Anthracite colour in the smooth finish looks the most stylish, and way more expensive than its £12.99 price tag.

Aldi LED solar fountain

(Image credit: Aldi)

I haven’t found any alternatives to this Aldi fountain that are both space-saving and this affordable. I’d go as far as to say it’s the most affordable water feature I’ve seen this year. La Redoute’s Outdoor Solar-Powered Round Ribbed Ball Water Fountain (£79.99) is the closest in style, but far more expensive.

You can try to DIY your own mini solar fountain with a solar-powered attachment, pebbles and a plant pot. However, even that can easily cost over £30 if you need to buy a new planter for it, and here, Aldi has done all the hard work; this LED fountain is a shortcut to achieving the must-have water feature of the summer.

Alternatively, a patio pond is an affordable and wildlife-friendly option. Combine Thompson & Morgan’s Pond Flowering Kit (£24.99) with this Amazon Solar Water Fountain (£8.34), and you’ll have a stunning, naturalistic display that also attracts birds, bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Here are a few more stunning solar water features you can shop online if you can’t get to an Aldi.

If you’ve been looking for an affordable yet attractive water feature to add to your garden, Aldi is where you want to head this week.
How Caring And Maintaining The Floors Has A Positive Impact On Your Well-being

How Caring And Maintaining The Floors Has A Positive Impact On Your Well-being

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Design Inspiration

When was the last time you really looked at the floors? Don’t worry if your answer is no, because everyone is busy these days, and they often rush when observing the state of their floors. But now that you’re here, you should know that your floors deserve more attention because they support your daily life, quietly. They witness your family gatherings, holiday parties, your kids’ first steps, muddy paws of your pet entering inside to hide from the rain, and everything in between. The floors seem to work harder than almost any other surface in the house, but unfortunately, they are also the most overlooked because we have to look down to check up on them. 

It’s easy to assume that they’re in good shape regardless of what happens. They’re designed to be walked on, so they must endure everything in the best shape. And yes, that’s true, but even the most durable floors need regular care to maintain their properties. Looking after the floors in your house isn’t just about maintaining their appearance, but also about protecting your budget, creating a healthier home environment, and making the house feel more inviting and cleaner. 

One Can Easily Notice How Clean Floors Change The Feel Of The House

Stunning herringbone parquet flooring in a modern home

Let’s think about the next scenario for a moment, you’re walking into a room where sunlight pours through the windows, maybe the living room, and you notice the tody furniture, the perfectly arranged cushions, and you feel like everything is in its place. But as you spend more time in the room, you start noticing that the dust is gathering in the corners, there are footprints and paw prints across the floor, and pet hair is clinging to the rugs and floors. Suddenly, you’re no longer content with the look of the room because it doesn’t feel fresh anymore.

Now, let’s picture another scenario, only this time the floors are spotless. You feel how the entire atmosphere changes, and the room seems calmer, brighter, and even more welcoming. There’s a switch in the way you feel about the room because the human brain is naturally programmed to associate a clean surface, like the floor, with a clean house. A clean house will always change someone’s first impression of the space, and while floors might not be the first thing someone checks in a house, they play a major role in the grand scheme of interior things. 

Floor Care Impacts Your Overall Well-being

We cannot deny that we admire beautiful floors, and freshly cleaned floors have a special type of charm, but regular maintenance has several other benefits besides a beautiful appearance.

Daily, the floors collect tiny particles of dust, first, pollen, grit, and debris you bring from outside on your shoes, or enter through the open doors and windows. When you don’t remove the particles, they can act like fine sandpaper and will gradually wear away the protective finishes of the floors, leaving them with scratches that become more and more noticeable as time passes.

If you have carpets, the issues are a little bit different because they collect allergens, dust, and pet dander, which settle in the fibers, so regular cleaning becomes mandatory to maintain a healthy indoor environment. 

Your Home Tells You How Often You Should Vacuum

Modern Scandi inspired living room interior

How often should I vacuum my house? A question each of us has in mind. A question that has no general answer because the perfect answer is that each household is different. Let’s say that you live alone and spend most of the day away from home, then you’ll be more than fine to vacuum once or twice a week.

But if you have pets or children running around the house, then you most likely have noticed their habits of leaving a trail of crumbs everywhere they go. Your pet might think that the floors are their runway to display the mud on their paws. This kind of house that hosts an active family requires vacuuming several times a week because the dirt accumulates faster, the allergens can easily build up, and the pet hair seems to magically appear daily. If you find yourself in the second situation, then checking the range of vacuum cleaners designed for heavy-duty and pet hair is the best solution. 

You can tell which vacuuming schedule is the best by paying attention to how your home actually lives, and you’ll be able to easily tell how often you should clean the floors. 

Should You Consider Using A Robot Vacuum?

We all know that life tends to get quite busy these days. You’re juggling between your family responsibilities, work, social commitments, shopping, cooking, and trying to find some time for your hobbies. Vacuuming is the last thing you want to do, and often doesn’t even allocate it any time in your schedule. But your floors are suffering if you ignore it and your house gets into a state of havoc, so you need to figure out a way to vacuum them as often as necessary.

You’re not the only homeowner dealing with this issue, and we witnessed an increase in the number of robot vacuums purchased over the last couple of years because they are a valuable addition for all modern homes. You can leave home in the morning and return to freshly vacuumed and even mopped floors without lifting a finger. Some robot vacuums can also handle mopping tasks, so your floors will always be in their best shape.  

Looking After The Floors Could Improve Your Well-being

A clean home has a way to make it feel more relaxed. Having clean floors contributes majorly to the sense of calmness because a dust-free space feels fresher, plus they’re ideal for walking on barefoot.

Clean floors are a must when you suffer from allergies because you reduce the amount of dust mites and pollen through regular vacuuming. Having allergies and pets makes it mandatory to invest in a robot vacuum cleaner to remove any particles that might make you sick from the floors and rugs.

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Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

Shark just dropped a ‘fun-sized’ carpet cleaner that’s perfect for smaller homes – no huge storage space required!

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Shark has a few carpet cleaners to its name, but the brand’s newest release, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner EX500UK (£179.99 at Shark), definitely stands out from the crowd as it’s officially their lightest model to date.

Of course, you probably don’t need me to tell you that the best carpet cleaners are big, bulky and heavy. This often makes them difficult to manoeuvre and even more difficult to store – especially in smaller homes where cupboard space is limited. And while renting a carpet cleaner is always an option, Shark has made buying one more accessible than ever.

The Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is designed to be compact, lightweight, and seriously convenient, delivering full-size power in a ‘fun-size’ form that’s easy to use and store. At just £179.99, it also takes the cake as one of the cheapest carpet cleaners I’ve come across.

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Coming in at just 6.9 kg, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is officially lighter than any other full-size carpet cleaner in my guide – and it even comes with a removable wand that makes it smaller to store in tighter spaces.

In fact, my number-one-rated model, the VAX Platinum SmartWash carpet washer review, weighs 8.9kg, and the hefty Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner comes in at a whopping 14.25kg. And while some of them do fold down, they are nowhere near as compact as Shark’s new model.

Woman carrying the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner up cream carpeted stairs in a modern house

(Image credit: Shark)

But while I’d initially questioned whether a lighter, smaller carpet cleaner could successfully clean carpets, Shark claims that the CarpetForce offers up to six times deeper cleaning than traditional vacuuming, using its DirtDistrupt brush roll to get deep into carpet fibres and lift, loosen, and remove all kinds of debris.

The 3.8-litre clean water tank capacity is also what you’d expect from a full-size carpet cleaner, and it’s compatible with Shark’s Deep Clean Pro Formula (£14.99 at Shark), which is specifically designed to refresh carpets and remove odours from pets or even smoke.

But if that doesn’t quite suit your carpet-cleaning needs, it’s also compatible with the Shark Deep Clean Ultra With Stain Guardian (£19.99 at Shark), which is for more targeted spot cleaning and for protecting against future staining.

Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner with the wand removed for easy storage in the corner of a room

(Image credit: Shark)

And while we all know that the most annoying part of cleaning carpets is waiting for them to dry, Shark’s Express Clean Mode supposedly offers a 50% faster dry time compared to the Deep Clean Mode. This means you can get on with your day much quicker.

On paper, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner definitely has a lot of perks – most notably the sub-£200 price point. But I always like to test these claims for myself, so keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon.

I do already love the idea of a compact, lightweight carpet cleaner though…

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Aldi’s just dropped a premium ice cream maker, and it’s more than £100 cheaper than the cult Ninja Creami – be quick, it’s going to sell out fast

B&Q’s stylish hedge bed is the perfect shortcut to shield your garden from nosy neighbours and turn your garden into a private sanctuary

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Design Inspiration

If I wanted to give a garden privacy this summer, I’d use a hedge bed like B&Q’s Bopha Rectangular Wood Trough (£54) to add instant height and structure to my borders.

There are plenty of garden screening ideas to help zone your space and gain privacy from nosy neighbours, and one of the easiest (and most natural ways) is by making the most of your plants, in particular hedges.

Having spotted B&Q’s hedge beds on a recent trip to the store, I saw first-hand how handy these troughs are for crafting your own garden privacy ideas, they can also become a haven for wildlife too.

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The Bopha Rectangular Wood Trough has a capacity of 110L and is ideal for growing edibles and flowers in your garden. Standing at 35cm, they create height and structure to your garden borders and patios.

Many flowers, such as some geraniums, dwarf zinnias and crocuses, don’t reach great heights, so container planting is an excellent way to ensure your eye is drawn to them, whilst adding extra height and structure to the space.

Now, this won’t exactly offer loads of privacy, but you can also add taller-growing plants to the trough thanks to its 40cm depth, such as agapanthus, delphiniums and verbena, which offer privacy through their height, as well as stunning bursts of colour.

The trough itself has drainage holes in the base, which allow excess water to drain away, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged, although container plants do benefit from being watered more in a heatwave. You will, however, need to apply a suitable oil finish (such as the Osmo Garden Furniture Oil, £30.62, Amazon) periodically to maintain the trough’s colour and weather resistance.

Wood trough planter in B&amp;amp;Q Cheltenham store.

I first saw the trough in store. It’s incredibly sturdy and stylish in person.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Kezia Reynolds)

As well as adding extra height to your garden, the trough can also be used to carve out zones in your garden. This easy garden layout idea really couldn’t be any simpler. Simply arrange your troughs to create zones, such as a seating area or BBQ space. Think of them as flowering screens.

These planters are also great for supporting local birds. Once blooming, the trough offers a sheltered spot off the ground that birds can take respite in.

‘I recently purchased the Verve Bopha 110L trough, and I’m very impressed. At 80cm wide, it provides plenty of space for a variety of plants. The build quality feels very durable; the wood is thick and feels like it will hold up well against the elements. Aesthetically, the brown finish is lovely-it has a natural, premium look that fits perfectly in my garden. Overall, a high-quality item that feels like it’s built to last,’ says one review.

‘Really pleased with the planters, they are solidly built and sturdy and just the right size to fit perfectly on the patio. The stained wood is attractive and blends well with the perennial flowers I’ve planted in it to give that extra bit of colour in winter,’ says another.

Add privacy to a garden

While a hedge bed will add privacy along fences or around seating areas when the plants have established themselves, if you are looking for a more instant fix, here are a few alternative patio privacy ideas.

If you want to use natural planting to create privacy in a garden, these wooden troughs are the stylish planters to help you do it.

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Sweet and Low: A Guide To Low-slung Furniture

Sweet and Low: A Guide To Low-slung Furniture

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Design Inspiration, Furniture

Furniture trends come and go, but low-slung furniture is one look that continues to stand the test of time. Inspired by mid-century modern design and minimalist interiors, low-profile sofas, chairs and beds offer a laid-back aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to contemporary living. Their relaxed proportions create a sense of openness and comfort, making rooms feel both spacious and inviting.

Whether you decide to embrace the trend wholeheartedly or simply introduce a few low-profile pieces into your existing scheme, low-slung furniture can bring a stylish, modern and effortlessly relaxed feel to almost any interior.

Why has low-slung furniture become so popular?

The popularity of low-slung furniture has grown significantly in recent years, alongside the rise of contemporary interior styles such as Japandi, Scandinavian and mid-century modern design. These design movements place an emphasis on simplicity, comfort and a strong connection with the surrounding space, all qualities that low-profile furniture naturally supports. Lower furniture creates an open, uncluttered appearance that many homeowners find calming, particularly in today’s fast-paced world where the home is increasingly seen as a sanctuary from everyday stresses.

The trend also reflects changing lifestyles. Modern homes are often used for a variety of purposes, from working and entertaining to relaxing and spending time with family. Low-slung sofas, chairs and beds encourage a more informal way of living, prioritising comfort and relaxation over traditional, formal arrangements. As open-plan layouts continue to grow in popularity, many homeowners are also drawn to the way low-profile furniture helps maintain a sense of spaciousness and visual flow throughout the home.

Low-slung furniture and ceiling height

One of the biggest advantages of low-profile furniture is the way it can alter the perceived proportions of a room. By keeping seating and beds closer to the floor, more wall space remains visible above them, which naturally draws the eye upwards and can make ceilings appear higher than they really are. This visual trick is widely used by interior designers to create a greater sense of openness and airiness.

Low-slung furniture can be particularly beneficial in apartments, loft conversions, period cottages and other homes where ceiling heights may be limited. Rather than filling the room with bulky, oversized pieces, lower furniture helps maximise the available space and prevents the room from feeling cramped or top-heavy. In larger rooms, low-profile furniture can also create a luxurious, gallery-like feel, allowing architectural details, artwork or large windows to become the main focus.

What classes as low-slung furniture?

In order to qualify as low-slung, chairs, beds and sofas should have a lower profile than traditional furniture. While ‘standard’ furniture typically measures around 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the bottom of the seat, low-slung furniture usually measures only 12 to 18 inches. Perfect for a laid back lifestyle, this lower profile creates a sense of intimacy.

Low-slung furniture is often raised on slim legs of wood or metal, emphasising clean lines and a minimal look. It is usually in a fairly plain style, lacking ornate detailing or heavy patterns. This all adds to a contemporary look.

The decreased height means that visually these pieces work well in small spaces. They’re also conducive to open plan living spaces, as the lower height means that they don’t break the flow of the room.

Best interior styles for low-slung furniture

Low-slung pieces work especially well in a range of contemporary interior schemes. In Japandi interiors, they reinforce the style’s emphasis on calm, simplicity and natural materials, helping to create serene spaces inspired by both Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. Mid-century modern rooms frequently feature low-profile sofas and lounge chairs with slender wooden legs, making this style a natural partner for low-slung furniture.

Contemporary minimalist interiors also benefit from the clean lines and understated appearance of low-profile pieces. Their streamlined silhouettes help maintain a clutter-free aesthetic while still providing comfort and functionality. Even industrial-style spaces can be softened by introducing low-slung seating, which adds warmth and creates a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Because of their versatility, low-profile pieces can easily be incorporated into eclectic interiors too, balancing bolder decorative elements without overwhelming the space.

Choosing the right low-slung sofa

Not all low-profile seating offers the same level of comfort, so it is important to look beyond appearance alone when making a purchase. Before buying, consider factors such as seat depth, seat height and cushion firmness. Deep seats create a relaxed lounging experience, but they may not suit everyone, particularly taller people or those who prefer a more upright sitting position.

Cushion support is equally important. A sofa that sits low to the ground but provides firm, supportive cushioning can be far more comfortable for everyday use than one with overly soft cushions that are difficult to rise from.

If possible, visit a showroom and try several designs before making a decision. Since low-slung furniture encourages a different seating posture from traditional sofas, taking the time to test various options can help ensure you choose a piece that suits both your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Benefits of low-slung furniture

  1. It can be more comfortable. The lower seating position is more casual and less formal. Low chairs and sofas are designed for lounging in, perfect for relaxing and socialising.
  2. Low-slung furniture can help you create a clean, modern look. Pair it with eye-catching artwork or textured rugs to add interest.
  3. It helps you to optimise space, and helps prevent a room from looking too cluttered.
  4. Can make ceilings appear higher and spaces feel larger by leaving more wall area visible above the furniture.
  5. Works especially well in open-plan layouts, preserving sightlines and maintaining the flow between different zones.
  6. Complements a wide range of interior styles, including Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist and mid-century modern schemes.
  7. Creates a cosy, intimate atmosphere that encourages relaxation and casual living.
  8. Often features simple, timeless designs that are less likely to date quickly.

Disadvantages of low-slung furniture

  1. The main issue with low-slung furniture is that it can be more difficult to get up from! This makes it less-than-ideal for people with reduced mobility.
  2. It’s designed to be less obtrusive than conventional furniture, which may lead to your space lacking a focal point. You can counteract this by bold colour choices, or by adding an alternative focal point such a mirror.
  3. Can make a room feel lacking in a focal point if not balanced with artwork, statement lighting or decorative accessories.
  4. May not be practical for every household, especially those with elderly family members or very tall people.
  5. Tends to collect dust, pet hair and debris more easily because it sits closer to the floor.
  6. Some designs offer less under-furniture storage space than raised, conventional pieces.
  7. Deep, relaxed seating may not be comfortable for activities such as reading, working or formal entertaining.
  8. Very low pieces can sometimes feel impractical in family homes with young children or energetic pets.

If you’re moving from conventional furniture to low-slung pieces, then make sure you look at a variety of designs before you commit. It’s particularly important that you actually sit on them before purchase, to make sure that the more relaxed seating position is for you.

How to style a room with low-slung furniture

When decorating with low-slung furniture, it is important to maintain balanced proportions throughout the room. Because the furniture sits lower to the ground, the eye can sometimes be drawn too strongly towards the lower half of the space, making the room feel visually flat. To counter this, incorporate elements that add height and encourage the eye to travel upwards.

Oversized artwork, statement mirrors, floor lamps, tall houseplants and open shelving can all help create visual balance. Layering textures through cushions, throws and rugs will add warmth and ensure the space feels cosy rather than sparse.

In open-plan rooms, a large rug placed beneath low seating can help define separate living zones while maintaining the airy, uncluttered feel that makes low-profile furniture so appealing. Mixing natural materials such as wood, linen, wool and rattan can further enhance the relaxed, contemporary aesthetic.

Caring for low-slung furniture

Because low-slung furniture sits closer to the floor, it can be more exposed to dust, pet hair and everyday debris than conventional furniture. Regular vacuuming beneath and around the furniture will help keep it looking its best and prevent dust from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas.

Furniture raised on slim legs is generally easier to clean underneath than pieces that sit directly on the floor. If you have pets or young children, choosing durable, stain-resistant upholstery fabrics can also help maintain the furniture’s appearance over time. Rotating and plumping seat cushions regularly will help preserve their shape and comfort, while following the manufacturer’s care instructions for cleaning and maintenance will ensure your furniture continues to look stylish for years to come.

Low Slung Furniture Picks

Here are some of our top picks of low slung furniture.

Large Hambledon sofa, Darlings of Chelsea. Create a stylish focal point in your space with a Hambledon sofa. With low, sumptuous seat cushions, it exudes comfort to help you relax in style. Handmade to order in a choice of fabrics, available from Darlings of Chelsea.
Madrisana acacia and rattan woven chair, Nkuku. This appealing, low-seated Madrisana woven rattan and wood chair has a soothing, neutral quality. The attractive natural grain and warm tone of its acacia wood frame pairs beautifully with the woven rattan seat and back. The angle of the legs is set for a reclining seat position, giving you no option but to relax. Available from Nkuku.
Harwood chair, Sofas & Stuff. A low-height slipper chair with a petite, armless design, perfect for adding a decorative touch to a sitting room or bedroom. Its shallow seat is ideal for reading or relaxing, and the low back complements its refined look. Self-piped edges add a subtle detail. Available in a choice of different fabrics, from Sofas & Stuff.
Hendricks accent chair, Where Saints Go. The Hendricks accent chair is a statement lounge chair with a low profile. Solid oak arms in a tubular shape give the chair a modern look while speckled grey fabric upholstery keeps things timeless. Available from Where Saints Go.

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6 pieces from Primark’s latest home collection that are perfect for moody minimalists – these stylish buys will make your home look luxe effortlessly

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Design Inspiration

When looking to keep up to date with the latest home styles, I can count on Primark Home to keep me both fashionable and not out of pocket. And their latest home collection is seriously nailing the Pinterest moody minimalism trend.

Home decor trends come and go at an alarming rate, but ‘moody minimalism’ has the potential for longevity. Minimalist decor ideas are a classic style, and ‘moody minimalism’ is its slightly edgier sibling. You can expect the same clean lines and simple designs, but in darker finishes. Think dark wood, plenty of black and the odd gold accent.

‘Moody minimalism is a quiet rebellion against clinical minimalism. Rather than feeling sterile or cold, it embraces rich, warm tones and creates interest through depth instead of decoration. By layering colour, texture, and tonal variation, it delivers a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply inviting,’ defines Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

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In Primark’s collection, this can be seen via their stylish Bobble Arch Mirror (£12), which uses a richer, dark-hued mood to convey its ‘moodiness’, while the design itself remains simple and clean. Similarly, the Gold Scalloped Glass Rectangle Tray (£5) somehow serves a look that is both opulent and minimalist.

How to style the moody minimalism trend

When it comes to styling moody minimalism, take the less-is-more approach, using gold as a subtle accent in your home. You want to find pops of gold via a hinge or doorknob, rather than going for a full-blown Midas look.

log burner, deep pruple walls and a gold and black mirror.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Woolley)

When selecting neutrals for your home, opt for darker, cooler tones such as Little Greene’s Stone-Dark-Cool, which is a beautiful moody shade and works well among classical decor and wallpapers.

‘Start with a rich, moody wall colour and build the room around a palette of similar tones. The key is layering tone upon tone to create a sense of calm, depth, and sophistication, rather than relying on bright, energetic colours for impact,’ says Natalie.

‘Instead of making individual pieces stand out, allow them to blend harmoniously into the overall scheme. The result is a space with quiet confidence, one that feels immersive, inviting, and full of subtle, intriguing depth.’

While some Primark stores have a Click & Collect service, they don’t offer a delivery service. So, I’ve rounded up a few more pieces online that suit the moody minimalist style.

Whether you’re a moody minimalist or a happy minimalist, you have to admit the moody minimalist trend is great for adding subtle luxury to your home.

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