Deep and rich colours such as burgundy reds, soft beiges and even moody purples have become a big breakout kitchen colour trend this year, and KitchenAid has jumped on the bandwagon with the colours of its new upgraded Artisan Plus Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer.
The new addition to KitchenAid’s line-up of the best stand mixers has an RRP of £699, and is available in five new gorgeous colours: Sun Dried Tomato, Oat, Mint Julep, Wild Blueberry and Iron Ore. It also comes in the classic shades: Porcelain White, Juniper, Medallion Silver, Feather Pink, Cast Iron Black and Pebbled Palm.
But the colours aren’t the only update. The new design also boasts extra handy features to make it easier to bake your favourite treats, including an interior bowl light, which means you’ll always easily be able to see the ingredients in your bowl, down to the very bottom, no matter whether you’re mixing at 9 AM or 9 PM.
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KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Wild Blueberry
The wild blueberry is a lovely deep navy that will look super stylish in a burgundy kitchen or as a contrast to a butter yellow kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Mint Julep
Mint Julep is a softer blue that will pair with darker blue cabinets for a tonal look or look fabulous paired with pink for a soft and feminine kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Oat
White is slowly drifting out of fashion this year and being replaced by cream and these more earthy beiges. For fans of a minimalist look, pair it with beige cabinets and a luxe-marble effect countertop, or complement a brave terracotta red.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Iron Ore
This stylish take on a classic black, I can see this stand mixer looking chic in a dark kitchen. Alternatively, blush and black are a colour combo you can’t beat and will add a rock and roll edge to a pink kitchen.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus – Sun Dried Tomato
Unexpected red theory is the trend going nowhere. If you’re not a fan of the traditional glossy red KitchenAid this rich velvety burgundy is a subtler alternative.
KitchenAid
Mixer Tilt-Head 4.7l – Artisan Plus
2026 is the year of pink as the new neutral so this colour will complement nearly every kitchen, but I love the idea of stylish it with moss green cabinets or a sunny yellow.
I swear by my stand mixer (a Kenwood). It’s one of those appliances that’s a bit like Marmite — you either use it loads, and couldn’t live without yours, or it sits in a cupboard getting dusty until it’s someone’s birthday. Mine is used once a week, so I’m firmly in the camp that a good stand mixer, like the KitchenAid Artisan, is worth the investment.
(Image credit: KitchenAid)
An integrated bowl light might not sound like a major development, but my Kenwood stand mixer has an integrated light, and I can vouch for its convenience when checking that your ingredients are properly mixed. Gone are the days of having to use my phone flashlight to peer into the bowl.
The new Kitchenaid Artisan Plus also offers 2 speed control modes and 11 preset speeds, all of which are easy to navigate. It offers a 1⁄2 fold speed to gently incorporate your ingredients once first added to the bowl, which makes for less mess on your worktops.
(Image credit: KitchenAid)
Paired with a 4.7L bowl with a precision-welded handle, each of these stand mixers comes with stainless steel accessories — a dough hook, a wire whisk, plus a double flex-edge beater with silicone edges and a flat beater. Yes, these are all dishwasher-safe (including the bowl) and better yet: they’re all rust-resistant, too.
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It’s safe to say that a KitchenAid is a great way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen worktops — albeit an expensive one. If you can afford to treat yourself to one of these new designs, then why not? Right now, I need to stick with my trusty Kenwood Stand Mixer, which is admittedly an incredible piece of kit, but it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing appliance around.
Did any of these fancy colourways convince you to upgrade?
I love an Aldi special buy, my home includes many things I’ve snapped up from the middle aisle during a weekly shop. However, when I was considering recommending the new bargain Aldi robot mower to a friend, I was warned off it by Ideal Home’s robot lawn mower tester, who recommended the budget Bosch VISIMOW at B&Q instead.
Initially, I was impressed by the bargain price of Aldi’s option. At £199, Aldi’s robot mower is one of the cheapest models on the market; it’s even £92 cheaper than the same Yard Force robot mower model sold on Amazon for £291. However, while we haven’t tested the Aldi mower, it was the product description that made our robot mower reviewer and Garden Editor Sophie King sceptical about how good a buy it actually was.
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She spotted lowdown in the product description that the Aldi robot mower uses a boundary wire, a feature that made her visibly shudder.
Aldi
Robot Mower
The Aldi robot lawn mower can cut grass in up to 400 m² gardens, and can be connected to an app on your phone. However, it requires boundary wire installation
Bosch VISIMOW18V-100
This robot mower is ultra-simple to set up, whisper-quiet and provides an even cut. It doesn’t use a boundary wire, but you also can’t control it via an app.
Sophie has tested all the latest robot lawn mowers at Ideal Home, and would personally never recommend choosing one with a boundary wire. A boundary wire is a physical cable you have to lay around the edge of your lawn to define the operating area for the robot lawn mower. They’re part of why early robot mowers had a reputation for being quite a faff to set up.
‘There definitely seems to be a shift away from robot mowers with boundary wires, with more and more brands releasing wire-free models that use GPS tracking and smart cameras to navigate a lawn,’ explains Sophie. ‘I’ve tested lots of robot lawn mowers without boundary wires, and they’re so much simpler – setup is fuss-free, super simple, and a lot quicker than those that require wire installation.’
The Bosch VISIMOW in action
(Image credit: Future PLC / Sophie King)
If the low price is the most important factor to you and you’re not bothered by the prospect of a wire installation, you can give the Aldi robot mower a go. However, if you’re after something that’s a tried and tested easy-to-set-up robot mower, Sophie recommends the Bosch VISIMOW, which she gave 4 out of 5 stars in her review. The Bosch VISMOW can be picked up for £354 at B&Q right now, so it’s around £150 more expensive than Aldi’s
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‘For faff-free setup, the Bosch VISIMOW is well worth the extra £150 – it’s ready at the press of three buttons, it gives grass a smooth cut, and its camera technology is so intelligent for the price,’ Sophie explains.
The Bosch VISMOW is designed for smaller lawns up to 100m², while the Aldi one is suitable for lawns up to 400m². There isn’t an app for it to connect to like more expensive mowers like the Eufy E15 that can map your lawn. However, it is quiet, compact and easy to set up for beginners testing the waters with a robot mower.
If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, these are the two other boundary wire-free robot mowers we’d recommend.
Eufy
Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower
This mower is an investment, but it’s from the brand behind one of the best robot vacuums we’ve tested, and the lawn mower option also impressed us. It provides an even cut and top-notch obstacle avoidance.
Mammotion
Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 Robot Lawn Mower with LiDAR
If you don’t want to give up your lawn stripes, this is the robot mower for you. It has efficient mapping and mowing ability with great object avoidance.
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This week, Habitat shared with Ideal Home that the brand’s made-to-order sofa service is being paused until further notice. This means that popular Habitat sofas such as Hendricks and Fenner have been pulled from the site and made unavailable – and it’s not yet known when the situation will be resolved.
Habitat launched its made-to-order sofas last May. As part of the launch, the brand introduced new sofa styles and a number of Habitat’s existing bestsellers became made-to-order, such as the aforementioned Hendricks, which used to be included in our guide to best sofas as our pick for the best value sofa. Habitat has paused the made-to-order sofa service because its furniture supplier entered administration this March.
All the affected customers who had placed orders for made-to-order sofas were contacted as soon as Habitat learned of the news. The brand reports that they’ve apologised to the customers, offering a refund alongside a gesture of goodwill.
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(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
Fortunately, Habitat also offers a range of ready-made sofas which are still available, and some of them are even more popular than the made-to-order styles. This includes one of our favourite sofas – and the best budget sofa from our guide – which is the bestselling Julien sofa.
But if you’ve had your eye on one of the Habitat made-to-order styles, I found the best ready-made alternatives you can invest in instead. And most of them are currently available with 20% off when you apply code FURN20 at checkout.
Habitat
Hendricks made-to-order sofa
The Hendricks sofa is one of Habitat’s moc iconic and instantly recognisable sofas. Boasting a midcentury modern-inspired look, the sofa comes with very generous armrests.
Habitat
Jacob Velvet 3 Seater Sofa
Habitat’s Jacob sofa features a similarly angular, midcentury-style design to the Hendricks. It’s also elevated off the floor, set on slim legs. And while the armrests are not as wide as the Hendricks, it comes with a set of bolster cushions which make up for it.
Habitat
Fenner made-to-order sofa
Similar to the Hendricks, the Fenner is also known for its midcentury look, but it comes with much slimmer arms and a more textural button back.
Habitat
Kleo Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Kleo is a great alternative both for the Fenner and the Hendricks as they are in many ways similar. It comes with a removable button-through seat cushion similar to Fenner’s and even has two additional scatter cushions for extra comfort.
Habitat
Aston made-to-order sofa
Featuring a Scandi-inspired aesthetic, the Aston was one of the brand’s recent additions to the range which coincided with the launch of the made-to-order service. It’s most notablefor the fully exposed legs.
Habitat
Myra Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Myra sofa launched only earlier this year but as soon as I saw it, I was impressed with both its stylish look and affordable price point. It takes the ‘exposed look’ of the Aston even further by exposing the entire base and I love it.
Habitat
Wynn made-to-order sofa
The Wynn sofa is as pillowy and squishy as it looks which is exactly what it’s become loved for. It even extends the pillowy look to its armrests.
Habitat
Willow Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
If a pillowy look and feel is what you look for in a sofa then the Willow sofa won’t disappoint you. Just like the Wynn, the Willow comes with removable back and seat cushions. It’s only available in one colourway but it’s a very timeless and neutral one at least.
Habitat
Lars made-to-order sofa
Habitat’s Lars made-to-order sofa is a more modern take on the Scandi look. It’s chunky in the best way possible with levelled arm and backrests.
Habitat
Kristen Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
The Kristen sofa boasts a similarly chunky look to the Lars with an additional quilted finish and a slightly more on-trend curved sofa design.
If you had your heart set on something made-to-order for your living room sofa ideas, we’ll keep you up to date with the situation and any good value alternative we recommend on the high street.
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Spring is the perfect time to invest in garden lighting ideas to get your garden ready to enjoy on those warm summer evenings. However, if you want to spruce up your lighting without the fuss of charging batteries or plugging lights into an outdoor plug (if you even have one), solar outdoor lights are a game-changer.
I’ve already got some wired festoon lights in my gardenthat I can rely on year after year, but this summer I’m looking to add another layer of style to my cosy outdoor seating ideas that won’t add ££s to my electricity bill each month, and these wicker solar lights are it.
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These lights have been crafted in 3 different lighting types, including string lights, a hanging light and a floor lantern to nail the perfect layered light look in an outdoor space.
The White Company
Solar Wicker Lantern with LED Candle
The White Company
Solar Wicker Lantern
The White Company
Solar Wicker String Lights
The lantern design is made to sit on a garden table with a solar-powered candle in the centre. While the string lights, measuring 419cm, will add a little flair to a fence with a 8 little wicker shades.
If you are looking to make a bigger statement, the larger lantern includes a bulb and measures 24cm in height. It is illuminated with the help of a single solar panel and can be set on a timer. It can be styled on the floor or hung from shepherds crook hook like this pair on Amazon for £8.99.
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Claire Anstey, Lighting Buyer at Heal’s says this trend for natural materials in garden lighting is growing alongside a trend towards lighting with a more organic shape. ‘Think earthy materials like rattan and wood, alongside mushroom-like silhouettes that feel almost ‘planted’ within a space, as though they’re gently growing from the ground,’ she says.
‘There’s also a growing interest for soft, flowing forms with slightly irregular, organic edges, designs that feel a little raw or unfinished, reflecting the imperfect, ever-changing character of the natural world.’
(Image credit: The White Company)
When it comes to styling this type of lighting, Claire says, ‘to introduce this look into your garden, weave delicate fairy lights through the branches of trees or around sculptural shrubs. This helps diffuse the light softly through foliage, creating an inviting glow once the sun sets. Opt for warm-toned bulbs wherever possible; their golden hue creates a relaxed, cocooning ambience that’s ideal for lingering dinner parties and elegant outdoor soirées.’
The White Company isn’t the only brand nailing this organic and stylish type of lighting. Here are three alternatives to consider for revamping your garden this summer.
Alternatives
Dunelm
Woven Rattan Solar Lantern
Place this in a corner, nestled with some of your favourite plant pots and add some instant style to your decking or even balcony.
Garden Mile
Set of 2 70cm Rattan Solar Lights
Illuminate a pathway in an instant with these rattan stake lights from Amazon, that are also waterproof.
ferm LIVING
Luver Led Portable Table Lamp
If your garden doesn’t get that much light, a rechargeable light might be a better option. I love the wood finish of the striking table lamp as another natural alternative to wicker and rattan.
As someone cooking in a very tiny flat kitchen where every inch of counter and cupboard space matters, I genuinely think Our Place may have just launched my dream cookware collection.
The brand has unveiled its new Tiny Cookware Collection, a downsized take on its bestselling Always Pan and Perfect Pot that feels perfectly timed for smaller homes, solo dinners and the reality of how most of us actually cook day to day. Because, realistically, not every meal is a big hosting moment.
The 1.75L version of the Perfect Pot with lid is perfect for serving 1-2 people at a time.
Our Place
Tiny Cookware Duo
The Duo contains the Tiny Always Pan, and the 1L Tiny Perfect Pot with a lid which fits both. Or you can bundle and snap up all three, with two lids for £175 instead of £210 if purchased separately.
Sometimes it’s one egg before work, pasta for one after a long day or a quick bowl of soup eaten standing in the kitchen because your flat barely fits a dining table (speaking from experience here). And while cookware has traditionally been designed with families and large gatherings in mind, this launch feels much more aligned with modern small-space living.
As someone currently balancing pans precariously in a cupboard the size of a shoebox, the appeal is immediate.
This collection feels refreshingly realistic for how many people live now. The pieces are lightweight, stackable and intentionally compact, with details like dual pour spouts and a shared interchangeable lid to save on space.
(Image credit: Our Place)
The Tiny Cookware Duo comes as a stackable pan set, while the Petite Perfect Pot has a 1.75L capacity that’s designed for smaller portions like oatmeal, grains, sauces and broths.
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Both are made with an aluminium core for fast, even heating and finished with Our Place’s signature non-toxic nonstick coating, free from PFAS, PTFE, lead and cadmium. Plus, they fit perfectly in the brand’s cult Wonder Oven.
(Image credit: Our Place)
Importantly for anyone else navigating limited kitchen storage, the collection has also been designed to look good left out on display.
Available in five of the brand’s signature shades (Steam, Sage, Char, Blue Salt and Spice), these are the kinds of pans you wouldn’t mind permanently living on your hob because there’s nowhere else to put them.
(Image credit: Our Place)
It also taps into a much bigger kitchen trend we’ve been seeing lately: compact, multifunctional cookware and appliances built for modern living. As homes, and especially kitchens, get smaller, products that can earn their keep without dominating your space are becoming increasingly desirable.
Shiza Shahid, co-founder of Our Place, said: ‘We often talk about big tables and large gatherings, but so much of our life happens through smaller moments in the kitchen.’
She added: ‘We designed our Tiny Cookware Collection to make those moments as beautiful and joyful as cooking for others can be.’
(Image credit: Our Place)
There is one thing to note before adding to basket: unlike the wider ceramic cookware collection, the Tiny range is not induction compatible due to its smaller sizing.
The Tiny Cookware Collection is available right now, but with limited stock available, I wouldn’t be surprised if these sell out quickly, especially among fellow tiny-kitchen owners like myself.
You’re probably wondering what makes this garden day bed so special. What makes this one of the best garden furniture designs? That would be the convertible function. As the product comes as a compact two-seater outdoor sofa, perfect for any small outdoor spaces like a balcony or a tiny garden. But it can easily be transformed into a day bed by pulling out a hidden section from underneath the base frame. It’s so simple yet genius, if you ask me.
Habitat
Habitat Malta Rattan Effect Garden Day Bed
Last month, I came across a similar product – B&Q’s Atar outdoor corner sofa which could also be turned into a day bed using a similar pull-out method as Habitat’s Malta day bed. But the Atar was much larger, while Habitat’s day bed is more small garden ideas-friendly. Nevertheless, it turned out to be so popular that it sold out within a few days.
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And given the feedback from the existing shoppers of the Habitat Malta day bed, you might find the same happening to this one – sooner rather than later, might I add.
(Image credit: Argos)
One customer wrote, ‘Best garden furniture we’ve bought, just love it.’ While another further elaborated, ‘This item turned out to be a great purchase and good value. Thick comfortable cushions and sturdy framework. Only had to put the legs on from the packaging which was also extremely well presented. All round fantastic quality and looks stylish.’
Several of the customers mention the high levels of comfort which is obviously very important – so much so, that several of the Malta outdoor day bed regularly fall asleep on it. It’s like the best sofa bed for your garden!
(Image credit: Argos)
Built on a steel frame, the day bed comes with plump removable cushions which can handle light rain as they’re shower proof. The day bed is part of a larger Habitat Malta outdoor furniture range, all of which features the same woven rattan-effect design. So if you want to invest in matching pieces like the Malta 2 seater garden bistro set, you can.
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This product is quite unique, especially given its affordable price point. But I’ve found a few flexible day bed alternatives that you can peruse.
Atkin & Thyme
Celia Daybed
This two-piece design can either be used as an outdoor sofa with a matching ottoman – which can also be used as a coffee table – or by combining the two pieces, it becomes a day bed.
Multigot
3 in 1 Outdoor Convertible Daybed
If you were after something even more budget-friendly, this two-seater outdoor sofa can have its armrests lowered and that way turns into a single day bed.
Cox & Cox
Ravenna Versatile Daybed
This design is the most modular and therefore the most versatile of the bunch – but it’s also reflected in the price. This set includes two corner chairs, two ottomans and a side table which can be configured however you like.
Are you thinking of adding a convertible day bed to your garden or balcony?
I’ve been on the hunt for some rechargeable wall lights for months to fill an empty wall and a set to go up my staircase. I’m looking for something that oozes luxury, at a reasonable price tag, and I’ve found just the thing in Dusk’s rechargeable lights range.
Dusk has emerged as one of our favourite affordable online homeware stores at Ideal Home. They won us over with their bedding, and we’ve been impressed with all the furniture and lighting they’ve launched in recent years.
However, it is there collection of rechargeable lights that has caught my attention lately. While the best wireless lights are becoming more accessible price-wise, they can all look a bit ‘same-y’. Well, Dusk has broken out of the mould with some striking designs that look chic and expensive, but prices start at £20.
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The first design from this collection that caught my eye was the Trinity Rechargeable Pleated Wall Light. I’ve not seen a rechargeable wall light like this at such an affordable price. For just £29, I’ve already added 2 of these lights to my basket, as they’ll make the perfect addition to my staircase to break up my wall frames.
This isn’t the only wall light that piqued my interest. Here are my 6 other top picks going under the radar.
DUSK
Trinity Rechargeable Pleated Wall Light
My favourite style from the collection, this pleated wall light matches perfectly with my other scalloped lights. It requires 4-5 hours of charge for 7 hours of cordless use, and they’d be the perfect addition to a smaller room, where table and surface space is a premium.
DUSK
Lucia Rechargeable Striped Wall Light
This gold beauty is paired with a green striped shade. It gives a cosy vibe to a living room or bedroom, or it would even make the perfect lighting addition to a kids’ bedroom. It looks like it should cost a lot more than £30, too.
DUSK
Birdie Rechargeable Pleated Table Lamp
There’s no way anyone would think this table light cost less than £30. It oozes luxury, whether placed on a hallway console or on either side of a TV. Its black, thick, twisted base makes it look serious, while its pleated shade brings a soft feel to your space. Charge it for 3-4 hours and enjoy for 5-6 hours, and the best part is that it’s dimmable.
DUSK
Twila Rechargeable Pleated Wall Light
An ideal bedside light if brass is your go-to, this light offers 5-6 hours of glow from 3-4 hours of charge. It’s the perfect size for smaller spaces, as it’s not huge, so it won’t overwhelm a wall or corner, plus it’s also conveniently dimmable. Otherwise, it’d be ideal for a hallway, perhaps either side of a statement mirror.
DUSK
Alban Led Rechargeable Wall Light
If I didn’t already have bedside lights, these would be en-route to my house, RN. I love incorporating linen into my decor, and while this shade is a linen-effect, it looks so expensive. It lasts for approximately 8-10 hours from one charge, which is impressive, while it’d also be ideal for a tight (yet dark) staircase, to add light without making this area feel claustrophobic.
DUSK
Bar Led Rechargeable Wall Light
I know these bar lights have been around for quite a while, but I still stand by the fact that they make a strong statement — especially when fitted above the right piece. Also available in gold, it’s on sale with £5 off, and only one is needed to make a good impression, so long as it’s placed in the right spot. It works for 5-6 hours once charged.
Make a statement with this Next light, which, as pictured, looks gorgeous beside a mirror in a hallway. It runs for 8 hours from a full, 4-hour charge, and it looks so luxurious. It boasts a super high-quality build, from metal and string.
Need 2 of the same lights for your bedside? This pack of 2 is affordable, at £50, as well as dimmable for practicality, whether reading or scrolling. Its shade is natural linen, complemented with a brushed chrome finish. There are also other matching items available, if you want to follow suit and complete the set.
Amazon’s Choice for good reason, this 2 pack of picture lights can help shine a light on the memories that you treasure the most. At £15 each, included comes a remote for easy control, while you can choose its colour temperature and brightness — plus you can set them on a timer.
Which of these rechargeable lighting picks would be your favourite for a living room?
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Our neighbor recently asked for help adding a drip irrigation system to their new garden. My last experience with a DIY irrigation installation was pretty intense, so I was wary. But installing drip irrigation was the total opposite. It was easy, affordable, and fast. Plus, it only cost around $75 and took just a few hours to install. It’s also a much more efficient way to water your plants than traditional sprinklers – so there’s a lot less water waste.
Drip irrigation systems can be installed right onto a typical outdoor spigot, so no special equipment or plumbing experience is needed. They’re great for flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and even large trees because you get precise control of the amount of water that each plant receives.
What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation is an easy & efficient method for watering plants in gardens, mulch beds, containers, and more. Unlike sprinkler irrigation, which is used for lawns, drip systems deliver water directly to the soil at the base of each plant through slow, low-pressure hoses. This has several advantages:
Less wasteful: Less water is lost to evaporation, overspray, and runoff than with sprinkler systems. Drip irrigation systems are said to use up to 50% less water!
More efficient: Precise watering to the plant’s root zone means shorter, more effective watering times.
Highly customizable: Flexible hoses and a variety of emitters make it easy to get each plant exactly the water it needs.
Easy to install: Requires no special tools, plumbing knowledge, or previous experience. You can add an entire system in just a couple of hours!
They are also a more durable, permanent, and targeted solution than soaker hoses. Those are good for quick, low-effort set-ups if you’re getting new plantings established, but soaker hoses tend to deteriorate over time. So once again, a drip irrigation system wins!
So let this be your sign to drop whatever excuses you’ve been using to put off installing a drip system in your garden or yard. I know I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Yes, I’m adding one to our house thanks to the simplicity and efficiency of the setup that I did for our neighbors.
How Does A Drip Irrigation System Work?
Drip irrigation systems use a series of hoses, flexible tubing, connectors, and emitters to transport a slow flow of water to your outdoor plants. Whereas traditional lawn irrigation uses high-pressure water to activate sprinklers that can spray long distances, drip systems mostly just, well, drip. Here are the key components, all of which are included in this drip irrigation kit (except for a hose timer).
This post is not sponsored in any way. We were just very impressed with the ease of the drip irrigation kit… and it only cost $55! And when you add in a hose timer, which is the only other component you need if you want this to run on autopilot instead of manually, it still clocks in around $75, all in!
Drip Irrigation Tutorial Video
In the video below, we take you through all of the parts of the drip system. You can also read the instructions below the video.
As I explained in the video above, you can hook up a drip irrigation system to any outdoor spigot or hose bib, but there are a few important items to make this connection. Everything in the list below is included in the the drip irrigation kit except for the hose timer, so buying materials for this entire project is really easy.
Timer (not pictured): A sprinkler timer helps you schedule regular, automated watering. You can also buy a multi-zone timer to create separate schedules for different areas of your yard or a smart timer to program from your phone.
Backflow Preventer: This keeps water in your irrigation lines from flowing back into the municipal water supply, should there ever be a drop in pressure on their end. That way, potential contaminants in your yard (fertilizers, pesticides, etc) don’t get in the local drinking water.
Filter: A small mesh filter (usually included in the backflow preventer) keeps debris like sand and rust from clogging your lines
Pressure Regulator: This helps reduce and stabilize the water pressure from your hose to a lower, consistent flow that’s more suitable for drip irrigation.
Drip Adapter: Lastly, this connector allows you to attach 1/2″ or 5/8″ irrigation hose to a standard 3/4″ hose bib.
Once again, all of these pieces (except for the timer) are included in the kit. I loved how simple it was to just grab two things and be able to do this whole project myself in a few hours. If you’re setting up multiple zones, you can buy additional connection kits that include all of the pieces linked above.
Main Line
The majority of a drip irrigation system is a series of flexible hoses that can be arranged to fit your space. The “main line” transports water from your spigot throughout your garden (not to individual plants), sort of like how a water main runs through your city or neighborhood (not to individual houses).
1/2″ Tubing: This 1/2″ polyethylene tubing – sometimes called flex pipe or “funny pipe” – is sold in various lengths. It can be cut using household scissors.
1/2″ Connectors: These connect sections of main line tubing and come in a variety of shapes (tees, elbows, etc) so you can match the shape of your space. Simply push the tubing onto the barbed ends to secure it.
1/2″ End Closure: These end closure rings pinch the open end of your main line closed.
Driplines
From the main line, a variety of smaller, flexible driplines branch off to the individual plants. Think of these like the unique water lines that connect individual homes to the municipal water main.
1/4″ Tubing: Also called distribution tubing or “spaghetti pipe,” this is a smaller, flexible hose that can also be cut using scissors.
1/4″ Connectors: These barbed connectors are similar to those for the 1/2″ tubing, but are also used to connect each dripline into the main line. You do this by puncturing one barbed end through the side of the main line.
Goof Plugs: These are barbed endcaps that can be used to plug any open ends of 1/4″ tubing. They can also be used for any small puncture in your 1/2″ main line.
Emitters
Emitters are the small devices on your driplines that determine how (and how much) water is delivered to each plant.
Here are some common types of emitters:
Drippers: These are the most common emitters in a drip system. They are installed at the start or in the middle of the dripline and control the release of water to a consistent drip. Different colors indicate different flow rates measured in gallons per hour (GPH). Commons speeds are 0.5 GPH, 1 GPH, 2 GPH, and 4 GPH.
Tubing Stakes: These clips hold the ends of your driplines so you can stake them exactly where you want them.
Bubblers: These attach to the end of a dripline and emit 8 small streams of water in a tight circle, reaching a small cluster of plants.
Sprayers (not pictured): These emitters are closest to a traditional sprinkler, with a spray head placed on a raised stake. Sold in full circle, half circle, and quarter circle varieties.
And that, folks, are all of the key pieces that go into a DIY drip irrigation system.
Steps To Install A Drip Irrigation System
Now that you understand the parts of your drip system, putting it all together is very straightforward.
Plan Your Layout
Gather Supplies
Give Your Tubes Some Sun
Attach Timer & Hose Connectors
Run The Main Line
Connect Driplines & Emitters
Test & Program Timer
Step 1: Plan Your Layout
An important first step is planning how to lay out your drip irrigation system. They’re pretty easy to adjust as you go, but having a general plan ensures you’ll have enough supplies. Important pieces of information are:
Where is my water source?
How many zones do I need on my timer?
Are there any obstacles (decks, sidewalks, fences) I need to plan for?
How many plants am I trying to reach?
Do some plants need more water than others?
What types of emitters do I want?
For reference, here is the space we wanted to water. This is my friend’s yard. He asked for my help installing irrigation to their new herb garden.
And here is a rough map (with key!) of how we laid out his drip system using the materials in the kit (we did buy some extra bubblers too – they’re about $1.50 each). We relied mostly on sprayers and bubblers, and then filled in with drippers for any plants that we felt weren’t getting enough spray.
The kit also includes guides with recommendations for layouts as well as watering times & frequencies.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Again, purchasing this drip irrigation kit and a hose timer may be all you need to install your system. But here are some situations that may require additional materials:
If your water source is far from your plants, you may need additional coils of 1/2″ tubing and connectors. The kit includes 50 feet.
If you have lots of plants, you may need additional 1/4″ tubing, emitters, or stakes.
Also, you may want/need additional emitters ( the kit includes 20 drippers/stakes, 2 bubblers, and 4 sprayers).
The good news is that most emitters and connectors are very affordable (usually only a few bucks). The most expensive supply will probably be your timer. Our neighbor opted for a a 4-zone timer, which cost $60. More than the irrigation kit itself! But a simple hose timer like this would do the trick well if you’re just adding one zone that you want to water (for example, a side garden or a front landscaping border).
Step 3: Give Your Tubes Some Sun
This sounds silly, but before you begin assembling anything, lay your tubing out in the sun for about an hour. The heat makes the tubes a little more malleable, which will make all of those pressure connections easier on your hands.
This is also a good time to start laying out your emitters, digging any holes or trenches you want to create, or getting started on the next step…
Step 4: Attach Timer & Hose Connectors
As I described in the video, you want to start by connecting the pieces to your spigot or hose bib. This includes your timer, backflow preventer (with filter), pressure regulator, and drip adapter. Screw everything together and hand-tighten it. You can check for leaks once your system is fully attached.
When you’re ready, you can also attach one end of your 1/2″ main line tube to the drip adapter. Depending on your adapter, it should attach with pressure and a small twist.
Step 5: Run The Main Line
Next, run your 1/2″ tubing from your water source to and throughout the main areas that you will be watering. It doesn’t need to run right up against your plants, just within a few feet of them, ideally. Use barbed connectors to split or turn your line as needed. Just push the tube onto the barbed end to connect it.
Be sure to clamp any ends of your main line tube closed with these ring closures. The kit includes 2 of these, so you may need to purchase more if you split your main line in more than 2 directions.
And when it comes time to shorten your main line, just cut off the excess. You can purchase a special tube cutter, but I found household scissors worked fine.
Step 6: Connect Driplines & Emitters
Next, you’ll be connecting driplines (1/4″ tubing) into the side of your main line (1/2″ tubing) near wherever you’ll be placing an emitter. Different types of emitters may require different connections, so don’t start making holes all willy-nilly.
The bubblers and sprayers in this kit came with the correct barbed connectors attached. Just use pressure to puncture them into the side of your main line. The kit did include a tool to help with this, but I didn’t use it much.
For most drippers, you will poke them directly into the main line and then attach your 1/4″ tubing to the other end. If your dripline is quite long, however, it’s recommended that you install the dripper somewhere within the dripline (ideally within 5ft of the plant). Just cut the tube using scissors and attach the dripper between the cut ends, making sure the correct end faces the water source.
Finish off any of these driplines with a tube stake that will keep your water running exactly where you want it.
How To Correct Mistakes
Oops, you poked a hole in the wrong place? Don’t fret! The kit comes with several “goof plugs” which can be used to plug up the end of 1/4″ tubing or any small holes you make in your main line. If the hole is too large for a goof plug, you may need to cut the bad section out and use couplings to install a bit of new hose.
One warning, though. Once you place any barbed end into the 1/4″ tubing, it can be tough to remove. You may just need to cut off the errant piece and use another. Nothing is too complicated though. I made plenty of mistakes and was able to have a great working system by the end of a few hours. Really, you can do this. It’s the opposite of rocket science.
Step 7: Test & Program Timer
Once you have all of your driplines and emitters in place, it’s time to turn on your water and test your system. Use this test run to:
Check for leaks near your hose bib or in any of your lines. Tighten connections to fix any.
Make sure all emitters are dispensing properly. Sprayers and bubblers may need to be twisted open to work.
Refine placements and spray patterns. Make sure water is reaching the places you intended. Adjust bubblers and sprayer heads to change spray distances.
Look for overlap or overspray. Move or adjust spray patterns if areas are getting watered by multiple emitters. Try to limit overspray on sidewalks, driveways, fences, and siding.
Once you are happy with everything, take a moment to program your timer. It is generally better to do 1 or 2 deep waterings a week (versus short daily waterings). Deep waterings that soak the soil encourage stronger, more drought-tolerant roots.
Step 8: Dig In or Mulch Over (Optional)
Lastly, you may choose to dig in or apply a layer of mulch (or soil) atop your hoses. This is optional and purely for aesthetics, although some coverage can protect hoses from damage. Just be warned that burrowing rodents like moles may chew through buried lines looking for water. And buried lines may be harder to spot leaks in and repair. So in most cases, a thin layer of mulch is a good compromise.
More Garden DIY Projects
Want more ideas to upgrade or maintain your outdoor areas? Here are some other posts you might enjoy:
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
So, it’s always helpful to have a little refresher on the ins and *specifically* outs of your general household waste bin. The best kitchen bin shouldn’t be a catch-all for things you don’t know what to do with. These are five items you should never put in a household bin.
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1. Food waste
Under the new rules, households in England will be issued a food waste bin, meaning putting your veg peelings in the kitchen bin is a big no-no. This can actually result in less stinky kitchen bins, especially if you opt for an odour-absorbing food bin such as the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£29.99, Amazon).
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘In areas of the UK where food waste is now collected separately, food should be kept out of the general household waste bin where possible and only put into the food waste bin. The separate food waste collections allow for it to be processed more efficiently,’ adds Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct.
2. Vapes, batteries and small electricals
You must avoid putting these items in your kitchen bin at all costs. This is because they pose a fire risk, which puts you and the waste collectors at risk. Small electricals refer to a number of appliances, including small toys, cables and even hairdryers.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
‘We’re seeing a worrying increase in fires caused by items that simply shouldn’t be placed in household recycling or general waste. The biggest culprits are vapes, loose batteries and small electricals – what we often call ‘hidden hazards’ or ‘bombs in bins,’ says Luke Walter, regional manager at the Aldridge depot for waste management company Biffa.
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‘These items contain lithium-ion batteries. If they are crushed or damaged during collection or processing, they can spark and ignite extremely quickly. In a split second, that can turn into a serious fire in a collection vehicle or at a recycling facility, putting our crews at risk and causing significant disruption to local services.
‘Instead, they should be taken to designated recycling points at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, where they can be handled safely and recycled properly.
We know most residents want to do the right thing, but there’s still confusion about what belongs in the recycling bin. Anything with a plug, battery or cable should be kept out.’
3. Medical waste
‘Any medical waste, including sharp tools, syringes and even medications. Sharp items can injure sorting staff at waste facilities, and medications can pose a risk to the environment. Dispose of sharp medical waste through a specialist collection system, or take sharp medical waste and waste medications to a pharmacy for safe disposal,’ says Ryan.
(Image credit: Future Plc)
Your doctor or chemist should be able to provide you with a sharps bin if you need one. Or you can pick up a sharps bin for £6.51 at Amazon. You may be able to dispose of medical waste via your doctors or chemist, or you need to arrange a Clinical Waste Collection from your local council.
4. Gas canisters and aerosols
It is perhaps common sense that anything flammable should never go in your bin. This is not only to keep you safe, but to keep waste collection workers safe, too. You should instead take these items to a local recycling centre.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Items like gas canisters, aerosols, and anything flammable are a major fire risk and should never go in standard household recycling,’ says Luke.
‘These fires are preventable. By taking a moment to dispose of these items correctly, people can help protect frontline workers, prevent damage to vital infrastructure, and ensure more materials are recycled safely and effectively.’
5. Paint
Lastly, if you’re looking to get rid of paint, your kitchen bin is not the answer.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Any kind of paint shouldn’t be poured into bins or placed into household waste while it’s still wet, as it can leak, spill and contaminate other waste, which makes it harder for this waste to be disposed of safely and effectively,’ says Ryan.
‘Paint can also contain chemicals that shouldn’t be sent to landfill or standard waste processing facilities, as doing so could damage the local environment. Check your local council’s waste guidelines for paint disposal instructions.’
Sort your waste easily
Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy
Invest in a well-made food waste bin and sit it near the kitchen sink.
Habitat
Habitat 55 Litre Twin Compartment Pedal Bin – Steel
A twin compartment bin will make recycling feel more streamlined and second nature in a busy household.
Curver
Curver 34 Litre Recycling Bins – Set of 3
If you need more recycling space, these stackable bins are a great alternative. You could even use them in a garage to organise things to go to the local tip.
If you’re in doubt about what items you can put in your bin, you should always check your local council’s website for more information.
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Regardless of what the year’s lighting trends are saying, an Addison Ross lamp is always in fashion. The cult brand is favoured by many of the Ideal Home team, and if a home’s editor hasn’t already got one of the Bobbin LED Lamps on their nightstand, I can promise you that it is on their wishlist.
But at £125, the cult Addison Ross beauty is not the most affordable for rechargeable lighting options, and this is where a good lookalike comes in handy. And I’d say Dusk’s £25 version looks pretty good.
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Addison Ross Ltd UK
Cherry Lacquer Rechargeable Bobbin Led Lamp
DUSK
Kirsty Rechargeable Bobbin Table Lamp – Plum
DUSK
Kirsty Rechargeable Bobbin Table Lamp – Green
If you don’t already know Dusk, it’s certainly worth getting to know the online retailer, as they are great for dishing up on-trend styles on a budget. Dusk’s designer-look lighting is especially worth having a look at, and having a few Dusk pieces in my own home, including throws, bedding, candles and the Lucille Rechargeable LED Lamp (£35), I feel I can vouch for the brand’s quality.
This is why I’d opt for the Kirsty bobbin lamp if I were looking for an alternative to the Addison Ross bobbin lamp. Available in two colours, Plum and Olive, Dusk claims the lamp will be a ‘playful’ addition to your home. I’m inclined to agree.
With a quirky bobbin base and a bold pop of colour, this lamp will add a decorative touch to shelves, nightstands or even kitchen worktops (if you don’t have a kitchen lamp, you really should consider it!). As it is rechargeable, you don’t have to worry about plug space; simply pop the lamp wherever you need to illuminate a dark corner.
(Image credit: Dusk)
My main criticism of the Kirsty lamp is that it lacks the bold, beautiful lacquered finish of an Addison Ross lamp. Available in a variety of bold colours, Addison Ross lamps are famous for their glossy, luxurious finish, which is achieved by 10 coats of lacquer. Of course, for just £25, I can’t say I expected the Dusk lamp to be as glossy, but it is something to compromise on.
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The Kirsty lamp has a charging time of 3.5 hours and has up to 12 hours of operating time. By contrast, the Addison Ross bobbin lamp offers 10 hours of battery light and has three adjustable lighting levels.
If you love Addison Ross but are less sure about its prices, the Dusk Kirsty Lamp is a brilliant alternative. It’s colourful, fun and looks far more expensive than its budget price tag.
