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Prue Leith used this stunning flower combo in her garden, and it looks as good in the ground as it will in a vase

Prue Leith used this stunning flower combo in her garden, and it looks as good in the ground as it will in a vase

by | Aug 31, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Prue Leith’s stunning sunflower and ammi visnaga (khella) display is serving as inspiration for anyone who wants a flower display that looks equally striking in a vase as in the garden.

Anyone who has grown sunflowers this summer will know how beautiful they look both in your kitchen and in your garden. But what has impressed us about Prue’s display is that she has paired them with a second bloom that helps emphasise the sunflower’s beauty even more.

If you’re looking for a flower bed idea that is as simple as it is stunning, this is why you may want to consider planting khella and sunflowers together for next year’s summer display.

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Prue Leith’s sunflower and khella display

In an Instagram post, Prue shared a video of her blooming flowers, thanking her gardener, Philippa Lillywhite, for her hard work over the past eight years as she was moving away to live by the sea. Phillipa then commented, informing followers that the flowers on display were ammi visnaga (khella) and sunflowers. And we’re keen to agree that this makes for a great flower pairing.

‘Sunflowers are bold and graphic, while khella have these light, domed heads made up of tiny flowers. The khella almost acts like a cloud around the sunflower heads. It stops the yellow feeling too heavy and gives the whole display movement,’ says Dr Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema.

‘It feels quite loose and garden-picked. Sunflowers can easily dominate a display because they’re so recognisable, but the khella breaks up those big yellow circles and gives your eye somewhere to rest. It’s also a combination that makes sense both in the border and in a vase, which I always love. You can grow the two together, then cut a few stems and get the same relationship indoors. Prue Leith is known for using strong colour throughout her garden, so the sunflowers feel in keeping with that, while the white khella gives the colour some breathing room.’

sunflowers not flowering red sunflowers in garden

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Dr Russel also goes on to explain that this isn’t the only khella pairing that works beautifully in a garden. And it’s great news for anyone who loves to grow dahlias.

‘Dahlias give you that dense, sculptural flower head, while ammi adds air and softness around them. I particularly like deep burgundy or plum dahlias with white ammi because the contrast feels rich outdoors but still looks elegant when you cut it for the house,’ he says.

‘Plant the ammi through and around the dahlias rather than in a separate block, so it weaves between them naturally. Then when you cut the flowers, don’t make the arrangement too perfect. A few dahlia stems with airy ammi around them will usually look much better than trying to cram twenty different flowers into one vase.’

Where to buy sunflowers and khella

When choosing flower combinations, you want a pair that complement each other. Sunflowers and khella make a dreamy display that is perfect for summer.

Gardeners urged to perform vital check when cutting hedges back this September – or risk breaking the law

Gardeners urged to perform vital check when cutting hedges back this September – or risk breaking the law

by | Aug 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Most gardeners will be well aware that between 1 March and 31 August you should never cut back your hedges, as it is bird nesting season in the UK. However, garden and wildlife experts want you to delay picking up the strimmer a little longer in September and perform this vital check.

Anyone who wants to attract birds to a garden should be aware of how the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects them. Under this act, it is illegal to deliberately damage or remove a bird’s nest in your garden, with the offender sometimes facing an unlimited fine or even prison. This is why you should always avoid cutting your hedge during nesting season.

While nesting season technically comes to an end on 1 September, it is also the moulting season for birds, and during this period they may take refuge in your hedges. So, before you start cutting, experts want you to make this check first.

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Why should I check my hedge in September?

Even the best hedging materials for a garden need cutting back, and this is especially true if you’ve chosen fast-growing hedging for quick privacy. But if a bird has taken a fancy to your garden, you should always check for nests before completing any work.

Wooden garden furniture nestled against a green hedge.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rene Stoeltie)

‘You should still check hedges for birds after August because some late-breeding bird species may still be raising their chicks. The breeding season can extend later into the summer for some birds, with individual pairs still having eggs, nestlings or dependent fledglings in and around hedgerows,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert at Vine House Farm.

‘More birds may shelter in hedgerows during moulting season because they are more vulnerable to predators at this time, as growing new feathers uses large amounts of energy and can affect their ability to fly.

‘Hedges provide moulting birds with a hiding place where they can remain until they finish shedding and replacing old feathers. It is also important to note that birds are much quieter during the moulting season, as they stop singing or calling to avoid attracting attention to themselves. This may make it less obvious that they are hiding in garden hedges.’

When checking to see if birds are nesting in your hedges, watch to see if birds repeatedly fly in and out of the same spot, are carrying nesting materials into your hedge like twigs or moss and lastly, listen out for chirping birds from inside the hedgerow. If you spot these features, birds are likely nesting in your hedge, and any work should be postponed.

winter berry-bearing with bird

(Image credit: Alamy)

What to do if birds are nesting in your hedge

‘If you spot an active nest in your hedge, simply do not cut the hedge. Postpone your trimming work until the nest is empty and the birds have fledged,’ says Melissa Quinney, gardening expert at Cabin Master.

‘It’s better to be safe and wait a few weeks than to risk causing harm or facing severe legal penalties. A little patience and a careful check are all it takes to keep your garden thriving and our feathered friends safe.’

Instead, monitor your hedge from a distance, and when there are no signs of birds nesting, check again and proceed from there.

Shop nesting boxes

If you want to provide somewhere safe in your garden for birds to make a home, consider investing in a nesting box.

While cutting hedges keeps your garden tidy and neighbours happy, make sure you are keeping your garden birds safe and happy, too.

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Dawn French’s decorated greenhouse proves the most practical of spaces can have charm and whimsy – how you can get the look, too

Dawn French’s decorated greenhouse proves the most practical of spaces can have charm and whimsy – how you can get the look, too

by | Aug 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Dawn French’s beautifully decorated greenhouse is serving as a reminder to treat our outside spaces as an extension of the home.

If you’re in need of new greenhouse ideas, I’d highly recommend taking a look at writer, comedian and actor Dawn French’s joyous example, which uses a mix of potted plants and pottery to create a stunning display.

And experts say that decorating your greenhouse is a great way to ensure your personality shines as much in your garden as in your home. Here’s how to do it like Dawn.

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Dawn French’s decorated greenhouse

This isn’t the first time a celebrity has demonstrated the benefits of decorating a greenhouse. Shirlie Kemp decorated her greenhouse for Christmas and instantly had us obsessed with her twinkling lights and foliage.

Since greenhouse decorating has taken off as a garden trend in its own right, and if you’re in need of some non-seasonal inspiration, Dawn is your girl. Posting on Instagram, Dawn was showing off a new mirror mask, which offered a glimpse into the greenhouse around her.

I spotted plenty of pretty geraniums in pots (Pelargonsjuka is a Scandi gardening trend Dawn is a fan of), with small ornaments and hanging plates nestled in between. It’s a simple idea but one that creates a gorgeous lived-in look.

‘What I like about Dawn French’s greenhouse is its personality. It doesn’t feel as though it has been decorated according to a particular trend or with the aim of looking immaculate. It feels joyful, individual and lived-in, which is exactly what a garden space should be. There’s a real sense that it reflects the person using it,’ says Francesca McEvoy, design expert at Crane Garden Buildings.

‘Plants themselves are obviously a huge part of the look, too. Mixing different heights, trailing plants and interesting pots can make a greenhouse feel wonderfully layered and established rather than overly styled. I particularly like the slightly eclectic approach, where everything doesn’t necessarily match perfectly. Greenhouses lend themselves beautifully to that relaxed, collected-over-time feel.’

How to decorate a greenhouse

If you’re feeling inspired to decorate your greenhouse, the best thing about Dawn’s is that she hasn’t relied on trends to decorate hers. It looks like her own individual expression and interests, which is what the experts say you should apply to yours.

Greenhouse decorated for a dinner party.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)

‘We spend a lot of time in our greenhouses, whether that’s tending to plants, admiring our crops or simply relaxing. Greenhouses have become an extension of our home, so it’s natural to decorate them with as much consideration as we do our indoor spaces,’ says Andrew White, sales and marketing Director at Rhino Greenhouses.

‘Adding seating such as a small bench or bistro set, soft furnishings for comfort or ornamental features such as vases, storage containers, lights all go towards giving the greenhouse more life and personality.

‘Not only does decorating a greenhouse make it an even more enjoyable place to spend time, it can help turn it into a multipurpose space, whether that’s relaxing with a drink and book, or hosting a dinner or drinks evening.’

Recently, Fred Sirieix revealed he uses his greenhouse as a hosting and dining space, so if yours is large enough, you can definitely transform it into a multipurpose space. Just remember, it can get quite warm in there!

‘My advice would be to think about how you actually want to feel when you’re in the greenhouse. If you want it to be somewhere you can sit with a cup of tea as well as tend to plants, give yourself a comfortable chair. If colour makes you happy, introduce it through pots, furniture or accessories. And don’t worry too much about making everything coordinate. Some of the most charming garden spaces are the ones that have evolved naturally over time,’ adds Francesca.

Decorate your greenhouse

If you’re planning on decorating your greenhouse, add decor you’d have in your own home. This way your greenhouse will feel like an natural extension of your indoor space.

10 Of The Best Modern Bookcases

10 Of The Best Modern Bookcases

by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Bookcases are one of our favourite pieces of furniture. Neat and compact, they take up comparatively little floor space and most people can find room for one. Not just for books, they’re also perfect for displaying lots of other bits and bobs. It’s best to decide first what you’re going the bookcase for so that you can get the shelf height right – tall, coffee table type books require a surprising amount of room! Many bookcases have adjustable shelves for flexibility. We’ve picked out 10 of our favourite bookcases, which will fit right into the modern home.

1. Cloverlly leaning bookcase, One.World

    Cloverlly leaning bookcase, One.World

    This unusual bookcase has an open-back design, so it won’t overpower the room. The five spacious shelves, complete with raised edges, provide the perfect space to display books, decorative objects, or potted plants. Designed to lean securely against a wall and made from sturdy painted wood, this bookcase could become the focal point of any room. £425, available from One.World.

    2. Albi wooden bookcase, Cult Furniture

    Albi wooden bookcase, Cult Furniture

    With its classic mid-century silhouette, clean lines, retro charm and smooth, modern finish, this neat little bookcase will find a ready home in any room. Crafted from oak veneer with an oiled finish, this wood bookcase is versatile, durable, and stylish. £199, available from Cult Furniture.

    3. Berkeley Nordic oak bookcase, The Cotswold Company

    Berkeley Nordic oak bookcase, The Cotswold Company

    Maximise on storage space with this light oak bookcase, featuring four traditionally made shelves and two dovetail drawers for added strength. It’s perfect for displaying treasured memories and family favourite novels in bedrooms or living rooms, and the open design helps create a more airy feeling. £699, available from The Cotswold Company

    4. Detroit tall bookcase, Oak Furnitureland

    Detroit tall bookcase, Oak Furnitureland

    If you’re looking for something a bit chunkier to provide more of a focal point for the room, this Detroit tall bookcase might fit the bill. Made from solid hardwood, it has sectioned shelves, a double storage cupboard and metal handles and legs for an urban twist. £629, available from Oak Furnitureland.

    5. Goodhome connect cube storage, B&Q

    Goodhome connect cube storage, B&Q

    If you’re tight for space (or budget!) then this simple cube bookcase is a lucky find. It can be used both floor standing and wall mounted, and you can add other units on in different colours and sizes if you want to personalise the end result. £20 for this two-shelf cube, available from B&Q.

    6. Huby shelving unit, Shelved

    Huby shelving unit, Shelved

    Sleek, minimal, and completely adaptable, this modular unit is the perfect space-conscious solution for storing your possessions. Four open rectangular fixed shelves give you plenty of space, and if you get your measurements who you can change the configuration or add more modules. £490.60, available from Shelved.

    7. Bali rattan standing storage shelves, Oliver Bonas

    Bali rattan standing storage shelves, Oliver Bonas

    With an arched silhouette, this storage unit is handmade in Indonesian and featurs a circular design around the edge in bamboo, and three woven rattan shelves. The decorative side panels add interest. £195, available from Oliver Bonas.

    8. Southwark ladder shelving, Swoon

    Southwark ladder shelving, Swoon

    No space? No problem! These narrow Southwark shelves have a touch of Scandinavian-inspired design. With tapered legs and a solid, natural timber frame, it’s clean, simple, modern and sturdy. £299, available from Swoon.

    9. Shelfie side table, Loaf

    Shelfie side table, Loaf

    If you like your furniture to multi-task, here’s neat idea. This little bookcase/table doubles as a coffee table, a hallway shoe stasher and a neat bookcase? Perfect if you’re short of space, or just prefer a minimalist look. £695, available from Loaf.

    10. Lena rattan bookshelf, VonHaus

    Lena rattan bookshelf, VonHaus

    Natural rattan pairs perfectly with this stand’s industrial black metal frame a. It boasts numerous shelves to display your decorations and books, and has a further two covered compartments for hiding clutter. £129.99, available from VonHaus.

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    Is colour out this autumn?! H&M Home just dropped a fully monochrome collection – these are the 9 expensive-looking buys I’m eyeing up

    Is colour out this autumn?! H&M Home just dropped a fully monochrome collection – these are the 9 expensive-looking buys I’m eyeing up

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    Now that rainy weather has arrived, it’s much easier to accept that summer is over and the cosy season is about to begin. Several brands have been dropping their new season homeware throughout August – but H&M Home’s autumn 2026 collection only just landed. And its lack of colour took me by surprise.

    Nicknamed the cosy season, autumn and the traditional autumn colour palette are known for featuring warm and earthy shades like terracotta, burgundy, brown and earthy green, all of which you can see in the likes of the Primark autumn range. But this autumn, H&M Home and the brand’s team decided to go in a very different, monochrome direction of black and white.

    A black desk with a metal table lamp and a wooden book stand on top

    (Image credit: H&M)

    While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend decorating your entire whole or even one whole room in this style, the individual pieces look very stylish and expensive. I think just a vase here or a table lamp there will instantly elevate your space.

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    ‘Whether it’s a structured linen cushion, a statement metal vase or the interplay between materials and textures – each object in this collection is designed to stand on its own, adding to a harmonious and deeply personal home,’ says Evelina Kravaev Söderberg, head of design and creative at H&M Home.

    Top picks

    Inspiration behind the collection

    H&M Home’s autumn range references modernist design of the early 20th century which was all about clean lines and sculptural shapes. And that’s exactly what many of the pieces from this collection are, whether it’s the geometric metal floor lamp or coordinating table lamp.

    A monochrome bedroom with a curved black glossy headboard and checked black and white bedding

    (Image credit: H&M)

    The brand opted to go with a restrained colour palette in order to highlight the various materials and textures included in the collection, from marble to stainless steel and warm wood. And as we know from the queen of interiors, Kelly Hoppen, texture is the most important element in any room design and decor.

    Which piece from this stylish new collection do you have your eye on?

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    I’ve just discovered a multi-tool for the garden that can do it all (apart from mow) – and it’s what I’m using to replace all the other tools in my shed

    I’ve just discovered a multi-tool for the garden that can do it all (apart from mow) – and it’s what I’m using to replace all the other tools in my shed

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    While much of my garden is laid to lawn, it also has trees and hedges planted – and patches of grass that the mower missed. With just the thought of having to find three separate tools to trim, prune and maintain, I was happy to give the Webb WEV20X2MTB4X 40V (2 x 20V) Top-Mounted Brushless Multi-Tool a go to save myself some effort.

    The different heights – ground, mid-level and high-level – would usually mean that I’d need to find the best strimmer at the very least. Then there’s the hedge trimmers and tree pruners to consider. Each of these tools can take up a lot of space in the shed, take some finding and blow a budget, so having this all wrapped up into one garden tool is certainly appealing.

    It’s battery-powered and, therefore, cordless, which means that you won’t need an extension cable to power it, so I plan to see how this performs too.

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    Using the Multi Tool

    The multi-tool is powered by two 4Ah batteries that slide onto either side of the motor at one end, with the shaft of one of three attachments secured onto the other.

    The batteries took fewer than a couple of hours to fully charge. What I liked about the charger is that it isn’t a charging dock but a plug with three ports for a cable: 1x USB-A and 2x USB-C. The batteries each take a USB-C cable, which is unlike any tech product I have seen before; I like it, but the jury is out if it saves any space, or saves anything for that matter.

    I found the set-up to be a headache, with the instructions not making much sense to me. Fortunately, with the help of my mum, we could figure it out without any written guidance (there’s no YouTube video either – fyi).

    It looks like a well-balanced piece of kit with a trigger handle positioned in front of the batteries, and a handle that can be positioned anywhere along the shaft to help hold it where you’re strimming, cutting or pruning. For each task, the lower shaft will slot into the upper shaft; how it feels to hold will depend on the attachment secured to the lower shaft. For example, the hedge trimmer is longer than the strimmer, which is more circular, so the weight distribution will need adjusting for comfort and performance.

    Weight-wise, the hedge cutter is the heaviest at 4.85kg with both batteries in situ, whereas the pole saw is 4.6kg and the line trimmer is 4.2kg.

    To operate, hold down the button on the battery to turn it on, then press the safety button before applying pressure to the trigger to start it up. I started it up before trying to trim or cut anything to check that I was comfortable with the handle positioning, because it is heavy.

    Line trimmer

    Our robot lawn mower cuts the majority of the lawn, but it doesn’t have the turning circle to get up close to the raised vegetable patch tucked between the boundary fence and flower border, so the line trimmer attachment was a welcome tool.

    It was quick to cut the grass back, and it only took a couple of passes before all the longer lengths of grass were level with the rest of the lawn. I held the trimmer by the trigger handle with one hand, and the removable telescopic handle with the other on the upper shaft, which was comfortable and well balanced.

    attaching the different parts to the webb multi tool

    Weeds are dislodged in seconds

    (Image credit: Future/ Jennifer Oksien)

    I then turned my attention to the hedge in our front garden. I am burdened by a lilac tree that keeps growing in the hedge, despite my constant efforts to remove the roots. The tree was towering over the box hedging so there was only one thing for it; hedge cutter.

    To attach, I removed the lower shaft of the trimmer from the upper shaft, and slotted in the lower shaft of the hedge cutter. It was immediately obvious that I needed to move the telescopic handle to the lower shaft to help distribute the weight – with a blade length of 420mm, the hedge cutter was making the tool feel extremely unbalanced.

    Releasing the screw nut and unclipping the handle had a bit of a knack to it. The bit behind the handle needed to be folded underneath and behind it, before securing again with the screw nut. It won’t be secure otherwise.

    adjusting handle on webb multi tool

    (Image credit: Future/ Jennifer Oksien)

    Hedge cutting

    I found this multi-tool to be really heavy to lift and slide across the top of the hedge. I also struggled to cut back the side of the hedge with it.

    Still, to my relief, it sliced through the tree hedge like butter. The small branches were cut clean, and any leaves caught up in the action were obliterated.

    Following the same procedure of switching-up the lower shaft, I secured the pole saw. It was our unruly Hazel tree that was to get some maintenance treatment next.

    Check that the teeth on the saw are not slack and, for prolong spells of use, you’ll need to add chainsaw oil, like this Castrol Garden Chain Oil (£13.09 from Amazon), to the 120ml oil tank to keep the chain lubricated.

    Pole saw

    Again, it sliced through thicker tree branches with no sweat. I had the handle positioned on the lower shaft whilst I had my hand on the trigger at the other end of the tool for comfortable positioning.

    I found it to be long enough to reach higher branches from the ground, and it made the job of tree pruning lighter work because it required little effort on my part.

    The Webb WEV20X2MTB4X 40V Top-Mounted Brushless Multi-Tool also comes with a brushcutter attachment which fits onto the line trimmer. I do not have a dense patch of weeds, or a suitable space, to try this out but going by the performance of the other attachments I’m sure that it’ll excel.

    brush cutter attachment on webb multi tool

    (Image credit: Future/ Jennifer Oksien)

    Noise levels were consistently loud on all attachments; it bounced around 90dB on the decibel meter reading app downloaded to my phone which is equivalent to a petrol lawn mower.

    Verdict? Overall the performance of this kit was brilliant with all grass, hedging and trees cut as intended. That said, I found it tricky to set up and you’ll need to find space in the shed to carefully store the separate shaft attachments.

    If you don’t already own a strimmer, hedge cutter, brush cutter and pole saw, and you have a need for owning all four of these tools, then it’ll be worth the investment for sure. It costs £249.99 which is not loads more than what a strimmer, hedge cutter and saw would cost if you were to buy them individually, so it’ll save you money.

    Alternatively, just owning one tool for what you need, such as a line trimmer, may be a more viable option for your gardening needs.

    Alternatives

    If a multi tool isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we have a few alternatives you can shop.

    Will you be making the switch to a multi tool? Or do you prefer to have separate tools for all the gardening jobs? Let us know.

    Monty Don’s tranquillity pond is the only water feature inspiration you need – it makes his garden look magical

    Monty Don’s tranquillity pond is the only water feature inspiration you need – it makes his garden look magical

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    Water features have been one of the biggest garden trends for summer this year, but while summer is coming to an end, our love for this relaxing garden feature is not. And Monty Don’s tranquillity pond is the latest piece of inspiration that I can’t get enough of.

    Celebrities have provided no shortage of water feature ideas this summer, so if you’ve been wanting to learn how to make a water feature, Instagram really has proved itself as a hotspot for how-tos and DIY inspiration.

    But while the flavour of the month has centred on solar fountains, Monty’s tranquillity pond is a little more peaceful, and garden experts say it’s a brilliant idea if you want to make your garden more relaxing.

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    It was only recently that I spotted Martin and Shirlie Kemp’s stunning water feature and wondered if it was the best celebrity example of the summer. But having now seen Monty’s, I think he’s giving them a run for their money.

    Positioned in between two flower beds in the Paradise Garden, Monty’s water feature is simply breathtaking. It’s simple in design, yet could equally have stepped out of a fairy tale.

    ‘It doesn’t feel as though a water feature has simply been dropped into the garden. It sits within the planting, so the edges feel softened and the pond becomes part of the landscape,’ comments Blanca Sanchez, director of Halo Design Interiors.. ‘I much prefer a pond where plants come close to the water and slightly blur its outline to one surrounded by a hard border because it just makes it feel a bit too contained. Monty’s has an established quality where you notice the water, but you also feel as though it belongs where it is.’

    Why you should consider a tranquillity pond

    If you’ve been thinking about putting your garden pond ideas into practice, I’m pleased to tell you that tranquillity ponds offer several benefits, from being wildlife-friendly to offering sensory benefits to you and your household.

    ‘Listening to moving water can lower cortisol levels and calm your nervous system, and trickling water can act as a natural sound barrier against traffic noise or noise from neighbours. Watching the ripples of the water can also encourage mindfulness,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

    ‘Having any kind of pond in your garden will encourage wildlife like birds and frogs to visit the area for food and drinking. As the water evaporates, it cools hot areas and adds humidity to the garden, which can stop the soil of nearby plants from drying out.

    Plus, when positioned in front of your flower beds, as Monty has done, you get a beautiful reflection of your flowers. Just think of it as double the blooms! This can even be achieved with a well-positioned micro pond, making this an equally effective small garden idea, too.

    How to DIY a tranquillity pond

    Of course, if you want to add a tranquillity pond to your garden, you can always buy one. I’ve seen a pond similar to Monty’s for £109 at B&Q. However, if you love DIY products, experts say it is possible to make your own.

    Pond with lily pads surrounded by plants in garden

    (Image credit: Future PLC/Annaick Guitteny)

    ‘You can easily create a mini-pond using a container, and line the container with a pond liner if it is not watertight. Add a layer of gravel or rocks to the container, using stones or logs to create varying depths or points where wildlife can climb in and out,’ says Richard.

    ‘When filling a pond, it is best to use rainwater to avoid the chemicals used to treat tapwater. After the pond is full, you can then add plants around it, or include a pump or filter to make the water trickle.’

    Get the look

    Has Monty won you over with his simple yet serene tranquillity pond?

    Next’s affordable set of wall lights is the answer to pending dark evenings – this is how I’m getting my kitchen prepped for autumn

    Next’s affordable set of wall lights is the answer to pending dark evenings – this is how I’m getting my kitchen prepped for autumn

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    As August draws to a close, all I am thinking about is how to make my home cosier for the darker evenings ahead. I know I shouldn’t be wishing summer away, but September always triggers that ‘back to school’ feeling, and as a result, I’m eager to make some tweaks around my home ahead of the new season.

    Lighting is the biggest design feature that really comes into its own when autumn rolls around, and this wall light set from Next particularly caught my eye.

    I recently discovered Next’s ‘The Set’ range and it is one of the best value homeware launches I’ve seen in a long time. The home accessories, such as lighting, bedding and rugs, come in affordable sets, making trend-led updates more budget-friendly. Here’s why I’m shopping this chic kitchen lighting idea.

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    It’s no secret that wall lights have boomed in popularity in the last year or so. What was once seen as a more traditional lighting choice has now expanded into so many different trendy styles, offering a practical way to add character and illumination to your home.

    Kitchens are one room where wall lights are especially useful. On an evening, particularly in the winter, turning the overhead light on can make your home feel stark and uninviting, so layering lots of different lighting options will provide ambience as well as useful illumination for worktops.

    Kitchen with wooden dresser units

    (Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)

    Next’s ‘The Set’ range is a gamechanger for achieving a stylish home without overspending. Let’s face it, you rarely need just one light, so their handy collection that comes in pairs for the price of one light elsewhere saves you time and money while decorating.

    I have long been a fan of brass wall lights. They add a subtle antique touch to a kitchen, and this set from Next have had a modern update with the matching brass shade – it’s also much more practical for cooking spaces where cooking smells can embed into fabric shades.

    The piece de resistance of these wall lights is that they’re rechargeable. I live in a rented home so wiring wall lights in isn’t going to happen, but if you’re adding them in retrospectively even to a home you own, calling in an electrician is an added expense.

    Instead, you can simply screw these into the wall just before the evenings start to get darker and your kitchen will have the perfect ambience all winter.

    Shop more rechargeable wall lights

    While getting the look and feel of your kitchen right is essential, so are the practical elements. These small kitchen storage ideas are perfect for decluttering for the new season.

    Mark my words, this stylish John Lewis buy will be on all the best-dressed beds this autumn – it’s already sold out twice

    Mark my words, this stylish John Lewis buy will be on all the best-dressed beds this autumn – it’s already sold out twice

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    There are some things you might expect to sell well in a heatwave: ice cream, fans, portable air conditioners, perhaps. But I’m willing to bet that quilts wouldn’t usually top your list of hot weather purchases.

    However, such is the draw of John Lewis’ autumn quilt collection that sales have soared this summer. Yep, even during the many heatwaves.

    In fact, the John Lewis Leon Quilt in particular has sold out *twice* since it first went online, and cosy season hasn’t even begun yet!

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    To be honest, I’m not surprised. When I predicted 2026’s biggest bedding trends at the beginning of the year, two looks in particular were top of the list, and the John Lewis quilt collection nails both.

    First, there is the artisanal, handcrafted look, and the brand’s beautifully quilted and embroidered bedspreads, such as the John Lewis Floral Embroidered Quilt, sum up the look perfectly.

    Then there was the promise that modern heirloom designs would take centre stage, and what says ‘looks like your (very stylish) Granny could have made it’ more than the brand’s fantastic patchwork quilt collection.

    When the Ideal Home team first saw the new bedspread range at John Lewis Press Day Preview, we knew these designs were about to sell like hot cakes.

    And we were right. The quilts have been a huge hit with John Lewis shoppers, and since they launched online, selected lines have already sold out multiple times.

    ‘Gorgeous bedspread,’ says one 5-star reviewer of the John Lewis Diamond Patchwork Quilt on the brand’s website. ‘Very detailed and a nice modern twist on a patchwork quilt. It really elevates our bedroom.’

    The John Lewis quilt range hanging on display ladders at the John Lewis Press Day Preview

    (Image credit: Future PLC / Sara Hesikova)

    ‘The most beautiful throw,’ raves another happy quilt owner. ‘The quality and colours on this throw are truly second to none. I’ve bought complementary bedding and decorative cushions to go with it, and it’s transformed our bedroom.’

    ‘So pleased when I put this on the bed. It looked stunning,’ shares another reviewer of the John Lewis Keya Suzani Quilt. ‘I had hesitated buying because I thought it was a little expensive, but so glad I did.’

    ‘Beautiful bedspread,’ echoes another shopper who agrees the investment is worth it. ‘It is great value for money given that it is extremely well made and has been beautifully designed.’

    I couldn’t be happier,’ sums up another owner. ‘I love it. Just what I was looking for.’

    John Lewis quilts

    As summer draws to a close and the cooler, darker nights draw in, I think now is definitely the time to snap up this bestselling bedding before it sells out again.

    These are some of my favourite designs, and all are currently in stock and ready to transform your bed into a stylish and cosy cold-season retreat.

    Not ceramic, not fabric, M&S’ new designer-look lamp is crafted entirely from glass – it will be a game-changer on dark autumn nights

    Not ceramic, not fabric, M&S’ new designer-look lamp is crafted entirely from glass – it will be a game-changer on dark autumn nights

    by | Aug 29, 2026 | Design Inspiration

    Just when I thought M&S lighting couldn’t get any better, the supermarket has only gone and dropped the Double Layer Shade Glass Base Table Lamp (£100), and its retro look is all you need to create a cosy atmosphere at home this autumn.

    Warm lighting has not only been a huge lighting trend in 2026, but it is also perfect for transitioning into the cooler nights. Just think, nights curled up on the sofa with a soft, amber glow to keep you company.

    M&S’s latest all-over-glass lamp is a beautiful shade of amber, and with its retro, textured design, it’s easy to see why this lamp is already a bestseller on the website. But if you like what you see, I’d act fast, as lamps as good as this one are never in stock for long.

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    Earlier this year, M&S dropped a designer-look glass lamp, and it was quick to sell out. We were so impressed that M&S was even drawing comparisons with Soho Home amongst the Ideal Home team.

    Now the brand is dropping its AW26 collections; it seems they have no intention of letting the designer allegations slip, having dropped a gorgeous marble table lamp and now this amber glass table lamp.

    The Double Layer Shade Glass Base Table Lamp has both a glass base and shade, with a built-in double layer to produce soft, circular pools of light. M&S says the cable is visible to add an industrial touch to the entire look.

    Its regular, geometric design adds to its mid-century look, while the amber glass is the perfect autumn colourway. If you’re a fan of warm-toned, cosy living room ideas, this lamp simply must be part of them.

    M&amp;amp;S Double Layer Shade Glass Base Table Lamp in cosy living room with log burner.

    (Image credit: M&S)

    There’s a good reason I’m hammering the point of a cosy glow. If I’ve learned anything at an interiors magazine, it’s that good lighting really does have the power to define the ambience of a room. Warm-toned glass such as this lamp softens and warms dark, miserable evenings – I’d bet it will be a game-changer when the nights grow longer.

    ‘Warm-coloured glass lighting (like amber and brown) has been one of the biggestlighting trends of this year, so this gorgeous M&S lamp is very much on-trend. It’s also perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere as it’s going to produce a very warm shade of light. It’s definitely on the pricier side but considering the designer look with a mid-century meets art deco aesthetic, I think it’s worth it,’ says Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor.

    If you’re not completely satisfied with this luxe-look glass lamp, here are a few more styles new to M&S.

    M&S amber glass lamp as completely won me over. It is a bit of an investment, but I think its designer-look is worth it.