Experts are warning homeowners to spray their pathways and patios with vinegar this October to stop spiders from entering their homes.
September through to November is the prime breeding season for spiders in the UK, which is why you’ve probably seen an increase in these eight-legged insects running around your home and garden. While rarely anything but harmless, many adults are frightened of them, which is why it can be handy to know how to get rid of spiders.
If you’re looking for a humane way to stop spiders from darkening your doorways this autumn, vinegar (£2.50 at Amazon) is a fantastic and affordable option. Here’s how it works.
Why you should spray vinegar around your home
While spiders can’t smell in the same way humans do, there are some scents spiders hate, and vinegar is one of them.
Spiders use sensitive receptors on their legs to navigate and hunt prey, and scents such as vinegar can irritate and disrupt them.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Spiders dislike the acetic acid’s strong smell and taste, which disrupts their sensory navigation. White vinegar (5% acidity) works best, diluted 1:1 with water,’ explains Ted Bromley-Hall, managing director of IBRAN.
The hack works because spiders ‘taste’ surfaces through their legs, and vinegar creates an unpleasant barrier. For best results, apply on dry days in the early evening when spiders are most active, reapplying after rain.
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‘You can spritz the mix around windows, doors, and any other entry points you’ve noticed spiders entering, as well as on pathways and patios to discourage them from coming close to the house,’ advises explains Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse.
‘Any type of white vinegar will work, as the key deterrent is the acetic acid it contains. Alternatively, you can also use peppermint oil and water for a less offensive-smelling repellent.’
There’s something about autumn that feels like a gentle exhale. After the bright busyness of summer, the arrival of crisp mornings, golden leaves and cosy evenings brings a welcome shift in pace. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, layer up, and take pleasure in the comforts of home. Interiors become richer and warmer, colours deepen, and textures turn softer and more tactile. Autumn isn’t just about the changing landscape outside our windows – it’s about creating spaces that reflect that same sense of comfort and ease inside. From the glow of candlelight to the rustle of fallen leaves on the doorstep, it’s a bridging season between the carefree warmth of summer and the quiet stillness of winter, and a time when home feels more important than ever. Here’s why we’re embracing the autumn season.
Pumpkin and spice autumn candle, £17.95 from Wildrace. This candle blends the earthy richness of pumpkin with the bold warmth of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
1. Natural beauty
Autumn can be visually stunning. In the early part of the season, the weather’s still good and trees are transforming into glowing displays. The season also brings distinct aromas, like freshly fallen leaves, the tang of rain, and wood smoke, that evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Pampas jute mini basket (above and main image), £11 from The Braided Rug Company. Handmade in Bangladesh from 100% organic jute, it’s fully sustainable and biodegradable. Available in a range of sizes.
2. Getting outdoors
Spring can be chilly, summer too hot and winter downright freezing. Autumn, in traditional Goldilocks fashion, can be just right. Whether it’s going for long walks and kicking up leaves, running in the brisk morning air or cycling for miles, autumn is often the best season to get outdoors.
3. A seasonal feast
Autumn is harvest season, traditionally the time when there’s a plethora of food and we all – animals and humans alike – stock up for the winter. Apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and pears are in abundance and they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre to help see us through the winter ahead. Plus, it’s the season of comfort food – all those seasonal ingredients are perfect for soup, stew, casseroles, cakes and puddings.
Woodland autumnal paper napkins, £4.75 from Talking Tables. Bring a world of wildlife straight to your table with these napkins, featuring fabulous fungi, fluttering butterflies and lush foliage.
4. Mental renewal
The shifting season often inspires reflection and mindfulness. Autumn’s slowing pace and quieter, darker evenings mean we can reset, establish routines, and prepare mentally for the year’s final months before the transition into winter. The cosy atmosphere – warm drinks, soft blankets, and candlelight – naturally promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.
Moonim autumn garden poster, Poster Store. A cheerful poster featuring Moomin characters playing in an autumn garden with a big dark blue tree, colourful leaves, and a cosy blue house in the background. Available in different sizes, prices start at £10.95.
5. Better sleep
If you’ve been waking up at 5am all summer, then prepare to sigh with relief. Shorter days and cooler nights can improve sleep quality. As we move forward towards winter, our bodies adjust to the change in daylight and temperature to encourage deeper rest.
Felt autumn wreath, £26.95 from Funky Chunky Furniture Co. This eye-catching wreath is filled with a combination of golden, burnt orange and deep burgundy leaves.
6. Creative thinking
Any new season can spark fresh creativity, but for many artists and writers autumn is the season of inspiration. Its colours, textures, and rhythms stir the imagination. If you have more time on your hands due to the shorter days and longer evenings, it’s a great time to unleash your inner creativity and join an evening class or take up a new hobby.
Autumn is more than just a prelude to winter; it’s a season in its own right that’s good for body, mind, and spirit. With its comforting foods and cosy ambiance, autumn reminds us of the value of balance and change.
As the weather has turned colder this month, there’s one thing that’s been helping me to keep the chill at bay during the evenings.
That’s having an electric blanket secured to my bed and ready to turn on if and when overnight temperatures drop. Plus, a heated throw folded up on the sofa, ready to curl up under, so I don’t have to turn the central heating on yet.
However, before I began testing out the best electric blankets for Ideal Home, I hadn’t owned one since I was a kid, and it turns out, there’s one thing I hadn’t realised about electric blankets.
Namely, that you can wash an electric blanket. Which, to my mind at least, makes them a far better investment than I thought.
I’d always considered a heated blanket to be a bit of an expensive luxury. After all, if you’re anything like me, the sofa is for snacking, and snacking naturally means the odd crumb and occasional sticky fingers.
I didn’t much like the sound of a blanket that I couldn’t put through the washing machine to get properly clean every once in a while.
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Similarly, I know an electric blanket goes under your bottom sheet, so it’s protected from close contact with your body. But still, since becoming Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve learnt a *lot* about how easily sweat, grime, and dead skin cells can penetrate through the covers to stain bedding below.
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But, as it turns out, I didn’t need to worry, because every electric blanket and heated blanket I’ve tested over the past four years has been washable, and machine washable at that. There’s no need to bend over a bathtub to rinse out an electric blanket by hand.
But how is that possible? After all, we all know water and electricity definitely don’t mix safely.
(Image credit: Dreamland / B&Q)
‘Most of our throws and blankets are designed to be machine-washable,’ explains Maria Bullen of heated wellness brand, Dreamland. ‘Simply unplug and detach the control unit before placing your throw in the machine.’
Yep, it isn’t a blanket rule (no pun intended), but if your electric blanket has a detachable power cord – which every electric blanket I’ve tested has – there’s every chance it can be machine-washed.
Just make sure you *always* check the care label to make sure this is 100% the case before you bring your blanket anywhere near water, and definitely don’t get liquids anywhere near your blanket whilst it’s plugged into an electrical socket.
‘Never assume that an electric blanket is safe to machine wash if there isn’t a care label or manual included,’ confirms Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons Beds. ‘You’ll also want to check for any exposed or damaged wiring before washing,’ says Rebecca.
‘Before first use each season, check the fabric, wires, and controller for any wear or damage,’ agrees Maria.
(Image credit: Future)
But, as long as your electric blanket is in good nick (and if it isn’t, you shouldn’t be using it anyway) and its care label gives you the green light, you can then proceed to putting it in the washing machine and giving it a thorough clean.
‘Wash on a gentle cycle at 30-40°C, then either air dry or use a low tumble setting to keep the fabric soft and the heating elements protected,’ explains Maria. Our guide to how to clean an electric blanket has the full breakdown.
Just make sure to ‘keep drinks and liquids away when the electric blanket is in use,’ warns Maria, ‘they don’t mix with electric textiles’.
So you can eat your favourite snack whilst toasting on the sofa under your heated blanket or when hurkle-durkling in bed on a lazy morning, but avoid sipping a hot chocolate whilst using an electric blanket.
Personally, that’s a compromise I’m very happy to make. After all, the marshmallows are the best bit of an autumn hot chocolate anyway!
Machine-washable electric blankets
Dreamland
Snowed In Dual-Control Heated Mattress Protector
A comfortable sleep surface, dual controls that allow each side of the bed to be warmed independently, a wide range of temperature settings, and an auto-shutoff timer make this one of the best electric blankets I’ve tested, and it’s machine-washable at 30°C.
Silentnight
Comfort Control Electric Blanket
It’s a far more basic design, but I’ve found this affordable electric blanket still does a great job of warming up the bed. There’s no auto shut-off timer or dual controls, and I could feel the wires a little under my bedsheet, but it keeps away the chill without breaking the bank, and it can be machine-washed at 40°C.
Dreamland
Luxury Heated Throw
This heated throw regularly keeps me feeling super cosy whilst snuggled up on the sofa. Super soft and velvety, it comes with a detachable socket so you can use it as a normal throw in warmer weather, and that means it’s also machine-washable. You can pop it into the machine at 30°C.
I’ve rounded up three of my top recommendations for machine-washable electric underblankets and heated throws above.
As the weather continues to get colder, they’re definitely my go-to for staying cosy on cold winter nights. And, now that I know they’re machine-washable, that means they’ll be able to keep me warm for many winters to come, too.
Autumn has arrived, and so has the condensation. While I’ve often struggled to keep on top of the moisture build-up on my old windows, I’ve recently got my hands on a condensation-busting tool that’s made it easier (and cheaper) than ever. Enter: the sellout £2.99 Lakeland Condensation Mitt.
Yep, removing condensation from my windows has become a daily task on my to-do list to prevent damp in my Victorian home this winter, and I was lucky enough to snap up the Lakeland Condensation Mitt before it sold out the first time.
Now that it’s back in stock and I’ve witnessed its magic for myself, I can’t gate-keep this autumn must-have. But you’ll have to be quick, as it’s already selling fast again…
Lakeland Condensation Mitt
If you’re reading this and the Lakeland Condensation Mitt has already sold out again, I can only apologise, and I’ve popped some alternatives below to make up for it. But after buying mine during its first wave of popularity, I can understand why it’s selling like hot cakes.
Made to fit over your hand (yep, exactly like an oven glove), the condensation mitt allows you to remove the condensation from your windows with a simple wipe. It’s made from a soft microfibre material that instantly absorbs moisture and leaves a streak-free finish in its wake.
In fact, it can soak up to 100ml of water at a time. For reference, I have 8 large double-hung windows in my Victorian house, and the condensation mitt tackles all of them with ease. It’s also been bone dry and ready to use again by the following morning, and it’s machine washable at 30°C.
It’s the mitt design that’s impressed me the most, though. With more control when wiping my windows, the shape and size allows me to get right into the corners to keep them dry and prevent damp and mould build-up both around my windows and my house as a whole.
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(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)
However, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I told you that it was perfect, and it’s important to remember that the Lakeland Condensation Mitt is only a £2.99 product. It’s definitely not the most high-tech product I’ve ever seen, and I’m not entirely sure how long it’ll be able to tackle a daily onslaught of water.
So, for particularly bad windows and for moisture-prone rooms like my kitchen and bathroom, I’ve still been using my Kärcher window vacuum – which just so happens to be reduced for Amazon Prime’s Big Deals Day event – as I can also use it on my bathroom mirror and shower screen.
But for everyday, quick condensation removal, the mitt has become a welcome addition to my morning routine, and I think it’s well worth the bargain £2.99 price tag. Considering it’s already sold out once, I can only assume that Lakeland shoppers feel the same!
Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber
This moisture absorber is ideal for window sills. Our Managing Editor, Thea, has used the larger model in her bathroom for years and loves that it works like one of the best dehumidifiers without costing a penny.
Kärcher Window Vac WV 6 Plus
This is the window vac that I use when condensation on my windows is particularly bad, and it’s currently on sale at Amazon. But it’s not just for autumn or winter use, as it’s also one of the best window cleaning tools you can use year-round.
UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber
This refillable moisture absorber is an Amazon bestseller, and small enough to pop on your window sill to prevent condensation. With over 17,000 reviews, it’s fair to say it comes very highly recommended.
So, will you be snapping up the Lakeland Condensation Mitt? I’ve already told all of my friends and family to buy one, so you’ll have to be quick before it sells out again!
The wait is finally over – the Marks & Spencer Extra Large Velvet Christmas Bows are back! These supersized beauties sell out super early every year so my advice is not to wait around and grab yours while you can.
Even though M&S quietly opened its Christmas shop last month, the brand just did a big drop of more festive pieces, including Kelly Hoppen’s Christmas range and these bestselling bows, selling for £29 a pop. And this year, they’re even bigger and better than before, measuring an impressive 86cm long and 63cm wide.
M&S
Extra Large Velvet Bow
So it should come as no surprise that even though they only just dropped, they’re already selling super fast, with one sold every 2-3 minutes on launch day.
With XL Christmas bows are trending now even more than any of the previous years, more high street brands are jumping on the Christmas trend and making them larger than ever before, but there never seems to be enough to satisfy shoppers’ demands.
(Image credit: M&S)
What’s excellent about these huge bows is that you don’t need to buy or pull out much more festive decor than that as they’re such a statement – that simplifies your decorating process and also makes it more cost-effective.
‘It’s ideal for busy households that want instant impact,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist. ‘I love how they bring theatre to a front door or staircase, setting the mood before you have even hung the fairy lights.’
They are also incredibly versatile – I’ve seen them styled in so many different ways at the many various Christmas press shows I’ve been to this year, from the back of dining chairs to the top of Christmas trees in place of a tree topper or a star.
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(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
I got an early look at the new M&S Christmas bows at the brand’s Christmas preview a couple of weeks ago where they were hung on the walls, draped over dining chairs and put on Christmas trees.
I’ve been checking the site daily ever since in anticipation of the bows’ drop since I wouldn’t want to miss it. But just in case you don’t get there in time, there are still some great alternatives from other retailers.
XL Christmas bow alternatives
Anthropologie
Satin Bow Tree Topper
The red version of this massive satin bow has already sold out. But this fuchsia pink shade and pearl-adorned black versions are still available.
John Lewis
Velvet Hanging Bow
At 90cm long, this John Lewis bow is even bigger than the M&S one. And having seen it IRL, it’s almost as big as me!
Next
Black Velvet Christmas Bow Tree Topper
While the red colourway of the M&S Christmas bows has dropped and is currently flying off the virtual shelves, there are two more colours in the pipeline that have yet to make an appearance – one in green and the other in dusty pink. So watch this space!
With Storm Amy set to batter the UK this weekend, it’s unsurprising that you’re thinking about your garden and how to keep it safe. But have you considered that your garden plants can help you in return?
While it is important to know how to protect plants during a storm, garden experts have revealed that some plants can actually help protect your garden from bad weather. That’s right, your choice in greenery can have an impact on how your garden stands up against blistering winds and heavy downpours.
Of course, storms are unpredictable, so we can’t say these plants will stop all damage in your garden, but they can help lessen its impact. So, if you’re looking to minimise storm damage, listen up as these are the five plants that can help naturally protect your garden from bad weather.
1. Ivy
There is an everlasting debate on whether you should remove ivy from your home or garden structures, but James Wong, a botanist working in partnership with Allianz UK, says it can actually protect your home in extreme weather.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)
‘The glossy, evergreen leaves of climbers like Ivy (Hedera helix) create a thick barrier of foliage which shields the walls they are growing on from both summer heat and winter cold and rain,’ he says.
‘Ivy has been consistently shown by scientific trials to actively protect plaster and brickwork by buffering the effects of adverse weather, as long as these are in good condition at the time of planting.
‘Just remember to cut it back if it is at risk of growing into guttering or roof spaces. Always be cautious when undertaking any maintenance task that you aren’t familiar with, seek professional help where needed.’
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Where to buy ivy:
2. Hardy shrubs
Hardy shrubs can be used to protect more vulnerable plants, acting as a shield against the elements.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Hawthorn or holly are great, compact and hardy shrubs which can act as a natural wind break, soaking up the blast and protecting more fragile plants behind them,’ says Samuel Davis, horticulturist and CEO of London Gardeners.
‘‘Protector plants’ strategically placed in front of them create living walls that soften the impact of storms and add year-round structure and beauty.’
Where to buy hardy shrubs:
3. Privet hedging
Like hardy shrubs, privet hedges can also be a solid defence against the elements and act as a barrier against high winds – one reason why privet is one of the best hedging plants.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
‘Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is another, evergreen hedge which, when planted around homes as a low hedge, can protect their foundations from freezing and thawing cycles in two different ways,’ explains James.
‘Not only do their thick canopies prevent the cold from reaching the foundations, but their moisture-absorbing roots also prevent waterlogging, which works together to prevent cracks and shifting due to freezing soil.’
Where to buy privet hedging:
4. Strong-rooted plants
‘Plants with strong root systems, like Periwinkles (Vinca major), help to stabilise soil and prevent erosion caused by winter storms, even the effect of melting snow and ice,’ says James.
‘The roots anchor the soil around foundations, driveways, and slopes, preventing runoff and protecting your property from water damage and potential subsidence.’
‘Strong and deep-rooted perennials such as echinacea and lupins can also help hold soil in place and prevent erosion during heavy rain,’ he says.
Where to buy strong-rooted plants:
5. Creeping thyme
Not only are creeping thyme lawns beautiful to look at, they can help prevent flooding when it rains.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Jiojio)
‘Planting a gravel garden using a carpet of groundcover plants that can withstand being walked over, like Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), will create a low-maintenance outdoor space,’ says James.
‘This could help with flood prevention, but will still leave you with a functional driveway. Just one that is far more beautiful than a sea of concrete. A win-win!’
Where to buy creeping thyme:
Do you have any of these plants in your garden already? What plants do you find hold up well against stormy weather?
We love having friends over to our backyard fire pit, which means we eat A LOT of s’mores. It also means we have A LOT of opportunities to try unique twists on the traditional recipe. There’s nothing wrong with a tried-and-true s’more, but test-testing new ingredients and combos keeps things fun – and we’ve definitely hit on some combos that we think are even more delicious than the original! So here are 5 of our favorite “upgraded” s’more ideas for your next backyard fire pit gathering (or beach bonfire!).
All of these are simple to execute and still involve the fun “roasting over an open flame” part. So don’t feel like you need to do a lot of extra work or be a fancy home chef to pull them off (we definitely aren’t!).
S’more Night Firepit Supplies
Before we dive into the “recipes,” let’s cover some basics about our backyard fire pit set-up. Here are the exact items we have & love (nothing sponsored, all purchased with our own money).
We also have a metal storage caddy (we linked a similar one since ours is 5+ years old) with basic s’mores supplies in the cabinet above our fridge. This makes it MUCH EASIER to bring everything out to the fire in one trip. Here’s what’s in ours:
Standard s’mores ingredients: graham crackers, chocolate bars, & marshmallows
Quick tip for the metal roasting sticks: They often have crispy burnt marshmallow bits left on them at the end of the night. Soak that end in water overnight to make cleaning much easier in the morning!
Five S’more Upgrades
Ok, we’ve made it to the fun part. Here are the 5 “fancy” s’mores we’ll cover today:
Savory s’mores
Chocolate swaps
Cracker swaps
Adding fruits or spreads
Fluff dips
1. Savory S’mores
What if s’mores had a baby with a charcuterie board? That’s the idea here (which made the rounds on TikTok about a year ago and inspired us to give it a try). The gist is: instead of a marshmallow, you’re roasting bite-size cheeses over an open a flame. And then you swap the chocolate for something like salami, add some fancy jam, and any other savory ingredients you’d like (we LOVE hot honey on them).
Like any meat & cheese platter, it’s fun to have a spread of options for guests to try. Just be sure to have 3 basic categories covered – cheeses, crackers, and toppings. Here are some of our favorites:
Snacking Cheeses:
Savory Crackers:
Toppings:
As much as we love the look of the fancy cheeses like brie, we’ve found the Babybel to be a crowd favorite!
We’re still working on our “presentation” of savory s’mores because, unlike a fancy cheese platter, we like to keep the snack cheeses wrapped & chilled until they’re ready. We have had luck keeping them cold while they sit outside with us near the fire by freezing a layer of ice in a dispoable baking pan and then nesting another pan on top to corral our ingredients.
The absolute best part? You can have savory s’mores for dinner and then follow up with dessert s’mores later the same evening! Nobody has to be back in the kitchen preparing food while others hang outside. Zero dishes to wash. Absolutely a fun DIY dinner for everyone involved.
2. Chocolate Swaps
The easiest way to mix-up your classic s’more recipe is to sub out the standard Hershey’s bar for other chocolate candies. Just like the savory s’more spread above, it’s a simple & fun way to let your kids or guests experiment. Just pick up a few bars or bags of other chocolate-based treats. Here are our favorites:
You can use just about any snack or mini size chocolate bar (Snickers, Mr. Goodbar, etc). In our experience, the thinnner the better. But it’s all personal preference, so we suggest experimenting! Sherry and I both agree the Andes mint version is underappreciated in the s’mores world and like them better than the original Hershey’s bar.
3. Cracker Swaps
Similarly, you can also trade out your classic graham cracker base for a new twist on a s’more. Just be careful whatever you’re using it large & sturdy enough to support your other ingredients. Here are some cracker alternatives to try:
You might be surprised by how much these alterations can change the whole flavor of your s’more. And shockingly, the Saltine is one of our favorite swaps. That little hint of salt is *chef’s kiss*. Truly, try it with a toasty marshmallow and Andes mints instead of Hershey’s chocolate. We are awaiting our Michelin Star, it’s that good.
4. Add Fresh Fruit or Spreads
One of our favorite recent discoveries is adding a hit of fresh fruit to our s’mores. It does take a smidge more prep, but regular s’mores now seem almost boring by comparison. These ingredients can be used in addition to OR in place of chocolate:
Strawberries, sliced thin
Bananas, sliced thin
Green applies, sliced thin
Peach wedges
Nectarine wedges
Pear wedges
Whole blackberries or raspberries
Another way to get that fruit flavor but with less prep is using a fruit spread or jam, which we do OFTEN! It tastes so good, and makes it really fun and customizable for your family and guests. Just spread one (or two!) of these on your base cracker first:
Be creative with your combinations of these various categories to create a truly custom s’more. For instance, a shortbread cookie + fresh strawberries + toasted marshmallow can give you an almost strawberry shortcake-like flavor.
5. Fluff Dips
Skip traditional marshmallow and grab a container of marshmallow fluff instead. Just put one of the base ingredients below onto your roasting stick and dip it directly into the fluff. You may need a spoon to help apply the fluff evenly. Then toast the whole thing over your flame.
After you’re done toasting, you can eat it off a plate with your fingers or a fork – or squish it between two crackers for a traditional sandwich-style s’more. Also consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or honey on top! Don’t sleep on a whole strawberry + marshmallow fluff (seen in the photo above). We recently tried them with friends and couldn’t get enough. The fluff gets this toasty crunchy char on the outside and the inside of the strawberry is warm and goey like pie.
Our Favorite Combos
I know we just threw a lot of options your way, so we’ll leave you with our top 3 combinations:
John’s Top 3 S’mores
Traditional s’more + sliced strawberries on graham crackers
Savory s’more with fig jam, proscuitto, and fontina cheese on rosemary cracker
Saltine + lemon curd + marshmallow (no chocolate) on shortbread cookies
Sherry’s Top 3 S’mores
Traditional s’more, sub Hershey’s chocolate for Andes mint on saltines
Savory s’more with hot honey, salami, and Babybel on saltines
Whole strawberry dipped in marshmallow fluff (no cracker)
Happy s’mores-ing everyone! And we solemnly vow to keep trying new s’more combinations. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.
Other Posts You Might Enjoy
If you’d like more information about how we transformed our backyard, check out some of these posts below:
*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.
Walk into the Poroda House, and you’ll feel it instantly. This isn’t just another modern home. It’s a space that balances three entirely different types of ambiance. A) elegance of a palace, B) the grounded strength of a fortress, and C) the soft embrace of a family retreat.
This space is designed for a young family. As such, every corner is intentional. From the sunlit living room with its panoramic windows to the cinematic lounge, everything unfolds in plush comfort. Here, modern classics meet a bold architectural vision, with porcelain stone, custom furniture, and atmospheric lighting creating an experience that’s as stylish as is livable. This is Poroda House: refined, warm, and timeless all at once. A project by Alexandr Bokhan, Anastasia Tolchynska, Anastasiia Lytvynovska, and Studio MAKHNO.
The living room of Poroda House is where elegance feels effortless. Sunlight pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows. This is softened by sheer drapes that add glow to the space. At the heart of it all stands a striking partition clad in porcelain stoneware. On one side, it frames a bio fireplace that flickers with warmth. On the other, it holds a sleek built-in TV. This clever divider doesn’t just separate the living area from the kitchen; it gives each side its own atmosphere while keeping the flow completely open.
The furniture continues the theme of relaxed sophistication. Low, sculptural seating and rounded coffee tables create a calm look. The tones are warm and neutral, but the shapes are bold, giving the room its modern-classic edge.
The kitchen and dining space in Poroda House are all about refined minimalism. Porcelain stone runs across the island and backsplash, creating a seamless and sculptural look. Slim bronze fixtures and built-in Bosch appliances keep everything sleek and modern. The dining area flows naturally from the kitchen, anchored by a custom white stone table and surrounded by rounded designer chairs. Above it, the oversized KHMARA lamp adds a dramatic yet soft focal point.
The cinema room in Poroda House is designed for pure immersion. Dark walls, heavy curtains, and soft oversized seating create a cocoon-like atmosphere where the only focus is the massive screen ahead. A sleek wooden console and discreet lighting keep the look clean and modern, while the deep-toned palette enhances that true theater feel.
The staircase in Poroda House feels like a sculptural statement. Each step is carved from stone, wide and grounded, yet softened by integrated lighting. Let’s walk upstairs to see what awaits.
The master suite in Poroda House centers around a low, tufted bed with soft textures. This is framed by dark wood accents and floor-to-ceiling drapes. Natural light filters in gently, giving the space a serene atmosphere.
The walk-in closet feels like a boutique: lined with warm wood, glass-front cabinetry, and smart lighting that highlights every detail.
The bathroom continues the elegance with marble finishes, twin sinks, and bronze fixtures that add a touch of warmth. Geometric wall tiles bring texture, while the freestanding tub and glass shower complete the spa-like feel.
The study is a perfect balance of function and elegance. The warm walnut desk anchors the space, its bold grain giving depth against the soft backdrop. Built-in shelves line the wall behind, displaying carefully placed sculptures and books—styled, yet practical. A leather chair adds comfort without breaking the clean aesthetic.
This bathroom takes minimalism and makes it feel luxurious. The grey stone tiles wrap the space in a spa-like atmosphere; the floating vanity with its matching stone sink blends right into the walls. The star feature is the circular mirror rimmed with soft LED lighting. A brushed steel faucet and wall-mounted soap dispenser keep the design sleek.
We all know and love IKEA for their smart, stylish and affordable furniture, but with the introduction of the brand new Life at Home Platform, IKEA are taking it one step further – helping you move house!
You don’t need me to tell you that if you’re on the hunt for the best home decor trends, IKEA is a great place to find goodies on a budget. Plus, with hundreds of IKEA DIY hacks, it’s easy to turn your flatpack furniture into something beautiful.
Now, Life at Home takes the experience a step further. Designed to meet the needs of a modern household, moving home is about to become a less stressful experience. Here’s everything you need to know.
IKEA’s Life at Home Platform
Life at Home is an innovative new initiative that is made up of three features, all designed to make moving home that little bit easier.
You should consider adding IKEA to your moving house checklist, as these new features can help elevate some of the workload when moving. The three services are Home Move & Setup, Energy Eervices and the IKEA Family Credit Card.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby)
Working in collaboration with Just Move In, the home move and setup service is currently being trialled and aims to relieve the stress of moving. The service handles tasks such as utility transfers for your gas, electricity, water and council tax, comparing and setting up broadband and TV subscriptions and even redirecting mail to your new address.
The service also plans to cover your physical needs, offering secure storage and deep clean options, as well as professional support for removals.
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The home move service is free to use, and professional services are competitively priced. Simply sign up via IKEA’s website, and get started.
Meanwhile, the energy services aim to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for customers. It has partnered with trusted providers such as Aira Heat Pumps and Soly Solar Panels, Batteries and Chargers to provide a one-stop shop for customers seeking more renewable energy options at home.
Finally, the IKEA Family Credit Card helps spread the cost of small to medium-ticket purchases. The card offers flexible repayment options and exclusive benefits, both in and out of IKEA. Purchases between £99 and £299 can be paid over three months interest-free, while purchases up to £1,200 and £2,000 can be spread over 10- and 20-month terms respectively.
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
‘At IKEA, we’ve always been driven by the mission to create a better everyday life for people. The Life at Home offering reflects this commitment,’ says Ashley Hamilton, UKIE Customer Manager for IKEA.
;It’s a comprehensive collection of services that not only makes life at home more convenient and affordable but also empowers our customers to live more sustainably. With solutions that span moving home, energy and financial services, we’re making it easier for our customers to navigate life’s moments and transitions.’
Do you think IKEA’s new Life at Home services would benefit your home?
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