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Energy bills to hit three-year high in October– what you can do to offset costs, according to energy experts

Energy bills to hit three-year high in October– what you can do to offset costs, according to energy experts

by | Aug 26, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Energy bills will increase by £60 a year for millions of households, Ofgem has announced. This marks the highest prices we’ve seen in three years.

This morning, Ofgem, the energy regulator, announced the energy price would rise by 4% from 1 October 2026 compared to the current level, with households using a typical amount of gas and electricity expected to see their bills rise from £1,663 to £1,723.

I spoke to energy experts to ask what the impact of the August price cap will be on UK households, and how to save energy at home.

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The August price cap announcement

Ofgem says the price rise is driven by the rise in the wholesale cost of gas, which is what suppliers pay, as a result of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The increase is expected to impact 22 million households in the UK who are protected by the price cap. The price cap refers to a default tariff which is applied to those who are not on a fixed-rate tariff. Ofgem sets the price cap and reviews it every three months to reflect wholesale energy prices. If you have fixed your tariff, you will not be affected by the August price cap unless your tariff runs out.

A terracotta-painted living room with a lit wood burning stove and a grey armchair covered with a knitted throw

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)

‘One thing that is important to understand is that this is the first price cap announcement based on Ofgem’s updated Typical Domestic Consumption Values, which estimate average household energy use,’ explains Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Go.Compare Energy. ‘Because those benchmark consumption levels have fallen, the headline cap figure may not tell the full story for individual households. And the price cap isn’t a limit on what you’ll pay, but is based on average household energy use. It’s a key reminder for billpayers to look closely at the unit rates and standing charges on their tariff, rather than relying on the headline number alone.’

‘This is also the first price cap with the Government’s temporary removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills in place, which should offer some support over the winter. But again, it may make the new cap harder to compare with previous announcements, because the October rates will be calculated differently for the six-month period.’

In July, the Government announced that VAT would be cut from household electricity bills as of 1 October, offering savings of around £45 per year. Ofgem says the VAT reduction means electricity bills will remain broadly stable, with most of the increase in the price cap driven by higher gas costs.

‘High international gas prices are continuing to drive energy costs in the UK. We welcome the Government’s intervention to remove VAT from electricity bills, without which customers would have faced even higher costs this winter,’ Neil Kenward, Ofgem’s Director General for Markets, said.

How to save money on your energy bills

If you’re looking to save money in light of this announcement, consider fixing your tariff before the price cap comes into effect.

‘Savings are available by choosing a fixed tariff, which are available at £100 or more below the October price cap, and many suppliers offer tariffs with cheaper electricity to smart meter customers for electricity consumed out of peak times. It’s also worth considering different payment methods, with prepayment customers paying the lowest price cap rates, and could save consumers an average of about £45 compared to direct debit,’ says Neil.

Kitchen with blue cabinetry, white countertop, and marble blacksplash. A silver range oven and hob has a tea towel hanging off the handle

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)

Gareth also says the main action to take is reviewing your current tariff. But he also recommends shopping around to get the best deal.

‘Those who value certainty may want to explore fixed-rate options, which fixes the rate you pay for your energy for a set length of time. Those on a standard variable tariff should keep a close eye on future price movements, as energy providers can change the rates they charge. It’s also worth comparing tariffs regularly, as the cheapest option isn’t always the best fit for every household,’ he says.

‘If you’re concerned about higher bills, small changes can still make a meaningful difference. Checking your heating timer, draught-proofing windows and doors, and avoiding unnecessary energy use can all help keep costs under control during the colder months. Anyone struggling to keep up with payments should contact their supplier as soon as possible, as support may be available and it’s always better to seek help early rather than let debt build up.’

If you find yourself worried about paying your bills, reach out to your supplier to see what support they can offer. You can also speak to independent bodies such as Citizens Advice, which can also offer support.

Lakeland just dropped a £17 storage solution that’ll tidy up your under-the-sink cupboard in seconds – it’s a game-changer for curbing clutter

Lakeland just dropped a £17 storage solution that’ll tidy up your under-the-sink cupboard in seconds – it’s a game-changer for curbing clutter

by | Aug 25, 2026 | Design Inspiration

I don’t know about you, but opening my under-the-sink cupboard requires at least three full days of mental preparation. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and I can guarantee the exact cleaning product I need will be right at the back. That’s why I was over the moon when I spotted Lakeland‘s new 2-Tier Undersink Storage Caddy (£16.99 at Lakeland).

Yes, only last week I wrote about the things I need to organise after recently moving house, and my under-the-sink cupboard is one of the messiest of the lot. And while I know I need to invest in some proper storage if I want to be like the people with consistently tidy under-the-sink cupboards, I’ve yet to bite the bullet as my budget is pretty much non-existent right now.

The fact that Lakeland’s new storage solution will curb the clutter AND keep my purse happy at the same time is a massive tick in my book. And as I didn’t want to gatekeep, I thought I’d share this £17 bargain with you, too.

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This new two-tier storage system is specifically designed for those awkward under-the-sink areas, and the clever setup means that the smaller top tier can easily fit around any pipes or plumbing you have under there.

But the size difference also helps you distinguish between the best cleaning products and tools. You can pop your larger bottles on the bottom tier and your smaller tools, like scrubbers, sponges, and cleaning cloths, on the top tier.

And my favourite bit? Instead of knocking everything over to get the item you need from the back of the cupboard, you can simply pull out the bottom drawer and grab your bottle of white vinegar without making a bigger mess. This should also make it easier to see what you have, so you don’t waste money on any duplicates.

White painted kitchen with yellow cabinets and white worktop

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bee Holmes)

Plus, I’ve already seen how transformative these pull-out drawers can be in a clutter zone like the under-the-sink cupboard. Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather, went on her own clutter-busting mission last year and bought very similar caddies to organise her cleaning essentials.

The exact pull-out organisers Heather used are sadly no longer available to buy, but I’d actually go as far as to say that Lakeland’s version is better anyway (sorry, Heather!).

That’s because Heather’s pull-out drawers don’t account for the inevitable wet drips that form when you pop your cleaning products and tools back in the cupboard when you’re finished with them.

Cupboard under a belfast sink with doors open showing various storage solutions including pull-out rack, lazy susan and stacked drawers to store cleaning products

Heather paired her pull-out caddy with a Lazy Susan from Amazon and some door-mounted caddies.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

In Heather’s trays, wet drips will settle in the trays and lead to mould and musty smells – and this will just get worse if you don’t tackle it immediately.

Lakeland’s caddies, however, are made from wire mesh so the moisture can fall through to the cupboard below. You should then be able to spot it and clean it right away.

And for less than £20, what more could you really want? I’m going to snap up some for my kitchen cupboards too, as I think they’ll be perfect for my spices, packets and sauces.

Alternatives to shop

Well, I’m definitely ready to curb the clutter in my under-the-sink cupboard now!

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I asked estate agents what will sell a home in 2027 – they all agreed this is the garden feature everyone is looking for in a property following this summer

I asked estate agents what will sell a home in 2027 – they all agreed this is the garden feature everyone is looking for in a property following this summer

by | Aug 24, 2026 | Design Inspiration

This hot, dry summer (and the promise of more extreme weather in the years to come) has had me thinking constantly about the importance of shade over the past few months. And it’s not just me following this line of thinking either, as estate agents say that shade is becoming a more desired quality for buyers, too – and that an awning might just be the thing that helps you sell your home in 2027.

I’ll preface by saying that while an awning won’t make your home more valuable per se, it is a garden shade idea that will improve your home’s appeal to buyers and even help you sell it.

While it’s far too soon to say exactly what effect a desire for shade will have on the housing market just yet, I’ve spoken to multiple estate agents and experts who have all told me the same thing – features such as awnings are only becoming more and more desirable.

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Why buyers are seeking shade:

In July, the Met Office reported in the latest edition of the State of the UK Climate report that extreme weather, such as the heatwaves we’ve experienced this summer, would become increasingly common in the UK. And it is this promise of hotter summers that has already impacted our home buying preferences, according to estate agents.

A cream awning over grey garden furniture with turquoise cushions.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

‘After the recent run of hot summers, buyers are asking questions about how a property handles heat that they simply did not ask five years ago. A south-facing garden used to be an unambiguous positive. Now buyers are asking about shade, about what the patio is like in the afternoon and whether the house stays cool. Shade-creating features are moving from a nice-to-have to a genuine consideration for a growing number of buyers,’ comments Katie Cromwell, founder and director of Swansea-based estate agents No. 86 Estate Agency.

Given that the majority of this year’s garden trends have revolved around climate-resilient gardens and water harvesting, it is arguably a little unsurprising that sun sails, pergolas and awnings have also increased in popularity.

‘An awning is unlikely to add a fixed percentage to a property’s value in the same way that an extra bedroom or a high-quality extension might. However, it can certainly add to a home’s appeal and help it stand out when it comes to selling. A well-designed awning or pergola can make a garden, terrace or patio feel like a genuine extension of the living space, while also providing practical shade, reflecting heat before it reaches windows and potentially reducing indoor temperature by five to ten degrees Celsius This makes the property an overall more comfortable place to be during periods of hot weather,’ Luke Saywell, partner at Nottinghamshire family estate agents Gascoines said.

‘Ultimately, I think shade will become a more recognised quality in UK homes. As summers become hotter, buyers are likely to think increasingly about not just how warm and energy-efficient a property is in winter, but how comfortable it will be in summer. Awnings and pergolas are relatively simple ways of improving that balance, while also making gardens and outdoor spaces more usable.’

Will an awnining increase the value of your home?

While an awning or a well-thought-out pergola idea can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, it is far too soon to see any conclusive data to prove it will boost your home’s value as well. In fact, some experts argue that a general garden makeover won’t make much of a difference to your home’s value anyway.

open crank awning on a patio with seating

(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)

‘According to Go.Compare’s home renovation calculator, on average, a garden makeover only increases property value by an estimated 1%. They cost £9,500 and add just £2,850 in value, resulting in an average loss of £6,650,’ states Nathan Blackler, expert at Go.Compare home insurance.

‘Features such as pergolas and awnings are unlikely to hugely increase a property’s value on their own, but with summers getting hotter, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their gardens more comfortable during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

‘Therefore, buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer usable outdoor living areas, and shade can form an important part of that, particularly during warmer weather as we look to spend more time outside safely. They’re already a popular sight in many parts of Europe, where providing shade from the sun has long been a practical consideration, and we could see more homeowners investing in similar solutions here.’

So while an awning won’t exactly put extra zeros on your home’s value, it is becoming a more sought-after feature. Plus, an awning can make your garden a more comfortable place for you, as well as appealing to buyers.

‘As UK summers become more reliably warm and buyers factor thermal comfort into property decisions, the features that manage heat are going to feel increasingly necessary rather than optional. We are at the early stages of a genuine shift in how buyers think about sun exposure and shade,’ Katie concludes.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to make it better-suited to your needs, an awning is a step in the right direction. If hotter summers are set to be the new normal, it is a smart idea to invest in quality shade solutions now.

6 genius buys from Argos that I’m buying to organise my tiny hallway – I can’t believe I lived so long without them

6 genius buys from Argos that I’m buying to organise my tiny hallway – I can’t believe I lived so long without them

by | Aug 23, 2026 | Design Inspiration

First impressions count. But if you’re greeted with piles of shoes, rogue keys, random parcels, and an umbrella that’s always wet every time you open your front door, you’re not alone. Thankfully, some clever clutter-busters can help with that – even if your hallway is tiny.

I know what you’re thinking, though. You’ve already tried to organise your hallway, and it’s barely made a dent in the chaos. But the difference between your quick tidy-up and what people with tidy hallways always do is that they have a helping hand in the form of smart storage solutions that work with an entryway, rather than against it.

That’s where Argos can help. From pretty-but-practical shoe storage to dedicated areas for your bags and coats, these are my top picks from Argos’s latest hallway storage buys – and how you can use them in your space.

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Will you be snapping up any of these clever hallway storage buys?

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The natural way to kill maggots in a kitchen bin without relying on harsh chemicals – it costs just £10 on Amazon

The natural way to kill maggots in a kitchen bin without relying on harsh chemicals – it costs just £10 on Amazon

by | Aug 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Trying to work out how to kill maggots in your kitchen bin? You’re not alone, as all this hot summer weather has provided the perfect breeding conditions for flies, and now many households are reaping their grim rewards.

Yet don’t panic. If you want to know how to kill maggots, you’ve landed in the right place, as pest experts are recommending this non-chemical method to kill larvae and end your infestation.

The method in question? A generous sprinkling of food-grade diatomaceous earth (£12.99, B&Q) in your bin. Here’s why it’s so effective.

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How to use diatomaceous earth to kill maggots in a bin

Diatomaceous earth may have a complicated name, but it is essentially the fossilised remains of ancient sea life that looks and feels a little like sand. It has multiple uses, but pest experts swear by getting rid of certain insects. For example, diatomaceous earth is also effective at eliminating ants.

Modern kitchen with black, glossy cupbard, silver metal bin and white flooring.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

‘Diatomaceous earth (DE) is used as a pesticide, among other things. We like using it because it’s one of the most effective solutions that’s not toxic to humans and pets. Surprisingly, for an effective pesticide, it’s a natural solution, made from the powdered fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When crushed, they create sharp particles that can cut any creatures that crawl over them,’ explains Adam Juson, pest expert and founder of commercial pest control specialists, Merlin Environmental.

When it comes to the maggots in your bin, diatomaceous earth dehydrates them rapidly, killing swiftly and effectively.

Kitchen with white drawers and white bin

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘Empty the bin, remove any remaining waste and give it a clean with hot water and a diluted white vinegar or disinfectant solution. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Once dry, dust a thin, even layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth across the base and sides of the bin before relining it. The powder needs to remain dry to work, so reapply after the bin has been washed. A light dusting on top of the bin liner is also effective as an ongoing preventative measure during warmer months when flies are most active,’ says Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘The microscopic sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles penetrate the soft outer cuticle of maggots and other larvae on contact, causing them to dehydrate rapidly. Unlike chemical insecticides, there is no poison involved, just a purely physical mechanism. This also means insects cannot develop resistance to it, which makes it consistently effective over time.’

Why is this a good method to try?

If you’re looking for a chemical-free solution that is safe to use around kids and pets, diatomaceous earth is a good idea.

Under counter kitchen rubbish bin and recycling

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘But most of all, it’s effective. The only issue people have with DE is that it needs to stay dry to work; you’ll need to keep your bins undercover or reapply it after rain. If you do keep finding maggots, there may be a bigger problem than just your bins, and that’s when it’s worth getting a professional pest assessment,’ says Adam.

It’s also worth looking at how to prevent maggots in a bin, which includes regular cleaning and disposal of food waste. You should also look for ways to deter flies from your home to prevent an infestation in the first place.

However, if maggots have set up shop in your kitchen bin, rest assured that diatomaceous earth is an effective way to kill them.