Top Stories
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I just replaced the flooring in my home – these are the 5 decisions I instantly regret (and won’t ever make again)
Don't make the same mistakes as me
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7 perennials you should cut back in August so that you get to enjoy a flush of autumn flowers
Cut back these perennials now
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M&S is selling some of the most stylish floral bedding I’ve seen – here’s how to nail the look
Floral bedding is having a comeback
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‘It makes your living room feel more connected and comfortable’ – the 4-inch seating rule is what interior designers use
The rule of thumb that designers always follow
Gardens
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How to deadhead cosmos for seemingly endless flowers all summer long
Keep them blooming!
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Best plants to propagate in August if you want to fill your garden borders for free
Fancy some free flowers? August is the best month to take cuttings from these plants...
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How to grow climbing hydrangeas – the best ways to plant, train and prune for years of beautiful flowers
A different way to grow hydrangeas...
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Putting fairy lights on garden fences can land you in trouble with your neighbours, warn legal experts
Do you know who your garden fence actually belongs to?
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How and when to collect seeds from hardy annuals this summer so you can grow them for free next year
Everlasting flowers? Make it happen by collecting seeds, stat!
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Garden landscaping ideas – 12 hard landscaping and planting tips to help you transform your space
Landscaping advice for every garden size
What To Buy
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Aldi's new £100 robot vacuum also sweeps and mops – it's a time-saving must-have for spotless floors
Save on time and money
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I asked bedding experts what the best sheet material for a good night's sleep is – the fabrics to buy, and one to avoid
Cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk sheets are all high on our experts' list
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Best cooling mattress toppers to combat overheating – tried and tested
The best cooling mattress toppers for a cooler and more breathable sleep – tried and tested options from Simba, Panda, Emma, Silentnight, and more
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Meet Ideal Home's Certified Experts - they've spent over 1,000 hours testing everything from appliances to mattresses so you can shop wisely
No-nonsense product advice direct from our team of in-the-know experts
Room Decor
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I've asked the experts - these are the best Farrow & Ball colours to transform a small kitchen
Less paint is needed in a small kitchen, so why not splurge?
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George Home is channelling Marie Antoinette for their latest collection – these are the 6 pieces going in my trolley
These styles look good enough to eat!
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'All our guests comment on how comfortable it is' – Habitat's new sofa bed looks designer without the price tag
It's a miracle – a sofa bed that's affordable *and* comfortable enough for sitting and sleeping
House Manual
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‘I’ve never been so ruthless!’ — This is how I used the 5-second decluttering rule to declutter my under-the-stairs cupboard
Now I've stopped second-guessing my decisions
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My dog and I tested the best vacuums for pet hair in our fluff-filled home — these are the only 6 I'd recommend
Find the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair with our expert reviews
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Your recycling will end up in a landfill if you don’t complete this one important step, say waste experts
It's a little effort for a big difference
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I’m a cleaning editor, and these are the 6 best upholstery cleaners I rate to refresh sofas, curtains and carpets
These are the cleaning and stain-removal staples I think everyone should have in their caddy
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
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Ninja Kitchen discount codes for August 2025
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Renovation
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This is how much you should expect to pay to knock down an interior wall
Plus, I asked the pros if it will add value to your home
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Forgetting to do this one thing before removing a wall could have dire consequences, say experts
It can be tempting to skip it, but don't!
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Building pros explain what a load-bearing wall actually is and why you should ‘never assume’ you can tell one just by looking at it
This is how to find out if a wall is load-bearing
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I’ve knocked down 8+ walls — doing it myself taught me these 5 lessons
Sometimes things don't always go to plan
Ideal Homes
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'The restoration of the cottage has been well worth the journey'
A sensitive renovation and neutral colour palette have accentuated the character of this pretty Cotswold cottage
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A dated Georgian cottage gets a modern-country update
Cream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
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A dreamy pastel coloured seaside home on the Dorset coast
A bold move to the Dorset coast saw this family completely transform their dated 1980s house into their ideal home
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This tiny Cotswold cottage makes the most of every inch with a tailored, high-end look
‘I could see the cottage’s potential, and I knew I could make the layout work'
DIY
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I'll never paint a room without it – this genius tool doubles as a paint tin opener and brush, and makes decorating so much easier
This is now one of my painting essentials
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8 things you should never paint in your home – keep your paintbrush away from these items to avoid regret
This is what you should do instead
More From Ideal Home
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The dreamy Le Creuset colour that shoppers have been waiting to launch in the UK
It's too early to start thinking about autumn, but the only thing that might persuade me is Le Creuset's newest colour
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Are you in the market for a super slim milk frother?
Smeg's new Mini Milk Frother is the cheapest way to get the brand's look in your home – it's a perfect fit for small kitchens
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A basement extension gave this tall, skinny house extra living space
While a new sunken garden added more room outdoors
