Top Stories
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I was gutted when I realised a heat pump wouldn’t work at my house, but these are the alternatives I’m considering
There are some interesting options to look at
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These 11 living room trends are going to be all the rage in 2026 – the top styles to give your lounge a contemporary makeover
What's in store for your living space in the year ahead
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Are woodburning stoves going to be banned in the UK? This is what the experts told me about whether this will actually happen
What's the truth in the rumours?
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5 things that people with a tidy hallway always have – easy and affordable ways to fake a clutter-free entryway to be proud of
Must-have essentials for effortless clutter-busting
Gardens
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These 12 garden trends are set to reshape our outdoor spaces in 2026
Punctured water butts? They’re smarter than they sound…
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It's so important that you *don't* prune these plants in midwinter – it could cost you this year's flowers
These are the five types to avoid
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Tabletop veg is set to be *big* this year, according to the RHS – 7 of the best options
Save space, time and money!
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Experts say you must do these important garden jobs now to prevent more damage to your plants before the next cold snap
Here's what to do before snow and frost hits, plus how to minimise and repair any damage caused by bad weather
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4 climbing plants to prune in January for healthy growth and even more flowers this year
Trim these climbers back now
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7 plants you should take hardwood cuttings from in January to fill your garden with plants for free
It's a simple technique
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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How to use your home lighting to lift your mood in winter — lighting experts reveal the tricks that will make you feel better in the darker months
Scientific experts and lighting pros share the secrets to a happier lighting scheme
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I’m calling it, 2026 is the year of the headboard – and there’s one clear trend that’s blowing all others out of the water
This year, no bedroom should be without the grounding and comfort of this headboard trend
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I asked 7 interior designers how they make a living room feel cosy – these are the 5 non-negotiables they recommend to create a cocooning lounge like a pro
These are the 5 ways all interior designers agree you need to make a living room look and feel cosy
House Manual
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I never know if I’m decluttering too much or too little – so, I asked professional organisers how often I should *really* be decluttering my home
The aim is clutter-free, not clinical
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Dunelm's new silicone dishwasher bags are so smart, I can’t believe I’ve lived without them – they’re ideal for securing small utensils
These bags are a must-have if you have a dishwasher
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Experts are urging people to avoid these 4 popular social media heating hacks, warning they will do more harm than good
Just because you've seen it on Facebook doesn't meant it's a good idea...
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I stopped trying to do big house resets and started using a tidy-up timer instead – now my kids want to help me too!
I'm turning tidying into a shared family habit with a simple timer
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
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Pro Breeze discount codes - in January 2026
SPONSORED Choose from our Pro Breeze discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Shark Discount Codes - in January 2026
SPONSORED Use our verified Shark discount codes and save on industry-leading vacuums and floor cleaners.
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George at Asda promo codes - for January 2026
SPONSORED Choose from our George at Asda discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Garden Trading discount codes - in January 2026
SPONSORED Use these Garden Trading discount codes to save on garden furniture, outdoor lighting, and garden decor.
Renovation
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A heat pump won’t work at my house, but these are the alternatives I’m considering
There's a promising sustainable option that I'm very interested in
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Are woodburning stoves going to be banned in the UK?
This is what the experts told me about the rumours
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What are sustainable drainage systems?
They're not just a necessity — they can also protect your home as well as improve its kerb appeal, say the experts
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Can I move a drain as part of an extension project?
Experts reveal when you will and won't need permission and how you get it
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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This is how to paint IKEA furniture like a pro – experts reveal all the tools, techniques and processes essential to making your DIY project a success
It's all you need to transform your flatpack furniture beyond recognition with little more than paint
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I wish I’d known this one thing before painting my walls – it would have stopped dark borders ruining my room renovation
Learn from my mistake by following this expert advice on how to avoid it
More From Ideal Home
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I test coffee machines for a living – these are the best Nespressos
These four Nespresso machines will upgrade your mornings – and afternoons – with hassle-free coffee
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Jamie Oliver's simple slow cooker tip just helped me stop a mistake I've been making for years – it's what you need to hear in batch cooking season
Don't worry, it costs nothing to put into practice
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Ceramic colanders are the new must-have kitchen accessory – cookware experts say they could be the key to healthier cooking
Is 2026 the year to invest in ceramic everything for your kitchen?
