Top Stories
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It's not an air conditioner, and it's not a fan – this affordable cooling appliance is the one I'm recommending to everyoneIt's perfect for heatwaves
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I own a £500 air con unit, but I'm choosing this under £10 Amazon buy to sleep cooler in the heatwave insteadLow-tech for the win in my house
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Where to find portable ACs and fans still in stock – they're selling out fast but here's where you can still buy a cooling saviourPlus tips to stay cool until one arrives!
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Micro ponds are the wildlife-friendly trend that turns tiny gardens or balconies into a relaxing oasis – how to get the lookMicro ponds are low-maintenance and stylish
Gardens
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Don't throw away old pavers and gravel – here are 5 clever and easy ways to reuse them around your gardenGive them a second life with these expert-approved ideas
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Your small potted plants won't survive a hot summer if you use the wrong soil – this is the mix experts recommendA healthy foundation is *everything*
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4 ways to shade plants during hot weather without moving them, according to garden experts – say goodbye to faded flowers and yellow leavesIf your garden is struggling with excessive heat, here's how to keep you plants cool and shaded
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How I'm keeping my container plants well watered in July without needing to water them every dayMy go-to tips I've learnt from experience and experts
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This magical garden lighting trend looks straight out of a fairytale – this is where to snap up these whimsical lights for as little as £8No wonder people can't get enough of them!
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9 of the prettiest edible plants to grow if you want a garden that looks as good as it tastesThey'll add colour, scent and flavour
What To Buy
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Primark has just dropped a new quiet luxury homeware collection – 6 under £30 buys to make your home look more expensiveThe subtle design features will instantly upgrade your space
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I’ve tracked down the top places to buy the best garden furniture so that you don’t have toThese are my go-to brands and retailers to shop outdoor furniture
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Best cooling mattress toppers to combat overheating – tried and testedThe 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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Ideal Home's Certified Experts have spent over 15,500 hours testing products so you can trust their in-depth knowledge and adviceNo-nonsense product advice direct from our team of in-the-know experts
Room Decor
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Red is the 'it' bathroom colour choice for 2026 - here's how to use this dramatic shade in cloakrooms, ensuites and family bathroomsBeing brave with colour always pays off
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I tested Silentnight's Cooling Copper mattress topper in a heatwaveAnd I love its cool-to-the-touch surface
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I downsized from a two-bedroom flat to a tiny studio – these are the 5 things that I got rid of, and honestly, I don’t miss themAnd the are the space-saving pieces and products that allowed me to get rid of them
House Manual
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I tested a sub-£200 vacuum cleaner built for pet parents – this is how Hoover’s newest model fared in a real home covered in pet hairIt's one of the lightest models I've EVER tested
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5 appliances experts say to unplug immediately – they make your home hotter and waste energy in a heatwaveThese easy switches help beat the heat and will save you money in the long run
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Where to find portable ACs and fans still in stock – the only places you can buy cooling devices ASAP to see you through the heatwave
We've tracked down all the places you can still buy a portable AC, plus tips to keep you cool while you wait for delivery
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Alison Hammond’s sock hack is all I’ve used to stay cool this heatwave – it’s easy, free and provides instant reliefNo, I've not gone crazy - this unconventional cooling method works a treat
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
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Boots discount codes - for June 2026SPONSORED Take a look at our Boots discount codes hand-tested by our saving experts.
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Aspire Store discount codes for June 2026SPONSORED Choose from our Aspire Store discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Swift Direct Blinds discount codes - for June 2026SPONSORED Use one of our Swift Direct Blinds discount codes hand-tested by our saving experts.
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Lakeland discount codes - for June 2026SPONSORED Choose from our Lakeland discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
Renovation
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These two easy solutions prevent my glazed patio doors from making my home overheatThese affordable tricks mean my house stays nice and cool in the summer, without compromising on garden views
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Air conditioning doesn't have to be an eye-sore — experts reveal how to get a more stylish finishDo you have to sacrifice style in the name of comfort this summer? Not necessarily
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5 things I do every summer that are making parts of my house unbearably hotExperts told me I'd been falling foul of these common mistakes
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I've had fitted air con for 12 months — this is how much I've actually used itIf you're debating installing air conditioning, read this first
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 updateCream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
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A dreamy pastel coloured seaside home on the Dorset coastA 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'
More From Ideal Home
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I just tried the Russell Hobbs Café Genie Espresso Machine – if your household is divided over whether to get an espresso machine or pod machine, this is the answerA coffee machine that combines great features with an affordable pricetag
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Sorry, cream kettles - this new neutral shade is the trendiest choice for any kitchen in 2026Your kettle and toaster deserve a fresh new look, too
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This home's dreamy colour palette is instantly soothingA host of mixed contemporary touches with mellow shades have revived this 16th-century farm building
