Top Stories
-
As a Gardens Editor, this is the beautiful shrub I recommend to anyone with a damp garden –and it's really low-maintenance
It thrives in wet, clay soil
-
6 old-fashioned plants making a big comeback in 2026 – expect bold colour and beautiful blooms to dominate gardens this year
Show these grandma-style plants some love
-
Habitat has just launched a stylish new £299 sofa bed – and with its hip 1950s vibe, I predict this retro design will sell fast
Habitat is bringing retro back, and I'm here for it
-
I’m on a mission to make my home happier in 2026 – 5 science-backed things psychologists and interior designers told me to do
Your home environment impacts your mental well-being
Gardens
-
I test garden furniture for a living, and this is the innovative John Lewis outdoor set I'd buy now or regret later – it's going to be a star buy
You'll never guess what it's made from
-
Foxes will avoid your garden if you sprinkle this 1 kitchen ingredient around your borders – it’s easy, humane and free
We're heading into prime fox activity here in the UK
-
My chilli plants always produce loads of tasty fruits when I use this type of compost
Experts say it's key to successful crops
-
Your birth month has a perennial plant – this is the meaning behind yours, and the best varieties to add to your garden
Here's the special meanings behind all 12....
-
Ninja just dropped its first ever gas BBQ in the UK – if you're looking for an all-in-one outdoor cooking system, you need to see this
This gas BBQ is seriously impressive
-
What is the bento garden trend? Create a ‘lunchbox’ garden with these planting and landscaping tips
It’s ideal for small gardens
What To Buy
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Designers are swapping ensuite bathroom doors for curtains to make a space look instantly more expensive – and it's more practical than you think
Give your ensuite a glamorous update with this easy DIY swap
-
This £12 Habitat buy instantly elevates the look of your bed – I think it adds 'expensive' hotel-luxe without the price tag
It offers a lot of style for not a lot of money
-
Sorry, open-plan kitchens – this kitchen layout is much more practical for modern life instead
Breaking up an open plan space is set to be popular in 2026
House Manual
-
This £7 IKEA gadget will spot hidden leaks before they become a problem – say goodbye to damp and mould
It's the smart home gadget everyone needs for a leak-free home
-
Behind every tidy home is a clever organiser doing all the heavy lifting – this £10 buy will make your home look instantly neater
Give your shelving the 'wow' factor
-
Stacey Solomon has shared the bargain buy she uses to dry bedding when it’s raining outside – no tumble dryer required!
And it's PERFECT for smaller homes
-
I refused to let my cluttered galley kitchen stress me out – this is how I doubled my storage and restored order in a small space
I won't let a lack of kitchen storage beat me...
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
-
Pro Breeze discount codes - in February 2026
SPONSORED Choose from our Pro Breeze discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
-
Pagazzi discount codes for February 2026
SPONSORED Choose from our Pagazzi discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
-
Aspire Store discount codes for February 2026
SPONSORED Choose from our Aspire Store discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
-
Garden Trading discount codes - in February 2026
SPONSORED Use these Garden Trading discount codes to save on garden furniture, outdoor lighting, and garden decor.
Renovation
-
Will double glazing old windows strip them of their character and charm?
I asked the pros whether there was a way to do it sympathetically instead
-
If you spot any of these warning signs during heavy rain, then water could be getting into your home, and you’ll need to act fast
Keep your eyes peeled for signs of water ingress
-
What is solar control glass? This is what the experts say
Could it be key to preventing your home overheating in summer?
-
Is it worth replacing a bad extension with something better?
As someone who inherited a bad extension, I asked the pros whether it's ever worth improving one or if it's better to just start over
Ideal Homes
-
'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
-
A dated Georgian cottage gets a modern-country update
Cream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
-
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
-
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
-
I limewashed my walls for the first time, and now I'm hooked – here’s 5 things I learnt from the process
It wasn’t as easy as regular painting, but I’m absolutely smitten
-
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
More From Ideal Home
-
Light and bright - how glazing and colour have transformed this home
An oriel window seat and pivoting glass doors maximise the feeling of space in this couple's light-filled home
-
We've found 3 of the best woks for stir-fries
Make stir-fries in a jiffy with the best wok
-
Is KitchenAid's colour of the year 2026 'anti-trend' or 'dated'? Settle our debate
KitchenAid has announced 'spearmint' as the colour of the year for 2026, and it's divided the opinions on the Ideal Home team
