Ideal Home |
- The £22 pressed flower bedding that's an Urban Outfitters dupe
- Bosch MUM59340GB Stand Mixer review
- A couple gives their bathroom a spa-like makeover with grey tiles and walk-in shower
- Primark's travel-inspired homeware collection is already a huge hit on Instagram
- Jobs to do in the garden in August – Pruning, planning and planting seasonal vegetables
- Take a tour of this extended contemporary home in Hertfordshire
- House prices for this type of property are soaring as demand rises
- Boys' bedroom ideas – cool room schemes they'll always want to hang out in
- Best home fragrance – 15 luxurious picks and budget-friendly buys
| The £22 pressed flower bedding that's an Urban Outfitters dupe Posted: 29 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT Treating yourself to some new bedding? This fancy set from Habitat reminds us of a certain other pressed flower bedding set that’s quite popular on Instagram. Decorated with various wildflowers, including red-seeded dandelions, bluebells and daisies, as well as male ferns, it does a great job of bringing the outside into your bedroom. And, for only £22 for a single size, it’s a bargain. In fact, we might just prefer this set since it’s also reversible, with a plain pink colour on the other side. What’s not to love? The best thing about this flower pressed bedding set is its price tag. It’s only £22 for a single, £28 for a double and £34 for a king size. The Habitat Country Hideaway Flower Bedding Set also comes with a pillowcase(s) included. A dupe of the popular Urban Outfitters bed linen we see everywhere, which starts from £35 for a single, rising to £55 for the double size.
This lovely bedding set from Habitat is currently in stock, so drop what you’re doing now to score a bargain dupe. Introducing this Habitat bedding setYes, this set is a fab addition to an otherwise plain bedroom that needs some colour. Or, you could make use of this set in a teen bedroom that you want to make look a tad more grown-up. It isn’t just pretty but it’s also soft, seeing as it’s made of 100% cotton percale. It also boasts a 144 thread count.
It’s machine washable and features a handy button closure, too. To make the chore of stripping and making your bed a lot quicker.
Image credit: Habitat We have searched the web for other pressed flower duvet sets, but with no luck. No other one looks remotely similar to the Urban Outfitters one – especially if a reasonable price tag is a must. While we do love UO’s Florence Pressed Flowers Duvet Cover Set, we just cannot justify the price tag for a king size, especially when this Habitat one is available. So, it’s official then: this Habitat bedding is your best option if you are searching for a floral bedding set that isn’t mumsy — or one that doesn’t look old fashioned. Plus, with the convenience of it being reversible, you can always switch things up each day with pressed flowers one day and plain pink the next. Just throw a few coloured cushions into the mix, and a soft blanket, and you’re all set. Buy now: Habitat Country Hideaway Flower Bedding Set, £22, Habitat  Image credit: Habitat This bedding set might be one for the summer and spring months only, but it will be sure to inject a fresh vibe into your bedroom. Thanks to its bright white colouring, that is. It’s also very on-trend, and for a cheap price tag. What do reviewers have to say about this Habitat pressed flower bedding set?This bedding set has a 5 star rating all-round, unsurprisingly enough. With comments such as “This bed set just brightens the whole room it's absolutely lovely , great quality and excellent value , so pleased with it thank you” it’s hard to not press the buy button now. Another happy reviewer said “As soon as i saw this duvet set i knew it was exactly what i was looking for. Love the simple design and the quality”. Don’t just take our word for it…
You can buy this Habitat bedding set online, to be delivered straight to your front door, or for click & collect at your local store – or a Sainsbury’s. What are you waiting for? Jump on this trend now. Buy now: Habitat Country Hideaway Flower Bedding Set, £22, Habitat The post The £22 pressed flower bedding that's an Urban Outfitters dupe appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Bosch MUM59340GB Stand Mixer review Posted: 29 Jul 2021 08:00 AM PDT Whether you fancy yourself a bit of a Bake Off connoisseur or just prefer making occasional cakes and bakes for special occasions, you'll need the best stand mixer. And if you don't want a traditional style kitchen mixer, the Bosch MUM59340GB looks rather promising. Not only does it look the part with its modern sleek design and stainless steel bowl, it's also multi-functional. Not only does it mix up tasty cake and bread recipes, but it's also a food processor, blender, meat grinder and even a juicer! Can't get more multi-purpose than that! Promising a whopping 1000-watt power, this should be more than adequate to quickly whip (and beat!) up a baking storm! But while it looks the part with an impressive spec, can it deliver a top-rated performance? I put it to the test to find out how well it mixes up the all-important ingredients for cakes and bakes. Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 starsReasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Bosch MUM59340GBThe Bosch MUM59340GB is a powerful, well-designed, all-rounder to handle a variety of kitchen tasks. It excels at making great cake mixtures in no time, ideal for those who regularly bake treats. While it is powerful for making bread, it can take a little longer to knead.  Image credit: Bosch Bosch MUM59340GB product specs:
What's in the box? Image credit: Ideal Home The box is quite hefty, but considering all the handy accessories inside, it's like a Mary Poppins bag of surprises. It comes with the mixer stand, stainless steel, 3.9 litre mixing bowl and handy splatter guard. A neat accessory bag sits inside it, containing a patisserie set of a flexi stirring whisk with silicon edge, metal beating whisk and kneading hook with gear protector. It also contains the metal discs for the food processor attachment. Other attachments include a blender jug, meat grinder, and citrus press so you have all your culinary needs covered. All of which can be cleverly attached onto the mixer by several power ports.  Image credit: Ideal Home Design-wise, it's light to carry, and easy to store (if you want extra space). Although it might be a tad bulky for smaller worktops or those with low-hanging cabinetry. It does look attractive though and would make a contemporary addition to any kitchen. What is the Bosch MUM59340GB like to use?The mixer is straightforward to use with its 'Easy Arm' Lift operation. Simply push the chrome button at the side to release the mixing arm up and down to quickly switch over your attachments. Just bear in mind that the attachments may need a firm push to lock in place. The stainless bowl can be removed and placed back with a twist to lock.  Image credit: Ideal Home Having added all my ingredients into the bowl, simply turn the red, illuminated control dial on the side to start. The controls have a 1-7 setting scale, with a manual setting for a quick pulse. Typically, the speeds vary depending on what you're making. One thing I really liked about the Bosch MUM59340GB is its powerful, figure-8 movements, (planetary mixing action), meaning that both the head and attachments move at the same time. This helps to quickly handle large cake mixtures or kneed bread with ease. It's also easy to store with its automatic, retractable power cord. So no more cords getting in the way of storage or having to wind up! Another thing to note is how incredibly quiet the mixer is, even at a higher speed, which is always a bonus! Making cake in the Bosch MUM59340GBI was really impressed on how my sponge cake came out after testing the Bosch MUM59340GB. I started off by adding the butter, eggs and flour into the bowl, and used the whisk attachment. I had started with a lower speed of 3-5 before gradually increasing to about 6. With very little fuss, it quickly whisked up the mixture well, picking up any flour around the sides of the bowl, which is always handy.  Image credit: Ideal Home Despite the bowl standing at only 3.9 litres, it was deep enough for all the ingredients needed to make my Victorian sponge cake. After some minutes of mixing, it quickly whipped up a lovely, soft consistency in no time. The results were delicious cakes with a moist and fluffy texture. Making bread in the Bosch MUM59340GB Imge credit: Ideal Home Now while the Bosch MUM59340GB is praised for its powerful, kneading technology, I was a little disappointed with this performance. Don't get me wrong, the kneading hook did a cracking job, however, it did take a lot longer than I'd expected and left some flour at the sides of the bowl. In fact, I had to use one of the highest settings between 3-5 to produce the consistency that I needed. In any case, the mixer is strong and sturdy at handling powerful speeds (and quiet!). Bear in mind, it does get a little messy so remember to use the splatter guard! Plus, this came in handy when adding the water and oil to the mixture.  Image credit: Ideal Home That all said, my spelt, brown loaf was baked to perfection. It had a crunchy top crust and soft texture in the middle. I was really impressed with the great-tasting results! Cleaning the Bosch MUM59340GBOne thing I never look forward to after using a kitchen mixer is the clean-up (who does?). However, the attachments and mixing bowl are all dishwasher-safe to save you time. Of course, if you just wanted to quickly handwash in the sink, it literally takes seconds. The outside of the mixer can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth.  Image credit: Ideal Home The only downsides are the stainless steel bowl and chrome 'easy arm lift' button can pick up unsightly fingerprints. But this is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things. Is the Bosch MUM59340GB worth the money?Granted, the Bosch MUM59340GB isn't cheap. But at just under £300, it does offer a lot more. For instance, much thought has gone into the modern design and multi-functionality of the machine. Not to mention it has a powerful 100-watts to mix up all your cakes and bakes in record time.  Image credit: Bosch Another bonus is the wide range of attachments it comes with to make food prep easier. Baking aside, I used the citrus press to make fresh, grapefruit juice in just minutes. Impressive, and a good stand-in for the best juicer! If you're after a kitchen mixer that can do practically everything, then the Bosch MUM59340GB is certainly well worth the money. The verdict: should you buy the Bosch MUM59340GB stand mixer?If you're after a powerful, kitchen mixer than can do so much more than make a mean cake or loaf, then yes! It's incredibly easy to use, so would suit both pro-bakers and amateurs in the kitchen. It makes great-tasting cakes and treats, giving the mixture of sponge cake a smooth consistency. And despite taking a longer time to knead dough, it makes an impressive loaf of bread!
If you're short on storage space though, this may take up quite a bit of room. Plus, you'd still need space to store the 13 attachments that come with it! Nevertheless, there's no denying its versatility, and its modern, sleek design looks great in any kitchen. About this review, and the reviewerCynthia Lawrence is a freelance lifestyle and homes/interiors journalist and writes for various national publications. With an unhealthy obsession for all things homes and gardens, she also has an interior design blog. When she's not spending time surfing online for decor inspiration to revamp her 1930s home, she is busy reviewing some pretty awesome home appliances. A regular contributor to Real Homes, she has written for Livingetc., Gardeningetc., Ideal Home, T3.com, Top Ten Reviews and House Beautiful amongst others. The Bosch MUM59340GB kitchen mixer was tested over a weekend, while Cynthia and her family enjoyed sampling tasty cakes and bake treats. The post Bosch MUM59340GB Stand Mixer review appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| A couple gives their bathroom a spa-like makeover with grey tiles and walk-in shower Posted: 29 Jul 2021 04:00 AM PDT A couple has transformed their outdated bathroom into an on-trend space with grey tiles and a walk-in shower. Emily and her husband Mark previously had a small white family bathroom with a separate shower room next door. But having knocked down the wall in between, they opened the space up to a lovely spacious bathroom. The DIY savvy pair set themselves a strict budget of £4,500 for the dramatic grey bathroom makeover. Before Image credit: Emily Cameron ‘We bought our house back in 2017 and it needed a full renovation,’ Emily tells us. First, they drew up the layout for the bathroom, ensuring there was space for a large walk-in shower and separate bath, which Emily says was very important to them. We can’t deny there’s something particularly luxurious about having the two features completely separate – if you can make it work with the square footage you have. For those tackling a tight space, there are plenty of lovely small bathroom ideas to inspire. They also opted for a wall-hung toilet, which creates the feeling of more space by keeping more of the floor visible. After Image credit: Emily Cameron Emily and Mark had always dreamed of having a luxurious spa-like bathroom. After many hours searching for grey bathroom ideas online, they went for a dark, moody bathroom with feature lighting. ‘We couldn’t afford the price of tiles from local tiles shops, so we decided to look online,’ Emily says. They managed to find some gorgeous dark grey floor and wall tiles from Tile Mountain UK for around £550. ‘We really wanted a contrast for the back shower wall and the built-in alcoves so we decided to go with light grey herringbone tiles from Topps Tiles,’ Emily adds. Mark, a joiner by trade, had done a few small tiling jobs over the years but this was by far his biggest challenge yet.  Image credit: Emily Cameron They loved the idea of a feature alcove in the ceiling and decided to jazz it up with strips of mood lighting from Amazon. ‘We had seen a lot of pictures online of cladded walls, so Mark decided to put his own spin on it,’ Emily tells us. ‘He clad the alcove in the ceiling with thin lengths of oak wood which we got from a local timber merchant. Genius!’ As the tiles were quite dark in colour, Emily and Mark added some bright LED spotlights and painted the ceiling white. They also chose a white bath, sink and toilet and a stunning concrete-effect worktop. The thrifty pair ordered their black taps, shower head and accessories from Amazon, which helped to keep costs down.  Image credit: Emily Cameron They also decided to change the windows as the old ones were too large and wouldn’t have allowed the privacy needed for a walk-in shower area. So Emily and Mark replaced them with a long, thin window which looked fantastic, freed up a lot of space and also afforded them more privacy. ‘However, it didn’t allow in as much light as we had hoped for,’ Emily says. Luckily, Mark had a large piece of toughened glass in the garage, salvaged from a job he was working at years ago. This was the perfect way to separate the shower and bath, rather than having a full-height tiled wall, as it allows more natural light to flood in.  Image credit: Emily Cameron Overall, they came in under budget, at around £3,800. ‘This was all down to Mark doing all the labour himself, saving us a fortune not having to pay several tradesmen. Also, choosing tiles from an online company massively helped,’ says Emily. Feeling inspired? Check out the latest bathroom trends to spark ideas for your dream bathroom. We love the use of the large tile on the floor and the walls, and the striking use of lighting. The post A couple gives their bathroom a spa-like makeover with grey tiles and walk-in shower appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Primark's travel-inspired homeware collection is already a huge hit on Instagram Posted: 29 Jul 2021 04:00 AM PDT Hot off the press: Primark’s travel-inspired homeware collection is a huge hit – not only in-store but on social media, too. Inspired by destinations across the globe, it’s fair to say our pent-up wanderlust over the last year has helped feed into the popularity of the new range. A recent post of one of the new bedding ranges racked up over 15k likes on its Primark Home Instagram page. Boho-inspired interiors are one of the biggest home decor trends of this year, and the range includes everything you need to transform your home, from tactile cushions to vibrantly patterned bedding. Here are a few of our other favourite pieces we can’t wait to snap up. Primark’s high summer home collectionTextured cushions
We love how tactile these new cushions are – ideal for transforming your best sofa, armchair or bed. Priced at £10 each these are an on-trend update. Add a smattering of rattan accessories along with a whole heap of plants, you’ve got yourself a super-tropical looking summer spot. Belly Basket
Creating a bathroom sanctuary couldn’t be easier either, with new accessories starting from as little as £6. Can you ever have too many baskets? At £8 this belly basket is a chic way to store extra towels in the bathroom or as a chic large plant pot holder. Patterned bedding
If you’re after a new bedding set, then you’ll want to check out Primark’s new summer designs – guaranteed to whisk you away to sunnier climes. With prices starting at £11 for a single set this pink and earthy terracotta colour combo is a total winner. Candles
Primark’s gold elephants, palm-print accessories and jungle-inspired wall hangings mean you can theme a room or just add a few global touches here and there. However, it’s the new ‘Mood’ collection of candles for £1.50 that we are keen to get our hands on to give our homes a much needed relaxing holiday scent. With holidays very much still not an option for some, adding some mood-boosting exotic accessories to our homes has to be the next best thing. The post Primark's travel-inspired homeware collection is already a huge hit on Instagram appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Jobs to do in the garden in August – Pruning, planning and planting seasonal vegetables Posted: 29 Jul 2021 02:55 AM PDT The UK's gardeners are hoping for the opportunity to make the most of the weather to spend time outdoors throughout August, but they should also be looking to the seasons ahead and begin preparing their garden for the colder months. There are plenty of jobs to keep you busy in the garden in August – it's the perfect time of year to start cutting back and deadheading flowers to encourage continual healthy growth and planting winter vegetables. Jobs to do in the garden in August‘From cutting back tired-looking herbs to encourage new growth, to getting prepped for spring 2022, there's plenty to inspire you to get outside’ says Dobbie’s resident gardening expert, Horticultural Director Marcus Eyles. ‘Watering is key this month, particularly container-grown plants and border plantings not yet established. Whether it's a quick 30 minutes on your lunchbreak or a slow Sunday pottering whilst listening to your favourite podcast, regular feeding and dead-heading will keep the garden looking its best until autumn.’ Marcus shares his gardening jobs of the month, helping you to get one step closer to your dream back garden this summer and beyond. 1. Keep the plants hydrated Image Credit: Future PLC As the temperatures go up the moisture levels in the soil dries out, so watering plays an even more important role for gardening throughout August. Marcus shares his top tips for watering well, ‘Water during the coolest part of the day – this stops water evaporating before the plant can absorb it’ ‘Direct water straight to the roots of plants – this is where moisture is needed,’Marcus explains. Adding ‘Don’t sprinkle the leaves of plants – this does little as no water gets to the roots.’ ‘Water new plantings, giving a thorough soak every few days. This encourages roots to grow down into the soil rather than towards the surface. Add a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture.’ Better than using a hose, use a water butter to preserve water for a more sustainable garden and eco-friendly idea. 2. Look after the lawn in all weather Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles As the temperatures rise the chances of lawns drying out can increase greatly. Marcus warns, ‘In warm weather the lawn can dry out and turn brown; it will recover once rain returns.’ So the summer downpours could be a blessing at times, but be sure to keep an eye on the lawn during really hot spells. ‘For a formal lawn then regular mowing is best, reducing the cutting height in hot weather to help prevent drying out’ advises Marcus. ‘Keeping the blades slightly higher helps the grass resist the extra summer wear.’ 3. Plan ahead for gardening leave Image credit: Future PLC/ Amateur Gardening It is important not to leave your plants neglected while you are on holiday. ‘If you're going away, move containers into the shade to help reduce drying out, or for longer holiday breaks consider installing an automatic irrigation system’ suggests Marcus. Another great way to make sure your plants are being watered without asking the neighbours to cover is to invest in a growbag waterer to time when you garden is watered. Once set up, you can control the amount and frequency of water needed for your plants, leaving them perfectly hydrated without becoming waterlogged. Other great way to ensure your potted plant don’t dry out is to fill water trays so the roots can feed as and when they need. Should it rain, they also help to collect and reuse the water. ‘Save excess water by standing containers in saucers and putting buckets under hanging baskets’ suggests Marcus. 4. Tend to roses to encourage a late summer bloom Image credit: Dobbies, ‘Wedding Wishes’ Rose The much-loved rose, a popular cottage garden idea, requires a little maintenance this month to ensure it blooms again before the season is out. ‘Many Roses will put on another display of fresh blooms, particularly many of the Dobbies varieties which have been selected for their fragrance and long season of flower colour’ says Marcus. ‘Dead head spent blooms and boost with rose fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and a late summer display.’ ‘Tie in whippy growths on rambling Roses to bear next year's trusses of flower, positioning each stem as near to horizontal as possible. Training new growth in this way helps to encourage a prolific flower display along their length.’ 5. Safeguard your tomato plants Image credit: Future PLC ‘Continue to water Tomato plants consistently and regularly, adding a high potash tomato feed for healthy growth and fruiting’ advises Marcus. Remove the lower level leaves from your tomato plant to help reduce its risk of disease and keep it thriving for longer. When a tomato plant's growth is dense or when the leaves lie too close to the ground this can mean that the leaves are permanently in the shade. By removing the lower level leaves from the plant the remaining leaves have more space and access to sunlight so are more likely to stay drier and free from soil containing pathogens, thus they are more protected from disease. 6. Deadheading beds and borders Image credit: Future PLC/ Amateur Gardening: Deadheading and pruning Philadelphus Deadheading ensures that plants maintain a healthy continual bloom and August is the ideal month to trim back potted petunias and dahlias. Plants such as dahlias have tough and stringy stems so opt for secateurs, scissors or knives when removing the flower heads. ‘Dead head regularly to extend the flowering season well into autumn, particularly Dahlias, Roses and cottage garden perennials’ adds Marcus. ‘Prune spring and early summer flowering shrubs, such as Deutzia, Weigela and Philadelphus’ he advises. 'Remove spent branches with secateurs or loppers to allow new growth to mature that will carry next year's display'. Use celebrity gardener David Domoney’s gardening tip using a 1p coin to check if the branches are alive or not. ‘Give Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias a good drink of water and ericaceous feed now to ensure they set plenty of buds for spring’ adds Marcus. 7. Plant new bulbsFill in the gaps with fresh new planting. ‘As gaps appear in beds and borders, early autumn is the ideal time to plant bulbs, including Alliums, Crocus, Daffodils, Narcissi and Snowdrops’ suggest Marcus. 8. Prune your perennial herbs Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles Whether you're looking to flavour your meat or garnish your cocktails, herbs are the plant of the moment and a fantastic addition to gardens of all sizes. ‘Cut back herbs, such as Chives, Mint and Parsley, that are looking tired. This will encourage fresh new growth for a continued supply of leaves for summer dining’ Marcus explains. Oregano and thyme are perennial herbs which mean they grow back each year without needing to be replanted. To promote their growth each year, trim them in August before the winter months hit to ensure they withstand the frost. 9. Nurture container plants Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson You should still be liquid-feeding any container plants, and watering, particularly if you are going on holiday, but once they finish flowering and begin to enter their dormant autumn-winter state, stop. You could also give your lawn, if it is a mono-culture, a liquid feed; if you like to let it grow long and more organically, so that wild flowers develop, then a light cut is all you need to do. ‘Regularly water container plants, daily in very warm weather, adding a liquid fertiliser, like tomato feed, every other week to encourage strong, healthy, growth and continual flowering through to the autumn. Remove spent flowers to encourage more to grow’ Marcus advises. 10. Harvest and care for fruit trees Image credit: Future PLC/ Annaick Guitteny Cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots should all be ripe now and ready to harvest. Prune any fruit trees that are trained, and prop up any branches that have borne a heavy crop of fruit so that they can regain their strength. You should also cut raspberry canes that have fruited back to the ground, and prune blackcurrants back by one third. 11. Plan your winter vegetable patch Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Jones Use this month to plant your hardy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts, so they are ready to be harvested throughout the winter months. Make sure you plant in an open site with free-draining soil and cultivate before planting to ensure these vegetables have the best chance of growing. ‘Make sowings of beetroot, radishes, spinach, lettuce and salad crops, all fast growing for an extended season of fresh vegetables’ Marcs advises. ‘Keep picking Courgettes when they are young and tender to encourage more to follow. Continue to water squash and pumpkins well as they ripen under the summer sun. ‘ 12. Pay attention to hedging Image credit: Future PLC/ Douglas Gibb Hedges can be given a final trim now before they stop growing. By the end of this month, garden birds should have left their breeding nests so you can start to prune your yew hedging and clip any topiary. Also, once they have flowered, you can prune late summer-flowering shrubs and wisteria. 13. Keep bird baths topped up Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles Bird baths will quickly evaporate in extreme heat or become full of algae growth which can stagnate the water. Remember to clean water vessels out regularly. Top them up with fresh, cold water to help our birds during the midday heat. Such simple wildlife garden ideas can help to turn any outdoor space into a haven for wildlife. ‘Provide garden birds with access to fresh clean water by installing a water feeding station, which will also be used by other smaller wildlife, helping them to stay hydrated in the heat’ says Marcus. ‘Birds require water to drink but also to bathe in to help keep them cool, so a bird bath is another great addition to your outdoor area.’ Adding, ‘ There are a number of bird table designs that feature roofs, meaning some extra shade from sunny rays.’ 14. Collect valuable rain water Image credit: Leigh Clapp Water plants thoroughly when needed instead of every day. Thorough watering supports plants for up 14 days, while merely wetting the surface wastes water, encourages weeds and can lead to surface rooting. All of which make the plants more vulnerable. Make the most of summer showers and keep your plants looking lush by installing a water butt in your garden. 15. Lop back fragrant lavender Image credit: Future PLC/ Alun Callender As with many blooms, it's important to cut back lavender after its flowering period to promote new growth. Make sure you do so lightly to help maintain the plant's well-rounded shape. You should be pruning around one third of the plant using a sharp, clean set of pruning shears. Put cuttings in moist, well-drained potting compost (one part grit to one part compost) and place in a cold frame. 16. Harvest to make preserves Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young Start to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labour, quite literally. Gooseberries, onions, tomatoes, plums, damsons and greengages: these are just some of the crops that not only taste wonderful when eaten fresh but which can be used to make glorious pickles, jams and jellies that can be enjoyed over the coming months. Take your time to potter around the garden, even think about sitting down and just enjoying being in it. Make the most of it while the sunshine is still around. The post Jobs to do in the garden in August – Pruning, planning and planting seasonal vegetables appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Take a tour of this extended contemporary home in Hertfordshire Posted: 29 Jul 2021 02:00 AM PDT  Plenty of people spotted the potential of a neat, detached, red-brick house, tucked away in a quiet, no-through-road. 'The location was brilliant. Plus there was space to extend at the side and it had a gorgeous back garden,' says the owner. Other buyers clearly thought the same, as after house tours it went to sealed bids. ‘Amazingly, we got lucky’ exclaims the owner. The house had been well maintained, so the family moved in straightaway. They lived with the dated kitchen and bathroom and wall-to-wall peach decor for five years, coming to understand how the family lived and moved around within it. Exterior Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole 'We learned that we love being together, so an open-plan layout would suit us,' says the owner. 'We needed more living space and more natural light, as well as a fourth bedroom and en suite upstairs.' To achieve this, the ground floor was extended and the kitchen, dining room and living room knocked into open-plan kitchen idea with big windows and skylights set into a high, vaulted ceiling. A second extension idea was built over the garage, which was also converted into a playroom. At the same time, the red-brick exterior was given a makeover with nearly black render. Hallway Image credit: Future plc/ Colin Poole A porch was built onto the front of the house and the old front door was replaced with glass panels that let light flow into the hallway. Living room Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole Pippa's seating area has high ceilings and lots of windows, so the walls of the green living room idea aren't overwhelming. 'I chose Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue, which is a super-dark blue-green, in the seating area. It's so rich and inviting, and we loved to see how our artwork pings out against it.'  Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole ‘The space felt vast and overwhelming, but the key to making it work was creating 'zones' to make it feel calm and ordered ,’ says the owner. ‘I used colour to distinguish the different areas. I've gone for paler shades around the dining table and kitchen to boost light and give them a more functional, active feel.' Kitchen Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole 'In an open-plan layout, you have to think about what can be seen from elsewhere in the space – so we planned the kitchen with that in mind. As we cook a lot, I factored in plenty of storage for equipment and ingredients,' says the owner.  Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole Chunky shelves in unfinished wood add warm colour to the cool, grey kitchen idea. 'I designed the kitchen so that when we're relaxing or at the table, we're looking at lovely display shelves.' Dining area Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole The dining area of the space looks outwards to the garden through plentiful Bifold doors across the back of the extension. Master bedroom Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole ‘We made sure that the new master suite is tucked away from the girls’ bedrooms and bathroom, so that everyone can have privacy when they're older,’ says the owner. The owner's pale grey walls and carpet mean she can change her feature wall to almost any colour. ‘The wall of deep, dark green makes the area around the bed feel restful and calm. But it doesn't overwhelm the wall,’ she says. ‘We used a pale grey on the other walls which feels more energising and frames the green view from the window.' Child’s bedroom Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole The dark palette extends into the couple’s eight-year-old daughter's cool bedroom, where it's lifted by tonal greens from deep teal to pretty aqua. Her black metal bed and salvaged school chair echo the house's functional, mix-and-match vibe. A cool set up for a young girl’s bedroom idea. Bathroom Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole 'I wanted the same look and feel to run through the whole house, so it all feels connected,' says the owner. 'The bathroom's painted in the same green as our bedroom and I've used similar floor tiles in the hallway.' 'It would have been easier to buy a new washstand, but I like having something unconventional. This was an old gin cabinet I found in a charity shop and painted.' Cheers to that great upcycled furniture idea. ‘We're proud of the home we've created,’ she adds. ‘Waiting such a long time before we started extending the house paid off. We were able to think it through carefully and we got the layout right. It's everything we hoped it would be.' The post Take a tour of this extended contemporary home in Hertfordshire appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| House prices for this type of property are soaring as demand rises Posted: 28 Jul 2021 11:00 PM PDT Family home house prices have grown by 7.3 per cent, outstripping the price growth of flats, new research reveals. The latest Nationwide and Zoopla house price index revealed that family homes, particularly detached and semi-detached properties are currently the most in-demand property types across the country. Not only has this style of property seen an increase in transactions, but house price growth has soared. ‘There has also been a shift in the composition of property types that have been transacting. Over the past six months the proportion of sales involving detached and semi-detached properties has increased, while the proportion involving flats has declined significantly,’ explains Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist.  Image credit: Future PLC Zoopla’s latest house price index found that demand for family homes had doubled in the past year alone. While three-bedroom houses remain the most in-demand type of property in the UK, four and five-bedroom houses were selling 33 per cent faster in 2020 than in 2019. In areas such as London and south east England, where flats were originally the most in-demand, there has been a shift towards house hunters searching for three-bedroom houses. Across the country, the demand for flats has failed to keep pace with that for houses. In June 2020, the recorded price growth of flats and houses was almost equal at 1.4 and 1.9 per cent. However, over the last year, the prices for houses have risen by 7.3 per cent. In contrast, flats saw price growth of just 1.4 per cent, the same as last year.  Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles ‘Demand for houses is still outstripping demand for flats,’ explains Grainne Gilmore, head of research at Zoopla. ‘To a certain extent this trend will have been augmented by the stamp duty holiday, with bigger savings on offer for larger properties – typically houses.’ ‘But underneath this, there is a continued drumbeat of demand for more space among buyers, both inside and outside, funnelling demand towards houses, resulting in stronger price growth for these properties.’ Interest in high-priced homes growingThe stamp duty holiday has not only helped first-time buyers get a foot onto the property ladder, but it has helped existing homeowners afford more spacious and expensive family homes. Robert Gardner from Nationwide points to the latest Land Registry data that shows an increase in the transaction of higher-priced homes. ‘The number of transactions involving properties bought for £500,000 or higher increased by 37% over the 12 months to March 2021, compared to a rise of 2% for all properties,’ he explains.  Image credit: JTim / Future PLC That means that over the last year the number of transactions involving a property valued at £500,000 or above has increased by 6 per cent to 18 per cent. Robert Gardner suggests that it shifting housing preferences caused by the pandemic that are driving the increased activity in the housing market. ‘At the end of April, 25% of homeowners surveyed said they were either in the process of moving or considering a move as a result of the pandemic. Given that only 5% of the housing stock typically changes hands in a given year, it only requires a relatively small proportion of people to follow through on this to have a material impact.’ If you’re looking to sell your family home now could be a great time to sell your home quickly while demand is outstripping supply. However, you might find yourself struggling for choice when looking for a new family home unless you’re interested in a flat that is. The post House prices for this type of property are soaring as demand rises appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Boys' bedroom ideas – cool room schemes they'll always want to hang out in Posted: 28 Jul 2021 11:00 PM PDT At first thought, a boys' bedroom might not be the most inviting room in your house. But as our boys' bedroom ideas prove, these spaces can be every bit as stylish and stimulating as the rest of your home. Choose the right themes, colours, materials and furniture, and you can create a room that is fun, inspiring and welcoming too. We're big fans of experimenting with colour palettes in any children’s room idea – and getting our boys on board with picking their favourite shades. Sure, that shade could be blue, but why not consider cool monochromes, energising yellows, oranges, reds and restful neutrals, too? Anything could – and should – go in a boys' bedroom! From playful places for pre-schoolers to on-trend dens that tweens will be proud to show off to their friends, take a look at these creative and colourful boy room ideas that are super awesome. Boys’ bedroom ideas1. Create a mountain-scape feature wall with paint Image credit: Future PLC/ Georgie Durne Paint effects are a popular way of adding fun to a boys’ bedroom. You literally have a blank canvas to work with so the more adventurous the design the better. We love this zig-zag mountain range with acid yellow snowcaps that also highlights the bed. Crown Colour Consultant Judy Smith explains how it's done; "Work out a design on paper then scale up for the walls, using good masking tape to create crisp lines. Kids' rooms have a license to be fun. Therefore, why not add a bit of playfulness by painting furniture to match or contrast with the walls." 2. Set up a stylish study station Image credit: Future PLC Here's a fun boy’s bedroom idea on a budget. You don't need an actual desk to create a dedicated homework area, this clever DIY desk is made using two shelves and matching paint. Mask out a square or rectangle on the wall and fill in the middle with your chosen shade. Once dry mount a matching floating shelf at the bottom and top. Ideal for a teenage boys bedroom idea. Complete the look with a contrasting notice board, colourful lamp and plenty of stationery supplies. Magnetic strips for toy cars look striking too. 3. Build up an edgy feature wall Image credit: Future PLC/ James French Exposed materials look the part in boy's bedroom schemes as the industrial vibe suits adolescent tastes. Don't worry if you don't have a bare brick wall, faux wallpapers and tiles will fake the look easily and is a more sensible choice as it won't have a rough surface that could scrape the skin. This cool grey, boy's bedroom scheme has added texture thanks to the matching faux grey brick feature wall. 4. Invest in an incredible bed Image credit: Future PLC/ James French A wow-factor bed will make bedtimes a breeze. From huge bespoke bunk beds that offer hide-away spaces to more classic versions with wheels on the sides or canopies above, a statement kids bed is a striking boy’s bedroom idea and will have friends queuing up for sleepovers galore. 5. Introduce a theme with soft-furnishings Image credit: ILIV There is no doubt your child will go through many hobbies as they grow so keeping their bedroom scheme up-to-date with their interests could get expensive. Make change easy and affordable by swapping out bedlinen and accessories. Debbie Leigh, Design Manager of ILIV, explains. “Starting with a blank canvas is not only manageable but encourages creativity. Keep it simple by painting the walls a neutral tone and experiment using a selection of colourful bunting and wall art. Adding co-ordinating pillows will liven the room whilst keeping costs at bay, an achievable makeover which can be frequently mixed up.” 6. Make it feel like a treehouse Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby Wouldn’t every young child love to live in a treehouse? Create the vibe by using wooden finishes liberally throughout the decorating scheme. A feature wall made using salvaged wood adds a rustic finish which embodies the design aesthetics of a treehouse. Upcycled pallets is a cheap way to achieve the look or recycling old floorboards for a wall panelling idea. Choose a matching wood stain for the bed to make it feel like its part of the wooden wall, for a more immersive treehouse experience. Keep the rest of the room simple and pared back, with industrial style furniture and minimal accent colours. 7. Seek smart storage solutions Image credit: Future PLC/ David Brittain Use the walls to utilise maximum storage potential for a little one’s bedroom. Securely attach attractive baskets to the walls to elevate storage. they out of reach baskets are ideal for everyday essentials, that you wish to keep out of little hands. By lifting storage you are not taking up valuable floor space – making your space better suited to play. To match the rustic aesthetic try using smart wicker baskets under the bed for additional storage. Decorate with warming rustic tones of coral to accentuate the natural materials. 8. Decorate with sunny shades Image credit: Future PLC/ Holly Joliffe Any colour goes for a child’s bedroom, we’re no longer confined to the stale notions of blue only for boys. We say the bolder and brighter the better. This vibrant yellow is like filling the room with sunshine, and what more could you ask for in a little one’s bedroom. ‘All around the world we recognise the power of this joyful shade to conjure hope, positivity and happiness’ explains Dulux’s Creative Director Marianne Shillingford. ‘The energy in this colour buzzes like a bumblebee in a jam-jar, which helps get the creative juices flowing.’ Making it perfect for encouraging expanding young minds. 9. Hang wall art at child height Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles Whether they’re a toddler or nine going on 17, hang wall art at the right height. That way, they can enjoy the pictures just as much as you. Floating shelves are also a great way to make a feature of your child’s books and make sure they’re easy to hand come story time. String up some decorative fairy lights, to cast a soft glow over the room as it gets closer to bedtime. 10. Add a bunk bed to create more play space Image credit: John Lewis & Partners Whether your children share a bedroom, or frequently have friends to stay, consider investing in bunk beds rather than twin beds. Thanks to its stacked design, a bunk bed takes up a much smaller footprint, so the room will feel more spacious. That means more space for your little ones to have adventures with their toys on the floor, which is essential if you don’t enough space in your home for a playroom. 11. Squeeze in extra storage with a cabin bed Image credit: Aspace Add accessible, extra storage with a smart cabin bed. The under-bed drawers are suitable for children of all ages. A cabin bed is perfect for a room that’s short on space and even has an exposed shelf for little ones to pop their books on after story time. Continue the vibrant colour scheme throughout the bedroom with a rainbow carpet and bright wall art, which should suit your child’s tastes until they reach their early teens. 12. Extend the room theme from the walls to the bed Image credit: Debenhams For a cohesive look, extend the wall theme to the bedding, accessories, wall art and rugs. Animal designs, stars and simple shapes in monochrome shades remain a popular unisex choice. All of which should see them through the years, from tiny babies to toddler years and beyond. Here, a rocking chair with a fluffy cushion is the perfect place to cosy up, as you read your little one a story, or rock them to sleep on your knee. 13. Make a feature out of hexagon shelves Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole Transform some humble shelves into something a little more special. These hexagon shelves can be arranged in any order to create a feature wall where your child can arrange and display their favourite toys. The best part about these shelves is that they’ll stand the test of time as your little one turns into a teenager. Your child can change the display and colour of the shelves as tastes change, without needing a complete room overhaul. 14. Add character with wall stickers Image credit: Future PLC/ Jeremy Lawrence Wall stickers are an easy and cheap way to let your kid put their stamp on a neutral bedroom – our white bedroom ideas demonstrate more examples of how to do this. Many websites will even offer you the choice of getting the stickers personalised with your child’s name, or a motif you’ve designed yourself. Though wall stickers can be a little fiddly to put on the wall initially, once they’re on they will not budge until you choose to peel them off. Plus, they’re designed to disappear without a trace. That’s right – no nasty marks you’d otherwise have to paint over. All this makes wall stickers ideal if you live in a rented house. they’re also a smart choice if your child is in that tween-period. One minute they’re obsessed with monkeys – next thing you know, they want a Banksy-style design on their wall. Both can be achieved with a simple sticker change. 15. Be bold with accent colour choices Image credit: Future PLC/ Jeroen Van Der Spek Traditional colours such as blues and reds are a classic option, but don’t be afraid of zingy yellows or calming pastel shades if you want something a little different. Dare to be bold by painting bunk beds in a standout colour to make them a cheery focal point. However, if you do decide to brighten up the furniture, it’s best to keep your walls and floor low-key and neutral. That way, your feature pieces really sing out. 16. Maximise corners with clever shelving Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore Make the most of every inch of the room with clever wall shelves. Taking floating shelves into the corners can be the ultimate use of this often-underused space. Use a cluster of simple single ledge shelves – IKEA, Wilko and Argos are great sources of budget options. Position two different sizes sat side-by-side to create a V-shape. Alternatively, if you have matching sizes, cut the edges into a point to match them up in the corner seamlessly. 17. Make it monochrome Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore A child’s bedroom doesn’t necessarily need to be super bright– one boy’s bedroom idea is to embrace dark and moody hues for a dramatic look that will add depth. This monochrome scheme benefits from plenty of pattern and texture to lift the space, while quirky art adds character and personality to this children’s room. 18. Think of a theme to add personality Image credit: Future PLC/ Claire Lloyd Davies If you have a young child, it’s likely they will be drawn to bright colours that stimulate their senses. Liven up a scheme with a feature wall adorned with wallpaper in a fun print, like this design by Scion. Wall stickers are another great way to liven up a scheme (and are sure to be a hit with the kids). Take a theme and run with it in a child'’s bedroom. This cheery fox motif wallpaper is the starting point for a playful scheme with bold co-ordinating bedlinen, an orange lamp and a cute fox cushion on the bed. 19. Make a small space bright Image credit: Future PLC/ Claire Lloyd Davies Keep the look light and airy in a loft bedroom by painting walls white to compensate for the lack of natural light. Go for cheery bedlinen and accessories to keep the look bright and playful, with colourful artwork or vinyl stickers on the walls for decoration. 20. Paint the floor Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside Create a playful space for your boy by painting stripes on the floorboards in different hues of their favourite colour. Paint them in a graduating range of colours for added effect – you could use colour cards as inspiration. How can I decorate a boys’ small bedroom?Children don't necessarily need huge bedrooms as their smaller furniture can seem dwarfed by the surroundings. So, if your boys’ bedroom is small and cosy the key is to make the most of every inch of space. Rachel homer, interiors writer and mum of two boys suggests. “Choose a storage bed, add plenty of layered, narrow shelving to walls and even the ceiling can be utilised to hang decorative accessories such as aeroplanes, jungle foliage, or planets depending on what they are into”. How should I arrange my boys’ bedroom?When it comes to how you should arrange your boys’ bedroom you should first and foremost ensure the room is a sound sleep environment. Because that is the primary purpose. Invest in a comfortable bed, one that will see them through for the years to come, preferably one that can adapt as they grow – so consider extending bed frames or even bunk beds to cater for future sleepovers. How can I make a boys’ bedroom inviting?Finding a space in your boy's bedroom for peace is a vital element for making them feel safe in their environment. Hang a curtain or canopy around their bed with string LED lights for them to retreat to. Or, add a comfortable chair next to an accessible bookshelf to create a reading nook that will give them a happy place to read, enjoy quiet play and have downtime to themselves. The post Boys' bedroom ideas – cool room schemes they'll always want to hang out in appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Best home fragrance – 15 luxurious picks and budget-friendly buys Posted: 28 Jul 2021 10:00 AM PDT If you are searching for the best home fragrance buys, then you have landed in just the right place. We are talking all things from candles to reed diffusers, room sprays, fragrance spheres and even diffusers, just below. Whether you want your home to smell sweet for summer or woody for winter, it’s all here. Keep reading to discover (and to add to your shopping basket) the very best home fragrances for every room in your home. Including your living room, kitchen, bathroom and hallway. With top picks including luxurious The White Company products, as well as budget-friendly Air Wick buys. And, of course, the odd Yankee home fragrance.
How to know which home fragrance is best for you? Choose a candle if you want to add light whilst making your home smell nice, and if you have somewhere in mind to place it that’s safe and out of the way from potential curious hands (or paws). Reed diffusers are great because they do the job for you, with very little effort required other than the infrequent turning of reeds. Opt for a room spray if you want something that you can completely control – these are particularly handy for a quick spray just before guests arrive. Or, to mask unwanted odours fast. Last but definitely not least, fragrance oils are great for emitting smell throughout a long period of time, kind of like a candle but a lot safer. You need to mix a few drops with water and add this to your essential oil diffuser – for a very calming and lovely smelling ambience.
What is the best home fragrance?The best home fragrance – for all-around freshness in every room – is the Air Wick by Botanica Fresh Pineapple and Tunisian Rosemary Room Spray. We love using this spray all around our home, for an instant burst of fragrance in every single room. It’s especially great at masking odours whilst it’s also eco-friendly and a little goes a long way. Read more below… 15 best home fragrance buys for every room in your homeThe post Best home fragrance – 15 luxurious picks and budget-friendly buys appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
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