Ideal Home

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• Welcome colour and pattern into your home – 29 wallpaper ideas for any room
• How to insulate a shed - step by step for keeping a shed warm and dry
• Best home fragrance – 15 luxury buys for 2022
• Moving house checklist: everything you need to do for a hassle-free house move
• Over sink kitchen lighting ideas to illuminate your basin area

Welcome colour and pattern into your home – 29 wallpaper ideas for any room Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT When it comes to adding colour, pattern and even texture to your home, wallpaper ideas are pretty hard to beat. Whatever your interior style, there’s a design to suit, from bold geo designs to pretty florals and so much in between. And you don’t need to wallpaper a whole room to enjoy the pop of personality wallpaper offers. Of course walls are the obvious place for wallpaper, but you could also use it to upcycle a dresser, paper a panel to sit behind a sofa or bed, or even add a hit of pattern to your kitchen island. So when you’re planning your next DIY and decorating project, make sure to give wallpaper ideas the focus they deserve. Be inspired by these imaginative ways to add wallpaper to any room of the house for an easy interiors pick-me-up. Wallpaper ideas 1. Upcycle a chest with a pretty pattern Photography credit: FuturePLC/Tim Young Make a cheap basic look expensive or revive a dated design with just a single roll of wallpaper. If you love a design but feel it may be too much to wallpaper the whole room in, this is a great way to add drama to your room without overpowering it. Or if you find a design that you love but it’s just a little too pricey, then wallpaper ideas that cover a small piece of furniture could be just the solution. This is also a great way to incorporate the latest wallpaper trends with minimum effort.  Remember to seal the wallpaper with clear matt varnish to prevent peeling. 2. Create a feature wall with wallpapered panelling Photography credit: FuturePLC/Carolyn Barber For an instant glam upgrade apply a beautiful mural for a living room wallpaper idea. Cut an illustrated scene to fit between panelling. It becomes like a view through a window. Choose a mural that depicts a view or a scene, rather than an all over print for a truly magical feel.  3. Cover a magnet board in a hero paper FuturePLC/Tim Young Easy DIY wallpaper ideas are always a winner. Swap a scruffy looking pinboard for one covered in a graphic print. All you have to do is trim an off-cut of wallpaper to size and spray glue it to a magnet board. Choose an impactful print for a great way to add interest to a neutral wall or relieve an expanse of deep, block colour. 4. Upgrade a basic bunk bed with jungle print wallpaper Photography credit: FuturePLC/Carolyn Barber Use wallpaper paste to cover front bed panels with wallpaper for a brilliant bedroom wallpaper idea for a kid’s room. Give the paper a coat of transparent varnish to help prevent knocks and scratches. Pick out a paint colour from the wallpaper and use it to paint the bottom half of a neutral bedroom wall, finishing with a fun scalloped detail. For a super cool bed transformation make the bottom bunk into a cool hide-away. Remove the duvet and pillow and filling the space with cushions and blankets, books and plenty of fairy lights, for the perfect reading den.  5. Wallpaper the back of a kitchen island Photography credit: FuturePLC/Carolyn Barber Add a touch of pattern to a pared back scheme by wallpapering the back or a kitchen island. This eye-catching kitchen wallpaper idea is a great way to update an island (or kitchen dresser!). Use a hardwearing clear varnish to seal and protect it or get a made to measure sheet of perspex to layer over it. Black accents for accessories and flooring give this bespoke kitchen island uber-cool vibes. 6. Add pattern to the back of a display cabinet Image credit: FuturePLC Select a contrasting colour in a similar design, or go for a similar colour but with a very different pattern scale. This ensures that the cabinet wallpaper will stand out from the wallpaper ideas on the adjacent walls. First, remove all shelving from the unit and wallpaper the back of the cupboard using wallpaper paste. Place the shelves back in and displaying co-ordinating kitchenware. 7. Paper the ceiling Photography credit: FuturePLC/Carolyn Barber Run a single roll of paper vertically to the very top of the wall for a dining room wallpaper idea. Continue the paper on the ceiling above the table and back down the wall on the other side of the room. This is a wonderful design statement and a true talking point over dinner. Paper over picture rails, cornicing and even skirting boards for added impact. Use simple shapes and colours in furnishings and accessories to ensure that the wallpaper is the main focal point. 8. Revive a bland basic with textured wallpaper Photography credit: FuturePLC/Carolyn Barber Apply Anaglypta or textured wallpaper to the front of the drawers in a simple Ikea chest of drawers using PVA glue. Leave the paper plain white (we advise adding a couple of coats of clear varnish to make it more durable). Or for the colour-lovers out there, paint the paper along with the cabinet a deep colour, like dark green or navy, for added drama. Replace basic handles with black metal rods threaded through leather loops for a stylish alternative to drawer knobs.  9. Put wallpaper in the frame Image credit: Future Publishing PLC/ Tim Young When looking to inject pattern to walls but you can’t decide on which wallpaper design to favour, this idea is perfect! Create a gallery wall idea by framing samples of your favourite designs instead. Frame samples or offcuts in identical frames, using a white mount for a more formal effect, using different patterns in a similar colour palette to unify the look. Choose simple frames so the patterns on these wallpaper ideas remain the point of focus. 10. Welcome nature in with bold terrarium-inspired designs Image credit: Future Publishing PLC/Polly Wreford Select leafy motifs on wallpaper, from tropical foliage to vintage sketchbook designs, to make a great style statement. It could be a lot for a living room, but great fun for the smallest rooms of the house, like in this cloakroom bathroom wallpaper idea. Stop the pattern becoming overpowering by panelling the lower part of the room and painting in a deep green, pick the paint colour by matching it to a colour found in the wallpaper. 11. Paper above the picture rail Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Simon Whitmore If you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings and picture rails you are at the advantage to use this space to frame a room with a wallpaper pattern – without having to wallpaper entire walls. Many period homes, particularly Victorian and Edwardian will still have the dado rail in most rooms, which helps to break up the space. Choosing bold wallpaper ideas for above or below the dado rail means you can mix and match colours and patterns on the other half or simply go for a cohesive look. 12. Create a piece of art Image credit: Future Publishing PLC/ Tim Young Fashion a feature wall idea with a difference by framing a section of wallpaper. Either paper directly to the wall and frame, or back the paper. onto a large sheet of MDF to make it a moveable piece – more authentic as a piece of artwork. Paint the frame to match the wall for a more subtle effect. This trick creates a focal point and can be cheaper than artwork. It works best behind a sofa, bed or sideboard to zone or highlight an area. 13. Accentuate an archway Image credit: Future Publishing Plc Use wallpaper to make the most of any original features in your home. This designer floral design highlights the alcove and arched architrave surrounding it. In this stunning living room the walls are kept brilliant white to allow the wallpaper to become the main focus of the room, but beautiful shades of green and purple filter out into soft furnishings for a simple yet sophisticated overall scheme. 14. Welcome wallpaper on stairs Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Jake Curtis Wallpaper ideas in the hallway needn’t be confined to purely walls. We love this idea of introducing pattern and colour on the stair risers. Pieces of this Orla Kiely orange patterned wallpaper have been cut to fit the stair risers, pasted on and varnished to make the paper hardwearing – important in a high traffic area such as the stairs. Thinking about how to wallpaper stairs is a winning hallway wallpaper idea but also worth considering in a newly converted loft space. 15. Get creative with recess spaces Image credit: Dominic Blackmore Use wallpaper creatively to fill void spaces. This beautiful bedroom demonstrates how striking wallpaper ideas can act in place of artwork – used above a bed in the space between built-in wardrobes. This space would otherwise feel redundant, but instead it now anchors the whole scheme of the decor, thanks to the matching blue and green tones on the bedding and light fittings below. It also helps to create the impression of a DIY headboard idea, and add a focal point to the room. 16. Wallpaper wardrobe doors Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ David Giles Wallpaper is not just for walls. Use the design of your choice, to compliment the decor in any room where you wish to use this idea. Simply hang the lengths of wallpaper directly to the front of the doors. In in order for this to work best the doors need to be smooth, meaning no decorative beading or framing. 17. Introduce pattern to wall panelling Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Trevor Richards In this grey hallway idea the staircase panels are brought to life with the help of a decorative migrating geese wallpaper. The wall panelling is painted in a coordinating blue grey to keep the look cohesive. This idea is not for the faint hearted, as each section needs to be measured and cut to size – but as you can see the results are well worth it. on more standard wall panelling the task will be easier, as the sections will all be the same so you can cut strips in bulk. 18. Be creative with a bookcase design Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ David Giles A great way to make an impact is with trompe l’oeil wallpaper. A bookcase-themed wallpaper will breathe new life into the room and add interest to an otherwise dull corner. This type of design is perfect when planning how to wallpaper a feature wall. While your book collection may have been whittled down in favour of e-books in recent years, with a gorgeous bookcase-print wallpaper, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the traditional look of books in a quiet reading corner. 19. Cheat a dreamy headboard panel with wallpaper Image credit: Tim Young This brilliant bedroom wallpaper idea fashions a feature wall-cum-headboard using wallpaper! Make your own boutique-hotel-style design feature by hanging a couple of drops of a striking wallpaper behind the bed. To really add a design wow factor create neat raised edges with wooden battens covered in matching fabric – but this finish is optional, if you want less work. 20. Add a background behind open shelving Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Mark Scott Give any storage space a decor uplift with the addition of a pretty wallpaper behind the units. All the better, as seen above, if the storage unit is backless – meaning the fashionable paper acts as a decorative backdrop to hanging clothes and accessories. 21. Contrast colour with a feature wall Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ David Giles If choosing to decorate with a powerful paint colour, such as this olive green bedroom idea, a patterned wallpaper can be just the tonic to create a contrasting feature wall. where colour would normally play the star role on the feature wall, instead add a characterful wallpaper design to complete the look. This paper features a design with illustrated house in soft grey and white, to compliment a white ceiling and white painted floorboards. 22. Set the scene with a mural Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Colin Poole A children’s room is the ideal place to choose a wallpaper mural that fills a whole wall, with a scene that transports the room to another setting. Whether it be a fairy tale woodland or a tropical jungle the statement image will delight little ones, igniting their imaginations. In addition to a bedroom this style of wallpaper is ideal for a playroom too. 23. Frame a fireplace Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Simon Whitmore Alcoves beside a fireplace are the ideal walls to hang a decorative wallpaper design. The set back walls are just crying out for a statement wallpaper design to give them prominence. A design either side of a fireplace helps to frame the main point of focus. It’s a great alternative if you’re thinking about how to wallpaper a chimney breast. In this stunning living room above a panelled wall helps to enhance the chimney breast and back the scheme stand out all the more. The blue wall colour is picked up within the wallpaper design to ensure it coordinates beautifully. 24. Divide a wall with pattern Avoid overpowering a room by using your wallpaper only up to a point. Taking it up to the level of a traditional picture rail – rather than all the way to the ceiling – and keeping a clapboard finish above the rail height helps to keep the pattern in check without reducing its impact. 25. Fake a brick wall with wallpaper Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Simon Whitmore Get the look of an industrial-style brick wall without the hassle of having to build one, simply choose a realistic looking wallpaper. A trompe l’oeil design can cleverly be used to trick the eye into thinking the brick pattern is the real thing (just don’t get too close!). The outcome adds depth and interest to a room. You’ll find beautiful modern examples that depict wall panelling ideas,  weathered wood and quirky designs such as luxurious button-back upholstery – for walls! A smart idea to fake it in any room. 26. Hang stripes horizontally to widen a space Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Jo Bridges Just because a room is small doesn’t mean it has to be filled with neutral tones. If used correctly, a bold pattern can help to make a small space feel more impactful. Stripes hung horizontally is a savvy decorating tactic to trick the eye into thinking the room is wider than it really is. This super stylish black and white bedroom idea sports effortlessly sports a black and white stripped design on the far wall, leaving the remaining walls in a forgiving soft shade of grey. 27. Wallpaper above tiles Image credit: David Giles Fancy adding pattern to your bathroom but worried about wallpaper getting wet? Use this idea to elevate the pattern above a tiled section.Tile up to the point where splashes might reach, then wallpaper to the ceiling to ensure your design is safe and dry. It’s a smart look and is more subtle than papering an entire wall – if you’re unsure about taking the plunge, so to speak, this might be the way to go about things. 28. Make artwork of your chosen design Image Credit: Future PLC/David Brittain Love bold wallpaper but not sure about committing to a whole feature wall? Introduce a bold pattern into your home office or study area with wallpapered pinboards. If you’ve found a beautiful wallpaper design but don’t want to decorate a whole room this is the wallpaper idea for you. Use the wallpaper as wall art panels. You can paper directly to the wall to commit entirely to the look. This will create a striking feature above a desk or sideboard. 29. Include the ceiling in the scheme Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Richard Gadsby Why leave the ceiling out? For many years now the powers that be in the interiors world have been telling us how fashionable wallpapering the 5th wall is. Would you be so bold? We’d say it works if the room is big enough to allow, in an already small space a wallpapered ceiling could overwhelm – making it feel even smaller. For best results choose a paper in light colour choice to ensure the space still feels bright and airy. What can I do with one roll of wallpaper? Ideal Home’s Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips shares her favourite quick and easy ideas that use a single roll of wallpaper: Cover box files or binder files to coordinate with the decor of a home office Back a display cabinet or an open shelving unit. Mount and frame patterned wallpaper like unique pieces of art Use as high-quality gift wrap, you can sometimes find a roll of wallpaper is less expensive than a roll of quality gift wrap What is the difference between wallpaper and a mural? Wallpaper is bought on a roll with a fixed width, usually approx 68cm in width and 4.5meters in length. A mural can be ordered to fit, so the measurement of a complete wall can be given so that the illustration or design fits perfectly end to end. What are the disadvantages of wallpaper? You will probably find that you need an expert tradesman to apply wallpaper. In rooms with a high moisture content, like bathrooms and kitchens, may cause wallpaper to peel and lift. Wallpaper is less durable than paint and cannot be easily cleaned or scrubbed. If wallpaper is damaged a quick repair isn’t easy, stripping the whole wall and re-papering is often the only option. Wallpaper is not easily changed if you become bored of it and can be an expensive mistake to change if you are unhappy with how it looks. But it’s definitely worth experimenting with some of these ideas that use wallpaper in smaller doses. That way you can enjoy the colour and pattern wallpaper offers, but it isn’t too much of a headache when you fancy a change! Additional words by Nicky Phillips The post Welcome colour and pattern into your home – 29 wallpaper ideas for any room appeared first on Ideal Home.

How to insulate a shed - step by step for keeping a shed warm and dry Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:00 AM PDT Knowing how to insulate a shed might sound excessive for what is often a glorified storage space, but there are numerous reasons why it's a good idea. Energy-efficiency is the buzz word when it comes to insulating your home, but it is also worth protecting your shed too.'By keeping the shed temperature regulated, it's easier to keep it looking its best and helps avoid damage from rust and insects as well as damp and mould,' says Tony Kersey, Homebase Buying Manager. 'Having an insulated shed means that you'll create an optimum environment for both you and the shed,' adds B&Q Category Planner James Benfield. 'This is necessary if you're storing weather-sensitive equipment or electronics, such as lawn mowers or strimmers.' How to insulate a shed – step by step Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole 'Insulating a timber shed is relatively easy to do yourself,' says Jenny Davis at Forest Garden. 'DIY stores have everything you need to tackle the job over a weekend. Whether it's a tool shed, garden office or potter's retreat, when your structure is free from drafts and moisture the possibilities of what you can store in and do with that building are endless.' 1. Work out how much insulation you need Measure the height, length and width of your shed floor and walls and include the space for the studs in this. 'Don't forget to measure the height and width of any windows and doors, then multiply the measurements to find the area of each window or door and subtract them from the total square meterage of the wall and floor,' says Rated People builder, Nathan Hyatt-Mitchell. ‘When it comes to the roof, you’ll need to measure between the rafters.’ 2. Choose which shed insulation to use There are various types of insulation, depending on where you want to position them – roof, walls, floor. Most are available as rolls or boards, which are fitted between wall studs and roof joists and then covered with plywood. If you're really trying to save money, there are ways to insulate a shed for free. 'When selecting the insulation for your shed consider cost, efficiency, insulation properties, use of the shed and ease of installation,' says Monica Cleere, ToolStation. Types of shed insulation Image credit: Future Plc / David Giles Mineral (stone) wool (aka Rockwool) Available in slabs, stone wool is easy to lay vertically or horizontally. It's denser than fibreglass (see below), has good thermal and acoustic qualities and is non-combustible. Protective equipment is required when handling. 'Because of its sound-proofing properties, stone wool is great if you're looking at turning a shed into a workspace,' says Rose Milner. 'Stone wool boards usually friction fit between studs so don't require fixings, making them easy to install. However, you'll also need breather membranes and vapour control layers to prevent any damp ingress, which can eat into the usable space.' PIR or foam slabs/boards Great for heat retention and sound-proofing, these lightweight boards are easy to cut and install. They can be used for suspended wooden floors, pitched roofs and internal walls, and secured with adhesive or 'friction fit'. These would suit those who use noisy power tools, due to their thermal and acoustic properties. Multi-foil 'Multi-foil is an excellent option for sheds, and is often more cost-effective than PIR as well as being simpler to install,' says Rosie Milner. 'Although, if you were converting your shed to a garden room, it does require air gaps to be the most effective and wouldn't work so well in a fully-sealed environment.' Sheeps wool (thermafleece) Made with 75% British wool and 25% recycled polyester, thermafleece can be installed without gloves or protective clothing. It's breathable, durable and easy to install. Cosywool slabs friction fit and don't slump, so they're great for shed walls. Hemp If you prefer plant fibres, Natrahemp fleece can be handled without gloves, fits securely between studs, joints (or rafters), and provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. 'We would recommend natural insulation, like sheep's wool, as it's less prone to slumping,' says Rose Milner. 'PIR board or multi-foil insulation are also good. All of these options are simple to fit and don’t require moisture protection – and unlike fibreglass, only minimal PPE is recommended, making them ideal options for DIYers.' Fibreglass wool Generally used for roof and loft insulation, fibreglass wool is available in rolls, relatively inexpensive and simple to install. However, it's vital to wear protective goggles, mask and gloves when handling glass wool, as it's itchy to work with and the tiny fibres can irritate skin, eyes and lungs. 'Fibreglass loft insulation is not ideal for sheds,' says Insulation Superstore’s Rosie Milner. 'It's more suitable rolled out in the loft, as it's susceptible to 'slumping' if installed vertically.' 3. Clear the shed and prepare the space Empty your shed completely and make any necessary repairs. 'Check for any leaks, damp and gaps and seal with a wood-based sealant,' says Rated People builder, Nathan Hyatt-Mitchell. 'A shed will lose heat through the roof too, so secure any loose roofing material externally and seal around the doors and windows with silicone or spray foam too.' 4. Make sure you have the right equipment Image credit: ToolStation Once you've chosen the insulation, check the manufacturer's recommended list of tools required and specific installation instructions. Depending on the insulation you're using generally you'll need a dust sheet, staple gun, stanley knife, measuring tape, hammer, nails, adhesive and a hand saw, plus protective goggles, gloves and overalls if required. If you're including the inside of a pitched roof you'll likely need a step ladder and a friend to hold it too. 5. How to insulate a shed Cut strips of insulation by length and width to fit between each stud in the walls, pitched roof or floor. Deal with any obstacles that might get in the way of the insulation being laid and (if required) add a vapour barrier. 'Press the insulation gently between the two studs and be aware the moisture barrier must face towards the room,' says Rated People's builder, Nathan Hyatt-Mitchell. 'There are various options to secure the insulation; use a staple gun for walls and use steel wire for floors.' Of course if you've chosen 'friction fit' this can just be wedged between the studs. The post How to insulate a shed - step by step for keeping a shed warm and dry appeared first on Ideal Home.

Best home fragrance – 15 luxury buys for 2022 Posted: 28 Apr 2022 06:00 AM PDT If you are in search of the best home fragrance to emit scent into your home and to impress guests whilst doing so, then we can help. We’ve been working to test a huge range of home fragrances, from candles to reed diffusers, room sprays and even fragrance oils. No matter which one you are after, we’ve got 15 suggestions below for a lovely smelling home. Within this guide, you’ll find our favourite home fragrances that we’ve had hands-on experience with. Whilst testing these home fragrances, we’ve tried to determine where they are best suited to live inside your home, otherwise, the decision is yours when it comes to choosing a spot for your new home fragrance. There’s no doubting that home fragrance is an important part of your home decor. In fact, Michelle Feeney, the founder of Floral Street, explains “Scenting your spaces can make you feel good about life, by creating the right atmosphere to reflect how you want to feel”. With this in mind, you might want to invest in some of our home fragrance picks just below, so that you can match your home design to your home’s scent, as well as the season. Keep scrolling for our list which includes some of the best candles plus plenty of reed diffuser recommendations. How to choose a home fragrance? First thing’s first: what type of home fragrance should you go for? This can be tricky to decide, so we’re here to simplify your decision. You can, of course, buy a matching candle and room spray, for example, or the same candle and reed diffuser fragrance for the best of both worlds. 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. Let’s get to it then… 15 best home fragrance buys 1. Damselfly Grace Universe Candle The best home fragrance for spring Image credit: Damselfly Size: 300g This impressively scented candle is powerful yet in a good way. When testing, we realised that it doesn’t even need to be lit to emit fragrance, in fact, we could smell it before we even got it out of its box. It’s the perfect sweet yet warm balance for spring and summer, and we love it for lighting inside a living room. Whilst testing this candle, we noticed that it burns impressively clean, leaving no wax behind as it emits fragrance. Plus, its two cotton wicks ensured a soot-free burn! Scented with help from vanilla bean, anjou pear, white musk, and sweet citrus florals, it’s the perfect combination of not too sweet. It’s definitely a scent that a lot of people will get on with as it’s unobtrusive so great for placing in areas in which guests will enjoy. It’s also created using non-toxic coconut and soy-based wax and it’s vegan. When it comes to this candle’s packaging, this home fragrance is hand-poured in Australia, straight into a gorgeous white glass vessel that has a matte finish. With minimalist detailing on the vessel, it reads two quotes – one on either side of the jar. You could definitely make use of this vessel after use, plus there’s the fact that it comes in fully recyclable packaging. 2. Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Mini Fragrance Sticks The best reed diffuser for year-round use Image credit: Rituals Size: 70ml This fragrant reed diffuser ought to wow your senses and uplift a room. It’s nice and small, too, so as not to be obtrusive on if on show. We say to place this reed diffuser in a hallway, toilet or even a spacious living room. When to use it? It’s pretty much a year-round winner, meaning that you can use it in spring, summer, autumn or winter. When testing this reed diffuser, we immediately noticed how powerful it is when it comes to masking odours and fragrancing an entire room from wall to wall. Its fragrance also, surprisingly enough, lasts quite a while. It’s worth us noting that we tested the mini version, and we would definitely buy it again. Sweet yet creamy thanks to cherry blossom and rice milk notes, this powerful reed diffuser smells elegant yet delicate. There’s no need to turn the reeds of this diffuser as frequent as others, since it always manages to flood a room, no matter how small or large Housed inside a white recyclable glass vessel that’s ribbed and tall in height, this diffuser is easy to hide but also looks the part when on show. Refills are available, so that you can buy an entire bottle of fragrance and fill your vessel up as and when it’s necessary. 3. Skandinavisk Lempi Candle The best home fragrance for summer Size: 65g, 200g We’re not usually fans of sweet candles as they are often quite overpowering, but this one from SKANDINAVISK, their Lempi Scented Candle, is lovely and subtle. It comes inside a decorative glass jar, complete with a wooden lid, making it ideal for Skandi-style, boho or modern homes. We first tested this candle a year or so ago, and since we’ve bought it again as we love it that much. It’s perfect for lighting in spring and summer and it’ll be sure to wow your guests. We’ve had people ask us what the fragrance is, they’ve loved it that much! When it has been burning inside our home, we noticed that it burns without tunnelling, though you might want to keep its wick trimmed, and it gave a soot-free burn. This sweet candle has notes of peony and rose, as well as strawberries and mosses. It’s definitely not too sweet, that’s for sure. It’d be a great burn for spring or summer days and evenings. This vegan-friendly Swedish candle is made from rapeseed wax while the glass vessel is made from 30 per cent recycled materials. It has a cotton wick, too. It arrives in completely recycled packaging and comes with an FSC-certified wooden lid to prevent the candle from dusting when in use. You can also use this as a surface protector for your candle to sit on whilst it’s burning. Choose from two sizes or there’s a reed diffuser available, too. 4. Orphic Living Black Tea, Patchouli, Peppercorn Scented Reed Diffuser The best spicy home fragrance Image credit: Orphic Living Size: 150ml This unique blend from small Bath business Orphic Living offers a powerful fragrance – and it adds both warmth and style to a room that might need it. In fact, it’s perfect for placing in your hallway, to flood each and every room in your home with fragrance. Otherwise, it’s perfectly suitable for a bathroom or bedroom and you’ll definitely want to pop it on show thanks to its lux looking amber glass bottle. When using this reed diffuser inside our home, we noticed how impressively long-lasting its fragrance is, making it well worth its price tag. Scented to be spicy with notes of leather, tobacco, amber and musk, this reed diffuser is definitely best for the colder months of autumn and winter. Its bold blend is best suited for smaller rooms and it has woody base notes to warm your rooms. You can buy the same fragrance in a candle and room spray to match. Plus, the reeds that come with are made from rattan. This reed diffuser makes a lovely gift idea, plus it arrives in completely plastic-free packaging. Flip the reeds every 2-3 days, or when you believe it’s needed, to emit fragrance. Buy now: Orphic Living Black Tea, Patchouli, Peppercorn Scented Reed Diffuser, £18, Etsy 5. Slab Lab Scented Candle Fog The best warm home fragrance Size: 240g A unique blend of fragrance, this Slab Lab candle is made using coconut and rapeseed wax, while we think it’s the perfect burn for last summer, early autumn. For when the evenings begin to get chilly and you choose to retreat inside. This is the perfect candle to burn inside a living room on a cosy evening. It always managed to fill our room when we tested it, and it burned to be clean. Boasting a strong scent even before being lit, this candle boasts notes of chamomile, clover honey and bergamot, mixed with English lavender and freesia. Topped with fragrant vanilla and tonka bean. It’s sweet yet warm and definitely unique. Hand-poured into a grey glass vessel, with plain white labelling, this rapeseed wax candle is GMO-free and plant-based. It also has a long burn time of 40-45 hours, while the lack of tunnelling is impressive, to say the least. Buy now: Slab Lab Scented Candle Fog, £25, Trouva 6. Sunday of London III. Rooftop Garden Botanical Candle The best organic home fragrance Image credit: Sunday of London Size: 180ml Bring the outdoors in with help from this gorgeously fragranced organic candle from Sunday of London. This fresh candle ought to refresh any room once lit, even a windowless bathroom, plus its calming fragrance definitely adds a sense of tranquillity to your home. We say to light it in a bathroom or kitchen, but we found whilst testing that it really works anywhere. We noticed a small amount of tunnelling in this candle whilst testing, which can perhaps be blamed on the shape of the jar. However, once finished we carved this candle wax away and used it in our wax melt burner to make use of it. Scented with fragrance oils only, this candle is a mix of bergamot, basil, thyme, lavender and ylang-ylang. Aromatherapy grade oils ensure it’s powerful enough to make a statement, plus it’s not even the slightest bit overpowering, just impressive. It smells luxurious and best of all: natural. It’s made using creamy coconut wax that’s GMO-free, with a 100% pure cotton wick. No synthetic smelling fragrances here! Made in small batches with zero palm oil used in production, this candle has an impressive 40-hour burn time. We can vouch for the fact it burns clean, too, and it has a handy screw-on lid for when not in use, to prevent dusting. Poured inside an amber glass jar, it’s definitely aesthetically pleasing enough to show off on your bathroom side or kitchen island. Buy now: Sunday of London III. Rooftop Garden Botanical Candle, £26, Trouva 7. The White Company Fireside Diffuser The best home fragrance for autumn Image credit: The White Company Size: 150ml The White Company’s bestselling Fireside diffuser deserves pride of place in your home during autumn and winter. Why? Its scent mimics that of a burning fireplace, with a teeny hint of chocolate for warmth – and comfort. Place this inside a cosy room such as a living room or bedroom and thank us later. We used it in our bedroom from September to December and each and every time we walked in there, we experienced a gust of this delightful fragrance. It’s powerful enough to notice it yet not too powerful to give you a headache. With scent notes of smoked woods, fresh birch and rich patchouli mixed with creamy vanilla and a dash of amber, this unique blend will definitely turn noses. Plus, we found that it immediately scents a room. Pop it in the centre of your space for the best outcome. Poured inside a classic The White Company diffuser vessel, this woody fragrance not only looks the part but it smells the part, too. It comes with rattan reed sticks that you can use as many of as you like, dependant on your room size. This reed diffuser is said to last for 3 months, making it perfect for use from October to December. Buy now: Fireside Diffuser, £21.60, The White Company 8. Witchy The Moon Tarot Candle The best home fragrance for winter Image credit: Witchy Size: 215g Witchy’s The Moon candle is essentially the scent of wintertime – but in candle form. Plus, it’s made in small batches by a small business and is sustainable and cruelty-free. It even has a wooden wick and it’s decorated with 2 ethical crystals. Whilst testing this candle we enjoyed its fragrance in our living room, although be aware that you do have to remove the crystals from the candle before each use. It also burns fast but evenly, and it gives off an almost immediate scent. Incredible. This candle smells undeniably great even before it’s lit. Once you do light it, though, you’ll want to wait until it has melted slightly to remove the crystals as the candle melts even more. It has scent notes of ginger, cinnamon and vanilla, it might sound like a classic though rest assured it will flood your entire room with its to-die-for scent. Decorated with crystals and poured inside a premium glassware vessel, this soy candle is made using perfume grade fragrance with an FSC-certified wooden wick. It can burn for a whopping 50 hours inside your home. It also makes a lovely gift idea. Buy now: Witchy The Moon Tarot Candle, £26, Etsy 9. Botanica by Air Wick Room Spray Fresh Pineapple and Tunisian Rosemary The best room spray for banishing odours Image credit: Botanica by Air Wick Size: 236ml This subtle odour neutralising spray is perfect for all-around use – a few sprays of this and your home will smell as fresh as… fresh pineapple and Tunisian rosemary. You can also use it on your upholstery. We tested this room spray all around our home and noticed that its fragrance gave a natural scent to our home. Whilst the scent didn’t linger for hours, it’s great for a quick refresh before guests are arriving. Not to mention it’s better for the environment than your average air freshener. This spray is infused with natural essential oils to offer a fresh (and green-smelling) scent. It’s subtle yet still manages to banish nasty odours with just a few presses on the trigger. It smells like a welcoming blend of pineapples and rosemary. The bottle this home fragrance is inside is made from 99.9 per cent recycled plastic, while the trigger is made of 35 per cent recycled plastic. The scent itself is free from propellants and dyes, and Air Wick by Botanica is currently collaborating with WWF to fight wildflower habitats with each purchase. 10. ESPA Restorative Candle The best uplifting home fragrance Image credit: ESPA Size: 200g ESPA’s Restorative Candle is uplifting, powerful and elegantly housed in a white glass vessel. It’s best suited for larger rooms thanks to its floral yet sweet natural scent, so we say to place it in a spacious bedroom or large living room. When burning this candle inside our home, we noticed some slight tunnelling, however, it did burn to be completely soot-free. With floral notes of rose geranium and palmarosa, and sweet notes of orange blossom and lavender, it’s definitely one to light in spring or summertime. This ESPA candle is housed in a lovely and elegant looking glass jar, complete with a metal lid to pop the candle on when burning. It’s made of 100% natural wax, and it’s suitable for vegetarians. 11. Airwick Essential Mist Kit Balancing Peony & Jasmine The best daily use home fragrance Image credit: Airwick This fuss-free essential mist kit comes with a diffuser and a fragrance (of your choice). Simply open the bottom of your diffuser and pop your fragrance inside, and then switch it on. Choose between three intensities – low, medium and high – depending on your room size. The first switch is low, and this means the device will power up every 17 minutes, for just 4 seconds. The medium option makes this diffuser turn on every 12 minutes, for 5 seconds, while the highest intensity will have it working every 10 minutes, for a total of 6 seconds. This essential mist kit is perfect for pet owners as it works to scent your home all day long. We tested it in our bathroom and we love it for ease of use – and for ease of mind that our windowless bathroom always smells good. We say to select one fragrance and buy two or three, to dot around your home. This way, your home will smell the same, everywhere, and all of the time, without worrying about a thing. This scent, Balancing Peony & Jasmine, is a great choice for spring and summer, as it aims to bring the outdoors in and make your home smell as fresh as… fresh flowers! You can easily hide this diffuser behind some books, or even a candle or just tuck it away in a hallway or bathroom. They are pretty much great for anywhere at home since they are portable, too. One fragrance refill should last you 45 days on average, while the machines come in your choice of black or white, to fit in with your home decor. The idea is that you buy the diffuser once, and then buy more refills of each fragrance so you can switch things up depending on the season. 12. Made by Zen Purity Range Scented Essential Oil, Sleep The best home fragrance for your essential oil diffuser Size: 15ml If you are yet to invest in an essential oil diffuser, then we suggest doing so ASAP. It’s the only way you can use this fragrance oil – just a few drops in some water will flood your bedroom with a subtle yet calming smell. We tested this essential oil diffuser along with a Made by Zen diffuser, and to say that we were impressed by the result would be an understatement. It’s nice and powerful and anything but subtle, whilst its herbal scent will be sure to soothe wherever it’s used. Made by Zen’s fragrance oils are made of pure essential oils, and in the case of their Sleep oil, it’s lavender, mandarin, patchouli, sage and sandalwood. A fresh combination that will subtly give your bedroom a relaxing and soothing smell (and feel). This fragrance oil may be only 15ml, but this should last you a good while – a little goes a long way. You could also add this fragrance oil to dried flowers or potpourri – though we suggest using it with a diffuser, such as the Made by Zen Luminiare Aroma Mist Diffuser from John Lewis, or the Ellia Adore from Homedics. Buy now: Made by Zen Sleep Purity Range Scented Essential Oil, £9.99, Amazon 13. Floral Street Lady Emma Reed Diffuser The best fresh home fragrance Image credit: Floral Street Size: 100ml This lovely Floral Street reed diffuser is a fab buy for a toilet or bathroom, or if you love a fresh scent it would equally make a lovely addition to an orangery or conservatory. Its fresh leafy fragrance will help bring the outside in. We noticed that this reed diffuser was quite subtle whilst testing it, so it might be worth placing it in a smaller room. Lady Emma smells of a mix of fresh leaves, green apple and Bulgarian rose oil, so it’s safe to say it’s one for the spring and summer months. This reed diffuser is completely vegan and also cruelty-free, while it arrives in gorgeous recyclable packaging that ought to wow you (and your giftee). It’s housed in a pink glossy glass vessel, to add a pop of colour somewhere that needs it. 14. The White Company Geranium Leaf Candle The best herbal home fragrance Size: 210g This Geranium Leaf Candle is a fab herbal option if you are searching for something uplifting. We suggest popping this candle in a place that needs some fresh air. Perhaps a hallway or bathroom– just make sure it’s an airy or large space as it’s quite powerful. It’s poured inside a ceramic vessel and comes with a matching lid – to stop the candle from getting dusty when it’s not lit. Otherwise, we’ve been testing this candle in our bathroom and its fresh fragrance offers a soot-free burn. Its gorgeous ceramic vessel is lovely on display, however, we did notice that this candle tunnelled slightly whilst burning it. With initial notes of geranium, peppermint and Sicilian orange, the immediate scent we get from this candle, before and after lighting, is peppermint with a hint of lavender. There’s no doubt that it’s uplifting, in looks and in scent. This candle has a burn time of 40 hours – impressive! – and it’s filled in the UK using high-quality wax for a long, clean and even burn. It’s poured inside a gorgeous ceramic vessel that comes complete with a lid. You could definitely reuse this candle once empty for storing anything from cotton buds to cotton pads inside your bathroom. 15. Yankee Candle Inspire The best home fragrance for your bathroom Image credit: Yankee Candle Size: 623g We love Yankee’s Scent of the Year 2022 for our bathroom. This home fragrance is incredibly fresh and it comes in a large size (623g) so it’s ideal for lighting and leaving to burn in this room. We’ve been testing it in our windowless bathroom, and it definitely works to fragrance this room from corner to corner. Whilst enjoying this candle in our bathroom, we were surprised to notice little to no tunnelling, however, it does leave behind soot on the rim of the jar as it burns. This ozonic fragrance offers a natural scent with final impressions of cedar, driftwood and musks. It’s well-balanced with lime, ginger and verbena and there’s also some bamboo, freesia and ocean breeze accord in there, too. Upon first impression, it’s nice and fresh, albeit a tad sweet. Housed inside the classic Yankee Candle large jar complete with a lid, this fragrance is Yankee’s Scent of the Year, therefore the jar has been decorated with a blue pattern to replicate the fragrance. As with all Yankee candles, this one is made with premium-grade paraffin wax. It has one 100% natural wick and a burn time of 11o – 150 hours.   What is the best home fragrance? There’s not really a definite answer when it comes to the best home fragrance. This depends on the time of year, and the type of home fragrance you want. We will say, though, that right now our all-around favourite home fragrance has to be Rituals’ The Ritual of Sakura Fragrance Sticks. For winter, we love the warmth that Orphic Living’s Black Tea, Patchouli, Peppercorn Scented Reed Diffuser brings to a room. It’s woody and spicy, and best of all: it comes in plastic-free packaging. For spring, we love Damselfly’s Grace Universe Candle. It’s perfectly sweet and fresh, and a little warm. Oh, and it’s made using coconut wax and is toxic-free. For summer our favourite home fragrance is definitely Skandinavisk’s Lempi Candle that’s subtly floral and looks as good as it smells. It’s poured inside a recycled glass vessel and made from Swedish rapeseed wax. For autumn it’s The White Company’s Fireside Diffuser. It’s incredibly powerful and its woody scent mimics that of a roaring fireplace. It brings all the warmth and autumnal vibes. How did we test these home fragrances? Image credit: Annie Collyer Each and every one of the home fragrances in this guide has been tested by us, inside our homes. Our Deputy Ecommerce Editor, Annie Collyer, took on the task of testing these home fragrances inside her specious 2-bed London flat. It’s worth us noting that Annie lives with two pets and will always test these fragrances until they are finished, although she usually makes her mind up on whether she likes them or not when they are around half empty. Annie chose the home fragrances on this list based on how well they managed to fragrance her home, whilst bearing in mind their scent, design, longevity and their price tag. The post Best home fragrance – 15 luxury buys for 2022 appeared first on Ideal Home.

Moving house checklist: everything you need to do for a hassle-free house move Posted: 28 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT Moving house is up there with bereavement and divorce for being one of life's most demanding experiences. From booking a removals company to switching utilities to your new address, the moving house checklist can seem endless. The key is to be organised and break things down into manageable tasks. Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving, says: ‘Starting early is the key to being organised when moving home. Create a moving file for all your quotes, schedules, action lists and reminders relating to the move – and create a spreadsheet to record contact numbers, order numbers and keep track of costs and deadlines.’ If you're in the process of buying a house and have a move on the horizon, heed this expert advice to keep the stress to a minimum. Follow our moving house checklist Although moving house is a lengthy process, we've split the job into 10 achievable steps full of top tips to help make the transition smoother. Image credit:Getty Images/ Robert Daly 1. Confirm the date of your move When you exchange contracts, the completion/move-in date will be agreed between the buyer and seller, as well as any other buyers in the chain. ‘Buying or selling a home normally takes around two to three months to complete but can take much longer if there is a chain,’ says Stephen Thorp of the British Association of Removers. ‘Once you have a moving date, confirm the move date with your selected removals company as soon as possible to ensure they have availability.’ Make sure you book the relevant day off work and put arrangements in place to take care of young children and pets. 2. Start decluttering and clearing out There's no point in bringing things you no longer want or need with you into your new home. Not only will unwanted items end up gathering dust in your new property, but you'll be paying to move them unnecessarily. ‘Start with a small task, like going through your bookshelf and picking out the books you no longer want, working up to larger tasks such as your wardrobe, kitchen cupboards and the garage or attic,’ advises Rob. ‘Attics, sheds and garages can all be sorted and packed weeks in advance, so these are great jobs to get out of the way early. Anything that's no longer wanted you could sell at a car boot sale, on second-hand sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree – or you might consider giving away good quality items through Freecycle or to charity shops, to reduce waste going to landfill.’ If you have a lot of frozen food, consider using it up prior to moving so you won't have so much to move. 3. Get quotes and book a removal firm Stephen suggests talking to local removals companies who are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and getting three quotes. ‘Ask for the removal company to carry out a survey. More often this is done via video link, but many prefer a face-to-face survey. If it's a video survey, be open and honest about access issues, such as narrow streets or parking restrictions and always make sure you include everything you want moving in the survey,’ he says, ‘Find out if insurance is offered – if you want greater peace of mind you need to arrange extra cover yourself. If you pack yourself, it's worth noting the removal company may be unable to fully insure the items you've packed.’ Ask for a quote in writing so you can see what's included in the move. Most quotes are only valid for a month, so if a quote expires ask the removals company for a requote. Once a decision has been made, book in your chosen firm at least three weeks before moving day. 4. Contact your utility suppliers It varies between different suppliers, but most allow you to notify them that you are moving, either by phone or online, up to 28 days in advance. You'll need to provide them with your new address and moving date, so they know where to forward final bills to. Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch.com, says: ‘There's a huge amount to remember amid the stress of moving home, but taking meter readings should be high on your to-do list. Make a note of your gas and electricity meter readings before you lock the door to your old home. This way you can update your supplier on your final usage and ensure you are not billed for the next occupant's energy use. ‘Be sure to keep these readings for your own records to compare against your final bill. The same applies when you walk into your new home. You should take a meter reading at your new property as soon as possible to ensure your first bill is accurate. ‘Contact the supplier for the new property to inform them of your move and to provide your readings. You do not want to be held accountable for any usage that is not yours.’ Moving house is also a good time to switch energy, phone and broadband deals to ensure you're getting the best price. 5. Pack and label boxes Carefully wrap breakables in bubble wrap or newspapers and don't overload the packing boxes. Label everything clearly, not limited to just what room that they need to go in in your new home. ‘Removals companies won't be able to take flammable or dangerous goods, high value items such as jewellery or cash or personal documents. You will have to make alternative arrangements of these types of items,’ advises Stephen. Do you have any appliances that require professional disconnection? Some removals companies may be able to assist with this, otherwise you might need a qualified electrician, plumber or gas engineer to do the disconnecting. ‘Preparing a moving day survival kit can really help the process run smoothly by ensuring important items are close at hand when you need them,’ suggests Rob, ‘This might include your wallet and phone charger, mugs, teaspoons and coffee/tea for you and the removals team, a takeaway menu, toilet paper, essential toiletries, a first aid kit, a screwdriver, bin liners, pet food and pens/paper.’ Image credit: Getty/Catherine Falls Commercial 6. Let people know you are moving Create a moving house checklist and notify everyone on it that you are moving as soon as your completion date has been agreed. This will avoid missed bills, service lapses, or potential identity fraud. Moving house can be stressful enough, you don't want to worry about not paying your council tax when moving house too. This list, although not exhaustive, should be a good starting point: GP Dental surgery Schools Workplace Banks Insurance companies Pension and credit card companies The council Electoral roll TV Licensing DVLA National insurance Subscription services such as the gym and Netflix Friends and family It's also advisable to set up Royal Mail redirection service. This costs £33.99 for three months, £47.99 for six months or £68.99 for a year. Concessions are available if you're on benefits. It takes a minimum five working days to process an application and you can apply to redirect your mail six months before or after your moving date. 7. Find out where all the vital bits are in your new property ‘Ask the previous owner or landlord where the stopcock and fuse box are in your next home, as you never know when you might need to use them. If you forget to ask, or they do not know the answer, you may need to do a bit of exploring around the property. In most cases, the stopcock is located under the kitchen sink, and fuse boxes are commonly found in utility rooms, porches or cupboards under the stairs,’ advises Sarah. ‘Make sure you also know where your energy meters are, as you will need to update your supplier on your readings if it is not a smart meter. This is especially important now when energy bills are high, as this will let your supplier know if you are being charged for more energy than you are using.’ Hopefully, the previous owners will have left instructions for all appliances, otherwise search for them on the manufacturers' website. 8. Deep clean your new home It's advisable to clean before settling in and unpacking. If you have the funds available, book professional cleaners to arrive ahead of your removal company, so they can make a head start before all the boxes and furniture arrive. If you're doing it yourself, try not to become overwhelmed by the task at hand. 9. Unpack room by room Hopefully, if you labelled up the boxes correctly, they should have been put in the correct rooms by your removal company. As soon as the room has been deep cleaned, you can then unpack. Bathrooms should be an easy place to start, as the furniture is usually already installed. For other rooms, you can make a plan of where the furniture will go before you move in. For the kitchen, decide where portable appliances such as the kettle and microwave will go first, and then decide where everything else will go. For example, you'll want your mugs near the coffee machine. 10. Order essentials for your new home Although the fun part, this task should be kept to the bottom of your moving house checklist. It's advisable to buy big ticket items for your new home after you have moved in. You'll want to get a feel for the size and flow of each room and you'll need to measure up before you order to ensure everything fits through doors, as well as in the room itself. However, there may be some things that you can't do without – a bed for a good night's sleep or curtains to block out the sunlight and provide privacy. If you do end up ordering in advance, make sure you have the items delivered straight to your new home on or after your completion date to avoid paying for delivery twice. The post Moving house checklist: everything you need to do for a hassle-free house move appeared first on Ideal Home.

Over sink kitchen lighting ideas to illuminate your basin area Posted: 27 Apr 2022 11:00 PM PDT One area of our kitchen which seems to be constantly in use (besides, of course, opening and closing the fridge hoping it’s been refilled) is the sink. Whether it’s cleaning dishes, washing hands or rinsing produce, over sink kitchen lighting ideas are key to consider to make your daily tasks that bit easier. All kitchen lighting ideas have their role to play, but all to often sink lighting is looped in with general lighting. Instead, task lighting is needed, but you also need to take into account extra details like the height and size so you aren’t bumping into it, or blocking a view. ‘Get the positioning of the units more or less firmed up before the first fix of lighting,’ advises Karan Main, Director, The Main Company. ‘Once this has been completed a loose lighting plan can be done. Take things into consideration like not standing in your own shadow at the sink.’ ‘Also take in to account the ceiling height and the proportions of the room,’ adds Victoria Rothschild, founder, Rothschild & Bickers. ‘Then work out where you need focused light directed. Once you have this foundation lighting, consider the decorative aspects.’ Over sink kitchen lighting ideas From pretty pendants to backlit splashbacks, these over sink kitchen lighting ideas might just light up your life. 1. Choose slimline designs for a clear view Image credit: Amos Lighting ‘When it comes to how to plan kitchen lighting, it's important to consider the brightness level of the room and what areas of the space need to be well lit,’ advises David Amos, Founder, Amos Lighting + Home. ‘We always recommend making sure that your kitchen layout has already been finalised, including the furniture, appliances, units and fittings. Once you have done this, you are then in the best position to incorporate lights that complement the rest of your scheme.’ Positioning is also key when it comes to windows. If you have a view behind your sink, then you don’t want this blocked by an oversized pendant. Slimline designs will allow all the task lighting you’ll need when the sun goes down, but won’t obstruct your view during the day. 2. Take pendants up high Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith Although you don’t technically need an IP rated light for over sink kitchen lighting ideas, it’s advised that you don’t keep them too close to water. Take away any anxiety you might have by installing you lights way up high. Plus, the lighting ring will be wider the further you pull them back. Just ensure you check that you’re still getting enough brightness to see what you’re doing. 3. Invest in a backlit splashback Image credit: Rothschild & Bickers ‘Best practise is to layer and spread your lighting across the full area of a kitchen,’ suggests Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers. ‘Using a balanced mix of bright, non glare directional lighting and soft, ambient illumination. You want your lighting to have the ability to lift and open up your space as well as being cosy and inviting.’ A backlit splashback will add a wonderful mood lighting aspect to your kitchen lighting layouts. Plus, choose a bright enough – or dimmable – option and you’ll double this up as task lighting for your sink. 4. Make a subtle statement with a single pendant Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Wreford Sometimes less really is more. A bold single pendant will work effectively at task lighting your sink, but also add an extra design element. Choose a colour or pattern which complements the rest of your decor, ideally in the darkest tone so it truly stands out even when switched off 5. Add strip lighting to prevent shadows Image credit: The Myers Touch You tend to be slightly hunched over your sink when cleaning things up. While this is in spite of all our mothers taught us about posture, it also blocks light coming from above. Strip lighting underneath shelving will prevent this problem as the light comes from the length of the shelf. This is also a great approach if you’re looking for a more streamlined, minimalistic design. 6. Stick with classic island lighting Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme If your sink if situated on your kitchen island, then you can’t go wrong with classic pendants. Hang a couple of pendants above – two or three tend to work best, whichever ensures that the entire island gets suitable lighting. Plus, these pendants will work as both task and statement lighting meaning you get more bang for your buck. To avoid hitting your head while working away, a good rule of thumb for kitchen island lighting ideas is to hang pendants 12-20 inches below an 8 foot ceiling, adding 3 inches for each extra foot of ceiling height. 7. Add spotlights to your shelving Image credit: Life Kitchens ‘Task lighting is designed for everyday needs but is also incredibly useful for illuminating food prep areas, the sink and the hob,’ says Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial design, Life Kitchens. ‘Stronger lighting is required for preparing and cooking, but softer lighting makes for a calm, relaxing ambience when eating and socialising.’ With this in mind, add spotlights to the bottoms of your shelves above your sink. This will add the necessary light needed for a task area, but due to being inset, won’t distract when turned off. 8. Put spotlights in lower ceilings Image credit: Future PLC/James French If your kitchen has a low ceiling, then you do need to bear this in mind for your over sink kitchen lighting ideas. You can’t go wrong with simple spotlights for small kitchen lighting ideas. Choose a set on a dimmer, so you can have bright task lighting when needed, and set the mood when entertaining. 9. Look for oversized designs to add impact Image credit: Magnet For kitchens with higher ceilings, it’s time to go big or go home. Oversized pendants will add a serious style statement to the room. Light designs, or those with natural gaps, such as from woven or raffia materials, are a great option as they will shine light outwards as well as down. If you choose a more solid style, make sure the interior is either a bright white or a warm metallic to encourage the light to bounce around as much as possible. 10. Combine spotlights and strip lighting Image credit: Detail Lighting ‘Try to reduce shadows on task areas so when leaning over the work-top the lights should not be directly behind you,’ advises Piero De Marchis, Director, Detail Lighting. ‘Linear LED lighting is good for reducing shadows, above cabinets, under cabinets or linear trimless strips in the ceiling.’ Combine these with ceiling spotlights so you can choose the level of brightness and adapt as needed. Can a light be placed over a kitchen sink? Yes, you absolutely can. You don’t even need IP rated lights, but do take some precautions. ‘We recommend that lighting is at least 60cm away from a water source, so not hanging directly over the sink,’ says Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers. ‘We usually recommend not to hang lights over the hob area as well as they can get greasy and the heat can affect them.’ What kind of light goes over a kitchen sink? This is totally up to you and your own interior design preference. What tend to work well are pendant lights, spotlights and linear strip lights. Choose a design based on the architecture and height of your kitchen, as well as how much light you need at different times of the day in this spot.   The post Over sink kitchen lighting ideas to illuminate your basin area appeared first on Ideal Home.

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