With temperatures expected to reach the high 30s this week, bin crews across the country will be making their collections earlier than usual to beat the heat. With that in mind, it's well worth double-checking your bin day and schedule.

Somerset Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, and South Kesteven District Council are just a few councils that have brought bin collection times forward, with many saying the changes will remain in place throughout the week.

Adjusting the schedule will help keep bin crews safe from the heat by allowing them to work during the cooler part of the day. It was only in May when bin lorries were breaking down because of high temperatures, so the new schedule should also help prevent heat-related delays and disruptions.

"Keeping our colleagues safe from dangerously hot working conditions is our absolute priority, so we have made the decision to alter shift patterns. Crews will collect in the cooler part of the day and pause work when it is no longer safe for our colleagues," says Hannah Deas, external communications manager at Bristol Waste Company.

How to keep bins fresh in hot weather

If you want to avoid the dreaded bin smells this heatwave (and the bin pests that soon follow), Sean Martin, Marketing Director at Fresh Start Waste, has shared his top tips below:

1. Keep a separate food caddy: "Food waste is the primary cause of unpleasant odours and attracts flies, which can lead to maggots developing in bins during periods of hot weather. Keeping food waste out of the general waste bin, rinsing food packaging where practical, and ensuring bin lids remain closed can make a significant difference."

If you don't have a food waste bin yet, you can read our helpful guide on ways to dispose of food scraps.

2. Maintain good bin hygiene: Sean recommends cleaning and disinfecting your bins regularly and keeping an eye on any spills and leaks. It also helps to keep your bins stored in a shaded area.

Fight bin odours with these shopping picks

Bin collection times will, of course, depend on where you live, so make sure to check your local council's website ahead of the heatwave.

As the weather gets warmer, it's worth reading our guide on how to how to keep a house cool in the summer, which includes all the tips and tricks you need to know. Or, you may want to read our review on the AirCraft LUME Quiet Air Circulator.

Entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff came up with the idea for Ring after he Googled for doorbells that could connect to a smartphone, found there were none, and decided to build his own.

After Amazon bought Ring for a billion dollars in 2018, Ring has become the most recognisable smart video doorbell brand in the world, with more than 50 products on sale today.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro sits near the top of the range: it’s the company’s second most advanced wireless doorbell, with a lot of attention paid to ensuring it’s extremely easy to install (many of these devices require an electrician), including a separate no-drill mount and a lot of hi-tech features. With an RRP of £179.99, (currently reduced to £75.99 as an early Prime Day Deal on Amazon) it’s not cheap, but the head-to-toe view from the crisp camera is about as good as these gizmos get.

Features of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro offers top-end features such as enhanced HD video and Colour Night Vision, all delivered with typical Ring ease-of-use and customisability.

It’s not the cheapest out there, but if you’re looking for great performance, reliability and an addition to your home security, it’s a good choice, with a great head-to-toe camera offering a view so crystal clear you can see what the postman has delivered.

It delivers alerts to your phone instantly with two-way talk letting you get in touch with couriers before they turn on their heel and take your package back to the depot.

Everything works through Amazon’s simple, clear Ring app, and the barrier to use is very low here, so it’s no issue for less technical people. There’s an HD camera (1536p resolution, to be precise) and a new radar scanner which makes for more accurate alerts, including package-drop alerts (subscription only) even when the courier does not press the alarm bell.

You get real-time notifications every time someone either presses your doorbell or motion is detected. Live View puts you ‘into’ the doorbell in real time, and phone-style buttons let you use Two-Way talk to communicate with whoever’s at the door. There’s also easy-to-use privacy controls (for instance, you can set areas your camera does not monitor, so that you’re not spying on neighbours). There’s also Alexa integration so you can say, ‘Alexa, answer the front door’, or use Alexa to send recorded messages.

The camera is bright and precise, with new low-light settings offering colour images even in the evening, along with adjustments for glare and when the camera is used through glass. The app is no-nonsense and easy to navigate, and responding to an alert takes you directly to a live view where you can interact with couriers, postmen and family members.

Setting up the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

This is where the Ring really comes into its own. I was replacing an old Nest doorbell that had been installed by an electrician, then a builder had accidentally severed the cable, leaving it useless, so I was very much in the market for something simpler to deal with, and requiring no wiring or expensive tradesmen to get going. This fits the bill.

There’s an online guide to setting up both the Ring itself, accessible via QR code, and the New Ring No-Drill Mount (which comes separately, priced £17.99 on Amazon). I'm no DIY expert (so much so that my wife has very strong feelings on this matter), but I managed to have the Ring doorbell installed and working within 30 minutes (and most of that was removing the previous model).

Pairing it with the app is simple and near-instant, and if you have other Amazon devices (I tested it with a doorbell ringer), it rapidly detects and connects to those, too. You require a separate Ring account, not just your Amazon one, but once that’s set up, it’s plain sailing.

How I tested the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

I’ve used the Ring for several months in my London terraced home – it is a fairly busy area, so there are lots of people walking past, particularly in the morning and the evening. I also have a fair number of deliveries as a freelancer, so being able to act rapidly to prevent couriers disappearing is extremely useful.

I’ve tested it over the course of multiple months, recharging when necessary and noting the amount of time that has passed, and used it with visitors arriving at my house day and night (as well as keeping an eye on people who pass during the night).

I’ve also tested it both with and without the subscription, to see whether it’s something which really is optional, or if the device is next to useless without paying the monthly fee.

Is the subscription worth it?

The most basic Ring Solo Home subscription (covering one device and purchased from Ring) is £4.99 a month or £49.99 per year, which provides video recording (you can save, review and share from the app) and stored history (up to 180 days). If you have more than one device (such as multiple cameras) you’ll need the Multi subscription which is £7.99 a month. The Ring Battery Pro comes with a 30-day free trial if you’re a new Ring customer.

The subscription is worth it if you’re nervous about security, offering rewindable video of every door interaction through the night. But you can easily live without it, with the camera showing who’s been at your door via the notifications, just minus the capacity to really inspect the people.

The subscription-only ‘Package’ alerts (which detect posted packages even without a ring) are likewise a nice-to-have, rather than an essential.

How I've found using the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

Positive things first: in audio and video terms, this is a fantastic product. Pictures are clear, the video feed doesn’t stutter, and even at night you can clearly see who’s at your door, in colour. Amazon’s vaunted ‘head to toe’ view is great: you can clearly see not just who’s there, but what they have put through your letterbox (you can’t read the words, but you can see if it’s a letter, package or HMRC brown envelope, for example).

Even with the most skittish couriers, it’s always offered me enough time to communicate that I’d prefer if they left the package in the recycle bin rather than vanishing with it: the speaker’s loud and clear and the app never ‘hangs’ at inopportune moments. If there’s ever a Wi-Fi issue, it reconnects quietly by itself.

One of the selling points of the subscription is getting Package Alerts, which look for packages arriving in a zone you set up, and keep track of deliveries. Quick Replies let you send a message (including in the voices of Ant and Dec, for some reason), but I found the canned responses less useful than the traditional approach of actually speaking to people.

The battery life is pretty decent – but has dropped a little over the eight months I’ve used it, to the point where it now requires charging roughly every three weeks (it comes with an older USB-B cable to charge, and takes around eight hours to do so each time).

I personally found the ‘motion detected’ alerts a little over the top, but I realise not everybody has as many people walking past their door as I do. It’s clever enough that I rarely get alerts for passing cars, for example, and nor does it pick up the children’s playground next to my house. You can curb this by muting motion alerts. When someone actually does press your doorbell, it also looks different, so you never miss a visitor.

For a device you have to take apart and recharge fairly regularly, one downside is that the casing is held in place by a single, tiny screw – inevitably, this went missing, and now the outer plastic casing falls off regularly every time my children slam the door (which is, if you know teenagers, every single time they use it).

Do I rate it? Yes, it's done exactly what it said it would and suits the needs of our home well.

As the first thing you see when you approach your home and walk through the front door, a porch should feel calm and organised, setting the tone for a home you can return to and relax in at the end of the day.

However, as it's usually the place where we chaotically dump shoes, coats and bags, you might not think the words porch and organised belong in the same sentence. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever solutions that can help keep this space neat, tidy and functional.

To find out how to get your porch in tip-top shape, keep reading. We spoke to professional organisers to discover the products and storage solutions they swear by for creating an immaculate porch where everything has its place.

1. Shoe storage

No matter how big or small your porch is, shoe storage should be at the top of your priority list, says Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning With Meaning. If space allows, we recommend choosing a storage bench which doubles as a seat, or investing in a mounted holder for airing out wellies (like this boot rack from Amazon).

While closed storage has the benefit of looking tidier, Heather Tingle, founder of Untangled by Tingle, says cabinet doors can sometimes become a barrier to putting things away and create a bottleneck at entrances. With that in mind, you may want to consider open storage instead.

Store shoes in style with these shopping picks

2. A washable rug

No matter how often you ask people to take their shoes off before coming inside, there will always be a few who slip through the door in dusty shoes and track dirt across the carpet. That's why a washable rug and/or doormat is an absolute must.

"A washable indoor-outdoor runner rug is one of the best investments you can make," says Kelly Moore. "It catches dirt before it travels through the house and can be easily cleaned when needed."

Don't worry if your porch is awkwardly shaped – many rug companies, such as Ruggable, offer custom-made options to help you get the perfect size.

Washable rugs we love

3. A strong lighting design

There’s nothing worse than scrambling around trying to find your things (especially when you’re in a rush in the morning), so investing in good porch lighting is key. My porch features LED spotlights that offer the best visibility and brightness and sit flush to the wall.

For outside porches, you may want to install a wall lantern that doubles as a security feature, or place floor lights along steps to avoid any falls.

Lighting shopping picks

4. A mail organiser and bin

I don't know about you, but I have an ever-growing stack of junk mail and leaflets piling up in my porch that I always forget to throw away. As a solution, Heather Tingle suggests buying a small paper recycling bin to keep by your door – something I'm definitely going to look into!

If family members are in at different times, you may also want to install a shelf or delivery organiser for parcels and letters to ensure that important mail doesn't get misplaced.

Shop these mail organisers

5. Wall-mounted storage for coats and bags

"Wall-mounted hooks are another must-have," says Kelly Moore. "They free up floor space and make it easy for the whole family to develop good habits."

Whether it's a shelf lined with baskets of bags or a hooks for hanging coats, the best thing about wall-mounted storage is that it works well for the smallest of porches, as it doesn't take up too much room.

Shop wall-mounted storage

With a few clever systems in place, you won’t have to run around tidying up your porch every couple of days – the right storage and design will do the hard work for you.

For more organisation tips, read how to organise a shed and how to organise a utility room.

If you're renovating a compact room, colour, storage and lighting will probably demand your attention before tiles do. But the choice of tile, and specifically how it's laid, can do more for a room's proportions than almost any of those decisions.

The advice you'll most commonly encounter – use large tiles, keep it light, stick to neutrals – isn't wrong. But it barely scratches the surface of what tile choice can actually do. The variables that really determine how generous a space feels are pattern direction, grout density, and the relationship between floors and walls.

We asked two tile designers to go beyond the basics and reveal which tile patterns work hardest in a small space, which ones to avoid, and where the conventional wisdom breaks down.

It's all about the grout lines

"It comes down to grout lines more than anything else," says Damla Turgut, founder and creative director of Otto Tiles. "Large format tiles across walls and floors can help create the illusion of space because there are fewer grout lines breaking up the surface. This reduces visual clutter and allows the eye to move more continuously across the room, rather than constantly stopping and starting between individual tiles."

Maria D Arráez, director at Tile of Spain UK, agrees, adding: "Large-format tiles laid in an unfussy, continuous pattern create a sense of openness. They help visual flow and draw the eye through the space, rather than interrupting it."

The reverse is equally true. Very small format tiles have the opposite effect, and Damla cautions against coin-shaped mosaic tiles or small checkerboard designs in compact rooms.

"The combination of bold pattern repetition and excessive grout lines can make a room feel visually fragmented and overly busy," she warns. The exception being something like traditional zellige, where tiles sit together with minimal grout lines, giving you smaller scale and texture without the same visual noise.

How the direction you lay tiles affects the size of a room

"The direction of your tiles has a huge psychological impact," explains Damla Turgut. "Running a pattern towards a window naturally pulls the eye towards the light source, which can elongate a room and make it feel more open. Vertical layouts can exaggerate ceiling height, while horizontal lines can visually widen narrow spaces."

Linear formats do particularly heavy lifting here. Striped or stacked layouts, alongside elongated Kit Kat tiles, draw the eye upwards or outwards, depending on the effect you're after, while a traditional offset brick pattern laid horizontally can visually widen a room. Chevron and herringbone work similarly, the direction of the lay determining whether the room feels taller or wider.

Even the smallest decisions make a measurable difference. Laying rectangular tiles lengthways through a corridor, rather than across it, can completely shift its proportions.

"People often underestimate how much tile orientation affects spatial perception," Damla says, "but it's one of the most effective tools available when working with smaller rooms."

Shop for tiles for smaller rooms

Why using the same tones and tile on floors and walls makes a room look bigger

One of the most consistently effective techniques in a small room is eliminating the visual break between floor and wall. When different materials or colours meet at that junction, the eye registers the room's true edges. Remove that contrast, and the room reads as much larger than it is.

When choosing tiles for a small bathroom, "wrapping the same tile across floors and walls can blur boundaries and make the room feel much larger because the eye isn't constantly stopping and starting between surfaces," says Damla Turgut. And Maria D Arráez extends this to internal thresholds too. "Run floor tiles seamlessly into walk-in shower areas or onto walls," she advises, "as this helps blur the boundary and makes smaller rooms feel more expansive".

Can dark tiles make a room look bigger?

"Colour and pattern go hand in hand, so it's vital to consider both when choosing tiles," says Maria D Arráez. "Softer, more tonal palettes reflect the light better and help create a welcoming, airy feel, especially when paired with a complementary grout colour." But she is clear that bold colour is far from off the table.

"An earthy palette of rich greens, terracottas and deep blues can work beautifully in small rooms when used consistently. Cocooning a small space in a darker colour can actually make it feel bigger, as the enveloping effect feels intentional rather than overwhelming."

The key, she adds, is harmony: the tile finish, grout and surrounding materials need to work together rather than compete. Damla Turgut takes a similar view on finish, noting that deeper tones with reflective surfaces can create a genuine sense of depth and atmosphere in a low-ceilinged room, particularly when paired with good lighting. "Smaller spaces don't always need to feel minimal or white to feel expansive," she says – a useful reminder that pale and plain is a choice, not a rule.

The rooms where standard rules don't apply

Pair these plain and patterned tiles together

Every renovator eventually has a room that refuses to behave like the others. Whether it's a narrow hallway or a low-ceilinged bathroom, these are also the spaces where the most interesting decisions get made.

Damla Turgut's instinct is to lean into the character of the room rather than fight it. In a narrow hallway, for instance, she would embrace a strong directional tile pattern rather than try to disguise the proportions as, "it creates real impact rather than fighting against them."

And for rooms with decorative tiles on the floor, she makes the case for keeping the walls relatively calm. "A decorative motif can help ground the scheme and set the tone for the interior," she says. "If the walls and ceiling are colour-capped, or kept relatively neutral, it allows the eye to move more naturally around the space without interruption. That balance can make a smaller room feel cohesive and larger."

Of all the individual tips and techniques, Damla's overarching point is perhaps the most useful to take away.

"Scale, layout and grout all work together," she says. "It's rarely one single factor that changes how spacious a room feels." Tile pattern is a design tool, not just a decorative choice – and the better you understand each variable, the more effectively you can use them.

The principles covered here apply to any room in the home. Whether you're choosing bedroom floor tiles or living room tiles, the same thinking around pattern direction, grout density and scale will help any space feel larger and more considered.

A recent poll of 2,000 adults across the UK has revealed that nearly a quarter of us are oblivious to the electrical risks that could be inside our homes.

And, while it's recommended that every homeowner has an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 10 years, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed didn't even know that it existed.

Add to this the fact that one in seven of us also ignore common electrical problems, the survey, commissioned by NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical contracting industry, presents a worrying picture about the potential state of the electrical systems in our homes.

Why do you need an EICR?

An EICR is essentially a check of all the electrical components in your home, and something that should be undertaken on a regular basis.

Paul Collins, technical director at NICEIC, explains. "An EICR is effectively an MOT for the electrical systems in your home, which with a growing reliance on this resource thanks to modern heating systems, heat pumps, EV chargers and more, is more important than ever before.

“In privately owned homes, it is recommended that an EICR is carried out at least every 10 years," says Paul, "whereas in rented properties it is a legal requirement to have one at least every five years."

The survey revealed that as well as 22% of respondents admitting they hadn't met the required guidelines in the last decade – if at all – 69% have no idea what an EICR is, and of the 48% who did know what it is, they were unaware it's recommended the check is carried out at least every 10 years.

Ignoring risks is also common practice among homeowners

As well as forgetting to get a thorough check of the electrical systems in our homes, the survey also found that residents are also taking greater risks when it comes to faults and repairs.

Other common electrical issues that are being left for prolonged periods by homeowners included damaged sockets, appliances which cut out – and even unusual or burning smells, all of which are potential signs of an issue with the wiring.

And, despite the fact it's always recommended to get a qualified electrician to check and fix any problems, the survey suggests 24% of us are willing to try and fix the issue ourselves. Something that is never advised, and could potentially lead to issues with your home insurance if you make the problems worse.

Homeowners are concerned but don't take action

Yet on the flip side, there is clearly recognition as to the need for checks and the right professionals with 49% agreeing that they would not be confident in identifying a dangerous electrical fault in their home, and 47% admitting they were concerned about their property’s electrical safety.

"Many consumers are familiar with the recommendation we replace our mattresses every 10 years or less, but perhaps don't think about electrical checks in the same way," says Paul Collins.

“These results prove there is clearly a knowledge gap when it comes to keeping up with electrical safety. It’s a concern that homeowners are putting off electrical safety checks and attempting to fix issues themselves," he continues, "as this can pose serious risks.

“Electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time, and the issues that develop are not always visible. Having an EICR carried out is a simple but vital step that can help detect problems early," says Paul, "before they become costly or potentially life-threatening."

Barriers to good electrical hygiene

Reasons for the lack of maintaining good electrical health in the home were varied, but included cost concerns (32%), with 23% stating they didn't consider it necessary and 12% saying they were unsure who to contact.

“The guidance is simple," says Paul Collins. "Prioritise your safety, your home and your investment by getting your installations checked by a registered electrician.”

There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-registered electricians across the UK, all regularly assessed to ensure they deliver work in line with up-to-date electrical regulations. To find one near you, you can use the free NICEIC tool.

For many people, fireproofing a house is only something they think about when the need arises – such as when building an extension, converting a loft or garage, or making some home upgrades. Safety aside, building regulations also have much to say on the matter, meaning that if you want to ensure the work you are carrying out on your home complies, you will need to implement certain fire proofing measures.

It isn't just those building new structures or converting parts of their homes into habitable spaces that should pay attention to fireproofing, though – there is plenty homeowners of older properties can do to safeguard both themselves, and their houses.

In this guide, the experts take you through everything you need to know to ensure your home not only complies with all the relevant rules and regulations, but also that it is a safe place to live.

What do the building regulations say about fireproofing a home?

Part B of the building regulations relates to fire safety and details everything anyone making upgrades and changes to their home, as well as building from scratch, needs to know.

Advanced fire risk assessor and approved validator Liam Trott, from Fire Safety & Compliance, explains more. "Fireproofing homes, generally involves two areas with slightly different terms and meanings. In simplified terms, the first is fire resistant construction in areas such as walls, floors, ceilings and even cavities or voids.

"The second is fire classifications, which is about surface spread of flame. Think of construction as stopping the fire passing through the wall to another room or area, and fire classifications as stopping the fire burning on the surface of a wall, like wallpaper on a brick wall – the brick won't burn, but the paper will," he explains.

"The building regulations 2010 expect that these elements are considered as appropriate for each area, based essentially, on life safety risk. For example, what would be expected for a two-storey detached house, will be very different to a four-storey terraced house," continues Liam.

"A two-storey house likely relies on your ability to escape via a bedroom window, with minimal injury risk to the occupant, so fire resistance is less of a worry. However, for a four-storey house, escaping via a window on the top floor would be too dangerous and would likely result in a serious injury or even death from the fall, so the internal route must be suitable so those present can escape.

"This is where adding fire protection becomes essential," he warns. "Beyond escape, the regulations also expect that there is no undue risk to firefighters, or neighbouring properties.

"The building regulations have changed significantly over the years, and there is no requirement to bring an existing building up to a modern standard in line with the building regulations, unless the regulations are triggered due to a renovation which constituted a change of use – known as a 'material change' – or an alteration that may impact life safety, known as a 'material alteration'," adds Liam.

"If you are carrying out works on your home and are unsure if it constitutes a material change or material alteration, you should contact building control at your local authority."

Why might you need to think about fireproofing your house?

There are certain home improvements and alterations that trigger the requirement for fireproofing measures to be put into place. If you are carrying out any of the following projects, you will need to comply with Part B of the regs.

• An extension: "Any house extension is a material change and, as such, the building must comply with the building regulations 2010 for many aspects, not just fire safety. In terms of fire safety these are B1-B5 of the building regulations," says Liam Trott.
• Loft conversion: "The most common loft conversion fire regulation requirements are FD30 fire doors on escape routes, intumescent seals and smoke seals, escape windows at minimum sizes, fire-rated insulation and mains powered interlinked smoke alarms," explains Angelo Patrizi, founder of Nuova Home Improvements.
• Garage conversion: Garage conversion building regulations relating to fire state that if your garage is attached to the house, 30 minutes of fire separation will need to be put into place using fire-resistant walls, as well as a self-closing fire door. You will also need to install smoke alarms, linked to your existing system. Additionally, if the room is a bedroom, an escape window meeting minimum size requirements will be needed.

Even if you are not building an extension or creating a new habitable space within your home, there are lots of steps you can take to make your home more fire safe.

"There are so many things people can do in their own homes to improve life safety and help improve their chances of survival – the sky really is the limit. What tends to be the constraint is budget," says Liam Trott.

"Every home would be safer with a full sprinkler system, however not every homeowner can afford to install sprinklers. However, there are lots of other things people can do that are either completely free, or relatively inexpensive, improvements."

With that in mind, here are the top expert-approved ways to improve the fire safety of your home.

How to fireproof

1. Install fire doors

Never underestimate the power fire doors have in keeping a household safe in the event of a fire – in fact, even if they are not a requirement of the building regulations in your home, they are well worth considering.

"Fire doors are a critical life safety device which have saved countless lives all over the world – I would advise every homeowner to consider the benefit of going above the minimum expected and installing fire doors in their homes as a standard practice," says Liam Trott.

"From a building regulations perspective, there are many reasons why fire doors may be required. In general terms, where escaping through a window is no longer an option and there is only one way out, or where a considerable risk is present, such as a garage, fire resistant separation would be expected as a way to mitigate the additional risk to life," continues Liam. "This will usually involve walls, ceilings, floors and doors along with firestopping and potentially cavity protection too.

"A common scenario that catches a lot of homeowners out is loft conversions, where a new floor is being added to a building, at a height where window escape isn’t realistic anymore," adds Liam.

"The most common way this is resolved is by establishing what is known as a 'protected route' from the top floor to the front door. This would mean all walls, ceilings, floors and doors within that stair core from the loft to the front door are of fire resistant construction."

2. Fit smoke detectors

While those living in older houses might not have to meet the same building regulations criteria as those making material changes and amendments, or building a new house, homeowners should still have at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their home for safety purposes.

"If you do not have smoke detectors in your home, adding these will make a significant difference to your ability to escape a fire," explains Liam Trott. "Simple battery detectors can be purchased from most hardware stores.

"It is worth noting that your local fire and rescue service may install them for free if you meet their criteria, which for some services is households with children under 16, or homes with vulnerable persons, such as the elderly or people with disabilities," advises Liam. "Bear in mind that battery-only smoke detectors would likely not be sufficient if the building regulations apply, such as when self-building.

"Test your smoke alarms regularly – a simple button push once a month to make sure it works is enough in most homes," adds Liam. "Working smoke detectors provide you with the early warning when it counts the most."

Shop smoke detectors

3. Keep escape routes clear

This is a simple step that really could make all the difference in the event of an outbreak of fire.

"Keep your escape routes clear and don’t store anything on your stairs, the landings, or corridors," says Liam Trott. "The less that is there to burn, the more chance you have of being able to use the stairs to get out.

"Additionally, keeping routes clear reduces the risk of falls. Think about how much your eyes sting and your throat stings when you get a bit of smoke from a campfire in your face. Now imagine that's your experience through an escape route – you will be disorientated, so make the route safe," he advises.

4. Close all doors before going to bed

Not everyone realises how much simply closing doors can help prevent the spread of fire.

"A closed door could save your life," states Liam Trott. "Generally doors, even internal doors that are not fire doors, will have some basic resistance to fire, even if it is only a few minutes. However, in a fire, where seconds make all the difference, that door being closed may be the only defence in making sure you can get out."

Liam goes on to point out the importance of having a firm escape plan in place too. "Have a clear plan, think about where your family are in your home and how you will get out if there was a fire – being prepared is such a benefit. Think about where your children sleep, where you sleep, how you will reach them, where you will go next and how you will get out."

5. Take a holistic approach to fire safety

Rather than thinking in terms of individual fixtures and fittings within your home that could pose a fire risk, according to Liam Trott, it makes more sense to take a whole-house approach.

"Fire risk is unavoidable; buildings are generally safe until people are in them, so thinking of risk as a binary concept per fitting or fixture isn’t practical," explains Liam. "Instead, we should consider the risks and adapt or mitigate where necessary. For example, open fires are only a risk if we are storing items next to them that can burn, overloading them, not cleaning the chimney, or not monitoring it while they're lit.

"Likewise, wall panelling might be a risk if there are significant quantities of it in your escape routes," he continues.

"Any device, system, installation, fitting or fixture, every item present could have some element of fire risk, however if installed correctly, in the right location, and looked after, the risk is managed," says Liam.

"When thinking about installing anything new in the home or bringing in a new device, ask yourself: Could this cause a fire, or could it fuel a fire? If the answer is yes, then as a minimum it probably shouldn’t be in your escape route," he advises.

"If the installation is a regulated device, such as a gas boiler, solar panels, or wood stove, then these must be installed by competent people and in line with the relevant regulations to keep you and your family safe."

6. Turn off appliances and devices when not in use

According to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, faulty appliances are a leading cause of household fires, with tumble dryers and washing machines accounting for 60 fires a year in Devon and Somerset alone. For this reason, it pays to take this next tip seriously.

"Any device that isn’t essential (such as your fridge), should be turned off when going to bed," says Liam Trott. "Do not charge devices overnight or use tumble-dryers, washing machines, dishwashers and so on. The less electrical fault risk at night, the less likely a fire is to occur while you are asleep."

Not only will this tip help reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in your home, it could also help save you money on your household bills – people are often unaware of how much some vampire devices are costing them.

FAQs

Can timber windows and doors be fireproof?

Many people worry that fire doors will ruin the aesthetic of their home, but this is definitely not the case these days – there is now a wide range of stylish options on offer. You need not rule out timber windows and doors either, providing you choose wisely.

Joe Buckley, an expert timber joiner and the founder and director of Heritage Joinery Solutions, explains the importance of choosing fire-safe timber windows and doors with care. "With timber windows and doors, it’s not about making the material itself ‘fireproof’, it’s about how the whole unit performs.

"A fire-safe timber window or door relies on the full system – frame, glazing, seals and installation – working together, not just the surface," explains Joe. "You can improve performance with fire-retardant coatings, paints or varnishes, which help slow the spread of fire, but these need to be applied correctly and maintained over time to remain effective.

"What catches people out is thinking this can be added later," adds Joe. "Fire performance is built into the design, including the glazing, seals and how everything is fitted, and even small changes can affect how the door or window performs under heat."

If you are converting your loft space, there are all kinds of elements to factor in, such as your loft conversion stairs, soundproofing and storage – but one of the most important things to consider is loft conversion fire doors. The choice comes down to more than just aesthetics, so make sure you understand the requirements involved.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably come across (or at least heard about) the 80/20 rule – a decluttering method that makes it simple to decide what stays and what goes.

As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, my home is quickly becoming overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I own compared to the storage space available, so I was keen to learn more about the method and how I could give it a go (especially after discovering decluttering can reduce damp).

To find out what I learned and the best way to implement it in your next clean-out session, keep reading – I spoke with two decluttering experts for their insights.

What is the 80/20 rule?

The 80/20 rule – also known as the Pareto Principle – is the observation that we use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time.

"Think about your wardrobe. I'd bet good money you're reaching for the same handful of outfits week in, week out, while the rest just hangs there," says Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning with Meaning. "The 80/20 rule asks you to be honest about situations like that. Once you accept it, letting go of the other 80% becomes a lot less daunting, and a lot more liberating."

Kelly explains that while the rule works fantastically for items such as kitchenware, clothing, books, and toiletries, it can get tricky with sentimental belongings, and she recommends giving yourself time to think those decisions over. It also wouldn’t work for seasonal decorations (we have a Christmas decluttering guide for this), work uniform, or important legal paperwork.

"The rule is a guide, not gospel. Use it to prompt honest thinking; not to make you feel bad about what you own," she says.

How do you identify the 20%?

The 80/20 rule is all well and good in theory, but how do you identify the 20% in practice? Here are a few methods that Kelly Moore uses with her clients:

1. The reverse hanger trick: "Hang clothes with hooks facing outward. After six months, anything still facing that way hasn't been worn."

2. The box test: "Pack up items you're unsure about and live without them for a month. If you haven't gone looking, you don't need them."

3. Three questions: "Ask yourself “Do I use it regularly? Do I love it? Would I buy it again today?” If your answers are three nos, they’re gone."

Shopping picks to get you organised

How do I prevent clutter from creeping back in?

If you've ever done a big clear-out, you'll know how easily and sneakily clutter can creep back into your home. So, how do you prevent this?

Both Kelly Moore and Becky Purchas, founder of White Space, agree that the “one in, one out” method is the best solution. By getting rid of one thing before buying anything new, you become more intentional with your shopping habits.

"Ask yourself 'where will this live, and will I still want it in a year?' A quick quarterly walk-around asking whether things still deserve their space works wonders too. Clutter doesn't happen overnight, and neither does preventing it," says Kelly.

"The unexpected benefit of this 80/20 rule is the mindset shift that comes from realising how little we really need, which can change what we chose to bring into the home," concludes Becky Purchas.

For more organisation tips and tricks, read our guide on how to use the William Morris decluttering method or browse these clever kitchen storage ideas.

One of the strongest trends we've seen this year has been the growth of wellness-related features in our homes, with home saunas topping the list of items many of us are considering.

From their appearance on the list of must-have bathroom trends, through to seeing them pop up outside too, having a sauna is no longer an activity restricted to the gym, or a stay in a luxury hotel.

But, is including one in your self-build, renovation or extension as easy as it seems? There's plenty of standalone sauna cabins for sale when you search online, so we've spoken to experts to find out what's really involved in installing one in your home.

What are the main electrical, plumbing and ventilation requirements?

The level of work involved in an indoor sauna installation comes down to whether you are building a home, or trying to adapt an existing one. Older home renovations may encounter a few more difficulties, but nothing is impossible say our experts – once you know what to take into account, and make sure you plan in advance.

"The key considerations are electrics, plumbing and ventilation, and these should never be an afterthought," says Jo Wilkinson, design lead at West One Bathrooms. "A traditional sauna requires a dedicated electrical supply, typically a high-voltage circuit, so you'll need a qualified electrician involved from the outset.

"Sauna heaters draw much more power than standard household appliances," expands Jake Newport, CEO at Finnmark Sauna, which is why they need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

“Ventilation is also important," he adds, "because you need airflow through the sauna to keep the heat comfortable and allow the room to dry properly between sessions. A well-designed sauna should feel fresh and breathable rather than stuffy.

“Plumbing usually isn’t necessary for the sauna itself," continues Jake, "because it’s a dry-heat environment. The same as an outdoor sauna, in a Finnish-style sauna, you can still create löyly, the burst of steam, heat and atmosphere created by pouring water from a bucket over the hot stones, but that doesn’t require plumbed-in water."

However, if you are going for the full wellness experience and including a steam room or shower too, then you do need to add some extra work to the list.

"Steam generators, used in steam showers, require both a water supply and drainage connection, as well as a power supply," advises Jo. "Good bathroom ventilation is equally critical, particularly for steam, as moisture needs to be managed carefully to protect the structure of the room and prevent damp.

"Plumbing, waterproofing, electrics and installation quality should never be compromised when installing a sauna," emphasises Jo. "These are difficult and costly to change later. Always work with a specialist who understands the full picture from day one."

Do saunas always need to go in or near a bathroom?

Although it's instinctive to think of putting a sauna in, or next to a spa-style bathroom, and can certainly result in a stunning design if you have the space to do so, it's not an integral requirement advise the experts. Which may help if you're trying to figure out how to squeeze one into a smaller property

"Bathrooms are a common location because the ventilation and bathroom flooring are already well-suited to heat and moisture, but indoor saunas can work in lots of different parts of the home," confirms Erin Hickman, a sauna designer at Finnmark Sauna.

“We’re increasingly seeing people install saunas in spare rooms, home gyms, garages and dedicated wellness spaces. The main thing is making sure the room has suitable ventilation, enough space around the sauna and the correct electrical setup,” she notes.

"The placement of saunas in the home is where things have become really exciting in recent years," adds Jo Wilkinson. "Technology has come such a long way that what used to be only for the very wealthy is now far more accessible. Saunas are now available in flat-pack pods that can be fitted together on-site in garden rooms, basements, bathrooms and loft conversions.

"I've recently worked on a project where a client had a sauna and steam room fitted in their loft. It's a terraced home in Wandsworth – very much a real home, not a grand country house," explains Jo. "The key requirement isn't proximity to a bathroom, it's access to the right services. Once those are in place, you have far more flexibility with location than most people realise."

What is the minimum space you need for a home sauna?

While there are no set rules as to the size you need for a sauna inside your home, you will of course be primarily limited by the space you have available, and whether your budget stretches to a bespoke design. Pre-fabricated options will come in standard sizes that are based on the number of people using the sauna at any given time.

“You can create a very good sauna experience in a surprisingly compact space," says Erin Hickman. "Some indoor saunas are designed for one or two people and fit comfortably within a small space, but the minimum size really depends on how someone wants to use the sauna.

"If it’s for occasional solo use, you can work with a relatively small layout. If people want to lie down fully or use the sauna socially, you naturally need more space.”

For extras such as steam showers, then you may not need any more space at all, notes Jo Wilkinson. "For a steam shower, you're essentially working within an existing shower enclosure, so space requirements are similar to a well-sized shower room, though the enclosure does need to be fully sealed, with minimal gaps to trap the steam effectively.

"A built-in seat or bench is ideal where space allows," suggests Jo. "And, as with any bathroom or wellness space, it's not just about the sauna itself – you need to consider the activity space around it. Too small and it becomes impractical, no matter how well it's designed."

How much do I need to budget for an indoor sauna?

If you're curious as to whether a sauna is in line with the budget you've set aside for your bathroom costs, then at Finnmark Saunas, for a traditional wood-fired sauna prices can start from around £3,300 says Jake Newport. Jo Wilkinson also tells us how a steam shower could also add a similar amount to your spend.

Of course, there are other alternatives such as infra-red cabins, and pre-fabricated pods, but the final cost will really be down to choosing a product that is well-made, properly installed and will last.

"For a more fully specified steam room or standalone sauna, costs can range considerably depending on the level of finish, the materials chosen and the complexity of the installation," says Jo.

"As a general steer, installation and labour is often the largest part of any bathroom project, and a wellness addition is no different," she continues. "As with any significant project, early planning is essential – installation, structural work and specialist finishes can significantly influence the final investment."

Shop for sauna pods

What maintenance and upkeep is involved for an indoor sauna?

To get the best out of your sauna, and a long-life span, then it's important to make sure you keep on top of the upkeep – particularly as wood needs some extra care and attention with frequent exposure to heat and water. That said, it's nothing that is overly taxing or time-consuming.

“Indoor saunas are generally very low maintenance, especially when they’re used and ventilated properly," says Jake Newport.

“Inside the sauna, the upkeep is fairly minimal. It’s mostly just making sure the space dries out properly after use, giving the benches a quick wipe down now and then, and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners on the timber.

"But," he notes, "ventilation becomes even more important with indoor saunas because the heat and moisture have less space to escape naturally than they do outdoors.”

"Maintenance is fairly straightforward as long as you keep on top of it," agrees Jo Wilkinson. "The most important thing is hygiene as poor hygiene can allow bacteria to grow.

"Regular cleaning of surfaces, benches and drainage is essential. For steam showers, the generator will need periodic descaling depending on your water hardness, and seals should be checked annually to ensure the enclosure remains properly watertight.

"For saunas, the timber interior benefits from occasional treatment to keep it in good condition. Beyond that, it's about standard checks on the electrical components and any plumbing connections – the same principle applies here as anywhere else in the bathroom: invest in quality installation at the outset, and ongoing maintenance is much more manageable."

Shop these sauna accessories

FAQs

What indoor sauna designs are popular?

“Indoors, there’s strong demand for cleaner, more minimal designs with natural timber, softer lighting and a more understated feel that works naturally within the home," says Erin Hickman

"Travertine, warm-veined marble, rustic natural wood, limestone and terracotta are all popular in bathrooms," adds Jo Wilkinson, and they suit the aesthetic of a sauna well. "We're moving away from the cooler, more clinical look that dominated for years. In terms of bathroom colours, warm neutrals and earthy tones are leading the way – khaki green, rich browns and olive greens. It feels far more considered and lived-in, like a space you genuinely want to spend time in rather than a showpiece."

Do I need building regulations for an indoor sauna?

“Building regulations can vary depending on the type of sauna and how it’s being installed," advises Jake Newport. "So one of the most important things is working with someone who has experience installing saunas specifically, rather than treating it like a standard home DIY project.

“Installing a sauna involves considerations around ventilation, electrical installation and making sure the space can properly handle heat and moisture over time. A good installer should be able to guide people through those requirements early on and make sure everything is set up safely and properly from the start.”

For more inspiration on where to place a sauna, if you have space to extend below your home, you could consider converting a basement. Or, if your garage is under-utilised and begging for a makeover, find out what's involved in a garage conversion that could become home to a gym and wellness suite.

If you've noticed holes in your clothes or silky webbing in the fabric seams, you've likely got a moth infestation on your hands. But before you start to panic and throw away your entire wardrobe, you should know that it's very common and perfectly treatable.

Just like carpet moths, clothes moth larvae are attracted to natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, leather and felt, and feed on the keratin inside them. That's why it's crucial to have proper garment storage.

To find out the fastest way to get rid of them and what causes them to enter your home in the first place, we spoke to two pest control experts below:

How do I get rid of moths at home?

1. Identify the moth type

Before you do anything, Tony King, owner of The Pied Piper, says it's important to identify which type of moth you're dealing with. While pantry moths are found in – you guessed it – kitchen cupboards and food storage areas, clothing moths are typically found in bedrooms, wardrobes and drawers.

2. Check your home for infested items

Now that you know the culprit, you'll need to thoroughly inspect your home for infested items. Tony says this is the most important step because "most of the damage is caused by moth larvae." Remove these items, then use a vacuum to clean all impacted areas.

3. Treat the infestation

"If you’re dealing with just a single garment, there are two reliable home treatments. Seal it in a plastic bag and freeze it for at least 72 hours, which kills both eggs and larvae; or, wash it at a high temperature if the fabric allows," adds James Rhoades, founder of ThermoPest.

If multiple items have been affected, James recommends that professional heat treatment may be necessary. This can kill moths at every stage of their life cycle, often in just a single visit.

While insecticides can help kill moths they come into direct contact with, it's not going to fix the underlying problem: the eggs and hidden larvae.

What causes moths to appear at home?

"Clothes moths are drawn to natural fibres, like wool, cashmere, silk, leather, felt and the like, because their larvae feed on keratin, which is a protein found in animal-based material," says James Rhoades. "They tend to settle in dark, warm, undisturbed spaces, because they’re safer, so you’ll find them in the back of wardrobes, under furniture, in lofts, and along the edges of carpets."

So, how do they get inside our homes in the first place? Whether they fly in through an open window or are transferred through second-hand clothes and furniture (similarly to bed bugs), there are many ways they can get inside.

"People don't realise they're sometimes bringing in more than just a jumper. With more people shopping second-hand, they’re unintentionally spreading the eggs," says James.

What are the signs of moths at home?

Think you have a moth infestation on your hands? Here are the signs to look out for, according to James Rhoades.

• Irregular holes or thinning patches in items with natural fibre
• Silky webbing or small tubular cases within fabric folds
• Tiny cream-coloured, worm-like larvae (this can be up to 1cm long)
• Sand-like frass collecting in seams, folds, or at the bottom of wardrobes

Top tip: When checking your home, focus on areas and items that haven't been used or disturbed for a while.

"In early-stage infestations, we usually find activity concentrated around one garment or the immediate area where it was stored. Early infestations are often very localised, which is why acting quickly is so important. If the item remains stored with other clothing, moths can spread throughout wardrobes, or even entire homes," James explains.

How do I prevent moths at home?

Once you've tackled your current infestation, you'll want to ensure they never return again. To help them get the memo that they're not welcome, James Rhoades recommends the following tips:

• Air your wardrobes regularly
• Shake out clothes you don't wear frequently
• Vacuum along the edges and undersides of carpets, the bottoms of wardrobes, and skirting boards (and dispose of vacuum bags in a sealed plastic bag immediately afterwards)
• Seal wool, cashmere, and silk items in airtight containers or compression bags
• Ensure your clothes are clean before storing them
• Check second-hand clothing and textiles before storing them. Wash or freeze them if you're uncertain
• Lavender and cedar can help, but regular cleaning and proper storage are the gold standard

Shopping picks to keep the moths out

While finding moths in your home can be unsettling, it is possible to get rid of them quickly, as long as you follow the right steps and act as soon as possible.

For more expert-backed pest advice, read our guide on how to get rid of a fruit fly infestation and how to deter wasps.

It is no secret that moving house is one of the most stressful live events there is – in fact, it falls into the top five. If you have ever done it, it is unlikely that you'll need any proof of this. That said, there are certain things that can make both selling and buying a house far less fraught.

"Selling your home is much easier if you have the right paperwork ready before a buyer is found," explains Paula Higgins, founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance. "Missing documents can worry buyers and even lead to renegotiations."

If you are planning on putting your own home on the market in the not-too-distant future, take a look at our handy checklist of all the documents you'll need to help things run smoothly – helping you have one less thing to think about during this exciting, yet potentially nerve-wracking, time.

1. Title deeds

First up, title deeds – not just one of the best ways to find out when your house was built but also the documents that prove to everyone that you own the property you are selling.

"Most homes are now registered with HM Land Registry, so your solicitor can usually download official copies," explains Paula Higgins. "If your property is unregistered, the process can be more complicated, so speak to a conveyancing solicitor early on."

"In a well-prepared sale, your chosen estate agent should have already reviewed the proof of ownership (Land Registry documents)," adds Liam Gretton, founder of Liam Gretton Estate Agents.

2. Energy performance certificate

This is one document you don't want to be without – it really can make or break the deal.

"In England and Wales, the absolute bare minimum requirement before marketing a property is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – that’s it," says Liam Gretton.

"You need an Energy Performance Certificate before your home is marketed, unless you already have a valid one," picks up Paula Higgins. "EPCs last for 10 years and the government keeps a public register of all EPCs. Keep paperwork for energy improvements such as insulation, new windows, heating upgrades and solar panels, as this evidence can help support your property’s rating. This is becoming increasingly important as your property must meet minimum regulations in order to rent it out."

"Your solicitor may source this, but you might need to commission a new EPC if there wasn’t one previously or it is out of date," adds Adam Price, CEO at Select Property.

3. Building regulations certificates

Part of the role of the building regulations is to ensure that any building work to your home has been carried out safely – and, understandably, your potential buyers will want proof of this.

"This is one of the most important areas for renovators," points out Paula Higgins. "If you have carried out building work, your buyer’s solicitor will want evidence that the work complied with building regulations.

"This may include completion certificates for extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, structural alterations, electrical work, window replacements or heating installations," continues Paula. "Do not assume your builder, architect or installer will keep copies forever. When you complete any project, ask for the relevant building control sign-off and keep it somewhere safe. Missing certificates may mean you need to arrange retrospective approval or indemnity insurance when the time comes to sell."

4. Planning permission consent

Whether you have self-built, added an extension or even carried out renovation work, if planning permission was required, you should be able to prove to your buyers that you obtained it.

"If your project needed planning permission, listed building consent or conservation area consent, keep copies of the approvals and any completion documents," advises Paula Higgins.

Liam Gretton goes on to explain how having documents like this available can help a sale in other ways too. "I’ve seen it countless times where a seller agrees to a strong offer, then weeks later, they’re being chipped down because something can’t be evidenced. When you remove uncertainty, you do three powerful things for your sale – you build trust with buyers, you protect your price, and you keep momentum.

"A great sale isn’t about finding a buyer – it’s about creating a position where multiple buyers feel confident enough to compete," he adds.

5. Electrical certificates

This does fall under the building regs certificates umbrella, but it is useful to note that if you have had any electrical work carried out to your home, you may need certificates to show work was carried out safely.

"Electrical work carried out since January 2005 may need a Part P Building Regulations certificate," explains Paula Higgins. "This is particularly relevant if you have rewired, extended circuits, added a new consumer unit or carried out electrical work as part of an extension or conversion."

"There is no legal requirement for sellers to provide gas safety certificates when selling, however, I can guarantee that the surveyor and conveyancing solicitor will ask for copies," adds Liam Gretton.

6. FENSA certificates

Window replacement is a common home improvement, carried out either to upgrade the energy efficiency of a house or to improve its appearance. Either way, proof that the work was carried out in accordance with the regs is important.

"If you have replaced windows or external doors, you should have a FENSA certificate or CERTASS certificate showing the installation complied with building regulations," explains Paula Higgins. "Aim to keep this with your other house documents."

If you are wondering what the difference between a FENSA and CERTASS certificate is, FENSA tends to focus only on windows and doors, while CERTASS covers a wider range of home improvements – you only need one or the other, not both.

7. Copy of the lease

If you live in leasehold property, this one is essential.

"If you’re selling a leasehold property, you’ll need a copy of the lease and details of ground rent, service charges, buildings insurance, major works and managing agent information," explains Paula Higgins.

"Leasehold packs can take time to obtain, so request these early," adds Paula. "You can get a copy of your lease at Land Registry and you can look up your lease length with the Leasehold Advisory Services' handy free lease checker tool."

8. Fixtures and fittings form

Your buyers are going to want to know exactly what they can expect to find on moving day – even if they are buying a house to renovate – and this is where you fixtures and fittings form comes in.

"Your solicitor will ask you to complete forms setting out what is included in the sale," explains Adam Price. "Carpets, curtains, light fittings and other fixtures and fittings should be clearly listed, because those details form part of the contract with the buyer.

"The devil is in the detail, as the saying goes, and that is very true when it comes to what you will need to supply when selling your home in the UK," adds Adam. "The documents you will be required to provide cover who you are, what the property is, what’s been done to it, and what is included with it."

9. Property information form

And, finally, you will also need to complete a form that gives your buyers all the details they need to know about the property.

"You’ll also complete a property information form (TA6) covering boundaries, disputes, building work, guarantees, insurance, utilities, flooding, rights of way and other important details," explains Paula Higgins. "Be honest and upfront. Trying to hide problems can lead to delays or legal issues later."

Paula has some additional advice that all homeowners, particularly those renovating a house, should really take note of if they want to make life easier when they do come to sell. "Every time you improve your home, keep the paperwork. Create a digital and paper file for planning approvals, building regulations certificates, completion certificates, warranties, and guarantees.

"Our top tip is to also keep a record of the paint colours you used – you will thank yourself later if you need to touch up," she adds. "It may feel like admin at the time, but when you come to sell, good records can make your home easier to market, reassure buyers and help your sale progress more smoothly."

FAQs

What are the implications of not having the documents you need?

If you're missing some of the documents, or wondering why you need so many, it's useful to understand why having all these documents ready to go is so important – a quick heads up, it could add value to your house.

Liam Gretton, explains. "When you’re selling your home, you’re not just selling bricks and mortar, you’re selling a lifestyle and, most importantly, certainty. One of the biggest misconceptions I see when people are marketing a home for sale is around what you legally need versus what you should have.

"It’s rarely the property that causes the problems after a sale has been agreed," continues Liam. "It’s everything that comes to light once a buyer commits. Missing paperwork isn't always a show stopper, but it can introduce doubt, and doubt is where buyers start renegotiating or having second thoughts."

Adam Price, goes on to clarify how the absence of some paperwork can negatively affect a sale. "If documents are missing it can delay a sale while your solicitor tries to trace them. If they can’t be found the buyer may ask for indemnity insurance, retrospective regularisation, or even a renegotiation on price."

Can I obtain missing documents?

If you can't find some of the documents you need, or never got sign-off on certain upgrades at the time they were done, don't panic.

"Missing paperwork often happens because work was done before records were digital or because formal sign-off wasn’t obtained," points out Adam Price. "Missing documents don’t always stop a sale, but they can delay the process and cost money to resolve."

"If documents are missing, there are still solutions such as retrieving copies from local authorities, applying for retrospective planning approval where needed, or even using indemnity insurance to keep things moving," reassures Liam Gretton. "Before a property even hits the market, we sit down with our clients and go through everything, not as a checklist, but as a strategy for a smooth sale."

If you are thinking of selling your house, you need to make yourself aware not just of the costs involved at this end of the process but also of the hidden costs of buying a house – that way you go into the process knowing exactly what to expect.

A rogue trader has been sentenced after falsifying asbestos test reports to trick homeowners into paying for expensive and unnecessary removal work.

The case came to light after Trading Standards officers discovered the results of accredited laboratory tests had been altered before being shown to customers.

The investigation has raised concerns about how easily asbestos reports can be manipulated before reaching homeowners, leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket.

What the investigation found

The case involved Andrew Curtis York, who traded as ACFL Asbestos Ltd and carried out asbestos testing and removal work for domestic customers.

The investigation was led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Trading Standards team after concerns were raised about inconsistencies in asbestos reports being provided to homeowners.

Officers discovered that samples sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory showed no asbestos present, but the paperwork given to customers had been changed to indicate the opposite. This meant homeowners were being told their properties were dangerous and required urgent removal work when that was not the case.

Council investigators said York used these altered reports to justify charging for unnecessary work, including one case where a customer was quoted an additional £9,500 for removal that was not needed because no asbestos had been detected.

What the court heard and the fraud revealed

Teesside Crown Court heard that between December 2023 and February 2024, York misled three customers into paying a total of £14,235 for asbestos removal that was not required. The court found he had manipulated official laboratory results to support the false claims.

According to Stockton Council, York altered test certificates from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certified lab “to indicate to his customers that there was asbestos present when the reports had stated there was none.”

The council said the victims also faced additional costs for building work such as boarding and plastering, which would not have been necessary if the correct results had been provided.

York pleaded guilty to four fraud charges and received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to repay the money taken from customers, along with court costs.

Sentencing, council warning, and wider concerns

Speaking after sentencing, Stockton councillor Norma Stephenson described the conduct as “beyond belief,” saying the trader had deliberately altered legitimate test results to “line his own pockets.”

She added that Trading Standards officers had acted quickly to identify victims and prevent further harm, stating that the investigation ensured York was “brought to account.”

The council also issued a wider warning to homeowners, urging people to get multiple quotes and avoid paying large sums upfront for home improvement or removal work.

Officials said the case highlights how important it is for asbestos testing to remain independent and properly verified, as falsified reports can lead to unnecessary fear, disruption, and financial loss.

So you've found the property of your dreams. The light is perfect, the village is lovely, and you've already decided which room is going to be your home office. But then the survey lands in your inbox and suddenly you're reading words like "significant cracking" and "evidence of long-term water ingress". Suddenly that dream home feels like it's sinking (and not just metaphorically).

Most survey findings aren't the end of the world. Surveyors are trained to flag everything, and a long report doesn't automatically mean a bad property. But some findings are genuine deal-breakers. It doesn't necessarily mean the problems can't be fixed, but fixing them could cost you a fortune, make the property unmortgageable in the process.

Below, we take a look at the home survey findings that should give you pause, and in some cases, make you walk away entirely.

Most survey findings aren't deal-breakers

It's important to remember that it's a surveyors job to find problems. Every damp patch and suspect piece of pointing will get logged and that's precisely what you're paying for. So when your report arrives running to thirty pages, try not to interpret length as severity.

The distinction that matters, and that most buyers miss when they're speed-reading in a panic, is between problems that are expensive and problems that are dangerous. Expensive issues you can always budget for, negotiate on, or walk into with open eyes. But dangerous, or structurally compromised, is a different conversation entirely.

Jessica Risorto, director at Redbrik Estate Agents, puts it well: "Surveys are notoriously hard to read and often sound far scarier than reality. If you have the budget and you've found the worst house in the best location, don't let a survey put you off automatically, because almost anything can be rebuilt or renovated."

A thatched roof that needs repairs is a frustrating cost, but it's a knowable one. You can get quotes, factor it into your offer, and move on. The same goes for outdated wiring, tired kitchens, or damp caused by a blocked gutter rather than a failing structure.

Where it gets serious is when the survey findings point to problems that go beyond the surface. The issues that affect the bones of the building, or that will send your insurer running for the hills. And there are three in particular that deserve your full, undivided attention...

1. Subsidence

Of all the words you don't want to see in a survey report, subsidence is the one that makes everyone in the chain go very quiet, very quickly. And for good reason. Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a property shifts, causing the foundations to move and the structure above to crack and distort. It can be caused by shrinkable clay soils, leaking drains, or tree roots drawing moisture from the ground. Left unaddressed, it compromises the structural integrity of the whole building. It also has a habit of appearing on every subsequent survey the property ever receives, which tends to make it very difficult to sell your home later on.

Jonathan Christie, co-founder of The Property Buying Company, has seen enough surveys to know exactly how serious this issue can be: "Subsidence is the big one. If a survey identifies signs of ongoing or historical subsidence that hasn't been properly underpinned and signed off, that's serious. It affects the property's structural integrity, it makes the home extremely difficult to insure or mortgage, and the remediation costs can be enormous, branching into the tens of thousands of pounds in many cases."

The key phrase Jonathan uses is "properly addressed". Subsidence that has been correctly treated and signed off by a structural engineer is a very different proposition to subsidence that's been plastered over and ignored. Jessica Risorto explains: "You need to be certain that the correct remedial work has been done, the property has been sufficiently underpinned, and any problematic tree roots have been managed."

So what should you do if subsidence shows up in your survey findings? First, don't assume the worst. Ask whether it's historical or active, whether underpinning has been carried out, and whether the vendor has any documentation to prove it. Then speak to a structural engineer independently, not just the surveyor. If the answers are vague, the paperwork is missing, or the vendor can't confirm the cause has been resolved, that's your sign to walk away.

2. Roof structural defects

A few missing tiles after a stormy winter is the kind of thing you factor into your offer and forget about. What the survey is really looking for is evidence of something far more serious going on underneath.

Roof structural defects, in the proper sense, mean failures in the timber framework that holds the whole thing up. Sagging ridgelines, rotting joists, or evidence that water has been getting in for long enough to cause real damage to the structure below. This isn't a job for your standard neighbourhood roofer either, as it will require a structural engineer and a specialist contractor.

The cost of a new roof is usually a lot more than you'd budget for renovations. Jonathan Christie doesn't mince his words: "A full roof replacement or major structural repair to the roof can easily run into five figures, and it's not something you can defer."

Unlike a cosmetic issue you can live with while you save up, a structurally compromised roof is not 'optional maintenance'. So if your survey flags anything beyond surface-level roof wear, get a specialist in before you proceed. A roofing contractor can give you a realistic cost, and that number will tell you everything you need to know about whether the deal still makes sense.

Jessica Risorto offers a useful way of thinking about it: "A roof that needs replacing is a 'boring' cost, but a highly quantifiable one. The real deal-breaker is if the survey shows the roof issues have severely affected the structural beams or joists underneath, turning a standard reroof into a massively expensive rebuild."

3. Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed grows fast, spreads aggressively, and has a root system capable of exploiting cracks in foundations, walls, and drainage pipes. But the reason it causes so much chaos in property transactions isn't just the plant itself, it's what it does to your ability to get a mortgage.

Jonathan Christie is clear on who this affects most: "Mortgage lenders won't lend on a property with an active knotweed infestation unless a professional treatment plan is already in place. If you're a cash buyer you can take a view on it, but for anyone relying on a mortgage, untreated knotweed can stop a purchase in its tracks."

If knotweed shows up in your survey, the first question to ask is whether a professional treatment plan exists. These typically run over several years and should come with a guarantee that's transferable to the new owner. That guarantee is what most lenders want to see before they'll proceed. Without it, you're looking at sourcing and funding the treatment yourself, and then hoping your lender agrees to reconsider.

It's also worth checking where the knotweed is. Growth on a neighbouring property that's encroaching onto the land counts too, and the legal and financial implications can be just as complicated. This Japanese knotweed heatmap identifies the UK's worst affected areas.

When do survey findings affect your mortgage?

Getting a survey back with any of these three findings doesn't automatically mean the purchase is over, but it does mean the next steps matter enormously.

The first thing to do is resist the urge to make any decisions in the hour after reading the report. Surveys are dense, technical documents written in language designed to cover every eventuality. Something that reads as catastrophic upon an initial read can look very different once a specialist has actually been to look at the property.

What you should do — and quickly — is get independent expert eyes on the specific problem. That means consulting a structural engineer for subsidence or roof defects, and a specialist contractor for knotweed. Don't be tempted to ask a general builder or your "friend who did an extension once". Hire someone who can give you a written assessment and a realistic cost. That document will become your most important negotiating tool.

If the survey findings are serious enough, your mortgage lender may already be having second thoughts. Subsidence and Japanese knotweed in particular can make a property extremely difficult to insure or mortgage, and some lenders will withdraw offers entirely until remediation work is evidenced. Knowing the cost of that work, and who is going to fund it, needs to be established before you go any further.

In some cases the vendor will agree to reduce the asking price to reflect the cost of remediation. In others, they may agree to carry out the work themselves before completion. Neither option is inherently better. What matters is that the problem is properly resolved, documented, and signed off before you commit.

Sometimes walking away from a property is the most financially sound decision you'll ever make. The right property, with a clean survey, is out there. For more on navigating the hidden costs of buying a house, including surveys, legal fees and the expenses most buyers don't see coming, we've got you covered. And if you're considering buying a house at auction, where surveys aren't always possible in advance, our guide will help you go in with your eyes open.

Scrolling through listing photos when you're in the market for buying a house should be exciting. But before you fall for the freshly fluffed cushions and the strategically placed houseplants, it's worth slowing down, because what isn't in a listing can be just as telling as what is.

Estate agents spend their days reading these photos, and once you know what they look for, you'll start to spot the gaps too. A missing room, a suspiciously tight crop, or a kitchen that's somehow absent from a ten-photo listing aren't things that happen by accident.

Here's what the professionals actually notice when they scroll through house listing photos, and what you should too.

The obvious signs a listing is hiding something

Most estate agents want to show a property off. So when a listing doesn't do that, it's worth asking why. Raphael Kaye, property consultant manager at The Property Buying Company, puts it plainly: "Most estate agents will present a property in the best possible light. If they've chosen not to photograph certain rooms or areas, there's usually a reason."

And Jessica Risorto, director at Redbrik Estate Agents, is even more direct: "The most glaring red flag is a listing with zero interior photos. Not having any interior images generally means one of two things: the agent is struggling to get access to the property, or the interior is in such a poor state that they are actively hiding it. Either way, it's a headache for a buyer."

The photo count itself is worth clocking, too. A well-presented three-bedroom house should comfortably fill ten to fifteen images on a listing. So, if it has four or five, something is likely being left out. And if the photos that do exist are dimly lit or shot on a phone rather than a professional camera, that tells its own story, as a seller who hasn't invested in presenting their home well may not have invested much in maintaining it either.

A strong listing should provide a clear, honest view of both the property and its context. If it doesn't, that's your first red flag.

The rooms where warning signs are hardest to hide

A simple rule of thumb is that the more a room matters to a buyer, the harder it is to dress it up when something is wrong. If the photos of those key rooms feel evasive, they probably are.

James Evans, CEO of Douglas and Gordon identifies the key culprits as bathrooms, kitchens, and ceilings and walls. Bathrooms, he notes, are where "clutter or poor maintenance are often visible" and where sellers are most likely to try their luck with a carefully angled shot that conveniently avoids the grouting, the damp patch above the shower, or bathroom mould.

Kitchens are similarly revealing. The condition and upkeep of a kitchen are, as Evans points out, "easy to assess", which is precisely why a listing that skips the kitchen photo entirely, or only offers one tight shot of the worktop, warrants a raised eyebrow.

Ceilings and walls deserve particular attention across every room. Brown rings, peeling wallpaper or paint that's bubbling can all indicate past – or present – damp and leaks. These are the kinds of details that a wide shot might obscure but a careful eye will catch.

What camera angles and cropping are really telling you

Photography is all about perspective. A skilled photographer can make a box room look like a generous double and a narrow galley kitchen feel almost airy. Most buyers know this in theory but fewer actually stop to think about it when they're scrolling through a listing they like the look of.

Raphael Kaye is direct on this point: "If every room photo is taken from a corner with a wide-angle lens pointing upward, the rooms are probably smaller than they appear." It's a technique that's become so common in property photography that many buyers have simply stopped noticing it, but once you do notice it, you can't unsee it.

Cropping is the other thing to watch. James Evans flags "unusual or awkward photo angles" and "cropping that removes parts of the room or surrounding areas" as potential indicators that certain features or issues are being deliberately avoided. A photo that cuts off just before the corner of a room, or that never quite shows the full wall behind the door, isn't necessarily a coincidence.

Top tip: Look at the floor plan alongside the photos. If the dimensions and the images don't quite add up, trust the numbers not the lens.

Why leading with lifestyle imagery is a red flag

"If the listing leads with photos of the garden, the local area, or the street rather than the property interior, that tells you something about where the property's strengths, and therefore weaknesses are," says Raphael Kaye. In other words, great garden design and a lovely outlook are selling points, but they shouldn't be the only selling points. If they are, draw your own conclusions about what's inside.

James Evans echoes this, identifying "over-reliance on lifestyle imagery without clearly showing the actual space" as one of the key red flags in a listing. A beautifully shot coffee shop around the corner and a flattering aerial view of the neighbourhood are lovely. They are not, however, showing you the quality of the kitchen.

The rise of AI-edited photos and how to spot them

Property photography has always involved a degree of flattery. But what has changed is the scale of what's now possible, and some listings are pushing well past a simple touch-up.

Raphael Kaye has noticed the shift: "We're seeing more listings where photos have clearly been 'cleaned up' using AI. While a bit of touch-up is normal, over-edited images such as perfectly white walls, unnaturally bright lighting, or furniture that looks slightly off can be a huge red flag."

The concerning part isn't the polishing, but what the polishing may be trying to conceal. As Raphael warns, "it can create a big gap between expectation and reality when you actually view the property."

The tells are usually there: walls an implausible shade of white, light that has no obvious source, shadows that don't quite match between rooms. And if one image looks like it belongs to a completely different property – different style, different feel – ask yourself why that might be.

Clutter and what it might be concealing

"Heavy clutter is another red flag because you can't see what the clutter is hiding," explains Jessica Risorto. That might be cosmetic – scuffed skirting boards, a damaged floor – or it might be something altogether less easy to fix.

Furniture placement deserves equal scrutiny. Risorto points out that "rooms packed with oversized furniture that is pushed flush against exterior walls often suffer from poor ventilation, which is a leading cause of hidden damp and mould." A wardrobe shoved against an outside wall could be masking a chronic moisture problem that will take considerable time and money to resolve.

James Evans adds that cluttered or poorly presented interiors can also "indicate a lack of care", which is worth keeping in mind when you consider what else in the property might have been neglected.

Red flags that aren't always deal-breakers

Not everything that looks alarming in a listing photo actually is. Some things that catch your eye at first glance are considerably less serious on closer inspection.

James Evans makes the point well: "Photography can distort scale, making rooms look smaller or larger than they are" – so a bedroom that appears to barely fit a single bed may be a perfectly reasonable size. This is why floor plans and room dimensions exist.

Water stains are another example. A brown ring on a ceiling looks dramatic in a photo, but Evans notes that such marks "may relate to resolved issues rather than active problems." A leak fixed three years ago can still leave a visible trace, that's a very different conversation to an active, ongoing problem.

None of this means you should ignore these things. Bring them up at the viewing, ask direct questions, and if necessary get a surveyor involved. But a stain or an awkwardly photographed room isn't a reason to write off a property before you've stepped inside.

Whether you're buying a house for the first time or you've been through the process before, knowing how to read house listing photos critically is one of the most valuable skills a buyer can have. Spotting the red flags early can help you avoid some of the hidden costs of buying a house that no one warns you about.

The introduction of the government’s Simpler Recycling scheme – which means households in England need to separate their waste into five bins – has sparked debate online, with many Brits expressing confusion and frustration about the changes.

According to the government website, the new rules aim to boost recycling and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill or is incinerated, which all sounds like a good thing – right? However, some people aren’t so convinced.

A Homebuilding & Renovating poll revealed that just 10% of voters think the Simpler Recycling scheme is a “step in the right direction”, with 80% finding it “confusing” and the remaining 10% still undecided.

Praneel Sidhu from Hertfordshire is one of many people who feel negatively about the changes. He claims that councils “keep trying to do less and less while council tax goes up and the quality of the service goes down”.

He explains that it’s not that he doesn’t care about the environment, but that he feels his actions will have “zero impact” until governments and energy companies take action on the bigger picture.

Praneel adds: “I’m just going to do what’s convenient for me and put all my rubbish in the same bin. I’ve also heard from friends who work in recycling plants that all the recycling just ends up in the same place anyway.”

He’s not alone in this belief – a survey by David Wilson Homes found that one in six UK homeowners do not actively recycle (that’s more than 4.5 million households), while England as a whole recycles just 43.4% of the waste it produces.

It’s not just residents who have negative opinions about the new rules. Homebuilding & Renovating’s web editor, Amy Willis, explains that her local waste collectors are also apprehensive about how the changes will work.

She says, "The one thing they don't like about the new rule changes is the possibility of having to leave fines or refuse-to-collect notes on homeowners bins if they get it wrong. They worry about having to deal with angry homeowners if that happens."

After “years of confusion over what goes in which bin”, the government says the new rules will help make bin collections more streamlined and consistent. However, environmental activist and co-founder of A Plastic Planet, Sian Sutherland, isn’t convinced this is the answer to the plastic crisis.

"Simplifying recycling will make the system easier to navigate, and that may improve capture rates at the margins, but it doesn’t change the fundamental equation. Plastic production is expected to nearly triple by 2060, reaching around one billion tonnes a year under current trends.

"In that context, simply improving how we handle a growing volume of waste, not reducing it, while it continues to enter our environment and our bodies, feels fundamentally misaligned with the scale of the problem."

Her main concern is that the policy focuses on managing the waste rather than addressing the root problem – that too much of it exists in the first place.

Tara Button, founder of Buy Me Once, agrees. "Recycling has become a sort of moral comfort blanket. It lets us keep shopping the way we've been trained to, because we can tell ourselves the green bin will sort it out later. It very often won't. Much of what we put out for recycling is quietly incinerated, landfilled or shipped abroad, and manufacturers get a green halo to carry on churning out throwaway products they know will break."

An alternative solution?

So, if recycling supposedly isn’t the solution, what is? Tara Button says, "The waste hierarchy has been quietly flipped on its head. Reduce, reuse, recycle is meant to be in that order for a reason – recycling is the last resort, not the first.

"Real progress looks like fewer, better things: a frying pan you'll still be using in forty years, a kettle you can open up and repair, a coat that can be re-waxed rather than binned. The greenest product is almost always the one you already own, and after that, it's the one you'll still be using in a decade."

Whether you think the Simpler Recycling scheme is flawed or believe it’s up to governments and manufacturers to drive real change, Homebuilding & Renovating’s assistant editor, Sarah Harley, says we all have a part to play.

A government spokesperson says, “We’re making over £78 billion available to England’s councils this year, which includes funding for councils to roll out weekly food waste collections.

"Our Simpler Recycling reforms will end the postcode lottery of bin collection and help keep our streets cleaner, while empowering local authorities to continue to deliver services in the way that works best for their communities.”

If you're feeling confused about the new recycling rules, we have plenty of content to help you navigate these changes, including what you can and can't put in your garden recycling bin and why some councils haven't rolled out the changes yet.

You may have heard that if you don't wash your recyclables properly, they won't end up being recycled – but how true is this?

While most of us give our jars and tins a swirl of water before popping them in the bin, it raises the question of how clean they actually have to be – and whether a bit of residue really makes a difference under the new recycling rules.

To get to the bottom of this commonly asked question – and to find out whether items like greasy pizza boxes and hard-to-clean coffee pods can be recycled – we spoke with two waste experts.

Do you have to wash recycables?

Yes, it's always a good idea to wash and squash your recycling where possible, confirms Hannah Deas, external communications manager at Bristol Waste Company.

"We always recommend residents to wash their recycling – you can use water from your washing up to be extra green and reduce water usage," she explains. "A proper wash and squash improves the quality of the recycling materials, keeps people's recycling containers clean, eliminates smells, and reduces the risk of attracting pests [in your bins]."

"It also helps keep our crews safe and makes their jobs much more pleasant. It can be easy to forget that there are human beings who are loading our recycling into the trucks, often by hand. We appreciate people taking the time to give their recycling a quick rinse!"

That said, while there might be a moral duty, there is no actual legal requirement to do so (yet).

How do you clean recyclables?

When it comes to how clean your recyclables need to be, a quick rinse will suffice, according to Sean Martins, director of sales & marketing at Fresh Start Waste Services. Contrary to some people's belief, you don't need to scrub them spotless or put them through your dishwasher.

"One of the unintended consequences of the 'everything must be perfectly clean' message is that some people stop recycling altogether because they think it is too much hassle," he explains. "Others go too far the other way and use lots of hot water, detergent and energy to wash things that really do not need it."

Shop these recycling essentials

Do recycling centres reject entire batches if one item is dirty?

No, it’s very unlikely that a recycling centre will reject an entire batch just because one item is slightly dirty. Sean explains that modern facilities are used to dealing with a bit of contamination and know that household recycling is never going to arrive perfectly clean.

"What causes problems is when there is enough of the wrong thing mixed in. If lots of households put food waste, nappies, black bags of general rubbish or leaking containers into their recycling, then the whole load can start to smell, leak and become uneconomic to sort," he says.

While a slightly dirty tin probably won’t result in a rejected batch, it’s easy enough to do your part and give it a quick rinse. Sean adds that batches are more likely to be rejected when something hazardous – such as batteries, gas canisters, or a dirty paint tin – is mixed in and pose a safety risk. If you're wondering how to recycle building materials, our guide can help.

"One of the highest causes of fires within waste wagons and in recycling facilities is vapes and items containing lithium batteries – these should always be disposed of correctly by either giving back to vape shops who are now legally obliged to take them, or at household recycling centres," he adds.

What about coffee pods and greasy pizza boxes?

We now know that it’s best to rinse our recycling, but what about items like greasy pizza boxes that can’t be washed?

Sean says, "A pizza box with a bit of grease on the lid will usually still be recycled if it goes in the right bin. The only time I would say not to recycle it is if the box is soaked through or still has half the pizza in it. In that case, tear off the clean part and recycle that."

Whether coffee pods can be recycled is another hot debate. The good news is that many recycling centres will accept your used coffee pods (both plastic and aluminium) for free under the Podback service – you just need to drop them off. You can also do this at many supermarkets if it's easier.

You might think that biodegradable coffee pods can go in your food waste bin, but the government has confirmed that this is not the case – they also need to be taken to a specialist recycling scheme, collected through a manufacturer scheme, or disposed of in general waste if this isn't possible.

"If everyone put half-full tins, leftover food and leaking bottles into their recycling, the whole load would quickly become unpleasant and much harder to process. So the public message has to be simple: empty it, give it a quick rinse, then recycle it," concludes Sean Martins.

For more recycling advice, read our guide on what can and can't go in your recycling bin and how to manage waste when you don't have any outdoor space.

I always find it fascinating how quickly some interior trends come and go, while others endure, looking as fresh and relevant today as they did when they first burst onto the scene – Shaker kitchens, natural stone flooring and good-quality built-in storage being amongst these timeless choices.

Wallpaper is a funny one here. While it has never exactly been struck off the list of interior design trends in any one year, its popularity has definitely fluctuated and certainly the patterns it comes in are constantly on the move. Paint, on the other hand, never falls out of favour, although certain shades move in and out.

I am aware that my house is in desperate need of redecorating and am toying with the idea of wallpapering certain areas – something I have to admit I have never done before. Paint just seems such an easy way to finish off the walls. With this in mind, I reached out to the experts for their opinions on whether wallpaper or paint is seen as the better option these days – here's what they had to say.

Wallpaper vs paint – is one better than the other?

While both paint and wallpaper are methods of finishing off walls, I realise that they are quite different. But is one of these wall covering ideas better than the other – and why?

"It’s a question I’m asked often, and in reality, the most successful homes use both wallpaper and paint, but in very intentional ways," reveals interior designer Holly Scott, founder of Holly Scott Interior Design. "Wallpaper vs paint isn’t about which is better – it’s about what the space needs."

"Both paint and wallpaper are beautiful ways to shape the mood and style of a room, and choosing between them often comes down to the atmosphere you want to create as well as the level of practicality required," explains Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn.

When is paint a better option than wallpaper?

Painting a wall is a job well within the capabilities of most DIYers, making it the go-to option for many – available in a mind-boggling array of shades and in all kinds of finishes to suit every setting you can think of.

"Whether you’re new to painting or a DIY expert, painting tends to be easier than hanging wallpaper as this can require more skill," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Paint tends to feel more adaptable and approachable, it is usually quicker to apply and it requires fewer specialist tools.

"Paint also allows homeowners to refresh or change a scheme with relative ease, whereas hanging and removing wallpaper can be quite time consuming," continues Cathryn. "Maintenance is also simpler, particularly in busy or humid spaces where washable finishes are easier to look after and can simply be wiped clean. Finally, paint tends to be more affordable than wallpaper, plus you don’t need as many tools which adds to it being more cost-effective overall."

James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck, points out that certain areas of the home are more suited to paint than wallpaper.

"Paint is often better suited to hallways, kitchens and utility rooms than wallpaper," says James. "These are high-traffic areas where marks and scuffs are more likely, and being able to touch up or refresh with paint makes it a much more practical choice over time."

Pros of paint:

• More affordable overall than wallpaper
• Quicker to apply
• Perfect for creating subtle backdrops
• Easy to paint over if you change your mind
• Huge range of colours
• Scrubbable finishes available for high-traffic areas

Cons of paint:

• Multiple coats required
• Cutting-in can be tricky
• Can be messier to apply
• Will chip over time – many experts say wallpaper is the more durable option

Shop durable paints

When is wallpaper a better option than paint?

Next up, wallpaper. In the past, it garnered a bit of a bad reputation, mainly due to the slew of quick-fix makeover shows of the 1990s that saw designers using it to create bold feature wall ideas that you just knew would look dated a few months down the line. However, according to the experts, things have changed.

"Wallpaper works beautifully in bedrooms, dining rooms and lounges, where you tend to unwind and spend more time. Even though these can be busy spaces, they’re places to switch off, and adding pattern to the walls injects a more personal, contemporary feel," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, who goes on to point out that even when it comes to how to hang patterned wallpaper, this task is no longer such a fiddle thanks to modern developments.

"With the rise of paste-the-wall papers, the process has become far more straightforward," says James. "Applying adhesive directly to the wall makes it easier to position and adjust, and overall it can feel less fiddly than expected. Each drop covers a good amount of surface area, and any excess paste is generally easier to clean away than paint splashes."

"Wallpaper comes into its own when you want to add depth, character and a clear design statement," agrees Holly Scott. "I most often use wallpaper behind a bedhead to create a focal point and anchor the room, behind a sofa in a living room to define the seating area and add interest and in cloakrooms to create a sense of drama and personality in a smaller space. I also use it in areas that feel flat or lack character, particularly after a renovation. Wallpaper brings pattern, texture and movement into a space, which is often what’s missing when a room doesn’t quite feel finished."

Wallpaper pros:

• Durable – can last for a decade if applied properly, according to James Mellan-Matulewicz
• Perfect for creating a focal point
• Will help add depth and personality to a characterless space
• Now available in moisture-proof versions

Cons of wallpaper:

• Takes a little practice and patience to hang
• You need the right tools for the job
• Can peel and bubble if walls are not prepared properly
• Bold patterns can be more likely to date

Is wallpaper more expensive than paint?

Overall, paint came out on top in the affordability stakes, but actually, it is important to be aware that there is a difference between cheap and premium paints and, if you want a quality finish, you might find there isn't too much in it when comparing costs between wallpaper and paint.

"In terms of cost, there isn’t a huge difference at the higher end. Premium paints can range from £60 to over £100 per tin, with wallpapers sitting at similar price points," points out James Mellan-Matulewicz. "While paint will cover a larger area initially, it often needs refreshing more regularly. Wallpaper, if chosen well, tends to stay in place for much longer, making it a worthwhile investment."

"Paint is generally more cost effective, particularly in larger spaces," says Holly Scott. "Wallpaper can feel more expensive upfront, but it often delivers more impact in a smaller area. A single wallpapered wall can completely transform a room without the need for multiple layers of styling."

Is paint or wallpaper more durable?

If you are going to the effort of buying materials and spending time carrying this job on a DIY basis, you want to know your chosen finish is going to stand the test of time. So does paint or wallpaper promise a longer lifespan?

"When it comes to longevity, wallpaper often has the edge," reveals James Mellan-Matulewicz. "A good-quality paper, properly applied, can last well over a decade, whereas painted walls typically need refreshing every few years, even with premium finishes. Many wallpapers are now wipeable too, making them a practical option for family homes or busier areas.

"Preparation is key for both, whether you’re painting a house or wallpapering, properly cleaning and priming the walls will make all the difference to the final finish."

Shop timeless wallpapers

Wallpaper or paint – the conclusion

After looking at the pros and cons of both paint and wallpaper, I think that there is no right or wrong option here. In fact, in many cases, a combination of both seems to be the most attractive route.

"Rather than viewing them as competing options, many homeowners now combine the two," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Paint can create a calm, cohesive backdrop across larger areas, while wallpaper adds focal points, personality and layered interest within a space.”

"The best results come from layering both," agrees Holly Scott. "Paint creates the structure of the scheme – wallpaper or creative detailing is what makes it feel designed. From a design perspective, the biggest decorating mistake I see is relying on paint alone and wondering why the space still feels unfinished. That’s usually where wallpaper, texture or pattern is needed to add depth and interest."

"Ultimately, it comes down to personal style and how you use the space," adds James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Paint is ideal for a quick, easy refresh, but if you’re looking to bring in character and make more of a statement, wallpaper offers far greater impact."

FAQs

Is paint easier to apply than wallpaper?

One of the things that has put me off wallpapering in the past has been the idea that wallpaper is rather unwieldy, making it time-consuming and difficult to hang – one of those DIY jobs best left to the professionals. But am I right or is this just a myth?

"Paint is far more forgiving and is usually the easiest option for homeowners to take on themselves," says Holly Scott. "Wallpaper requires precision. Pattern matching, alignment and finishing details make a big difference to the end result. Paste-the-wall papers have improved accessibility, but for a polished finish, I would still often recommend bringing in a professional."

"While paint has traditionally been seen as the quicker option, wallpaper is shedding its reputation for being overly time-consuming," adds James .

That said, if you’re working to a tight timeline or tackling smaller, more awkward, spaces like cloakrooms or utility areas, paint is usually the more straightforward and practical route.

Spring is the ultimate time for redecorating so if your home is in need for an update be sure to check out these easy DIY projects to get your home looking shipshape in no time.

You probably don’t give your bins much thought day-to-day, but without a proper system in place, they can quickly turn your kitchen into chaos. This is especially important now that all homes in England must separate their recycling into five containers under the new Simpler Recycling rules.

Confusion over which waste goes where – and when bin day is – can result in collections being missed for weeks, leading to problems like pests and an unsightly mess.

Whether you're overwhelmed by too many bins to sort or are simply unsure where to store them, we've curated five clever ideas to help you get on top of your recycling and make this chore a breeze.

1. Hide your bins in a kitchen drawer

Since my galley kitchen is very narrow and short, the only place I can realistically store my bins is in the drawer under the sink. I have plenty of other cupboards, so I don’t miss this storage space, and I like how it blends in with the rest of the units.

To keep your bins organised and in one place, you can buy a drawer frame and compatible bins that slot into position. These usually come with a handle, making them easy to lift in and out when you need to empty them into your main wheelie bin outside. This idea works particularly well for managing waste when you have no outdoor space.

My bin drawer shopping picks

2. Conceal your bins in an outdoor store

If you hate the way your wheelie bin looks outside your home, a wooden store offers the perfect solution – and it can even be painted the same colour as your exterior or fence to help it blend in.

Not only does it add curb appeal to an otherwise unattractive item, but it also helps keep your bins clean, dry, and secure, reducing the chance of unwanted pests getting inside.

Shop these stylish outdoor bin solutions

3. Label your containers to make bin day easy

If you live with young children (or are just particularly forgetful, like me), labelling your bins with stickers makes it easier to remember what goes where – especially since the recycling rules have recently changed.

Becky Purchas, a professional decluttering and organising coach, recommends giving each bin its own category to "avoid confusion" and help the whole household recycle correctly. This will help prevent unwanted fines from putting items in the wrong bin.

4. Think beyond the kitchen

It’s easy to centre your household recycling around your kitchen, but don’t forget about your bedroom, bathroom and home office, which collect more waste than you might think.

Having a dual-compartment bin for general waste and recycling will make it easier to sort later down the line and reduce the amount you throw away in a rush (I’ve been guilty of this!) Things like toilet roll tubes and paper scraps soon build up, so it’s key to have an appropriate bin to put them in.

"Think beyond the kitchen. Place small recycling bins in bathrooms, home offices or other rooms that generate their own recyclables to make sorting easier throughout the home," says Becky Purchas.

5. Create a dedicated recycling station

To make recycling as easy as possible, Becky Purchas recommends keeping your bins, liners, and cleaning supplies all in one place so everything you need is within reach. “It saves time and keeps the process consistent,” she explains.

As well as a dedicated space for supplies, you’ll also need an area where you can let recyclables dry once you’ve cleaned them. Many people forget this, but putting wet jars into your bins will encourage mould growth and bad smells, so it’s definitely worth investing in a drying mat (like the one below).

"I always say your bin setup should work with your daily routine, not against it," adds Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning with Meaning. "If it looks tidy and is simple to use, your family are far more likely to stick to it. It is about creating a system that feels effortless while still doing the right thing for the environment."

Shop these recycling essentials

Managing multiple bins can be tricky – especially if you live in a flat or a smaller space – but these solutions will make your recycling system easier to use and more attractive to look at.

Found this helpful? You may also want to find out where to get rid of your waste now recycling rules are changing and how to dispose of garden waste.

I'll be honest, when I started asking estate agents how to add value to my home, I expected the usual talking points: renovate the kitchen, tidy my outdoor spaces, upgrade the boiler. What I didn't expect was how little some of the best advice actually costs: a tin of paint, an afternoon of weeding, a new set of door handles. Or that some of the things people spend serious money on can actually work against you.

It's the simple stuff that anyone buying a house notices immediately, even if they can't quite put their finger on why a property feels right. Here's what estate agents really think you should do to add value in 2026 — and according to the agents I spoke to, you've got about 65 seconds to make it count...

The cheap fixes that shocked me most

When Luke Saywell, a partner at Nottinghamshire estate agents Gascoines, started talking about door handles, I'll admit I was a little sceptical of his advice. But when he told me that replacing ten of them costs around £100 and can add £1,000 to the value of your home, I put my scepticism aside.

"Swapping out door knobs, replacing old taps, and changing light switches are just some of the many simple fixes that a lot of sellers don't think about," Luke told me. "Not only can they be surprisingly transformative but are low cost and easy to install yourself."

These are the kinds of details I stopped noticing after living in my home for the best part of a decade. But buyers see it all and, according to Luke, they can use it as ammunition when it comes to negotiating on price.

Details like wall panelling was another upgrade I hadn't considered at first. Luke says it can add around £2,000 to a property's value for an outlay of less than £200, paint and materials included. "Panelling not only adds a desirable on-trend feature but can often make your home look more expensive for little cost," he said. "It can create depth and interest in plain, square spaces and help your home stand out among properties with similar footprints."

So, I purchased all the necessary tools and supplies (like this MDF Shaker Wall Panelling Kit for £28 from B&Q) and spent a weekend transforming my bedroom and study walls. The results are pretty impressive – even if I say so myself – and I'm crossing my fingers it will appeal to potential buyers.

And then there's the exterior of the house. According to Luke, a fresh coat of paint on the front door and window frames – from as little as £10 a tin – can add up to £3,000 to your asking price. "Using nice subtle colours sets the tone for what's inside," he said, "creating love at first sight for potential buyers before they've even set foot inside."

Why it pays to rethink your outdoor space

I don't have a garden in the traditional sense, but I do have quite a bit of outdoor space and it turns out that how you treat it matters rather a lot when selling your home. According to Luke Saywell, buyers are making calculations about outside space from the moment they pull up outside (yes, even your porch can add value to your home).

The first thing to consider is how private and secure your home is. "Privacy and security are huge factors for many homebuyers," Luke explained. "Having an outdoor space that isn't overlooked by immediate neighbours is important, especially for families." If the fence posts are already in, replacing the panels with taller ones can cost as little as £30-40, but could add around £3,000 to your asking price.

Outdoor storage was another suggestion that caught me off guard. Luke's advice is to think about whether buyers can see somewhere to put their stuff: bikes, tools, bins, the general accumulation of life. "Having somewhere to store extra items makes buyers feel like they have the full package," he said. A slim-line garden shed, an outdoor utility chest, even a decent wheelie bin store – none of it costs a fortune, but together it paints a picture of a property that's thought of everything. And according to Luke, that kind of detail can add around £4,000 in value.

And then there's the simplest one of all: just tidy up. Unmowed lawns, overgrown weeds and clutter you've been meaning to take to the tip can all give a buyer a reason to try to knock money off the house price.

"Registering at your local tip is free," Luke reminds me, with the air of someone who has seen too many garages and sheds used as landfill. "Pulling out the weeds just needs some elbow grease, and a general tidy only requires a bit of time and a broom."

A well-kept outdoor space can add around £3,000 and it costs almost nothing to achieve. So, I think I'll be spending the weekend power washing my arcade and planting a few colourful plants...

How much value does a new kitchen or bathroom really add?

My period kitchen looks great. I'm proud of it. But according to the experts I spoke to, sometimes showing too much personal style can be a hinderance to your house sale.

Karl McArdle, co-founder of The Property Buying Company, was diplomatic about it. "Kitchens and bathrooms deliver the strongest returns," he told me, "but only when they're modern, neutral, and sensibly priced. You don't need to overspend – a well-finished £8,000–£12,000 kitchen will often add more than it costs." The same logic applies to bathroom design: "Updating a dated suite can transform buyer perception," Karl says. It doesn't need to be a wet room worthy of a boutique hotel, it just needs to not be embarrassingly outdated.

The problem comes when you cross what Greg Davies, branch manager of Reeds Rains Manchester, calls 'the ceiling price'. Every street has one – a figure beyond which no buyer is going to go, regardless of how beautiful your herringbone splashback is. "It is possible to inadvertently over-improve a house," Greg told me. "Spending in excess of £40,000 or £50,000 on a state-of-the-art kitchen where the ceiling price lies at £250,000 would probably result in doing just this."

The way to avoid this particular mistake, Greg says, is straightforward enough: look at recent sold prices – not asking prices, sold prices – for houses in your immediate area. That number is your ceiling. Everything you spend should sit comfortably below it. "Speaking to reputable local estate agents who have a strong success record in that area" helps too, he adds.

Karl's broader point is worth sitting with. High specification fittings that push a property beyond its natural price bracket don't just fail to add value, they can actively narrow your pool of buyers. Reducing bedrooms or bathrooms to create one oversized master suite is another trap sellers fall into, convinced they're adding luxury when they're actually removing a search filter that buyers use. Fewer bedrooms means fewer people even clicking on your listing.

"Invest in improvements that broaden appeal and improve functionality, not ones that reflect personal taste," Karl concludes, "because the more niche the upgrade, the less likely you are to see that money back."

The extra considerations you may not realise add value

I knew buyers formed opinions quickly. I didn't know quite how quickly until Tim Dansie, director of Jackson-Stops Ipswich, gave me the number: "Buyers often know within 65 seconds if a property is right for them," he told me. Sixty-five seconds! That's barely enough time to get your coat off.

Which means that by the time someone is standing in my hallway, the decision is already half made. The question is what's influencing it?

The obvious answers are structural. Roofing concerns, damp, issues with the foundations – these are the things that come up in surveys and make buyers wobble. "Where works of that scale are identified and it hasn't been communicated upfront that the property needs investment," Tim explains, "buyers will review their position and may decide not to move forward." The lesson there is simple: if you know something needs doing, either do it or be upfront about it. Surprises at survey stage are rarely welcome.

But it's the less obvious factors that I found genuinely eye-opening. Tim told me that buyers are increasingly checking mobile signal during viewings. They're looking up nearby planning applications. They're thinking about pylons. "Because these factors can't be changed by the buyer, they have a considerable influence on whether a sale goes ahead."

Thankfully, these aren't concerns of mine, and the reassuring part of Tim's take is this: if a buyer has viewed your home, liked it enough to make an offer, and had that offer accepted, things tend to proceed. "Transactions are still progressing well in most cases," he said. "It's just that buyers are doing a bit more due diligence along the way as they have more choice in the current market conditions."

The upgrades I'm relieved I didn't bother with (i.e. those that are a waste of money)

There are certain kinds of home improvement that feels like a great idea at the time but won't pay dividends when it comes to selling your home. I'm talking installing a hot tub on the decking, adding an expensive conservatory, or even a state-of-the-art swimming pool.

Karl McArdle was refreshingly blunt: "Features like conservatories, hot tubs, bespoke fittings, or bold design choices rarely add proportional value," he told me. "In many cases – swimming pools being the extreme example – they can even put buyers off due to maintenance and lost space." A swimming pool is not the aspirational asset it sounds. It's a large hole in the ground that makes buyers immediately start calculating how much it would cost to fill in.

Sadly, the question of adding a swimming pool is not one I lose much sleep over. But Karl's advice applies to any big change: before you spend the money, ask yourself: "will someone I've never met pay more for my house because of this?" If the answer isn't a clear yes, put the cheque book away.

So what have I actually taken away from all of this expert advice? Mostly that adding value to a home in 2026 is less about flashy renovations and more about not giving buyers a reason to hesitate. The small stuff adds up faster than you'd think and the big stuff, done badly, can work against you.

I've made some good calls – probably one expensive one too – but the experts were right about the thing that matters most: the best improvements aren't the ones that reflect who you are, they're the ones that leave enough space for someone else to imagine who they could be in a property.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some door handles to replace...

During a period of time living overseas when I could only work on a freelance basis, I decided to hone my interior skills by undertaking an interior design course. It was during this time I learnt about the 60:30:10 rule and from that point on, I've never looked back.

I'd always followed the rule of three when choosing colours, or displaying items, but the 60:30:10 rule helped me understand even more about getting the proportions and scale right. It's not just a passing fad either, it's a philosophy you can use across your interiors, regardless of what colours or interior design trends are in fashion.

It's certainly stood the test of time in my homes, and it's a rule I'm still using 20 years later. Here's how you can apply it when renovating or building a home.

Using the 60:30:10 rule for colour selection

The 60:30:10 rule recommends that you choose three main colours when decorating a room, and then give each of these colours a purpose, and percentage of coverage in your plans.

Your main colour is naturally assigned to the 60% category and is known as the dominant colour. This is the colour you choose for your walls, or larger items such as flooring and pieces of furniture – your sofa and living room carpet colours for example if you're considering living room ideas. In essence it's designed to be your backdrop.

The 30% colour, also referred to as the secondary colour, is for use in elements such as feature wall ideas, window coverings or upholstery. It should complement your dominant colour, but equally can be used to provide contrast and depth to your scheme.

And finally, the 10% colour choice is where you can often have some fun with your ideas. It's the accent colour that you can use to add some fun or magic to your interiors and can be used in less permanent ways, such as with cushions, artwork or general decor.

But, as with any paint trend, it's important not to get too hung up on the exact science of the numbers. "Think of it as a framework rather than a formula," recommends Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of K'Arte Design. "Use it as a starting point when deciding how colour should be distributed across walls, furniture, soft furnishings and accessories."

Choosing your 60:30:10 colours

So how do you choose your paint colours and decide which proportion you assign to each one?

“Look to create a visual balance within your scheme," says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) at Benjamin Moore. "The main colour should be 60% of the scheme, 30% the secondary and 10% an accent.

"The accent colour can help to break up an ultra-contrasting scheme and allows the look to be tied together," she explains. " Rich and dramatic, or pale and interesting, you can look at all variants of shades to create a balanced design scheme.”

"It's about creating a sense of visual hierarchy, so a room feels cohesive rather than overwhelming," adds Katerina Tchevytchalova. "One element takes the lead, another supports it, and the final layer adds contrast and interest. When the proportions are right, everything feels intentional, and that last 10% is often where the personality of a room really comes through."

Here are some examples of it at play, with the 60:30:10 colour breakdown explained. It's not always an exact mathematical equation, but understanding how you can use the rule is what results in a completed and cohesive interior design scheme.

1. Using the 60:30:10 rule in hallways

Distinguishing between the 60 and 30 colours can often be harder where bold colours are at play, as shown in this hallway idea. In this instance, while the staircase is a massive feature, it's the blue which clearly dominates this space, and around which the scheme has been designed. The subtle shot of green as the accent colour is also perfectly referenced in the hallway flooring, neatly tying the whole scheme together.

2. Doubling down in bedrooms

If you're a fan of colour drenching or colour capping, it doesn't mean you can't still follow the 60:30:10 colour rule. In fact when using such a bold bedroom colour as red, it's often wise to have some lighter and contrasting shades to break up the overall look.

Here, the red dominates, but is softened by the paler wooden tones of the flooring and furniture. It's then complemented with a bolt of bright yellow on the bedside lighting, bedding and curtains. A warm and sunny bedroom idea that would work perfectly in a loft conversion bedroom with a balcony.

3. Using it in a light and airy living room

The ratios in this living room scheme are weighted more heavily in favour of two main shades – white and blue. The neutral flooring links well to the white, making this the dominant or 60% colour. However, look carefully and you will see signs of an accent colour in the form of ochre. It's subtle but enough of a pop of contrast to make this modern living room with its bespoke media wall both interesting, and sophisticated.

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Other ways of using the 60:30:10 rule

So does the 60:30:10 rule only apply to paint colours? No, say the experts, citing how it can apply to most elements of interior design and decor.

“The 60-30-10 rule isn’t limited to paint, it can be applied across all elements of a room," says Helen Shaw. "The main 60% is often your walls and larger, more permanent features, such as flooring or key pieces of furniture.

"The 30% acts as your accent colour – this could come through chairs, bedding, rugs or window coverings such as curtains. From a paint perspective, you might use it on an accent wall or even the ceiling, but textiles and furnishings work just as well to introduce contrast and visual interest without dominating the space," she explains.

Katerina Tchevytchalova agrees, telling us that, "the same principle can be applied to materials, finishes and textures. You might have a dominant stone running through a kitchen on the worktops and kitchen island, a secondary timber element adding warmth, and a smaller proportion of metal as the accent. Approached that way, it becomes a much more versatile and relevant tool for the way designers actually work today."

FAQs

Does using more than one shade still count as one colour?

The jury is out on this one, as personally I've always taken the approach that one colour can include different shades. In my open plan kitchen for example, it had blue walls and a navy kitchen when I moved in. Some walls were white and there was a wooden floor. I've added blue sofas, chairs, cushions and accessories, but not in the exact same shade. This to me is my 60% colour – even if the blue is lighter or darker in certain places.

However, if you're after a more tonal finish, Helen Shaw suggests different shades should be considered as new colours.

“When you’re following the 60-30-10 rule, different shades of the same colour are typically treated as a second and third colours, as seen in a monochromatic scheme," she says.

"While a monochromatic palette is built from one base hue, the variation in shades introduces enough contrast to read as separate elements within a space," Helen continues. "That means a lighter or darker version of your main colour can effectively take on the 30% portion, rather than being grouped entirely into the dominant 60%.

"This approach is a great way to keep a scheme cohesive while still adding depth and visual interest," she notes. "By layering shades of the same colour, you create subtle contrast and dimension, without needing to introduce a completely different hue.”

Is this the only interior design rule I should use?

"I'd recommend treating the 60:30:10 rule more as a point of reference rather than a strict rule," notes Katerina Tchevytchalova. "It's a helpful tool to revisit if a scheme feels slightly off, but it's rarely something designers apply rigidly from the outset.

"Interiors today tend to focus on subtle layering rather than clearly defined colour blocks," she continues. "Materials such as timber, stone and natural fabrics already introduce their own tonal variation, so the balance and flow feel more organic and less strict and formulaic.

"Layer materials and textures to create depth and warmth, and mix old and new pieces to give a space character and longevity," recommends Katerina. "Those two things together are what make a room feel genuinely considered rather than simply decorated."

Looking for ways to adopt the 60:30:10 rule in your home, perhaps in a new kitchen extension? Before you finalise the colours you want to use, take a look at what experts recommend for getting the perfect kitchen flooring and cabinet colour combination. It can help you ensure that the colour proportions in such an important space are balanced in the best way.

If the thought of flat pack furniture fills you with dread, I hear you. I've put countless pieces of it together in my lifetime, and not always to great success. Experience combined with a lack of spare time meant I invested in furniture for my mum's new living room that claimed to be 'partially built'.

I'll admit to not investigating what this term really meant due to the fact I ordered the items late one night on my mobile, so when the boxes of furniture arrived, I was surprised to see them clearly looking like flat pack.

Feeling duped, I opened the boxes to find what I'd refer to as flat pack inside – but with a twist. The pieces included a fixing from a brand called OVVO that I'd not seen before. Could this be the key to improving my relationship with flat pack, or would we remain as necessary acquaintances rather than friends?

What is Ovvo?

So what exactly are OVVO connectors? Essentially, they are small plastic fittings that are including in the furniture manufacturing phase, and designed to replace the need for using lots of tools and different fixings.

One piece of furniture has a receiver section, the other a small plastic strip with ridges that slots into the receiver. The idea is that you insert one into the other and click into place.

It sounds simple, but was it as easy to use?

My experiences of building furniture with OVVO connectors

OVVO fixings were included in four different items of furniture. All of them were from the Next Malvern Oak effect range and included a coffee table, tv unit, side table with storage and a wide shelf unit with cupboards and drawers.

I tackled the first three items alone as the size was manageable as a solo job. And, I'll confirm that assembling them saw me singing the praises of the connectors in a team meeting, saying how I'd never build another piece of flat pack that didn't have them.

It didn't remove the need for DIY tools, or different types of screwdriver heads, particularly on items that had more design details and features such as drawers, compartments and cupboards (or at least it didn't with the pieces of furniture I built), but there's no doubt it improved the process overall.

In fact, on more simple items such as the side table, it went together in rapid time and without any issues, making me convinced it was going to revolutionise flat pack.

But, as is always the risk with items designed to be put together at home, things don't always go to plan. There's a clear warning on the instructions that once the OVVO fixing is in place it is permanent and this is very true – as I discovered the hard way.

There are no margins for human error

When it came to assembling the largest and final piece of furniture, the large shelving unit, I knew it would be a two person job and one that would likely be more complicated. The amount of additional screws, fixings and components in the packaging made it clear I was right – as did the instructions.

It all started well, and I began work before help arrived, working on the first steps that I thought I could do solo. And then disaster struck, when assembling two pieces that had two OVVO fixings, I accidentally pushed one of the pieces too hard to one side.

The fixing is that strong, instead of it breaking, or the pieces of furniture popping apart, the fixing pushed through the wood and broke off a small section of laminate. It meant the fixing was still in place, but the section of furniture was now only attached with one OVVO fixing rather than two, and there was a missing piece of laminate.

And therein lies part of the problem. Whereas with most flatpack fixings you'd be able to remove them and remedy the problem, in this instance I couldn't. Thankfully it's in a location whereby there are other fixings in place around it, and the broken piece is inside a cupboard. Had it been anywhere else, I'd potentially have needed to buy a new piece of furniture, and dispose of the whole unused unit which would have been a terrible waste – particularly given the new rules around bins and recycling that are coming into place.

Thankfully I was able to continue assembling the unit, and have added some additional fixings at the rear to ensure it is fully secure. But, inside the cupboard (where the damaged fixing is) I'm going to have to use some glue and wood filler to attach the broken section over the fixing and disguise my mistake.

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Is OVVO the only way or just some of the way?

Having now tested the OVVO fixings on four different pieces of furniture, I'm not quite as excited as I first was when I tried it. It certainly made fixing simple pieces together easier, but in my experience, once you go beyond the realms of a piece of furniture having more than sides, top, base and a few shelves, it only removes a small part of the process.

Yes this helps, but given the scope for error there is when building flat pack, be this not following instructions properly, using the wrong fixings, or as in my case, physical error, it means you have to be fully in control of the process.

Would I buy furniture that had it again? Yes, as anything that sees me having to use one less alan key is always a bonus, but I'd be hyper-vigilant in terms of following every single step of the process to the letter.

And, I'd make sure there was plenty of space for building the items and remind myself not to make the final connection until I was completely confident I had it right.

For more DIY advice from the professionals, make sure you avoid these other DIY mistakes, and if you're considering installing your kitchen yourself (another place where flat pack style items exist), find out what our interiors expert learnt when she and her partner installed a kitchen from Wickes themselves.

I'm a big believer in the saying that first impressions count – even more so when it comes to selling a house. And, while most people understand the value in making a home look presentable for a buyer, I believe the process starts way earlier than that.

For me, when I'm selling a property, the work starts before I even invite estate agents in to value my home. They may well be trained to look beyond the superficial vision, but like the rest of us, they will instinctively make an initial judgement based on what they see in front of them.

The worse your home looks, subconsciously they'll be thinking about how hard it will be for them to persuade someone to buy the house. I've bought, sold and rented over 20 properties, and worked as a home stager for an estate agent, so trust me when I say these are the 6 things you need to do before you get your home valued.

1. Declutter as if you have already sold your home

It may seem like you're jumping the gun, but there really is value in decluttering your home before you get it valued. You may find once you've done this, you have more room than you realised and don't need to sell after all. Or at least that's what I've heard. It's never personally been the case for me, but I live in hope!

When decluttering for a sale I'll admit to being ruthless. You may well be moving to a bigger home, but as we all know, space is easy to fill and harder to create. If you find yourself taking everything you own, the chances are you'll need even more space sooner than you think.

I tend to approach a moving declutter with a 'use it or lose it' approach. If it has happily sat in a cupboard, loft storage or a garage for months, and you haven't used it, or even thought about using it, you probably won't use it when you move either.

Start from the top to bottom of your home, and make sure you have plenty of spare boxes and bags to sort the items you no longer need. I sort with a three-pronged approach.

1. A to sell pile for items that are in a good enough condition to be sold
2. A to donate pile for items that may better be used by family, friends or given to charity
3. A rubbish pile for belongings that are past their best and hold no sentimental, monetary or value.

Need an incentive to get this first job done? If you're investigating skip costs, make sure you book one with a fixed start and end date so that you have to get the job done. Personally I've pre-booked some slots at the tip over the coming weekends which I'll feel obliged to use, and of course, booking a date for the valuations gives you a clear line in the sand that you'll want to avoid crossing.

The benefits of a declutter now? It could help solve any issues with damp, you'll enjoy more space while you wait to sell, you'll have a much clearer picture about how much storage you'll need in your new home, and it will be far easier to prep your home for future viewings.

It will also help you start to break the emotional attachment you have with your home. Once it starts to look less like yours, the easier it is to accept moving on.

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2. De-personalise when you declutter

Any good estate agent or home stager should make sure personal photos are removed when photographing a property. It's good practise for security reasons, but I choose to do it sooner.

Viewers trying to imagine themselves living in your home, can find it hard to do so if they are surrounded by images of other people. Social media is proof that we all love to look at other people's lives, and you don't want your family holiday pics to become the focus of a viewing.

I only have a few personal photos on display in frames that aren't hung on a wall, so they are easy to pop inside a cupboard.

But, if depersonalising means you will be left with lots of blank spaces on walls, hidden damage or potential holes to fill, you do have options. While I'll discuss painting next, there are some other alternatives. One is to see if you have items for other rooms that can be moved into the spaces instead (you may even have discovered some when decluttering).

Another option, and one I always do when selling a home, is to allow myself a 'DIY staging budget'. Even if you aren't calling in the professionals to dress your home, putting some money aside for some new home decor can be beneficial.

Buy sensibly, choose items that are relatively neutral and ones you are happy to take with you when you move, but don't buy expensive furniture or decor. It might look good in this home, but not in the next, so don't waste your money.

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3. Dig out your spare paint and make your walls look great again

Right now, I have a decorator in my flat giving some walls a long over-due refresh. It's more of a drastic measure than you might need to take, but as the walls in question are in key viewing areas, it's worth the investment.

The colour I've chosen? I haven't. It's not going to be my home, so while I'd love to invest in some hallway panelling or create a feature wall in the bedroom, it's not worth the risk of alienating a buyer.

Instead, all of the walls have been coated in matt white. I've used Leyland's Trade Contract Brilliant White Matt Emulsion Paint from Screwfix, but Laura Crombie, Homebuilding & Renovating's Content Director swears by Tikkurlia Anti-Flex 2 Paint when decorating her walls.

I appreciate white may feel bland, but selling your home is easier if you've stripped it of your identity. Starting with a neutral colour leaves viewers far more able to visualise the colours they like in place of it. You've decided your home isn't suitable for you anymore, so why dress it like it is?

Hopefully, you might find yourself just needed to touch up marks rather than repainting. If so, I find these Magic Erasers from Amazon are handy to have. But, Ialso choose white when selling, as if marks do happen in between viewings it's far easier to cover them up, than trying to match colours.

When you do move and redecorate, I also suggest you stock up on some paint pens like the ones shown below. While spare, half-filled tins of paint are handy for larger jobs, small touch ups are far easier to do with a pen.

4. Clean like spring has sprung

If you've decluttered, depersonalised and your walls are looking fresh again, next on the list is what you might traditionally refer to as a spring clean. Don't leave it until the first viewing, do it now. You'll thank yourself in the long run when you have a last minute viewing and your home just needs a good clean, rather than a deep clean.

An estate agent who walks into a well-cleaned property is also going to feel more confident that when it comes to viewings, they will have a polished product to sell, rather than one that's a bit tired and dirty around the edges.

Dirt dates and dulls your home and its value. Your home needs to shine, so show the estate agent what your home is capable of, rather than expecting them to use their imagination. Everyone in this is looking for a sale – them and you included, so making their job easier will always benefit you.

Need some cleaning tips? Make sure you check out our two step guide to cleaning a shower screen, and for a squeaky clean finish across your home, I can't recommend the Beldray 15-in-1 steam cleaner enough. It got rid of stains and marks in a bathroom that I thought were never going to shift.

5. Dress your home like it's a show home

The last job I do inside a property before a valuation is give my home a show home makeover. If you own a property that will attract a higher asking price, I'd certainly recommend considering hiring a professional home stager. They are skilled in presenting your home in the best possible light. If you need to rent extra furniture or decor they will be able to source this, and most will offer varying levels of service depending on your needs.

But, if this isn't within your budget or your home doesn't need it, it doesn't mean you can't employ a few show home tricks yourself. Don't be afraid to move items around, try furniture in new places and imagine how you would sell your home if you were the estate agent.

If your spare bedroom was a dumping ground for example, but has suddenly become clear after decluttering, could you find a cheap desk, chair and stage it as a home office? Rooms don't have to be filled with every item they could include, a suggestion is often enough to create a photo opportunity for the sales details, and give viewers an idea.

When prepping homes for photography, I'd often switch around decor and furniture, and on so many occasions the homeowners left the new layout and style in place, even after we'd left. Often a fresh pair of eyes can see opportunity where you just see problems, so try to imagine what would make you buy your home all over again.

6. Don't forget to check the exterior of your home

And last, but absolutely not least, while I don't currently have a front garden or driveway, it's also vital that you check the kerb appeal of your home is up to scratch before you book a valuation. Having an immaculate interior means nothing if the first view is of a rundown exterior. I'm having my front door sanded and varnished for that reason.

It's also one area that homeowners said would put them off buying a house in a survey conducted by The Bespoke Sign House. But, as with the interior work, it's not about paying for major upgrades, but rather small improvements that make all the difference.

According to the research, the most common upgrades homeowners said they made before listing include:

• Garden and landscaping improvements – 58%
• Exterior paintwork – 50%
• Driveway or parking improvements – 30%
• Front door upgrades or repainting – 25%
• Outdoor lighting – 25%

Estate agents also tend to recommend similar changes, and Chris Webb, founder of The Estate Agent Consultancy, explains why.

“Most people arrive early for a viewing and sit in the car for five or ten minutes beforehand. All they’ve got to look at is the outside of the property, so that moment shapes their expectations before they’ve even stepped through the door. If they see peeling paint, damaged gutters or an untidy garden, buyers assume the same lack of care continues inside.”

That perception can quickly translate into lower offers, even when the underlying problem is relatively inexpensive to fix.

Kristian Goodenough, co-founder of The Bespoke Sign House, adds how that first impression could also lead to better offers.

“Buyers don’t walk up to a property analysing all the details, but they do react to how it feels. Small fixes like tidy gardens, repaired guttering and fresh paint send a signal that the home has been well looked after. Those visual cues build confidence, and confident buyers are far less likely to start negotiating the price down.”

Not sure if you can complete the work yourself or need an expert? Before you start take advice on the four spring maintenance tasks you should leave to the professionals.

Ready to invite the estate agents in? If so, then make sure you treat it like it's a viewing. Ensure your home is still clean, including the windows and make sure there's plenty of natural light flooding in. If it's a darker day, don't be afraid to turn on lamps and ceiling lights. Nobody wants to be peering into dark corners of a room as it will make it seem smaller.

I always say fresh flowers are a must, but don't over scent with too many candles and diffusers. It can make it look like you're trying to hide an unpleasant odour such as damp or mould. Keep any pet areas clean, and while I don't go to the extent of baking cakes or brewing fresh coffee, there's no harm in doing so if you want to.

Don't worry if you feel it no longer looks or feels like your home, that's your goal. After all, you've got the exciting prospect of buying a new home to look forward to.

Good luck in your venture, and if it's been a while since you bought and sold a property, check out the house buying mistakes to avoid. Or, if you're selling because you're about to venture into the world of self build, find out what to ask before buying a plot.

Amazon has launched Alexa+ in the UK, an upgraded version of its voice assistant designed for smart homes and everyday household tasks.

According to Amazon, Alexa+ uses generative AI to understand natural conversation, remember context, and respond in ways that previous versions could not.

The company says it can help manage lighting, heating, entertainment, security, and shopping, making smart homes feel more intuitive and easier to run for homeowners and families.

What is Amazon Alexa+?

Alexa+ is an AI-powered upgrade to Amazon’s existing Alexa system.

Amazon describes it as a personal assistant that can understand normal conversation, retain context across interactions, and perform tasks beyond simple voice commands.

It is built on large language models through Amazon Bedrock, and the company says it can handle real-world actions such as booking restaurants, managing calendars, controlling smart devices, and recommending products.

How can it manage your home better?

According to Amazon, Alexa+ can coordinate multiple smart home tech services simultaneously. It is designed to adjust heating, lighting, and music through natural voice commands, and recognise different household members to provide personalised responses.

Amazon also says Alexa+ can anticipate useful moments, such as warming the home before you arrive, starting your coffee machine, or cueing your favourite playlist, which the company calls “ambient AI.”

By combining context, personalisation, and device control, Alexa+ is intended to make smart homes easier to manage without constant attention.

How can you get Amazon Alexa+?

Amazon is offering Early Access to Alexa+ in the UK, free for Prime members during this period. Customers in the UK will access Alexa+ in Early Access in three ways:

• Eligible existing Echo device owners will be invited to join Alexa+ Early Access through a managed rollout process.
• Email Me When Ready (EMWR) gives customers a way to proactively request Early Access.
• Purchasing a new eligible Echo device from March 19th will provide access to Alexa+.

Customers will be notified via email and through device notifications when they have access to Alexa+.

If you already own an eligible device, Amazon says you can sign up at www.amazon.co.uk/newalexa and they will send you an invite to join the early access programme. The company plans to invite hundreds of thousands of customers in the coming weeks.

After Early Access, Amazon says Alexa+ will be free for all Prime members as the newest Prime benefit, complementing other Prime offerings like fast, free shipping, Amazon Photos, Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Prime Gaming.

Alexa+ works on compatible Echo devices, including Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, Echo Dot Max, and Echo Studio. Users can also access Alexa+ through the Alexa app on mobile phones or directly via a web browser at alexa.co.uk.

I've seen a rise in the trend of robot vacuums, and I wanted to test the next generation and give a robot mop and vacuum a go to see if they're worth the hype.

I got the newly released eufy Omni C28 to test the latest model of robot mops and I tested it out to see how it performed on every type of flooring in my house.

I reveal the results below and give my opinion on whether it's worth the cost and clarify some misconceptions that I and maybe you have had about them.

How the robot mop was tested

I decided to try the eufy Omni C28 on every type of flooring in my house to see how it performs on each one.

This focused on wooden flooring in my lounge, limestone tiles in my kitchen, the carpet in the living room and the terracotta tiles in the drawing room.

With each of these, I wanted to test the Omni C28 on its most powerful function on the 'Deep' cleaning function, the 'High' water level and the 'Max' suction power. I also used the same washing-up liquid.

I also tried some other tests to really put it through its paces, and I can reveal the results for each flooring type.

Alongside the cleaning performance, I was also interested in how the robot handled navigation and maintenance. The C28 uses iPath 2.0 navigation, which maps the room layout and helps it avoid obstacles, even in darker areas or under furniture.

Testing the robot on wooden floors

The lounge uses basic wooden flooring, which was a good starting ground to test the eufy Omni C28.

With the mapping feature, it was able to assess the room size, surface type and where it could, and couldn't clean.

With the vacuum at the front and the mop behind it, the robot first pulled up dust and debris before mopping. The roller mop system – which applies around 1kg of downward pressure while cleaning – continuously washes itself as it goes, meaning it’s not just pushing dirty water around the floor.

This was a surprise as, despite its size, it performed well compared to my larger Dyson vacuum to give a very good finish. Dare I say, I couldn't have done it better myself.

Testing the robot on limestone tiles

I wanted to give a significantly tougher test, so I took it to the kitchen next. This Italian tumbled limestone flooring proved much tougher to clean for the eufy Omni C28.

Due to the bumpy surface, some stains were tougher to clean than others and this room definitely needed a couple of goes to achieve a full clean. However, I did deliberately leave some trickier stains.

On the first run the vinegar was spread slightly and the beetroot stain only partially lifted. However, the self-cleaning roller mop kept washing itself during the process, which meant the second cleaning pass was far more effective. After another run, both stains were removed.

This is where the automation really helped. Since the robot can return to its docking station to wash the mop, refill water and empty dust automatically, it’s designed to clean areas multiple times without you needing to intervene.

Testing the C28 on terracotta tiles

sq ftIt should be pointed out that after cleaning both the lounge and kitchen, the eufy Omni C28 did need to clean itself and reload its water. This was after 300 sqft of cleaning.

The next room was the largest of the lot, with the drawing room and an adjacent connecting room giving the C28 a workout. These open-plan style rooms are really where robot vacuums/mops come in handy.

The result in this room was the best yet with the flat surface glimmering by the end, and even though I set the function to the highest water level, it was a real bonus that the floor was not too wet, meaning it dried almost instantly, a problem I often get when mopping.

If I was being really picky some water marks were left behind but that is me being very harsh.

Testing the robot on carpet

,Finally, I moved the robot onto the living room carpet, which is a thick, deep-pile carpet and therefore a good test.

This is where the 15,000 Pa suction power came into its own. The robot automatically recognised the change in flooring and lifted out of mopping mode so the mop wasn’t used on the carpet.

It also navigated easily underneath sofas, footstools and chairs – areas that often get missed in regular cleaning.

Another useful feature here is the DuoSpiral detangling brushes, which are designed to prevent hair and fur from wrapping around the rollers. For households with pets or long hair, this could save a fair bit of maintenance.

Despite working through several rooms, the robot was also very quiet. At times I barely noticed it running.

By the end, the entire ground floor of my house had been cleaned in around 45 minutes, and the robot only needed to recharge and service itself once.

FAQs

Does the eufy Omni C28 need much maintenance?

One of the main selling points of the Omni C28 is that most of the maintenance is handled automatically by the docking station. The all-in-one base station empties the dustbin, washes the mop roller, refills the clean water tank and collects dirty water.

However, you will still need to occasionally empty the wastewater tank, buy new dustbins, refill the clean water tank and clean the filters and brushes every so often to keep the robot running efficiently.

How loud is the eufy Omni C28 when cleaning?

The Omni C28 is relatively quiet compared with traditional upright vacuums. The maximum level it can reach is 67 dBs.

Does the robot work in low-light conditions?

The Omni C28 uses its iPath 2.0 navigation system, which allows it to detect obstacles and map rooms even in low light or under furniture. This means it can clean effectively at night or in darker rooms without needing the lights on.

Can you control the robot remotely?

Yes. The robot connects to the eufy Clean app, which allows you to start or stop cleaning cycles, adjust suction or water levels and set cleaning schedules remotely.

You can also use the app to see the robot’s room mapping and direct it to specific areas if you only want one room cleaned.

Will the eufy Omni C28 fall down the stairs?

I did also test the eufy Omni C28 upstairs and I did worry that it could fall down the stairs. However, it will scan if it is near an edge and stop itself everytime to prevent it falling an damaging itself.

Can the eufy Omni C28 go up slopes?

It can go up slopes as high as 45 degrees, however it cannot go up edges that are larger than an inch.

Is the eufy Omni C28 worth it?

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that can both vacuum and mop with minimal maintenance, the eufy Omni C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop is one of the more compelling mid-range options currently available.

It also performs strongly for a robot in this price bracket. With 15,000Pa suction, it has enough power to lift dust, pet hair and debris from both hard floors and carpets. The HydroJet roller mop continuously cleans itself while scrubbing floors, helping prevent the streaking that some robot mops struggle with.

Originally launched at around £649, it is currently available for about £499 during Amazon’s Spring Deal promotions, making it considerably more affordable than many robot vacuums with similar automation features.

Spring is the perfect time to clear the decks after winter and get your home in order before the busy, hot summer arrives.

While there are plenty of tasks you can tackle yourself, such as killing moss and cleaning outdoor furniture, certain jobs are best left to professionals – otherwise you could end up in a worse position than when you first started.

To make your life easier, we've compiled a list of the essential maintenance tasks you should get sorted this spring – from decking and fence repairs to air-con check-ups – that will put you in a good position for the year ahead.

1. Decking and fence repairs

UK winters can be tough on our gardens, and spring is the best opportunity to inspect for damage and carry out repairs in time for warm, sunny days spent outdoors.

With that in mind, take time to assess timber elements in your garden, such as decking and fencing, which are prone to moisture, debris and algae build-up, and call in the experts if they need to be fixed.

"Expert installers understand the nuances of working with quality timber. They know how to properly assess structural integrity, identify potential issues before they become serious problems and carry out repairs correctly without risking the guarantee," explains Leigh Barnes, Jacksons Fencing’s garden expert.

"Professional maintenance also ensures work is completed to the highest standard. For instance, when it comes to decking installation or repair, specialists understand critical details like ensuring grooved timber is installed with grooves facing upwards for optimal slip resistance and water drainage."

2. Roof and gutter maintenance

Your gutters and roof will have collected moss and debris over the winter period, which will need to be cleared during the spring.

Angus King, gutter cleaning expert at Checkatrade says, "During periods of dry spring weather, the moss on your roof dries out and becomes brittle while remaining attached to the tiles. When the spring rain inevitably arrives afterwards, the moss rapidly absorbs water, becomes heavier and can slide down the roof all at once," he explains.

"This often results in large clumps collecting at the entrance to the downpipes, creating dense blockages that prevent rainwater from draining properly. When that happens, gutters can overflow, causing water to run down external walls instead of safely away from the property."

If left unchecked, this could result in damp and structural damage in your home, so it’s definitely worth adding it to your spring to-do list. However, working at height comes with risks, and professionals will have the equipment and training to do it safely, says Derek Neilson, Managing Director of Apardion Ltd.

3. Air conditioning repairs

It might feel like a long way off until we have to use our air conditioning again, but if the last few years are anything to go by, we know how suddenly we can be hit with a spell of hot weather. Instead of leaving this task until the last minute (when everyone else will be doing the same), get a head start in spring so it's ready to use as soon as you need it.

"In the spring, the weather is usually pretty mild, so if a technician needs to turn the system off for a few hours or even a couple of days for a larger repair, your house will still be comfortable. You really don't want to be stuck waiting for parts in the middle of a summer heatwave," says Lucy Arnold, Service and Maintenance Manager at PRA Air Conditioning.

“Spring brings a whole lot of pollen and dust into the air. A spring service usually means swapping out your old air filters and checking the ducts. This stops bad air from circulating through your home all summer long. Plus, a clean filter means your system does not have to work as hard to push the air out, which can help you save money on your energy bills."

While it's easy enough to change your own air filters, Lucy says it's wise to leave full maintenance to the professionals, as the system has lots of tricky electrical components inside which can be "incredibly dangerous" to mess around with. She adds that you won't be able to recharge the system yourself, as a special certification is needed to handle or refill any cooling agents.

4. Pest control check-ups

We’re not the only ones excited by the better weather – spring is also the time when household pests become more active as they search for food supplies and breeding sites.

"Carrying out pest control checks in spring allows homeowners to identify and deal with issues early, before pest populations have the chance to expand. Many infestations begin small but can escalate quickly once breeding starts," says Daniel Steward, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control.

While it is possible to prevent and get rid of pests in your home yourself, Daniel warns that it may escalate the problem if you're dealing with wasps or rodents and don’t have the correct knowledge or equipment.

"For example, disturbing a wasp nest can lead to injury, while ineffective rodent control can allow populations to continue breeding within the property," he explains.

With summer only a few months away, now is the time to book your appointments and get those spring maintenance tasks sorted and crossed off your to-do list.

For advice on the jobs you can do yourself, read our guide on which trees to prune in spring and how to clean decking.

One thing homeowners often forget (myself included), is that understanding how to choose a paint colour is as much of a practical task, as it is a personal preference.

While paint trends can steer you in terms of which colours might work in certain rooms, what they are unlikely to do is to go into greater detail as to the other elements that can impact how a colour actually looks on your walls.

Having moved over 20 times in the last 30 years, and therefore having decorated more than my fair share of walls, these are the hard and fast rules I follow when choosing a paint colour – as well as the ways not to choose one.

1. Never trust a paint label

Seasoned renovators amongst you will no doubt be shaking your heads in disbelief that I did this, but on a few early occasions I'll admit to buying paint in a hurry and assuming it would look like it did on the tin. A rookie error that's easy to make, but one that resulted in my 'tomato soup' orange hallway walls being a talking point for years. For clarity, I thought the shade shown on the tin was red which was a bold enough choice in itself, but the final colour on the walls was far from red.

Did I change it? I actually didn't. I ended up keeping it and working the rest of my hallway decor ideas around it as it was pretty striking – although there was often a request for sunglasses as visitors walked through the doors.

The lesson? Labels are purely an indicator, as are paint chip cards. What may look like the perfect chalky white can suddenly show up as grey or cream once applied to the wall. And don't even get me started on creams that end up being yellow once they are applied and have dried. A label is not to be trusted. Treat it more as a name card to confirm you have purchased the right tin of paint instead.

2. Always test the colour on every wall in a room

While this may sound like common-sense, hear me out. It can be easy to pop a tester pot on one wall in your room and assume that it works (more on tester pots coming up). But the reality is, each wall will face a different direction, and therefore receive a different amount of light. And light, is without doubt, the biggest influence on how a paint colour is seen by the human eye.

As a trained photographer, I know that light impacts everything we see and can fundamentally change how we perceive a shade or tone. Not convinced? Stand in front of a window with natural light and take a selfie. Turn around and take the same image. In the one where natural light shines on you, your skin tone will appear lighter and you'll look refreshed. Turn around and you'll either see your tone looking more sallow, shadows will appear and you may have a totally different hue depending on the rest of the colours in the room.

It's no different with the paint you put on your walls. So don't just rely on seeing your chosen shade on one wall – you need to try it on them all. And also on your ceiling if you're choosing to colour drench. The same goes if colour capping is your approach. Test the paint everywhere it will be used.

3. Check the colour during the day, night and under different types of light

Staying on the subject of light, I'd also recommend only finalising your paint colour once you've viewed it in a variety of different lights. Natural light may form your daytime view, but can also be tempered by the use of window coverings such as blinds or curtains.

At night, as well as there being no natural light, you'll also find the colour changes under artificial light and this may influence whether you opt for cool or warm temperature bulbs. In many rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms, a warm tone will generally give the space a nicer feel, but in more practical spaces such as kitchens or utility rooms, a cooler light may feel more illuminating.

If your ceiling lighting is in place, see how the colour looks at night with it switched on, and if you've got table or floor lamps ready to put in situ, don't be afraid to get them out of the box and test them with paint samples on your walls. I'd say this is particularly important in living rooms, dining rooms and in kitchen diners where you may spend a lot of time under artificial light.

4. Be careful how you apply your tester pot

Even though from the advice so far it's clear that choosing a paint colour involves spending time living with your preferred shade for longer than 10 minutes, it's also important to appreciate that there's a checklist of dos and don'ts when it comes to using tester pots too.

While this won't apply to every room or wall that you're choosing a new colour for, do bear in mind the following when using a tester pot.

• What is the current colour of your wall? Will the colour underneath affect the one you're putting on top?
• Do you need to add more than one coat to get an accurate colour? If so, be warned that this may leave visible marks when it comes to painting over it. Or, even influence a different colour if you decide that it was the wrong shade and need to choose a new one. If you test a dark shade and then opt for a lighter one for example, you'll need to trial it in a different area – or paint over the discarded choice in a neutral shade to start again from scratch.
• Is the tester pot in the right finish? If you want matt, get a matt tester pot. Any other finish will have a small or more obvious sheen which will react differently to light than a matt finish.

Are stick-on paint swatches a better idea?

Given there are a number of variables that will potentially change how a colour looks on your walls, but the larger the test area, the better feeling you will get for how the paint looks, are stick-on paint swatches a better idea?

I've tried them and I'd say they certainly are handy if you want to avoid covering up random squares of colour on your walls with your chosen shade. Likewise, they can be moved around a room giving you the chance to test how the colour looks in different lights. However, they are still fairly small in size and can be tricky if you are choosing a vibrant or more distinctive colour.

Another alternative is to buy a cheap roll of lining paper, cut large lengths, paint on these and temporarily attach them to your walls with tape. While the colour of the paper may not match what's on your walls, if you're painting directly over a mist coat it can prevent you marking your new walls. Just don't forget to apply more than one coat to get a true indication of the final tone.

5. Don't forget to test it against furniture and fixtures

The final way I make sure I'm choosing the right paint colour? Paint a piece of lining paper and carry it around with you when selecting fixtures and fittings, or buying furniture and flooring.

There's a reason interior designers swear by moodboards. You can't view each element of your interior in isolation. They all have to marry together if you want an end result that's cohesive and considered. Even an eclectic interior style, where patterns, colours and styles are seemingly thrown together are usually the result of a clever blending process. It may be invisible to the untrained eye, but it's rare for there not to be threads that bind it all together.

So don't pick large items or your flooring without your paint to hand. One shade lighter or darker can make all the difference to choosing the right or wrong paint colour in your home.

The best painting tools for applying your new paint colours

Do the experts agree?

Keen to see if there are any other tips and tricks you can employ when choosing a paint colour? Here's what two paint experts recommend. As well as recommending the techniques I've learnt over time, they also have some other pointers you might want to bear in mind.

Jon Mee, Technical Advisor at Earthborn

1. Test the colour properly

“Dry paint will often look different to when the paint is wet, so testing your paint in the room first will save on effort, money and time if you decide later you don’t like the colour. If testing on your walls, ensure you’re painting a thick enough layer. Paint your chosen colour on to an A4 card and move it around the room to test it in different lights.”

2. Choose the right finish

“Ensuring you opt for the right kind of paint is essential to achieving a high-quality and suitable finish for your chosen room. Claypaint is breathable and offers an ultra-matt finish, covering walls very well. This finish is ideal for older homes or lime plastered surfaces in particular, but it is very amenable for a variation of rooms. A Lifestyle emulsion is better for rooms that need paintwork to be washable or easier to wipe down and maintain such as hallways or children’s room.”

3. Think beyond the colour

“When choosing a paint, there are certain steps you can take to benefit those that suffer from allergies or asthma; this is especially important in households with children or pets as both can be susceptible to these risks. Virtually VOC-free paints emit negative ions which are known to provide health and wellbeing benefits for allergy sufferers. Even after the paint has dried, people can suffer, so it is important to choose paints that will reduce the likelihood of this.”

Jen Devaney, Frenchic Paint’s Colour Consultant

"Test colours in real light at different times of day. And trust your body," says Jen. "What is your first reaction when you look at the colour? When choosing the perfect paint colour, think about the mood and the purpose. Not just the function of the room but how you want to feel in it.

"Narrow it down to a few options and then test large patches on the wall," she continues. "Live with them. Watch them shift in different light and moments. Let the right colour choose you not the other way around. Also avoid choosing colours in isolation, without thinking about how they interact with the space.

"Make sure you don't go too cool in north-facing rooms," adds Jen, noting how choosing a paint colour correctly applies to painted furniture choices too. "It’s important to note whether the cupboards, for example, will serve as an accent colour, or are the main colours. Make sure, if they’re an accent colour, the cupboard colour works with the wider room as well."

In summary, understanding on a practical level how to choose a paint colour involves taking into account light, location, how you use the room and what else will be in the room with the paint colour.

Not sure where to start in terms of what colours you want to test? Start by reading the advice in the best colours for a bedroom, and find out what experts suggest is the the best colour for a living room.

There are lots of reasons why you should invest in one of the best smart home hubs – from potential savings on your energy bills to the ability to schedule automations that make chores easier.

Whether you want to set a timer for your coffee to brew when you wake up in the morning or ensure your towel radiator is toasty before your evening shower, a smart hub lets you control all of your smart devices (like the best smart thermostat) from one place.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a tech genius to get a smart hub up and running, and you can usually connect it to a voice assistant for extra ease of use. To find out our six recommendations – and why the Homey Pro is our top choice – keep reading.

The Quick List

In a hurry? Here's a quick overview of the best smart home hubs, including direct links to a detailed overview.

The best smart hub overall

We spent hours researching the best smart hubs, and the Homey Pro came out on top as our number one pick. We were impressed with how many devices it can connect to (over 50,000!) and that it works with eight wireless protocols, making it easier to integrate into your home and connect to a wide range of devices.

The hub lets you monitor and manage your home through your phone, laptop, or voice assistant, and it even provides insights on your energy usage to help find ways to reduce your bills.

If privacy is a top priority, you'll be pleased to hear that your data is stored locally, encrypted, and won’t be sold to third-party companies – nor will you receive any adverts.

While this smart hub offers some fantastic features, it does come with a premium price tag of £399. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t require a subscription like some other hubs. If you’re on a tight budget, the IKEA Dirigera Hub is a more affordable option.

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The best smart hub for Apple users

The HomePod's standout feature is its impressive speaker, which delivers 360-degree sound, deep bass, and a sensor that enhances audio performance based on the room you are in. You can also use multiple speakers in the same home to create the ultimate sound system.

The hub can be integrated with Apple products, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Mac, and AirPods, and can be used to control any device set up on a Matter protocol.

HomePod comes with a built-in temperature and humidity sensor to help you monitor your home's conditions through the Home app. When combined with smart curtains, you can set up automations for them to close when the temperature reaches a certain point.

The hub will also alert you if it detects a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm going off, and it gives you the option to remotely unlock your home or set automations even when you're away.

If the £299 price tag feels a little daunting, I have tested the HomePod Mini, which offers most of the same features but with a less powerful speaker system.

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The best smart hub for user-friendly app design

We love how user-friendly the IKEA Dirigera Hub is, with a beautifully designed app interface that makes controlling your smart devices effortless. You'll be able to group them by room and combine different ones, such as lighting and sound, to create a custom "scene."

The hub works with any smart system that's connected to the Matter protocol, as well as any IKEA smart device, such as its light bulbs, air purifier, thermostat, plug socket, window sensor, and more.

Priced at just £60, this is the second most affordable smart hub we've come across, and we think it's pretty reasonable considering it offers most of the same features as others.

My only caveat is that it works only with the Matter protocol. While this is the most popular system, it doesn't offer as much flexibility as, say, the Homey Pro, which works with eight.

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The best mid-range smart hub

New and improved, the Philips Hue Bridge Pro has been updated from the previous version with a design that is up to five times faster, with enhanced smart features and more flexible connectivity. You can now place the hub anywhere in your home without the need for an Ethernet cable, and Hue MotionAware allows you to create motion-detection automations that turn on lights automatically.

The Hue Bridge Pro can connect to over 150 lights and up to 50 accessories using the Zigbee protocol, as well as Bluetooth-enabled Hue devices, and can be controlled via Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.

Like the other smart hubs in this guide, you’ll be able to control, manage, and automate your devices – including lighting, security systems, smart plugs, and more – making your home run more efficiently, safely, and comfortably.

If you would prefer to invest in a smart hub with broader protocol compatibility, the Homey Pro supports eight.

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The best budget-friendly smart hub

If you don’t want to spend too much on a smart hub, we recommend the Samsung SmartThings Hub, which costs just £39.99. Despite the low price tag, it offers a wide range of useful features, proving you don't need to splash out hundreds for a decent hub.

No matter where you are in the world, you'll be able to control all of your smart devices at the click of a button or voice – whether that's from your phone, Alexa, Google Assistant or Samsung Bixby – and set up multiple users in your household.

You have the option to receive activity alerts through the SmartThings app (available on Android and iOS), create schedules, and set up lighting scenes.

It might not have any flashy features, like the high-tech speaker on the Apple HomePod or touch screen display on the Amazon Echo, but it's a good, basic option for those on a budget.

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The best touch screen smart hub

The Amazon Echo smart hub has an eight-inch touchscreen display, which makes it easy to monitor and control your smart devices without the need for a phone or voice assistant.

I tested this device for a month and was impressed with how easy it was to set up – particularly when it came to connecting my Ring doorbell, which was pretty much automatic. It displays live footage from the camera and includes a microphone and speaker, which is ideal considering my partner is the only one with the Ring app currently installed on his phone.

Amazon Echo lets you control the lights, locks, climate, security, and media in your home, as well as categorising devices by room so you can manage them simultaneously. It also gives you access to a range of widgets, including a to-do list, and the option to use it as a digital photo frame – perfect if you mount it on the wall.

I found the touchscreen a little laggy at times, which meant I had to turn the device off and on again to get it to respond, and some of the widgets seemed a little pointless (fart noise button, anyone?). However, the display is a very nice feature and one that isn’t offered by many brands.

• Back to the top ⤴

How we tested the best smart hubs

When it came to finding the best smart home hubs to test, we spent hours scouring top retailers to compare all the available options, choosing those with the best specs, compatibility, and customer reviews. We selected and tested them based on:

• Budget: Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on a smart hub, so we included a range of price points and took this into consideration when deciding whether they are worth the money.
• User experience: We highlighted where products shone and fell short in terms of ease of use and the features they offered.
• Compatibility: In an ideal world, your smart home hub should work with as many devices as possible, so we tried to include ones with broad compatibility. We also noted how easy they were to connect.

For more information on our procedure, read our dedicated page on how we test products.

How to choose the best smart hub

To ensure you choose the best smart home hub for your needs, we asked Hayley Brown, AO’s smart tech expert, for her top tips. Here's what she said:

1. The devices you already have: "Think about the devices you already have and make sure you choose a smart hub that works with them. If you have smart devices that are Android and Apple, your smart hub should be compatible with both."

2. What you will be using it for: "Whether you are switching on your lights, turning up your heating or controlling automated routines, you should ensure the smart home hub you purchase has the capability to do this. Usually, the more you want it to do, the more advanced it should be."

3. How you would like to control things: "Consider your preferred way of controlling your devices. Whether its voice activated, via a smartphone app or physically through the display on the device, you should choose a smart hub that meets your preferred method."

4 Think about reliability and future compatibility: "Smart home hubs are often expensive to purchase, so you therefore want to ensure its longevity when it comes to controlling your smart devices. It is important to think ahead to what devices you will want it to control in the future to ensure it will be compatible with those."

Wondering if a smart hub is worth it? Micheal Fernandes, tech expert at Tapo, says, "A smart hub becomes worthwhile when a homeowner has or plans to build a smart home with multiple devices from different brands or wireless technologies."

For more advice and product recommendations, read our guide on the best smart plugs or learn what a smart plug is.

Edited by Beth Murton.

There are several ways to mount a TV on a wall in your home, depending on where you decide to put one. Do you want to recess the TV so it sits flush to the wall, or are you happy for it to be mounted on the surface? Or, perhaps you even want to be able to hide it completely from view in your living room design when not in use.

While there are plenty of different ways to mount a TV on the wall, there are some practical considerations to take into account when making your selection, not least of all regarding how your wall is constructed.

In this article we'll explore the options you have for mounting a TV as well as looking at ways of making your TV less of a feature, and more of a hidden extra.

Ways to mount a TV in your home

While mounting a TV onto a wall is a popular choice amongst homeowners, there are also other places to put it, for instance if you have sloped walls or walls with beams om not a large enough space. Here are the options.

It's also worth being aware that you need to make sure the bracket you use is compatible with your TV. The key information you'll need for your bracket is the VESA dimensions. These are guidelines that match flat screen TVs to suitable wall mounts and can usually be found in your TV specification or manual. You can then match your TV to the correct mount, although be sure to check it matches the screen size and can support the weight of your TV too.

1. Mount the TV straight onto the wall

If you're happy for your TV to be visible in the room, your main choice for mounting a TV is straight onto the wall with a specialised TV mount. These come in a range of different options ranging from fixed mounts that mean the TV stays in one position, through to ones that have a full range of movement, allowing you to pull the TV in and out from the wall, and angle it in a different direction.

I've personally used several different types, and currently have a fully flexible TV mount in my living room. As it's an open-plan space, being able to pull the TV out and tilt it towards some of the seating is particularly helpful.

Shop for TV mounts

2. Create a recess in the wall

For a more streamline finish, creating a recess in a stud wall and mounting the TV inside it also has other advantages.

As well as helping to visually disguise your TV but pushing it back into the wall's structure, it also creates an opportunity to hide cables and plugs. If you're building the wall from scratch, your power source and any type of connectivity cables for internet or streaming can be run directly to the back of the recess, pulled through, and located out of sight behind the TV.

Homebuilding & Renovating's content director, Laura Crombie, created a recess in her home along with a flexible mount to allow her to hide items behind the TV, but still be able access them when needed.

"We created two recesses when mounting our TV," explains Laura "The TV is mounted just over a recess which has a hidden alcove inside for games consoles. As well as giving us a more streamlined finish, it also meant we could hide away some of the less attractive family entertainment essentials such as gaming consoles."

I f your want to create a recess for your TV, your wall structure will need consideration, as well as there being a few extra factors to think about as well, namely:

1. Ventilation: Your TV gets hot, so you'll need to make sure there is sufficient airflow around the back and sides of the TV to prevent overheating. A few mms won't be enough so don't try and make the recess too snug
2. Access: As well as needing space for ventilation, you'll also need to be able to get your hands inside the recess to access the TV itself, including mounting it, removing it or dealing with any electrical faults. Therefore when sizing your recess, make sure you take this into account.

It's this second point that leads me to encourage you to use a flexible mount, rather than a fixed one when installing a TV inside a recess, much like Laura Crombie did. However, I had to learn the hard way from my mistakes.

In one property I owned, recesses had been built into the walls by the developer. They weren't exactly right for the size of TVs I owned, but nonetheless were a nice feature. However, I made the mistake of installing one of them with a fixed mount, and then realised it was nigh on impossible to remove it from fixed mount when it came to moving out. Damage to the wall and the TV mount was inevitable but could have been avoided by using the right mount to start with.

3. Mount to the ceiling

Another option can be to purchase a mount that means your TV is attached to the ceiling, rather than the wall. This can be an option if you are looking at options for a loft conversion bedroom for example, where a sloped ceiling may be the only available location for a TV.

Once again, VESA dimensions on your bracket can be used to find the right type of ceiling mount, and it will be once again a case of understanding how to attach it to the ceiling using the correct fixings.

Amazon has a range of ceiling TV mounts to choose from.

4. Build a media wall

If you are looking for feature wall ideas to house your TV, another way to mount your TV is to include it within a media wall. This gives you the option to create storage for other media equipment and entertainment such as toys and books.

While the appearance of it will depend on personal taste and the overall look you are hoping to achieve in the room, some homeowners choose to create them so they look like a full piece of furniture, while others still mount the TV directly to the wall and build storage around the TV instead.

In Laura Crombie's case, it was the former. "We mounted one of our TVs onto an MDF-backed media wall. But, relying on the MDF alone wasn't enough to provide us with a secure fixing. This meant we had to reinforce it behind with timber struts so we had a stable base to screw the mount into."

Try this freestanding media cabinet for an alternative solution

5. Use a floor standing mount or TV furniture

Not keen to drill or screw into your new, pristine walls? There is of course always the option of using furniture to house your TV. These can range from floor standing mounts, such as this artist's easel style Hoxton Tripod TV Stand with Mount from John Lewis, through to TV cabinets or stands.

For floor mounted options, you'll again need to consider your TV size and weight to match it to the right mount. With furniture, it's more about weight and screen size. Most TV stands will state what size it's suitable for, such as this Cream Malvern Oak Effect Up to 80 inch Slim TV Unit from Next, that I've just purchased for my mum's new flat.

Where to mount your TV

Where you mount your TV will depend on the layout of your room. Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and snugs can all potentially house a TV, but where?

"The obvious place is the wall opposite your favourite sofa, where you will spend most of your time watching TV," says Steve Jenkins, Homebuilding & Renovating's DIY expert. "Make sure it's at a comfortable height, roughly eye level when sitting down.

"However, if you have kids or pets, you might want it slightly higher," he notes. "One tip is to stick a similar-sized piece of cardboard on the wall in the preferred position and then sit in your favourite seats and check it's a comfortable viewing position. Alternatively, if you’ve got helpers, you can have them hold the TV in place."

Being practical about it helps too, adds Steve, and can save extra DIY jobs in the process.

"Also, think about how far from a power point and a TV aerial point the TV will be," he says, "as the fewer wires on display, the better."

Make sure you think about the focal points in your room and where the TV best fits in, and at at the same time, don't forget to take into consideration your doors and windows, and where light enters the room. Having windows or large sliding patio doors facing the TV will lead to glare and the need for window coverings to potentially be pulled in the middle of the day.

Drilling into a wall or ceiling to mount a TV

Decided on where to mount your TV? Now comes the important part of making sure it's mounted securely and safely. Steve Jenkins explains the type of kit and tools you'll need if you're undertaking the job yourself.

"The first thing to note is what type of wall you are mounting to. For drilling into brick walls, you’ll need Rawl plugs and screws. As a general guide, 80-100mm screws with appropriate Rawl plugs should be sufficient for most TVs. You will typically need six fixing points to ensure a secure fix.

"Drilling into plasterboard walls will need plasterboard fixings, and these typically can’t hold as much weight as brick wall fixings," notes Steve. "Ideally, locate the studs in a stud wall and screw into them. And, if you have a very large or heavy TV, you may need larger screws or more fixing points regardless of wall type.

"You will need a cordless drill and masonry drill bits for brick walls. For plasterboard, you may need a drill and a spade bit. Some kits like this Plasterboard Fixing Kit from Amazon come with the bit. Or, this TV Fixing Kit, also from Amazon, is good for brick walls," he adds.

Ways to hide your cables — and your TV

Hiding cables

Building a stud wall from scratch and including a recess for your TV means you can run cables behind the plasterboard for the neatest solution. But you also have options if you're mounting to a finished wall.

"A simple solution is to place furniture in front of cables, but this may not be viable or aesthetically pleasing," says Steve Jenkins. "Another option is to use cable covers like this Paintable Trunking from Amazon. Run them from behind the TV to the floor, and either choose a colour that matches the wall colour or paint them to suit.

"Alternatively, to completely hide any cable, you can chase them into the wall. But this is time-consuming, messy and more expensive. If you have plasterboard walls, you can cut a hole in the wall behind the TV and another at the bottom of the wall, drop the cables down the gap, and pull them through at the bottom. However, this is not a quick, straightforward solution like a cable cover."

And, if you have brick or stone walls, I can confirm that chasing out walls for cables is also a very messy, noisy and time-consuming job, with lots of repair work required afterwards to reinstate the plaster finish on your walls. It's not for the faint-hearted, but if you're renovating and want a sleek finish everywhere, it can be worth it in the long run.

Hiding your TV

If recessing your TV into the wall doesn't hide it enough for you, there are also a number of different ways you can cover it as well. Choosing to install doors on your media wall is one of the easiest ways to cover it. Adding a sliding door just in front of the TV section can allow you to still display accessories and decor either side on shelving.

Another option when it's mounted on a wall, or in a recess, is to mount sliding rails above and below the TV and add a piece of artwork on doors that can be pulled across to cover the TV when not in use.

Some homeowners choose to 'frame' their TV instead, using a custom made frame and then displaying an image on the TV screen so that it looks like artwork, while products such as Samsung's The Frame TV are designed entirely with this approach in mind.

For a more cost effective option, dust covers with an artwork style appearance are also available and simply fit snugly over the TV when not in use. As an aside, if you're considering a TV in an outdoor kitchen area, using a waterproof TV cover such as xxxx from xxxx is a must.

Or, if your smart TV can display your photos, creating a collage or rolling display of images as a screensaver can be a very low cost way of turning your TV into a giant photo frame. It's of course not zero cost as leaving it on, rather than on standby will incur some minimal energy costs.

Try these covers for disguising your TV

Feeling confident to proceed with mounting a TV as part of your DIY plans this weekend? If you're looking to mount a TV above a fireplace, find out what the experts recommend before you make a start. Then, once you're equipped and ready to go, take a look at these stylish TV mounting ideas for making sure your TV and fireplace combined wall looks the best it can.

There is something undeniably beautiful about gnarly, imperfect old timber beams which goes someway towards explaining the popularity of oak framed buildings and the lure of traditional old English cottages with ceilings and walls revealing their beamed structures.

However, for those renovating a house, building a new extension or self-building from the ground up, it is still possible to inject a little of the charm that old beams can add – providing you arm yourself with a few tips and tricks.

Whether you are the new owner of an unsympathetically updated old house and are scratching your head wondering what to do with badly painted false beams (as I was), or want to add a little character to your house by giving new beams an instant aged look, our expert advice is here to help.

How do you make new beams look old?

There are, in fact, several different techniques you can use to give new timber beams an aged look, depending on the final finish you want to achieve.

In the case of ceiling beams that have been stuck on and are non-structural, many people choose to give them a distressed paint finish (or remove them altogether), while if you are dealing with a beam you want to place above a fireplace to form the basis of your mantelpiece ideas you might want to achieve a more rustic, natural appearance.

Here, we take a look at the methods that use both paint finishes as well as those that add more in the way of surface imperfections.

Using paint to give new beams an aged finish

This is a method that can be used on both painted beams as well as new bare wood that you want to give an authentic look to, perhaps to achieve the farmhouse kitchen ideas of your dreams or within a new extension you want to match your existing interiors.

I spoke to the experts at Wood Finishes Direct who had the following advice. "Usually the best way to achieve this finish is by using a creamy paint, and then brushing dark wax over the top. One coat of paint should do it and then one coat of wax, brushed on with the surplice removed with a cloth, leaving it in all the nooks and crannies"

Sara D’Souza, content strategist and creator at Frenchic Paint explains the method she likes to use for this finish – something she has coined as the 'Frenchic beam hack'.

"The Frenchic Beam Hack was originally developed to produce a light oak look for ceiling beams using Frenchic products to allow a total transformation of dark or previously painted beams without the requirement for costly, messy and time-consuming stripping," explains Sara.

"As with all projects, prep is key. Before you start, clean with sugar soap, rinse and allow to dry before lightly sanding to ensure a good ‘key’ for the paint," advises Sara. "The more texture your surface has to begin with, the better the wood effect once the wax is applied.

"First, the surface is painted with Lazy Range Crème de la Crème and then Browning Wax is applied," continues Sara. "One of the simplest ways to create surface texture is to over-work paint as you apply it. Have a little more paint than usual on your brush and run it along the length of the surface (following the way wood grain would run). Keep brushing backwards and forwards as it begins to dry to cause pronounced brush marks. In addition, you could also consider using a graining tool to create texture and patterns in the paint, ready for the Browning Wax to highlight.

"The technique is most effective on surfaces that have texture, which is highlighted and defined by the wax," adds Sara. "As ceiling beams are not generally subject to wear and tear, the wax can be quite heavily applied, enhancing the tonal wood effect."

Giving new beams a distressed whitewashed finish

One of the most popular ways to treat new beams right now is to give them a slightly distressed, pale, washed finish – also sometimes referred to as a whitewash or limewash – and this is also one I used for the new pine beams we added to our vaulted bedroom ceiling in order to make it a little more visually interesting.

If you like the sound of this method of painting beams, you will need to first use a knotting solution and primer – it is also possible to buy all-in-one products that take care of this in one step such as Ronseal Knot Block Wood Primer and Undercoat White from Amazon.

You then want to apply either a limewash paint or a good quality clay-based paint diluted with water using a 1:1 ratio. Use a brush to apply it before removing any excess with a damp cloth.

Shop limewash and whitewash paints

How to make new beams look old with tools

If its a more natural, rustic look you are after, as opposed to a painted finish, there are other techniques to try – you just need to arm yourself with a few choice DIY tools.

Personally, when trying to make my own pine beams look a little less perfect, I found a using the edge of a hammer (not the face as this would have left disc shapes) on random sections helped create a few nice dents, while adding a few scratches with nails and a screwdriver also added character.

Finally, using an electric hand sander helped me to round off sharp, new-looking, edges for a softer, worn look.

How to age wooden beams without painting

Just as when reviving wooden floors, painting aside, there are a few other finishes and treatments you can use to create an old finish on your timber beams.

Wood weathering solutions are readily available to buy and are designed to give timber an instantly 'old' appearance.

If you would prefer to take a chemical-free approach, you might like to try this vinegar hack. Simply pour white vinegar into an empty spray bottle before popping a piece of steel wool in with the liquid. Leave it for 24 hours (preferably in a bright, sunny spot), then spray the solution over the wood. The beam should develop a silvery patina, not dissimilar to those achieved using weathering solutions.

Finally, some people report seeing good results using wood stain on wood that has been dampened down as this results in a pleasingly uneven finish.

FAQs

Can you paint over gloss paint on beams?

If you are faced with new beams that have been given a couple of thick coats of gloss paint at some point in the past (a common practice for a while), you are probably wondering what your best course of action is.

You can paint over gloss but it is best to first sand the beams in order to provide a good 'key' for the paint. You will then need to apply a couple of coats of undercoat, sanding between coats, before adding your top coat.

If you want to get the wood back to a bare finish, you will need to either use a chemical-based wood stripper or a heat gun and paint scraper.

Love the look of exposed oak beams? If you are planning on adding space to your home in the coming year, oak framed extension ideas could be just thing if you want your new addition to be bursting with character and charm.

It might not be something you think about regularly, but having the right type of loft ladder can make a big difference in how easy it is to access your belongings. Instead of dreading going up into the loft and putting it off for days, a good ladder can make it much less of a hindrance.

From folding ladders that store away neatly to save space to fixed options that make accessing a loft conversion easy, there are plenty of types to choose from, and we're here to help you find the best one.

In this expert guide, you'll learn all about the different types of loft ladders and their pros and cons, along with our top product picks to make shopping them easier.

1. Sliding loft ladder

Sliding loft ladders – as the name suggests – slide up into the loft when they're not in use, making them a perfect choice for smaller hallways where floor space is at a minimum. According to Joe Dudley, Marketing Coordinator at LB Supplies, they're typically made from aluminum, which is lightweight yet capable of holding a lot of weight.

He also praises how simple they are to install: "Sliding loft ladders usually have spring-loaded catches that make them easy to use and are considered much simpler to install than folding or concertina ladders."

However, this type of loft ladder needs enough vertical clearance to allow the sections to slide and may not be suitable for upward-opening hatches (unless you make an alteration). Some people also find them tricky to pull down and push up if they are not spring-assisted.

"I have a sectional loft ladder for accessing our loft and am a big fan of how it takes up minimal space in the loft when not in use. Accessing the ladder is easy using a pole that hooks the ladder and allows you to pull it down gently," says Beth Murton, Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating.

"You can then release each section using the locking catch to fully extend the ladder to the ground. When stored in the loft, each section slides on top of the other so it takes up minimal floor space, ensuring you can maximise the potential storage area in the loft. It’s sturdy but lightweight to use and can easily be operated by one person."

2. Folding loft ladders

Folding ladders are usually made from wood and fold up into your loft when not in use. For this reason, they are a very space-efficient choice and won't take up too much room in either your loft or your hallway.

Joe Dudley adds that this can also be useful if your loft has limited headroom, as well as looking more attractive and tidy compared to a fixed ladder.

However, it's worth bearing in mind that wood can be heavy to lift and operate, and you may need to maintain the ladder’s hinges regularly to ensure it unfolds easily. Some models also have a limited weight capacity and thin steps.

Joe adds, "Folding ladders require a larger opening in the ceiling and will need adequate clearing space for the ladder to unfold, so they may not be suited to smaller homes." If this is the case, you may need to make your loft hatch bigger.

3. Concertina loft ladder

According to Joe Dudley, concertina loft ladders are the most space-efficient choice of all the different types, folding into a compact unit that sits on top of the loft hatch and doesn’t require any extra space for storage.

He confirms that they can be installed in almost any ceiling hatch, and their wide steps and non-slip treads make them stable and secure to use. They also usually have locking mechanisms to keep the ladder in place for added safety and peace of mind.

While concertina loft ladders offer many appealing features, they do come at a higher price point due to their complex mechanisms and can be more expensive to install. They also tend to have a lower weight capacity, so be sure to double-check this before making your purchase.

Joe adds, "The mechanism of the ladder has a lot of pivot points, and these may require regular maintenance to stop them from sticking."

4. Telescopic loft ladders

Telescopic loft ladders are another great choice for smaller homes – they retract into themselves to create a compact design that's easy to store. They're also suitable for most types of hatches without the need for any significant structural changes.

Typically made from aluminium, these loft ladders are lightweight to lift and maneuver, and have an adjustable height that you can customise depending on your roof – particularly helpful if your ceiling is uneven.

"They are great for keeping upstairs to use for lofts as they are small and don't take up much storage space," says Sarah Harley, Assistant Editor at Homebuilding & Renovating. "The catches to release or close each rung can be a bit fiddly sometimes, but other than that, they work well."

5. Electric loft ladders

If you're sick of fiddly loft ladders that are cumbersome to use, electric models offer a solution, powered by the click of a button. Chris Lawson, Founder of Online Drawing UK, says they are a popular choice in modern loft conversions or projects with larger budgets.

"Electric loft ladders offer more convenience as their main selling point, particularly for homeowners who want easy access at the push of a button or may have mobility considerations," he says.

But before you get excited and add one to your renovation wish list, be prepared to spend significantly more upfront, as well as on installation costs.

6. Fixed loft ladders

If you need regular access to your loft or have converted it into a living area or storage space, a fixed ladder is the best option. According to Chris Lawson, they are straightforward, cost-effective and make it easy to get in and out on a daily basis.

Unlike other types, such as concertina and telescopic, fixed ladders are highly durable, low-maintenance, and can withstand a heavy load.

"The main drawback is that they require permanent space and aren’t as discreet as retractable or electric systems, but a good design usually means that this isn't an issue to begin with. The best choice comes down to balancing convenience and space," adds Chris.

Now that you know about the different types of loft ladders, it will be easier to make an informed decision. In conclusion, fixed staircases are best for regular access, electric ladders for convenience, and concertina ladders for small spaces.

For more expert advice, read our guide on how to insulate a loft hatch and the cost of a loft conversion.

Interior trends may come and go, but the desire to add personality and interest to our homes never really fades. Feature walls have long been a go-to design trick for doing exactly that, yet in recent years, their popularity has been questioned as interiors have leaned towards more minimalism.

It’s no surprise that many homeowners are now wondering: are feature walls out of fashion? The answer, as with most design questions, isn’t a simple yes or no. While the era of randomly painted accent walls may be behind us, feature walls themselves are far from obsolete. Instead, they’ve evolved into something more intentional and far more considered.

As the ideas ahead show, when done with purpose, one well-designed wall still has the power to transform an entire space.

1. Timber-clad walls are a classic choice that suit all manner of homes

"Feature walls are far from out of fashion – they’ve simply evolved," explains Adam Robertson, managing director at Urbane Living. "Today’s approach is less about bold paint colours and more about introducing depth, texture and natural materials."

"Timber wall panelling is a perfect example of this shift," Adam says. "It brings warmth and a tactile quality to interiors while feeling timeless rather than trend-led. The key is to choose natural finishes and subtle three-dimensional surfaces, such as fluted or ribbed designs, which catch the light beautifully and add quiet character. For longevity, keep tones neutral and integrate the panelling seamlessly across walls, doors or joinery so it feels architectural rather than decorative."

2. Go for a textured feature wall with timber detailing

If classic wall panelling feels a little too formal for your taste, horizontal wooden slats offer a more relaxed, tactile alternative. Designs like these 3D interlocking tiles by Naturewall add texture in a way that feels organic rather than overly polished — perfect for rustic living room ideas or cosy bedrooms. Their beauty lies in their imperfection: the varied grain and mismatched patina mean the wall feels characterful and lived-in, not showroom-perfect. Even better, they’re surprisingly DIY-friendly if you’re happy to roll up your sleeves.

That said, restraint is key. Cory Powell, co-director of DBS Bathrooms, advises against overusing wood panelling, particularly in contemporary homes. “For those who enjoy the added rhythm of panels, subtle slatted, wood-effect, or textured designs should be incorporated sparingly,” he says. Used thoughtfully – behind a bedroom headboard, along a single living room wall, or even as a tactile accent in a bathroom – slatted panels can add depth while still feeling clean and design-led.

3. Showcase artwork with a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall

Rather than scattering artwork throughout a room, consider bringing everything together in one intentional moment. Clustering pieces on a single wall – along a modern staircase idea or above a bed for example – creates a focal point that can feel deeply personal.

A gallery wall is also a beautiful way to tell a story. Travel photography, abstract artwork, vintage finds, and family heirlooms can sit side by side, creating a layered narrative that feels uniquely yours. If you’ve been collecting prints, photographs or artworks over the years, a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall in a living space allows each piece to shine while making an even bigger statement together.

Try mixing frame styles, finishes and sizes to help the arrangement feel relaxed and lived-in, as though it’s been built up organically over time. To keep the look from feeling chaotic, a consistent colour palette can tie everything together (such as repeated hues or a unifying frame colour). Alternatively, enjoy the process of mixing and matching frames salvaged from antique markets and charity shops to create a one-of-a-kind feature wall idea.

4. Use a curated art collection to create a unique feature wall

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be loud to make an impact; sometimes structure and restraint are what make it memorable. So, if maximalism isn’t your thing, a more restrained approach could work nicely.

This setup is ideal for bedrooms or home office ideas, where you don’t want to feel overwhelmed by artwork but still crave a little visual interest. A great way to achieve this is by keeping the layout tight and symmetrical, allowing the repetition of frames to do the heavy lifting. In the space shown here – designed by Mind The Gap – a grid of botanical bird prints creates an ordered focal point that feels curated rather than cluttered.

Even though the prints are layered over a patterned wallpaper, by sticking to a consistent frame style and colour palette, the artwork reads as a single design moment rather than multiple competing pieces.

5. Choose a bold bedroom wallpaper that makes a big impact

Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, says customers often come to the brand looking for bold bedroom wallpaper ideas to create a feature wall – something he’s a big advocate for. “Wallpaper is a great way of adding a big dose of colour and pattern, and with a bold design you can create a really striking focal point whilst also telling a playful, pictorial story,” he explains.

“An accent wall is the perfect opportunity to have fun and embrace bold pattern and print,” Jamie adds. “And as it’s just one wall, you’ll only need a couple of rolls to make that big statement, so it’s definitely the place to splash out, spend a little more, and have a bit of fun rather than scrimp on style.”

For a boutique-hotel feel, Jamie recommends wallpapering the wall behind the bed to create a natural focal point. “This helps to make the bed the centrepiece of the room,” he says. To achieve a luxurious, rich look, he suggests opting for mural-style wallpapers in deep emerald or forest green tones. “For a colour-drenched effect, extend the wallpaper theme with luxurious velvet bedding and curtains in a complementary shade to add depth and cohesion.”

Shop mural-style wallpapers for your feature wall

6. Wallpaper a chimney breast to make it pop

An elegant way to include a feature wall without overwhelming a space is to introduce colour via the chimney breast, particularly in period homes where architectural features already take centre stage. As Jamie Watkins from Divine Savages explains, “Wallpapering a chimney breast is another stylish way of introducing an accent wall. In period properties, the right pattern can really enhance the fireplace ideas as well as those of the cornicing and skirting.”

The bright yellow chimney breast designed by Woodhouse & Law shows just how effective this approach can be. Creative director John Law explains the bold choice: “This moiré silk by Dedar was the perfect choice for a feature wall, adding a sense of playfulness to a grand Georgian drawing room. The vibrant hue creates a confident contrast with the original fireplace, while its depth of colour holds its own alongside teal velvet and abstract Pierre Frey cushions."

7. Find your 'theme' and lean into it with your feature wall

Finding a theme and leaning into it can be one of the best ways to approach a feature wall. In this space, a nautical-inspired wallpaper by Mind The Gap sets the tone, with its flowing, wave-like pattern echoed throughout the room in both colour and detail.

From the framed maritime maps to the model sailboat and ocean-themed upholstery, every element feels connected, allowing the feature wall to become part of a wider design story.

8. Fill a feature wall with a statement mural design

Immersive and instantly eye-catching, mural designs have a way of turning blank walls into something far more special. In this room, the architectural scene adds a sense of escapism, making the space feel worlds away from a typical loft conversion bedroom and far more like a destination in its own right.

Used on a single wall, murals are a playful yet considered way to introduce personality. The trick is to let the design do the talking. Keep furniture, bedding and accessories pared back so the mural can shine without overwhelming the room. Done right, it’s a statement that feels confident and effortlessly stylish.

9. Try colour capping for a softer statement wall

If you’ve fallen for a bold, statement wallpaper but feel a little unsure about how to use it without overwhelming your living room, colour capping offers the perfect solution. This emerging paint trend helps soften the impact of busy patterns.

“Colour capping builds a gentle gradient using tones from the same colour family, drawing the eye upward and intensifying towards the ceiling,” explains Jamie Watkins from Divine Savages. “One of the most effective ways to achieve this look is by wallpapering up to the picture rail, then painting above it in the same colour as the ceiling.”

The trick to making it feel truly cohesive? Pull a single accent shade from your wallpaper and use it for the painted section above.

10. Go bold with your feature wall paint choices

So far, we’ve steered clear of cracking open a tin of paint, but sometimes the simplest solution really is the most effective. You can’t go wrong with a confident pop of colour, and a boldly painted wall remains one of the quickest ways to inject personality into a space. From electric blues and sugary bubble-gum pinks to rich cherry reds, a single saturated shade can completely transform the mood of a room.

The space shown here proves just how impactful colour can be when used with intention. The deep cobalt wall creates a striking backdrop for artwork and furniture. When in doubt, let colour do the heavy lifting. Choose one bold shade and allow it to anchor the room, keeping surrounding walls neutral so the feature feels deliberate rather than dominant.

11. Bring back 1970s style with tactile plaster finishes

Textured walls are enjoying a quiet comeback, with plaster-inspired finishes leading the way. Channeling the relaxed, tactile feel of 1970s interiors, plastercraft-style walls add interest without relying on bold colour or pattern.

In this bathroom, Ca’ Pietra tiles are designed to replicate traditional plasterwork, offering an artisanal look with a more practical finish. Warm, earthy tones nod to retro design, while clean lines keep the space feeling decidedly modern. Paired with vintage-inspired furnishings and patterned bathroom flooring, the result shows how texture-led feature walls can feel both nostalgic and effortlessly contemporary.

12. Make a case for tiles on your living room feature wall

Tiles in a living room might not be the most obvious choice, but this gorgeous accent wall by Benjamin Moore proves just how effective they can be when used thoughtfully. Glossy tiles form a striking backdrop to the seating area, amplifying warm tones and giving the space a layered, design-led feel.

“Used as a feature wall, tiles can instantly transform a room, creating a focal point that adds depth, texture and personality,” says Jamie Robb, creative director at Marlborough Tiles. “Their beauty lies in their versatility. From the rich tones of hand glazed ceramics to the bold impact of hand-painted designs, a tiled wall introduces colour, contrast and visual interest in a way paint or wallpaper cannot match.”

Whether you're tiling behind a log burner, a seating area, or even behind a bed, Jamie says that “a carefully chosen tile installation brings character and definition to any space”.

13. Turn bathrooms into a statement with tile wall murals

Bathrooms and shower rooms are some of the most rewarding spaces to experiment with a feature wall, and a tile mural is a beautiful way to do just that. As this space by Ca' Pietra shows, a decorative tile design can turn even the most functional shower room ideas into something special

When it comes to buying tiles for bathrooms, mural-style designs strike the perfect balance between durability and visual impact. Extending the pattern across both walls and floors helps the space feel immersive and thoughtfully designed, while surrounding it with simpler tiles keeps the look grounded.

14. Let colour and texture do the talking on an accent wall

When a room is meant to feel uplifting and expressive, colour and texture can work harder than pattern alone. In this space, the feature wall doesn't dominate the room, but it does pull everything together.

“Our clients wanted a space that was vibrant and inspiring,” explains John Law from Woodhouse & Law. “We loved the vivid colour in the botanical grasscloth by Zimmer and Rohde. Used as a feature, the wallpaper helps tie together the whole scheme and imbues a sense of fun at the same time.”

Sold on the idea of a wallpaper mural or accent wall? Brush up on how to wallpaper so you can get a smooth, picture-perfect finish every time.

If you're a fan of smart home technology you might be surprised to learn that some of the most exciting product launches this year come from none other than one of the UK's favourite home furniture stores.

IKEA has launched 21 new smart home products across lighting, sensors and control devices, giving homeowners and renovators new ways to design a smart home that is easy to use, flexible and practical. And the best part? The latest products are affordable and easy to integrate into your existing setup, too.

The updated range spans lighting, sensors, and control devices, with features aimed at improving everyday living, safety, and convenience. As you'd expect from IKEA, it's all about making smart home technology approachable – you can start small, automate the things that really matter and expand your setup over time without getting locked into a single brand. Here's why you should keep a look out for these products on your next visit.

Ease of use with other smart home products

One of the key points to note is that IKEA's smart home products are designed to be Matter-compatible. Not sure what that means and why it makes a difference? In basic terms, Matter is an open, industry-backed smart home standard that allows devices from different manufacturers to work together.

Instead of being locked into a single brand’s ecosystem, Matter-enabled bulbs, sensors, and hubs can communicate with each other across platforms, making it easier to set up automated lighting, temperature control, security alerts, and more.

IKEA’s adoption of Matter means its smart products can integrate smoothly with other brands, giving homeowners flexibility for phased upgrades or mixed-device setups.

IKEA's smart lighting options

The popular KAJPLATS range of bulbs introduces new designs across standard globes, spotlights and decorative shapes.

Most are dimmable, with options for colour and white spectrum, and are designed to integrate with other Matter-compatible devices, making it easier to plan smart lighting across different rooms.

Among the range, the E27 colour and white spectrum bulb stands out for us due to its wide range of features:

• Colour-changing and white spectrum functionality in one standard globe
• Brightness range of 1,055 lumens with a broader spectrum than previous TRÅDFRI bulbs
• Can be combined with Matter hubs to create automated lighting scenes

Other bulbs in the range include E27/E26 globes with varying lumen outputs, compact P45 E14 bulbs in white or colour-changing versions, GU10 spotlights, and clear-glass decorative bulbs for smaller fittings.

We really like how this range lets you mix bulb types in different rooms without overcomplicating installation or control, making it easy to build a practical lighting scheme.

The new KAJPLATS bulbs range is also affordable, ranging from about £7–£10, compared with older TRÅDFRI bulbs that often sold from around £7–£15 for similar fittings before being phased out.

Shop IKEA smart bulbs

IKEA's smart home sensors

IKEA has also introduced five new sensors to monitor the home environment and improve safety.

These include motion sensors, door and window sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, air quality monitors, and water leakage detectors. The ALPSTUGA air quality sensor stands out for us thanks to its clever features:

• Measures CO₂, particulate matter, temperature and humidity
• Can integrate with Matter hubs to trigger devices such as air purifiers
• Combines multiple environmental measurements in one device, making it versatile for everyday home use

Other sensors in the range include MYGGSPRAY motion sensors, MYGGBETT door/window sensors, TIMMERFLOTTE temperature and humidity sensors, and KLIPPBOK water leak sensors for high-risk areas.

We’re particularly interested in this range because it focuses on practical solutions to problems homeowners face every day, such as brightening a dark hallway, improving kitchen ventilation, or preventing bathroom leaks and damp. The sensors make these challenges easier to manage without complex setups.

The new sensors are priced between £5 and £25, which is comparable to the older TRÅDFRI models and keeps them accessible for homeowners looking to deploy multiple sensors across a home.

Shop Ikea smart sensors

IKEA's smart control devices

IKEA’s updated range of control devices allows users to operate smart home products from a distance and manage multiple devices or preset scenes.

These include individual remotes and remote kits that work with Matter-enabled hubs. The BILRESA remote control with dual button is one that stood out for us.

• Switches lights on or off, adjusts brightness, changes colour, and triggers preset scenes
• Works with Matter-enabled hubs to control other Matter-compatible devices
• Simple and compact design for use across multiple rooms

Other devices in the range include the BILRESA remote with scroll wheel, which allows more granular control of brightness, colour, or groups of devices, and BILRESA remote control kits with multiple units in different colours for controlling several devices or rooms.

These remotes are great for homeowners who want manual control in addition to automation, or for multi-room setups that don't require a phone app for every adjustment.

The BILRESA remotes cost around £3–£10, so they can actually be cheaper than the older TRÅDFRI remotes that typically retailed for about £8–£10 in the UK, making it easier to outfit multiple rooms without a high expense.

Shop IKEA smart control devices

Additional products and compatibility

Beyond these smart home tech highlights, IKEA has updated or added additional smart plugs, remote kits and accessories designed to integrate older TRÅDFRI devices into the Matter ecosystem.

This is significant for homeowners and renovators planning phased upgrades or retrofits, as devices from different brands can now operate together within a single system. The launch demonstrates a focus on flexibility, reflecting wider trends in the smart home market.

All of which means you can mix new and older devices without redoing your setup, making smart homes cheaper, more achievable, and less intimidating.

You may have identified your dream tiles for tiling a kitchen wall, splashback or floor in your home – but choosing the ideal tiling patterns when laying your tiles will be just as important to the finished look of the space.

There are several popular tiling patterns, including straight lay, running bond, diagonal, herringbone, basketweave and chevron. Each option has implications for the laying process, finished look and function of the tiled surface.

We asked tiling experts about the pros and cons of the most popular tile patterns – and how each layout could play into your home renovation.

1. Straight lay

In a straight lay pattern, square or rectangular tiles of equal size are laid in a simple, continuous grid, with all of the joints lining up perfectly.

“We call this pattern ‘square bond’, and it’s normally the easiest to lay because you just lay each tile to follow the joints of the last,” says Ryan Renforth of R.I Tiling Specialists. “You can work out your cuts for the edge tiles easily, because they’ll all be one size.”

Ryan advises that a straight lay pattern tends to look best with large tiles. “If you’re using smaller tiles, I’d usually recommend a brick bond layout instead,” he says.

According to Kate Cadman, Collections Curator at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, which runs Jackfield Tile Museum, the availability of square tiles boomed during the industrial revolution, as mass producers set up shop in areas including Shropshire and Staffordshire.

“Manufacturers offered mix-and-match square tiles, often 6 x 6 inches, with certain standard colours and repeating patterns that could be put together in different arrangements,” she says. “This provided options for doing hallways, square rooms, tiling a wall and various other uses, depending on how the tiles were laid out.”

2. Running bond (brick or offset)

Running bond tiling is set out like brickwork, with a few variations offering slightly different looks and structural qualities. You’ll recognise this category of tiling patterns from public spaces such as underground stations, as well as home interiors.

“It’s often done using subway-style metro tiles, which are normally rectangular and straight,” says Ryan Renforth.

The key variants of running bond are:

• Brick bond – each row is offset by 50% of a tile’s width from the row above
• Offset bond – each row offset by less than 50%
• Third bond – each row is offset by one third

Traditionally, running bond patterns are laid horizontally, but vertical arrangements are increasingly popular.

Whatever the orientation, these patterns are mostly used on walls, often when tiling bathrooms or kitchens. This is linked to their structural strength, with each tile supported by two tiles beneath it, as well as by adhesive. With that said, running bond is sometimes used with floor tiles too – especially with large kitchen floor tiles.

“Wall patterns like brickwork with alternate courses give you a stronger bond onto the wall,” says Kate Cadman. “If the tiles were in a grid, one tile getting loose means the tile above it is not supported.”

If using a running bond laying pattern, think carefully about the size of the tiles. “Doing it with big tiles can make a room feel smaller, whereas using smaller tiles can make the space feel large,” advises Ryan Renforth.

Shop for tile laying kit

3. Diagonal

Much like tile materials or tile decoration, a tile laying pattern can be an aesthetic feature which adds beauty, interest or movement to an interior design.

One popular option for visual impact is a diagonal (or ‘diamond’) laying pattern, which is essentially a straight lay pattern on a tilt.

“We call this pattern ‘on the 45’, as the tiles are at a 45-degree angle,” says Ryan Renforth. “Over the last 20 years or so it has fallen out of fashion in wall tiling, but it’s really effective for traditional floor tiling with natural stone tiles, or in a checkerboard pattern with two colours.”

A diagonal or diamond laying pattern is commonly used in small spaces such as in hallway flooring ideas, with its diagonal lines producing the illusion of a larger area. The main downside is that cutting the triangular edge pieces is relatively difficult and can lead to considerable wastage.

4. Herringbone

Herringbone tiling has made a style statement in lovingly decorated homes since ancient times, seeing spikes in popularity in the Victorian period and the early 20th century.

“You see little bits of herringbone in Medieval tiling, and I think in some cases it’s actually practical in that it gives you a better surface, especially on floors,” says Kate Cadman. “If tiles are in a grid of straight lines you can get faults running through them, whereas with herringbone the pressure is spread differently so you get a stronger surface.”

Traditionally, a herringbone pattern is made up of diagonally zig-zagging rows of tiles which nest vertically into angled columns, reminiscent of a herring’s ribs.

“It’s all the rage at the moment, but it’s also one of the most difficult patterns to lay – a lot of tilers don’t do it because they find it too tricky, particularly when it comes to wrapping the pattern around corners on walls,” says Ryan Renforth.

“You can make the job easier by doing a straight herringbone pattern which is at 90 degrees, so all of the cuts that meet the walls are straight. But the traditional 45-degree herringbone with angled cuts at the sides is probably the more popular option.”

5. Basketweave

Among the more sophisticated tiling patterns currently favoured by many interior designers, a basketweave layout uses multiple tile sizes to create a weave or lattice effect.

“This style seems to be getting a little more popular – we’ve done a few basketweave floors in recent years,” says Ryan Renforth. “It’s a lot easier to lay than herringbone or chevron. Assuming you’re using rectangular tiles, it’s just a repetitive pattern and straight cuts for the edge tiles.”

Basketweave is a traditional pattern, previously popular in arts and crafts homes. Some homeowners simply straight lay a grid of tiles printed with a basketweave design to approximate the look of this laying pattern with minimal effort.

6. Chevron

Not to be confused with herringbone, a chevron laying pattern is made up of zig-zag rows where each tile meets the tiles on either side with a vertical join, creating a V-shaped pattern.

“This pattern came into fashion a while back, but seems to have disappeared over the last five years while a lot of people been going for herringbone instead,” says Ryan Renforth. “It looks good but is possibly the most difficult of all patterns to lay, because getting the angles right is really tricky.”

The history of chevron patterns in tiling and household decoration goes back centuries, possibly with chivalric roots, according to Kate Cadman.

Key considerations when choosing a laying pattern

Above all, choosing the best tile pattern for your flooring or wall is a matter of personal taste. A tiled surface can be purely functional, or it can be for a decorative feature wall, providing opportunity to put your stamp on large areas of the home.

“Sometimes the reasons to lay tiles in a certain pattern are practical, sometimes they’re aesthetic, and it’s often a combination of both,” confirms Kate Cadman.

With that said, there are some practical factors to bear in mind. More complicated laying patterns such as chevron or diagonal tend to add cost, due to increased tile wastage and labour (and possibly a smaller choice of willing tilers!) Some patterns require tiles in a specific shape, as is true of herringbone, which must be made up of rectangular tiles.

Also consider the grout lines that will be created by your chosen laying pattern, as these may stand out more than the tiles themselves. The lines can draw the eye or make a space feel larger, so you might choose to highlight them with a contrasting grout colour for heightened effect.

FAQs

What’s the best way to choose a tiling pattern to suit a period property?

If you're renovating a Victorian house or period property, you might choose to lay tiles in patterns that match trends from the building’s era. Kate Cadman recommends seeking advice from an expert source such as the Tiles & Architectural Ceramics Society, as it can be difficult to find clear information on how certain laying patterns have been used during specific periods.

Where a historic property has retained original features that you’d like to make a focus, architect, Theo Jones, of Fynn suggests taking a ‘less is more’ approach to choosing a tile laying pattern.

“Always focus on what best supports the architecture, not just what looks good on Pinterest,” he says, “and consider that you’re often paying for the glaze, colour, texture or material of the tiles. Over-complicating the pattern can distract from that material quality rather than elevating it.”

How can I make a complicated tiling pattern blend into an interior design?

Elaborate tiling patterns such as herringbone or chevron can make a positive aesthetic impact, but Theo Jones advises that it’s important to account for how the pattern is assimilated into the home.

“If a pattern ends into a corner and stops abruptly, it can look unresolved, so consider adding a border, a plain margin or a deliberate frame,” he says. “The Victorian tiled hallway is a classic reference because it nearly always uses a simpler border to make the pattern feel intentional. If the pattern can’t turn a corner without awkward cuts or obvious discontinuity, it may be the wrong pattern for that space, or it needs a border to handle the transition.”

Need more tiling inspiration? Read our roundups of the best bathroom tiling ideas, kitchen floor tile ideas and before you start, make sure you know the most common tiling mistakes so you can avoid them.

If you find knowing where to start with your home renovation and improvements overwhelming, it's understandable given there are lots of options available to you. Plus, it's even more important if you're renovating to sell at some point in the future.

To help kick start your plans, we asked industry experts what their predictions are for the jobs, features or changes homeowners are prioritising in 2026. After all, understanding what people are prioritising can help you narrow down what you need or want to do in your home.

From elevating flooring, to drilling down into how your home performs, here's what you can expect to see homeowners prioritising in 2026.

1. Zoning will replace open plan layouts

While open plan living was once the most popular layout for homeowners looking to extend, renovate, or even self build, recent years have seen a decline in the appeal of the one-space-suits-all approach.

Whether this was triggered by the realisation that everyone trying to operate in one space during the pandemic was untenable, or the fact we prefer our homes to be sanctuaries full of cosy corners, we now look to broken plan layouts more.

“In 2026 homeowners are prioritising homes that are simpler to run, more comfortable in every season, and more adaptable to changing routines," says Ran Ankory, founder and managing director of Scenario Architecture.

"We are being commissioned for more full house renovations where the brief is not just a new kitchen or a prettier finish, but a genuine upgrade in how the home performs and how it supports day to day life.

“We are seeing a clear shift toward purposeful re-planning of spaces," he continues. "Homeowners want better zoning rather than one vast open space, so the house can shift between family life, focused work, and hosting without feeling cluttered or noisy.

"Families need spaces that can shift throughout the day: school bags and homework after 4pm, cooking and connection in the evening, and calm corners when the house is busy at the weekend," he explains.

It's also a trend that's been noticed by Emily Newmarch, design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways

“We’re seeing homeowners take a more holistic view of their homes, focusing on the flow of entire ground floors rather than just single rooms," she agrees.

But does the requirement for zones, or enclosed rooms mean we will be extending our homes more? Not necessarily says Emily. "People want smarter use of space, meaning often a reconfiguration is just as powerful as an extension.”

Shop room divider solutions to help with zoning

2. Bathrooms are most likely to get a glow-up

When it comes to the room homeowners will prioritise in 2026, according to recent research from Wickes, nearly a third (31%) of us are hoping to tackle a bathroom renovation this year.

So what can you do if this is top of your priorities too? A good place to start is by looking into bathroom trends, as this will partially dictate what you will find to buy for your bathroom. Do you want a wet room or a walk-in shower? Is a freestanding bath your goal, or is a luxury bathroom a must?

Whatever your final specification, make sure you get granular on the details says Grazzie Wilson, creative director at Ca' Pietra.

"It's the detailing that quietly completes a bathroom," she says. "Grout colour for example alters the tone of the design; a gentle, tonal shade allows the tile to settle into the space, while a contrasting line draws attention to pattern or geometry.

"Trims and edge treatments should feel integrated, especially where tiled areas meet painted walls or the adjoining room. In older properties, tiles can complement the architectural language by adjusting the layout or choosing materials that echo the era without feeling pastiche," suggests Grazzie.

Not in need of a bathroom upgrade? It's perhaps no surprise that according to the Wickes survey which questioned 2000 homeowners, 23% of us will instead be looking at a kitchen renovation, 17% at enhancing home storage, while garden landscaping ideas will also be on the cards for 17% of homes.

3. Kitchens will have to work harder and smarter

But, it's not just any kitchen upgrade that homeowners are seeking in 2026 say the experts. In much the same way that we are taking a holistic approach to our overall home improvements, so we are looking at kitchens through a larger lens.

"Clients want kitchens that work harder with walk in pantries, utility rooms and clever storage built in from the start," confirms Ran Ankory. As the most expensive room to renovate in a house, it's perhaps no surprise that we expect the most we can get for our money.

"There’s certainly a strong appetite for multifunctional spaces such as open-plan kitchen-living areas, sculleries, walk-in pantries and utility rooms that double as boot rooms," agrees Emily Newmarch.

"We predict kitchen-led renovations will continue to dominate, and glazing choices that maximise light, such as structural glass or slim-frame sliding doors, will remain extremely popular," adds Emily.

4. Energy efficiency and sustainability take centre stage

"It’s also important to look beyond aesthetics," says Wickes design consultant, Sarah-Jayne Thorne, and it's something homeowners are prioritising in 2026 as well.

"15% of the homeowners we surveyed are looking to embrace smart and energy-efficient upgrades such as smart thermostats and smart lighting offering both comfort and long-term savings," she explains.

However, rising energy bills coupled with changing climate conditions also mean we will need to consider how our homes perform in all weathers.

“Energy and climate resilience are now central to the conversation, and will continue to be so," says Ran Ankory. But, while once mainly about ways of keeping warm, it's no longer the case.

"Clients are also more aware of overheating risk in summer and want upgrades that deliver real comfort, not just new glazing," says Ran.

“In support of this focus on energy efficiency, clients are also choosing sustainable, long-lasting materials and being much more considered with where their money is invested," adds Emily Newmarch.

5. Wave goodbye to boring and bland colours

Despite Pantone revealing Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year 2026 – a soft shade of off-white – it's not really in line with other paint trends, or indeed what colours homeowners say they will be using this year.

"With 72% of homeowners rejecting the grey, cream and off-white colour trend, 2026 is all about colour," predicts Sarah-Jayne Thorne.

If you're in agreement with bland colours being old news, Sarah-Jayne suggests, "injecting bold colours and experimenting with popular hues such as olive green, teal, duck egg blue, sage or sunshine yellow to instantly revive your interiors and help create a more personalised look."

6. Flooring is flipped into the spotlight

While ceilings were a focus in 2025, with colour drenching and colour capping drawing our gaze upwards, according to the consumer activity flooring suppliers are seeing in their showrooms, we'll turn it in the opposite direction in 2026.

"Homeowners are becoming increasingly braver with their flooring choices, using it to inject personality and create a sense of individuality," Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring tells us.

"We predict they will continue to mix different patterns and formats, pairing herringbone in one room with wide planks in another, or using dark floors as a backdrop to bold wall colours.

"This approach allows flooring to define zones in open plan spaces and bring visual rhythm to a home," he adds, perfectly in-keeping with our architect's prediction that zoned layouts will be integral.

"Patterned layouts are also evolving, with chevron, parquet blocks and custom inlays emerging as exciting ways to make a statement. The floor is no longer a background surface but a key feature that shapes the entire mood of a space," adds Ian.

"Wood drenching, an interior design trend that wraps timber across floors, walls and even ceilings, is also gaining popularity," he says, "showing that flooring is no longer just a backdrop, it’s a playful, expressive element that helps make a home feel personal and truly lived in."

7. Bedrooms will be redesigned as retreats

"It’s been fascinating to see how homeowners’ priorities are evolving as we head into 2026, and the bedroom is really coming into its own as a space people want to get right," says Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company.

"What we’re noticing is that it’s less about following a specific style and more about creating a true retreat within the home. There’s a real shift toward bedrooms that help you unwind, with richer bedroom colours, natural and earthy palettes, and thoughtful touches that make the space feel really personal.

"People are also rethinking how they use their bedrooms," she continues, "with clever bedroom lighting and cosy nooks that support better sleep and daily routines, and design choices that reflect individual tastes rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.

"Furniture that can be tailored to a person’s lifestyle, customised to fit the space perfectly or painted in colours that bring a sense of warmth really help make a bedroom feel like it belongs to the person living in it.

"It feels like a lovely moment for bedroom design in 2026" Kate concludes, "focusing on wellbeing, warmth and personal expression in a way that makes a big difference to day‑to‑day living."

8. Lighting design will be carefully considered

As we continue to spend more time at home, lighting design will continue to grow in importance in 2026. Long gone are the days of a few spotlights, table lamps and a floor lamp being sufficient. Instead, the impact on how it makes us feel and how it can really make or break a successful scheme will make it an important priority in 2026 home improvements.

"There's no doubt we are seeing an increasing number of homeowners realising the importance in lighting and therefore prioritising it with interior updates in 2026," says James Kendal, operations director at KES Lighting & Home.

"We recommend starting with ensuring each room has a balance of ambient, task and accent lighting. Layering light helps define spaces, create atmosphere and highlight architectural features.

"Replacing a single overhead fitting with a mix of wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps instantly adds depth and warmth," he suggests, "while small updates like upgrading old fittings or adding statement pendants in the kitchen and hallway can make a home feel more refined and contemporary without significant expense.

Kerb appeal also benefits from thoughtful lighting," adds James. "Exterior wall lights or discreet garden lighting can transform how a property looks and feels at night, so don't forget to make this a priority too when making home improvements in 2026."

9. We'll undertake quick DIY projects for easy wins

For those homeowners who don't need to make massive changes, there's also a whole host of quick and easy upgrades you can prioritise in 2026 say the experts. And if we look at the stats from the Wickes survey, there's plenty of DIY projects we will be tackling in order to add more character and individuality to our homes.

"With 92% of Brits seeking quick, affordable ways to make their homes feel new again, an efficient way to do this is to look at storage space," suggest Sarah-Jayne Thorne. "Removing clutter from kitchen work tops for example can really help a space to feel fresh again."

But, if you feel the need for something a little more adventurous, why not be inspired but these other projects homeowners say they will be tackling in 2026:

• Paint the kitchen - 19%
• A garden make-over - 17%
• Create an outdoor entertaining space - 13%
• Install a kitchen island with social seating - 12%
• A spare room makeover - 12%
• Install smart home tech - 12%
• Design a home office space - 7%
• Build a home library - 6%
• Build an outdoor kitchen - 4%
• Add a cocktail bar or beer tap - 3%

Looking to achieve something more substantial with your home improvement plans in 2026? Start by using this advice from Ran Ankory to see what and where you need to make changes.

“Our starting point is always the client’s living scenarios. When you understand who wakes first, where bags land, how cooking and homework overlap, and where you want to retreat, the home’s layout becomes seamless and intuitive.”

And, if this reveals you actually need to add more rooms to your home, take a look at the different types of loft conversion to see if this could provide you with a solution. Or, for more living space, if your kitchen is already functioning as you need, why not think about a living room extension idea instead?

There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch and sticking one of the best house renovation shows on the telly – and luckily, in our opinion, the UK is home to some of the very best out there.

Whether you want to get self-build inspiration from shows like Grand Designs or escape to the Mediterranean with Amanda and Alan's Greek Job, there are plenty of binge-worthy options to dive into.

Ready to press play? Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite TV house renovation shows that will have you glued to the screen, along with trailers and details on where you can watch them.

1. Amanda & Alan's Greek Job

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are back with another renovation adventure in the sunshine – and this time, they're transforming a traditional Corfiot house in Corfu, Greece, into a family holiday home.

In previous years, the hilarious duo restored two apartments in Salemi, Italy, a townhouse in Moclin, Spain, and two €1 houses in Sicily, Italy (which are also available to stream on BBC iPlayer). But in Amanda's words, this property is the "worst" one they've had to tackle yet – despite being much smaller. You can expect plenty of their usual fun and banter along the way.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

2. Your Home Made Perfect

If you've ever struggled to visualise what your renovation plans will actually look like, you're going to love the concept of Your Home Made Perfect. In this series, two architects go head-to-head to create a dream space for the featured homeowners, which is presented using immersive virtual reality.

Once the homeowners put on the headset, they can walk around their house and see exactly what each room will look like once the work is complete – and they must choose just one of the designs to build. The show even features Homebuilding & Renovating Awards judges Laura Jane Clark and Julian McIntosh, and there are four seasons to get stuck into.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

3. Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country

Join property expert Sarah Beeny as she swaps busy London life for a 220-acre former dairy farm in Somerset, reviving the semi-derelict space into the stately home of her dreams. With four series available on Channel 4, this show is perfect for those days when you just want to lie on the couch and binge-watch something wholesome.

Sarah and her family hit the ground running from the very first episode – shaping their plans, digging out the pond, and getting prepped for lambing season. This show is too good to miss.

Where to watch: Channel 4

4. DIY SOS: The Big Build

DIY SOS first aired in 1999, and there’s a reason it’s still going strong a whopping 27 years later – now with The Big Build spin-off. In this heart-warming series, host Nick Knowles and his team of trusty builders work on community projects that are often overlooked and underfunded.

In the most recent episode, a Children in Need special, they help children's cancer charity The Joshua Tree with an ambitious expansion, including a gym, play areas, accommodation, and new therapy and counselling rooms.

Where to watch: Sky Go

5. Worst House on the Street

They say you should always buy the worst house on the best street, and in this series, property developers Scarlette and Stuart Douglas help families transform derelict and dilapidated properties into their forever homes.

The brother-and-sister duo share practical advice on problems such as damp and dated decor, as well as how to bring your dream home to life without spending an absolute fortune. With three series to get through, you know where to find us this winter.

Where to watch: Channel 4

6. Grand Designs

If you have ambitious renovation dreams (or are just an architectural enthusiast), then you’re going to love Grand Designs. This long-standing show has been on our screens since 1999, showcasing the start-to-finish process of major building projects across the country.

From factory-built houses and converted water towers to renovated lighthouses and a sustainable treehouse, this isn’t your ordinary renovation show.

Where to watch: Channel 4

7. Nicky and Harri

Documenting the highs and lows that come with every renovation project, YouTubers Nicky and Harri have racked up an impressive 110K subscribers who enjoy their relatable, easy-watching content.

After launching their channel in 2020 with a focus on van conversions, the pair went on to renovate an auction property and are currently transforming a chalet bungalow into an impressive two-storey house. We can’t wait to see what the couple get up to next.

Where to watch: YouTube

8. Renovation Rescue

Finding a trustworthy builder is one of the most important steps in a renovation – and this six-part series shows exactly what can happen when it falls into the hands of a bad one.

From bodged-up extensions to poorly built foundations, each episode focuses on a different home that’s been let down by a dodgy builder, with presenter Stacey Solomon helping the owners fix their homes affordably with DIY tips and tricks.

Where to watch: Channel 4

9. Homes Under the Hammer

If you like the idea of buying a house at auction, Homes Under the Hammer will give you a glimpse into the full process – from pre-auction all the way to the finished transformation.

Each episode features three to four different properties, as the homeowners give these run-down, auctioned houses a much-needed makeover.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer

10. Renovation Nation

Narrated by Welsh comedian and actress Ruth Jones, this series follows British renovators on their journeys, highlighting the difficult challenges they face while restoring period properties.

From a Regency villa with stunning garden views to a Scottish castle with a chapel where the homeowners plan to marry, Restoration Nation is well worth adding to this year’s watchlist.

Where to watch: Channel 4 or Apple TV

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching the before-and-after on a TV house renovation show, and we hope our suggestions above can also provide inspiration for your own project.

For more ideas, take a tour of this colourful, Miami-inspired home, which the owners say “brings joy to a little corner of South London.” Or, if you’re planning to extend, see how this couple used a timber frame extension to enhance their 1970s home in Kent.

Its that time of year again – not just the point where we look back at the highs and lows of the last 12 months, marvel at how quickly it all went by and madly scrabble to get organised for the big day – but also when most of us start to plan for what lies ahead.

While it is not necessarily healthy to compile a mile-long list of all the things you want to change about your life in the New Year, one or two manageable tweaks can often be useful – particularly if they involve house design ideas that could make spending time in your home even better.

With that in mind, I began to think about the New Year's resolutions my home would share with me if it could – certainly these are the upgrades I'd like it to magically make.

1. To be warmer

This is the number one resolution my home should have – while it is particularly bitter during the winter months, I even find myself having to layer up in summer at times.

"Beyond adding heating, my clients are also embracing energy-efficient upgrades and tactile comforts to make spaces cosy and welcoming," reveals Miriam Prada, director at Miriam Prada Interiors. "Soft furnishings, layered curtains, rugs and underfloor heating are all popular ways to achieve this.

"One client installed underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms and then layered window coverings in living areas, turning once-cold spaces into year-round cosy hubs.

Another added thermal-lined curtains and soft rugs to retain warmth in their drafty London flat. Game changer."

I plan on following Miriam's clients' lead and adding more in the way of draught proofing around my gappy front door, laying a thick rug in the dining space and investing in thermal curtains and blinds in more rooms.

Essential kit to warm up a house

2. To offer a better bathroom experience

Right now we only have one bathroom upstairs (there is a shower room on the ground floor), and with two teenagers in the house this is a leading cause of arguments. While we plan on building an extension onto the house next year in order to add another two bathrooms upstairs, in the interim I really want to implement a few small bathroom upgrades to make what we have a little more luxurious.

It seems I am not alone in this wish for 2026. Bathroom expert Andrea Clewett, co-founder of award-winning Showerscape, has some bathroom plans of her own.

"If my home had a New Year’s resolution, the bathroom would be first in line – and its goal would be simple: to be more me," she says. "We underestimate the importance of our bathrooms, and in 2026, this should change. It's the one room where we can really escape, whether it's lazing in a hot bath or taking a shower. We switch off and the demands of the modern world can be put on hold. So this year, I’d resolve to bring far more personality into the space."

For me that will mean changing the chilly grey shade of paint we currently have on the walls (I'm currently loving warm pinks), regrouting the tiles and having a good old declutter of the shelves which are currently overrun with toiletries well past their best.

Bathroom upgrade wish-list

3. To be better lit after dark

While there is something to be said for taking a less-is-more approach to lighting in some instances (such as not overdoing it with a ceiling-full of glaring recessed downlighters), I often feel that the majority of the rooms in my house are underlit.

The bedroom lighting in particular could do with some more wall fittings, while the single overhead light over the dining table does nothing for the ambience of the space, particularly as we have recently acquired a longer table. Three pendants would be far better suited to this set-up.

I have actually already begun to address this issue, investing in some new side lamps for the gloomy corners of the kitchen and living room, but there is still more to do to get the lighting design spot on.

4. To be more aligned with our lifestyle

In the 10 years since we last renovated and extended our home, our lifestyle has changed. Obviously the toddlers are now teenagers, but we have also accumulated pets, both now work from home and generally need space for more 'stuff', partly due to hobbies that have been picked up, but also because of bits and pieces we have inherited. What all this means is that the layout of our house no longer quite fits our needs.

"Renovations are increasingly about layouts that match real-life routines, not just style," points out Miriam Prada. "Kitchens and bathrooms in particular should support daily habits seamlessly. For example, for a client of mine I recently reconfigured their kitchen island into an L-shape, creating a breakfast bar and prep area – this instantly became the home’s social hub. Another client added a second bathroom to ease morning routines, dramatically improving day-to-day convenience."

For us, rerouting the hallway to enter the house more seamlessly is a job on the to-do list for 2026, as is adding an oak framed porch to take care of all the sports equipment and outerwear that is currently jumbling up the hallway. We'll also be adding a much-needed utility room extension.

5. To be less open plan

A little bit controversial this one. Having opened up the centre of the house during round one of the renovation and extension, to create an open plan kitchen, dining room and snug, I am now thinking about closing this space off a little to create more division. I plan on doing this by adding metal framed glass double doors between the snug and dining space. This will make the dining area feel more intimate and open up the possibility of using the snug as a home office or spare bedroom when needed.

In fact, when I spoke to interior designer Fiona Duke of Fiona Duke Interiors recently about her own plans for her home next year, along with dreaming of a swimming pool and stairs into her loft space, she too wanted a cosier dining space.

"If my home had a New Year's resolution it would be to magically produce a separate dining room," shares Fiona. "Open plan living works perfectly for busy families in terms of day-to-day living, but the dream for the festive period would be to have a separate dining space that you could lavishly decorate, ready for those special family occasions."

If you too live in a chilly old property, it isn't too late to look into the best ways to make a house warmer – not only will it make life more comfortable but it should also slash your energy bills.

With Christmas done and dusted, there's only one thing on my mind: getting my home decluttered ahead of 2026. There's no better way to start a fresh year than in a tidy, organised house, and this limbo period is the perfect opportunity to clear the decks (both literally and figuratively).

I'll be using this time to let go of unused items that are just clogging up space and to apply these Christmas decoration storage hacks to keep everything in tip-top condition for next year's festivities.

Dealing with the post-Christmas mess can feel like a mega-mission, so to find out the easiest ways to tackle it – and how to involve the whole family in the process – I spoke with a professional organiser and psychotherapist. To discover their top tips for getting your house in order, keep on reading!

How to declutter your home after Christmas

Feeling exhausted at just the idea of decluttering? Don’t worry – Becky Purchas, founder of White Space, has broken it down into five simple steps:

1. Understand your reasoning
"Before you start, get clear on why you’re decluttering. Keeping your reason in mind will help you stay focused when decision fatigue sets in," she says.

Ask yourself the following: "Is it to start the new year feeling calm and in control, to prepare for a move, or to make space for a growing family?"

2. Tackle the Christmas decorations first
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at the big picture, but starting with your Christmas decorations is the best approach. Before you pack items into storage, reflect on whether any pieces didn’t make it into the display, and ask yourself why.

If your tastes have changed or you have too many, Becky says it’s the perfect time to remove and donate them.

3. Put away your gifts
If you find yourself with too many gifts and not enough space, Becky recommends using the one-in, one-out method. "If your jumper drawer is full but you received a new one, remove the one that’s itchy, too small or rarely worn. This one-in, one-out method can be applied throughout the home."

There’s nothing worse than pulling everything out of your bedroom storage and losing motivation halfway through, but this handy tip makes decluttering simple and achievable.

4. Pay attention to high-traffic areas
"Focus on high-traffic areas, such as the living room or kitchen, to see quick results that boost motivation." Tidy that built-in storage space in your living room, or give your kitchen storage ideas an overhaul and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

5. Donate within 24 hours of decluttering
Once you’ve finished decluttering, don’t leave your unwanted items in a bin bag by the door for weeks on end (or hidden in your car boot, like me!). Becky recommends getting donations out of your house within 24 hours to keep the momentum going and prevent any backtracking.

If you're in need of some extra motivation, it's worth remembering that decluttering can also help with damp problems.

Shop these decluttering essentials

What to do with unwanted Christmas gifts

The Christmas period causes a significant surge in waste, so to keep things as environmentally friendly as possible, Becky Purchas says to rehome, repurpose, or recycle unwanted items.

Rehome: It might feel difficult or rude to part ways with unwanted gifts, but Becky says you shouldn't feel obliged to keep anything. "The gift was a gesture of affection, so you can keep that sentiment without keeping the item. Could someone else appreciate it more? Consider re-gifting, selling, or donating if it’s in great condition."

Repurpose: "Get creative. That novelty mug that’s awkward to drink from could become a pen holder or a plant pot. Look for ways that you will definitely repurpose items, but don’t keep them just in case you ‘might have a use for it one day’."

Recycle: If it's not possible to rehome or repurpose, try to recycle as much as you can instead of throwing it in the bin – just remember to check your local guidelines first.

How to involve the whole family in decluttering

It might be easier to crack on independently, but it’s important to involve the whole family in the process. Not only will this reduce later conflict about what gets thrown out, but it will also build shared responsibility and pride in keeping the house tidy.

"Lasting results come from the emotions and habits we associate with decluttering," says Becky Purchas. "Try to make it fun, especially for children. Turn it into a game, such as the first person to find 10 items to let go of wins a small treat (ideally not another ‘thing’)."

"You could even make the donation box a bit of target practice, or set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and do what you can in that time! Encourage the family to think about the people or charities who’ll benefit from their donations. Find ways to attach positive feelings to the task."

"Nagging or pushing others often backfires, so lead by example instead. Show how decluttering and organising your own things makes life better for you. Acknowledge any effort they make, no matter how small. These positive influences might take time to show, but they’ll create lasting change."

Overcoming guilt or indecision when decluttering

Decluttering can bring up uncomfortable emotions – especially when your possessions hold fond memories.

While she notes that this is a deeply personal decision, Eloise Skinner, author and psychotherapist, suggests asking yourself the following questions if you're unsure about what to let go of:

• Does the item continue to bring a feeling of meaning, happiness and fulfilment into the space? Is it associated with positive or meaningful memories, or does it no longer hold these associations?
• Is the item being retained purely out of guilt for not wanting to discard it, or does it have a stronger personal connection?
• Would the item have better use if it were to be donated, or is it an item that carries most of its value in the sentimental connection?
• Would the item be missed if it were gone?

Becky concludes, "The period after Christmas is the perfect time to reset your home. With new gifts to put away and decorations coming down, it’s an opportunity to create space and start the year feeling calm and organised. The key to decluttering, without the overwhelm, is to approach the task with a plan."

If you're looking for more ways to reset your home in the new year, our favourite living room storage ideas and loft storage ideas are a great place to start.

There’s only one thing sadder than taking down your Christmas decorations: opening up a box of tangled lights and broken baubles the following year. However, with a proper system in place, you can avoid this altogether.

Packing up ornaments may not be your favourite Christmas DIY job, but after exploring the storage solutions below, you'll be itching to get organised ahead of 2026.

To discover the best way to store your Christmas décor – so you can focus on decorating rather than sorting next year – keep on reading. From baubles and wreaths to lights and fragile ornaments, we’ve created a complete guide for you to follow, along with the products the experts actually use.

How to store fragile orgaments

To help fragile ornaments last longer, Poppy Duffree, Founder of Organised Interiors, recommends using storage products that are specifically designed for each type of item – especially baubles, which come in all shapes and sizes.

She says, "As an example, bauble storage boxes have grids that allow each bauble to be protected, ensuring they aren't scratched by each other, or shattered by the weight of heavier decorations." These can easily slot into your existing built-in storage.

Alternatively, Jordana Ashkenazi, Interior Designer and Founder of Element One House, recommends using shoe boxes with cardboard dividers as a cost-effective solution.

To protect your baubles without the need for plastic, she suggests wrapping them in tissue paper saved from gifts, old muslin cloths, cotton bags, or shredded craft paper.

Once you've sorted your decorations, it's best to store them by zone rather than by type. Jordana explains, "Organise items based on where they go in the home to make next year’s decorating quicker and less stressful."

Shop these Christmas storage essentials

How to store artificial trees and wreaths

Artificial trees:
Don't settle for the original box that's been hanging by a thread for who knows how many years – buy a specially designed bag instead, which has compartments for all the parts to ensure they don't get lost.

Poppy Duffree says, "Whilst many of these bags are soft fabric, we always recommend structured bags with sturdy sides so that the tree itself remains damage-free."

Wreaths:
Tempting as it might be to shove your wreath in an old box, this isn't the most space-efficient way to store it. On top of that, you'll also risk damaging your decorations if you put them all together.

Poppy Duffree says, "You can purchase wreath storage bags that specifically fit the size of your wreath, so you're taking up minimal storage space and can also be confident that your wreath is protected. Again, these often come with handles, making them easy to move in and out of storage areas."

To help preserve its shape, Jordana Ashkenazi suggests hanging the bag inside a wardrobe or on a hook.

How to store Christmas lighting

I don't know about you, but I absolutely dread taking down the Christmas lights each year – they always end up in a tangled mess that takes ages to sort through.

The solution? Poppy Duffree says, "Make life easier for yourself the following year by wrapping the lights around something sturdy so they don't become tangled. There are firelight reel organisers you can purchase for this, or you can simply use a piece of sturdy cardboard to wrap the lights around."

Jordana Ashkenazi says that magazines and padded boards also work well, which help to protect the wiring and extend the lifespan.

Top tips for organising your Christmas decor

If you want to stay as organised as the professionals, follow their quick tips below:

1. Use clear, reusable storage boxes: "This helps you see what's inside at a glance," says Kelly Moore, Founder of Cleaning with Meaning.

2. Create a simple labelling system: "Use either eco-friendly sticky labels or, even better, a set of colour-coded fabric tags to tie to each box."

3. Group your decorations: "You can sort decorations by type, such as baubles, lights and garlands, or by room."

4. Create an inventory list: "Keeping a small inventory list inside each box, or even a photo of the contents on your phone, saves time and avoids rummaging through everything."

5. Start with a gentle declutter: "Before packing anything away, take a few minutes to sort through what you truly want to keep," says Jordana Ashkenazi. "Recycle anything broken beyond repair, and donate usable items to schools, churches, or charities to give them a second life."

As an added benefit, decluttering can also help to reduce damp in your home.

6. Make a mini repairs kit: "Include spare hooks, glue, ribbons, ornament hangers, and batteries. A quick-fix kit makes decorating smoother next year."

7. Leave yourself a note for next Christmas: "Write a reminder about what to replace or purchase early next season. It’s a simple way to make next year more efficient."

How to prevent damp when storing decorations

To keep your decorations free from damp, Kelly Moore recommends storing them in natural, breathable materials that reduce the risk of mould. Elevate boxes off the floor, wrap fragile items in recycled paper, and use silica gel sachets to absorb excess moisture.

Jordana Ashkenazi concludes, "Storing Christmas decorations well makes homes feel calmer, more organised, and more sustainable. A thoughtful system protects memories, reduces waste, and simplifies next year."

For more advice on organising your home, take a look at these living room storage ideas and these loft storage ideas.

The last time we decorated my teenage daughter's bedroom was when she was three years old – she is now 14 and it is in desperate need of a refresh. We were planning on moving house up until earlier this year and so had been putting off many decorating jobs. However, we have now decided to stay put and extend meaning many very overdue tasks are back on the to-do list – including putting some stylish teenage bedroom ideas into action.

The bedroom was mainly painted white, although the wall featuring the original chimney breast had been painted a duck egg blue at some stage. What all the walls had in common though was the fact that they were covered in scrapes, fingerprints, smears of make-up and various lotions and potions and an array of ugly scuffs.

Decisions on the overall decor scheme of the room were made much easier thanks to my daughter's extensive Pinterest boards – and she had her heart set on an inky grey for the chimney breast, complete with classic panelling. Here's how we set about turning the idea into reality, step-by-step.

1. Choosing paint colours

This was a tricky task – we knew we wanted the chimney breast to become a bit of a feature wall, and my daughter was keen on something really bold and dramatic. We tried out all kinds of deep shades, from forest greens to stormy navy, but in the end settled on Railings by Farrow & Ball, a hue billed as being 'a softer alternative to black' and perfect for 'enveloping spaces'. If you are after grey bedroom ideas I'd definitely consider using this shade.

Finding a colour for the rest of the walls that would act as a warm, neutral backdrop for the dramatic dark shade was tricky – my daughter was adamant that it shouldn't be too white, have no cream or yellow to it and wasn't in any way grey... Not easy.

After much back and forthing with paint samples, we settled on Piano White from the Dulux Heritage range. It is really clean and, while there is a slight yellow undertone, in this particular room, it just comes across as nice and warm.

2. Preparing the walls for painting

As I said, the walls in this room were in a bit of a dire state and by the time we got around to painting them, they were also covered in a patchwork of various paint colours where we had sampled a little too enthusiastically meaning we had to use some techniques for painting over dark colours before getting started.

Luckily, the wall we were focusing on turning into a feature needed less in the way of prep than the others, largely due to the fact that the blue black colour would cover all manner of defects – we had opted for the 'Dead Flat' finish which is incredibly durable and hardwearing and is ideal for use on uneven walls.

A quick dust down and clean off with sugar soap, as well as a hoover of the picture rail, skirting and fireplace left the wall ready to paint.

Shop wall prep essentials

3. Painting the wall

Our chosen paint went on like a dream – the coverage was so good that we really only needed one coat, although we did two. This is one of the benefits of buying premium paint. I since tried to scrimp on the paint for our front door and really noticed the difference in texture and coverage.

Because the colour is so dark it was really important that we masked off the areas where we didn't want it – skirting boards, picture rail and, of course, the fireplace. I find Frogtape to be one of the best ways of doing this.

4. Getting ready to fit the panelling

This was a first for me. We did use a few wall panelling ideas in the living room where we installed tongue and groove boards to clad one wall, but in terms of grid-style kits, I had no experience.

Our particular panelling kit was by Richard Burbidge from B&Q and came in the form of 12 pre-cut lightweight pieces of wood, each measuring 12 x 32 x 420mm. The corners of each were mitred to fit together easily and all the installation instructions were easy to find on Richard Burbidge's website.

Before getting started we assembled all the kit we would need although, in all honesty, the tool list wasn't too extensive. All that was needed was a spirit level and a suitable adhesive. We used No More Nails. You can also further secure each piece with a nail gun if you want.

Wall panelling fitting kit

5. Measuring and fixing

I had originally planned on using the kit to create some bedroom wall panelling ideas revolving around three square grids set next to each other centrally over the chimney breast, but when I measured again, I realised this wouldn't work with the dimensions of the chimney breast – oops. Instead, we decided to to set two squares next to another with another below.

Once we had marked the position of the panels on the wall, we applied the adhesive to the back of the panels and stuck them into place, using a spirit level to ensure they were nice and straight – not easy given the unevenness of the walls in this house. We then repeated the process for the remaining panels.

When in place we checked the corners for gaps, although there were not really any to speak of. If you do find gaps, these can be filled with filler before sanding smooth.

6. Painting and finishing the panelling

Next it was time to paint the panelling in the same shade as the wall. There is no need for priming which makes this a really quick job.

Again, we used two coats, applied using a brush, but probably could have got away with one just as with the wall.

With the panels in place it was time to stand back and admire – as well as to hang some nice twinkly fairy lights to bring the whole thing to life.

FAQs

How much does wall panelling cost?

The cost of wall panelling varies depending on how much you are buying and whether or not you are buying it in off-the-shelf kit form, as we did, or having something custom made.

Our kit cost £25. Other than that there were no additional costs as we had the adhesive and paint already.

Struggling to decide what shade to paint your own bedroom? Take a look at our guide to the best bedroom colours for all kinds of styles to ensure you get this all-important decision spot on.

Have you ever walked out of the house and immediately had a nagging feeling that you might have left the iron on? If so, you’ll want to learn what a smart plug is, as it could save you the hassle of turning back and ever being late ever again. They can even help reduce your energy bills at the same time.

Whether you’re lying in bed and want to pre-heat the coffee machine, or sunbathing on holiday and want to double-check the hair straighteners are off, the best smart plugs can save time, energy and stress and can be used in standard electrical sockets.

Below, the experts explain what a smart plug is, how they work, and whether they’ll drain your electricity and Wi-Fi while in use. You’ll also find the pros, cons and top-rated products to help you decide if it’s right for your home.

What is a smart plug and how do they work?

"A smart plug is a small, switchable adapter that sits between a wall outlet and any appliance you want to control," explains David Miloshev, licensed electrician at Fantastic Services.

There is a relay inside the plug which turns the power on and off, as well as a small circuit that connects to a dedicated hub or Wi-Fi. When you send a command via an app or voice assistant, it is transmitted to the plug through your network, and the relay either opens or closes the electrics circuit.

"In simple terms, it replaces the manual act of pressing a switch. The plug doesn’t change the appliance itself – it controls the power being supplied to it."

Shop these top-rated smart plugs

What do I need to use a smart plug?

Keen to try a smart plug in your home? You will need:

• A standard electrical socket
• A compatible Wi-Fi or mobile network
• A smartphone or tablet with the manufacturer’s app installed
• A voice assistant, like Alexa or Siri (if you want to control it with voice commands)

Pros and cons of a smart plug

Before deciding to invest in a smart plug, it’s worth considering the pros and cons, explained below by Hayley Brown, Smart Home & Tech Expert at AO, and David Miloshev:

Pros

1. Can reduce electricity bills
   "Smart plugs are great for reducing electricity costs," says Hayley. "A common misconception is that appliances don’t use power in standby mode. However, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household spends £50 to £86 every year on electricity for devices in standby mode."
2. Remote controlled
   Smart plugs let you control your appliances and smart lighting from anywhere in the world, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
3. Tracks energy consumption
   Using a smart plug is one of our top energy-saving tips, as it allows you to track which appliances use the most energy, so you can plug them in during off-peak times.
4. Compatible with smart devices
   Smart plugs can be connected to smart devices and scheduled as part of your routine, such as turning on your coffee machine before you get up.

Cons

1. Relies on a stable Wi-Fi network
   If you don't have a stable Wi-Fi network, smart plugs may not work well in your home.
2. Only controls the power supply
   David says, "Another limitation is that they can only control the power supply, so they work best with appliances that automatically resume their previous state when the power is restored."
3. Security consideration
   To protect yourself against security breaches, be sure to choose a reputable brand and keep the firmware up to date.

What should I not plug into a smart plug?

While smart plugs can be handy for items like lamps and chargers, David Miloshev advises against using them with high-power appliances, devices that draw a lot of current, appliances with motors or sensitive electronics, or any device that requires a constant, uninterrupted connection.

Some of these include:

• Space heaters
• Microwaves
• Air conditioners
• Washing machines
• Medical equipment
• Refrigerators

Do smart plugs use electricity when off?

Smart plugs use a small amount of electricity when they're switched off, according to Hayley Brown. This 'standby power' will only cost a few pence per year, which is significantly less than leaving your appliances on standby.

Do smart plugs drain Wi-Fi?

No, a smart plug isn’t going to drain your Wi-Fi, as they use only a small amount of data when sending and receiving commands, explains Hayley Brown. Unless you have hundreds of them in your house – which is very unlikely – you’ll be fine on this front.

While smart plugs aren't the best choice for high-power appliances, they can be very useful if you want to control things like your lighting and chargers remotely – plus help you save on your energy bills each year.

Once you've invested in a smart plug, you might want to learn how to design a smart house or what a smart lock is.

I’ve tested a lot of home security cameras over the years, and the installation process has always been the part I’ve dreaded most.

Drilling, levelling brackets, climbing ladders, and committing a camera to a fixed position always made the process feel more complicated than it should be.

But the eufy C35 camera - that's on sale at Amazon for £44.99 -changed that entirely with one simple, ingenious feature that allowed me to mount every camera on metal surfaces around my property in seconds - without sacrificing performance or stability – making it one of the best home security systems I've ever used.

Effortless installation with one ingenious feature

The magnetic mount on the eufy C35 is the feature that transforms the whole experience. I installed three cameras:

• One on a metal gate facing the garden
• One on a metal driveway gate
• One on a metal post overlooking the road

Each installation took seconds – literally. No tools, no screws, no measuring, and no drilling into uneven, hard-to-reach surfaces.

The magnets are strong enough to keep each camera secure through wind and rain, and the flexibility to reposition them instantly means I can change angles or coverage without any effort.

This is a huge contrast to my previous eufy setup, where I reviewed the S3 Pro and SoloCam S340. Those cameras delivered outstanding performance, but installation meant screwing them into my property’s exterior – a time-consuming job on pebble-dashed walls.

With the C35, not only is installation dramatically faster, but the magnetic design also doesn’t affect performance in the slightest.

Crisp resolution and PureColor night vision

Once installed, the C35’s image quality stood out immediately. The footage is sharp enough to capture vehicles approaching from the road, details in the garden, and movement at my gates with clarity that rivals far more expensive systems.

The PureColor Vision night mode is one of the most impressive features. Instead of the typical black-and-white infrared, the C35 records in full colour even in low light.

This makes identifying people, animals, or vehicles at night far easier, and it gives far more confidence reviewing footage if something happens after dark.

Smart AI detection and local storage with no subscription

Paired with the HomeBase Mini, the eufy C35 offers a fully subscription-free security setup – something that continues to set eufy apart.

The AI detection is quick and accurate, recognising:

• People
• Vehicles
• Pets
• Faces
• Movements within activity zones

What surprised me most was how naturally the system works together. Cross-camera tracking links the footage as someone moves across the property, meaning I see a full timeline rather than separate clips. And with local storage up to 1TB on the HomeBase Mini, I never have to worry about monthly fees or cloud subscriptions.

Wi-Fi range: A small limitation

To keep things realistic, the C35’s range is limited to how far it is from the Wi-Fi, which maxes out at roughly 20 yards from the router or HomeBase Mini.

My gate cameras sit well within this distance and work perfectly, but anyone installing further away may need a Wi-Fi extender or a more central HomeBase position.

Is the eufy C35 worth it?

Yes – without question. The C35 has the fastest and easiest installation I’ve experienced, yet it maintains the clarity, AI intelligence, and reliability I expect from eufy’s higher-end cameras.

The fact that its effortless magnetic mounting doesn’t reduce performance in any way makes it even more appealing.

The combination of simple installation, excellent colour night vision, accurate alerts, and subscription-free local storage makes the eufy C35 one of the most cost-effective home security systems you can buy.

And as someone who has dealt with screw-mounted systems like the S3 Pro and S340, I can safely say the C35 solves the biggest issue I’ve ever had with camera installations - while still delivering brilliant results.

Even if yours is a shoe-free household with no pets, there is no escaping the fact that, over time, carpet can start to look pretty grimy, losing its newly-fitted, immaculate appearance – which is why learning how to clean carpet it on a DIY basis is a skill well-worth knowing.

All types of carpet need some form of maintenance and while you can obviously call in the professionals to help you restore your carpet's fresh finish, this can be an expensive thing to do on a regularly basis – particularly when it is quite possible to carry out the task yourself armed with the right products and know-how – as well as a little patience.

Whether you are keen to get your carpet pristine for the imminent arrival of house guests, are staring in horror at a newly acquired stain or share your home with four-legged friends who have a total disregard for the doormat, we have gathered together the best expert advice around to help you get the job done to pro standards.

How to clean an entire carpet

The main reason people tend to call in the professionals is because the prospect of cleaning an entire carpet, either within a single space such as a living room or throughout the home, can feel a little overwhelming. However, this is a job that can, with the right tools and know-how, be successfully carried out on a DIY basis.

"For a full refresh, steam cleaning is one of the most effective DIY methods," reveals Lynsey Crombie, aka Lynsey Queen of Clean. "Many steam cleaners come with a dedicated carpet tool, where the steamer sits in a refresh tray to loosen and lift the top layer of dirt. This helps revive dull carpet fibres and remove everyday surface grime without harsh chemicals.

"Another option is to use a carpet cleaner machine," continues Lynsey. "These work by spraying a mix of water and carpet shampoo into the fibres, then sucking the dirty water back out. They give a deeper clean than steam alone and are great for households with kids or pets, where carpets see more spills and muddy footprints."

Shop carpet cleaning machines

How to get stains out of carpet

From red wine and mud to pollen and sauces, at some stage in its life, a carpet is bound to be subjected to some pretty stubborn stains. Thankfully, there are ways of dealing with them that don't mean investing in a new rug to cover them up – or entirely new flooring.

"When it comes to stains, one rule stands out from the rest – blot, do not scrub!" warns Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare. "For stains associated with food or drink like red wine or coffee, a simple mixture of warm water and one drop of washing-up liquid will work, as long as you simply blot up the liquid with a clean towel afterwards. For grease stains, a small amount of bicarbonate of soda will work really well if left for a short amount of time prior to vacuuming."

"When dealing with stains, the type of spill makes a difference, but there are some golden rules," explains Lynsey Crombie, who goes on to reveal what these are:

• Always blot, never scrub.
• Use a clean white cloth to gently dab the stain. A white cloth helps you see the stain lifting and avoids colour transfer.
• Cold water first. Most stains should be treated with cold water as soon as possible to prevent them setting.

For more specific stain treatments, Benjamin Hirst, MD of Smart Cleaning has some insider tips.

• For stains like wine or juice, try 1 tbsp white vinegar plus 1 tbsp washing-up liquid and 2 cups warm water. Blot with a clean cloth. Rinse and blot dry.
• For coffee or tea use equal parts white vinegar and water. Again, dab gently, then rinse and blot dry.
• For harder stains like grease or oil, use cornstarch or baking soda, then dab the residue with isopropyl alcohol. Leave for 15 min, then vacuum.
• With mud, let it dry then vacuum. Use a mild detergent with warm water. Again, blot never scrub.
• If you're got pet stains, you want an enzymatic cleaner (try Nature’s Miracle). This breaks down odours and bacteria.
• With ink stains, try Isopropyl alcohol or hairspray (with alcohol). Blot gently using a white cloth.

Shop household stain busters

How do you clean a carpet by hand?

If you decide to forgo hiring or buying a carpet cleaning machine, there are still ways to get your carpet back up to scratch. In areas of light use, such as in the case of bedroom carpet, a clean by hand might be all that's needed.

"Use carpet cleaning sprays and solutions," suggests Lynsey Crombie. "Products like Dr. Beckmann Carpet Cleaner from Amazon are popular for home use because they’re easy to apply and come with built-in applicators or brushes to work the solution into the fibres. These treatments are ideal for tackling high traffic areas that look flat or grubby, such as hallways and living room walkways."

"Before any wet cleaning, remove as much loose debris as possible with a vacuum," advises Benjamin Hirst. "Vacuum slowly and in multiple directions to lift ground-in dirt. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda before vacuuming to neutralise odours. Dry carpet cleaning powders also works well. Brush in, leave to absorb, then vacuum."

Is it worth hiring a carpet cleaner?

Hiring a carpet cleaning machine is a common solution. Prices vary, but, as a guide, expect to pay around £27.99 per 24 hours for a standard machine. Bear in mind, this probably won't include the cost of the detergent you'll need to go in it and any accessories for corners and so on — however, it is a great way to deep clean your home as well as deal with any invisible mould.

"Once or twice a year, a DIY refresh with a rented carpet cleaner or a home machine will go a long way to reset your carpet pile," explains Scott Schrader. "Just be certain that you have the appropriate solution, and be mindful not to over-wet the carpet – over-saturating can leave behind cleaning residue resulting in dirt, or, in worse case scenarios, lead to mould, which isn’t good for anyone."

If it is just small patches you need to get clean, rather than hiring a full-size carpet cleaner, a small handheld model makes a great investment – plus many can also be used on upholstery and mattresses.

"For smaller areas or quick refreshes, spot cleaners are a handy tool," says Lynsey Crombie. "These portable machines target individual patches and are perfect for tackling accidents, stains, or high-traffic areas without having to clean the entire carpet."

"If you are only spot cleaning, a little spray bottle filled with half and half vinegar and water will work for cleaning up stains ,too" adds Scott Schrader. "If you decide to conduct spot cleaning yourself, I would suggest utilising a stiff bristled brush after applying the carpet cleaner in addition to a stack of clean microfibre cloths as your cleaning accessories."

Shop spot carpet cleaners

FAQs

What should you not clean carpet with?

It is important that, in your bid to get your carpets spotless, you don't end up doing more harm than good by using unsuitable cleaning products – particularly in the case of natural carpets.

"It’s best to avoid bleach-based products," picks up Lynsey Crombie. "While bleach can remove colour, it often damages carpet fibres permanently and leaves behind patchy marks that are worse than the original stain. Similarly, harsh chemical cleaners not designed for carpets can degrade the backing and shorten the carpet’s life."

"You want to avoid anything harsh, like bleach, or anything with a strong fragrance while cleaning up the carpets too," adds Scott Schrader. "The reason is simply that they can easily damage the carpet fibres and create residues."

"Avoid ammonia too," says Benjamin Hirst. "It is harsh and may damage wool. And don’t soak carpets as excess water leads to mould. Finally, steer clear of abrasive brushes that can fray fibres."

If there is one room in the house to avoid carpet it is the bathroom – there are so many better bathroom flooring ideas to choose from.

Keeping my home secure is a top priority, which is why I was keen to try one of the best security cameras to enhance my safety setup and give me peace of mind.

These devices are expensive as it is, and I've often been put off by the monthly subscription fees that most models require. That’s why it was refreshing to see that the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4 doesn’t have one and comes with a relatively affordable price tag.

After reading that this model was wireless (a.k.a. no messy cables), had motion detection, and offered security alerts, I was eager to give it a go. To find out whether it lived up to these claims – and whether it's worth the investment – keep on reading.

Specifications

In terms of safety features, the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4 ticks all my boxes, including night vision, smart lighting, motion detection and alerts, two-way talk, a siren alarm, and emergency calling. It can also be connected to your Google Home or Alexa devices.

Here's a breakdown of the specs:

First impressions of the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4

I was impressed with the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4 from the get-go – it was well packaged and had a high-quality appearance and feel.

Apart from a screwdriver for mounting, the device came with everything I needed to get started: the camera itself, a USB-C charging cable, three wall anchors, three mounting screws, a mount, and a printed user manual. You can also find the instructions online if you prefer, as well as helpful videos on Toucan's YouTube channel.

Since the camera is controlled via your phone, I also had to download the free Toucan app, but everything was very straightforward and easy to set up. I like how I can access the footage with a single tap, and that it’s all stored in the cloud so I don’t have to worry about backing up an SD card.

Setting up the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4

If you’re a tech-phobe and hate the idea of reading through pages and pages of instructions, you’re going to love how simple this wireless home security camera is to install. It took no longer than 10 minutes to get it up and running, following these simple steps:

1. Install the app

• Download the Toucan app and set up your account.
• Tap the “+” button on the dashboard.
• Press the “SET” button on your camera and hold it until the LED light blinks.
• Follow the instructions in the app to connect to your camera.

2. Charge the camera

• Open the plug cover and insert the charging cable.
• When the LED turns a solid blue, the device is fully charged.

3. Mount the camera

• Mark the holes on your wall where you want the camera to go.
• Drill the holes and insert the wall anchors.
• Attach the mount using the screws.
• Attach the camera, twisting the tightening collar and ring.
• Tighten the mount.

Using the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4

I've been testing this camera for months and have been impressed with its user-friendly design and reassuring security features.

I'm alerted whenever someone walks past the flat, which gives me peace of mind and helps me feel safe. You can even customise the trigger zone so you don’t get unwanted alerts from high-traffic areas – perfect for people who live on busy streets and only want specific notifications. If you don’t want to receive any alerts at all, you can also turn them off manually.

Another handy feature is the two-way talk, which lets you speak to someone at the door via a built-in microphone and speaker. Not only is this great from a security perspective, but it’s also incredibly useful if you have a delivery and need to give the driver instructions on where to leave your parcel.

However, if you have someone more menacing than a postie at your door, you can set a pre-recorded message or alarm to warn them that someone’s watching – all controlled from your phone, anywhere and at any time.

The 1440p video resolution isn’t outstanding, but it does the job for what I need and offers a 140° field of view. The camera also includes night vision which, again, isn’t the best quality and may not pick up all facial features, but I wouldn’t necessarily choose a different model because of this. However, I would avoid placing a security light behind or next to it, as this reduced the night-vision clarity for me.

Thanks to the IP56 weather-resistant design, you don’t have to worry about it getting too wet or too cold in your garden, and mine has held up well in all weather conditions. I hate the look of messy cables, so I was really happy that this camera is wireless (which also made installation easier).

While battery life will vary depending on usage, mine averages about a month per charge, and it only takes a couple of hours to power it back up again.

One of my favourite things about this camera is that it’s subscription-free – something I was particularly impressed with given its already affordable price. You can only review footage from the past 24 hours, but you do have the option to download clips to your phone so you can keep them forever.

Final verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable – yet reliable – security camera that helps you feel safe at home, I’d highly recommend the Toucan S4. It might not have the sharpest night vision, and you’ll need to remember to charge it, but these are minor drawbacks considering its security features and budget-friendly price.

It’s easy to use, quick to set up, and doesn’t require a costly subscription plan like most other security cameras. Measuring just 20 cm with a simple white-and-black design, I like how it looks on my wall, and the weather resistance makes it practical to use year-round.

If you buy multiple cameras, you can sync them together and monitor different parts of your property (inside or out) at the same time. Or, if you have an Alexa or Google Home, it integrates well with an existing home security system.

Before setting up this device, it’s worth reading up on where to place a security camera to make the most of your setup.

After years of warm metals dominating interior trends, chrome has officially made its comeback – and this autumn, you can expect to see it everywhere, from hardware fixtures in bathroom designs to statement accessories in living areas.

“Steel and chrome are making a confident return," confirms Massimo Buster Minale, Founder and Creative Director of Buster + Punch. "They bring a refined, modern edge with a nod to ’90s minimalism and the raw appeal of industrial design."

So, if cool-toned metals are back in style, does this mean that brass is finally out? We chatted with interior experts to hear their thoughts – plus their top tips for styling 2025's most fashionable finish.

How to style chrome fixtures

It's easy to achieve a sleek, polished look when you're working with chrome, and, thanks to its reflective nature, it can even help to brighten up your space and make it appear larger than it really is – particularly when combined with these modern lighting ideas.

Pretty and practical, this durable finish is also long-lasting, making it a sensible option as well as an attractive one. Here's how to style chrome fixtures in your home, according to Massimo Buster Minale:

In kitchens: "Pair solid stainless-steel taps, handles and sockets with darker cabinetry or stone for a strong, contemporary contrast."

In bathrooms: "Polished fittings against matt tiles or natural stone create a clean, elevated look with an industrial edge."

In living spaces: "Use steel lighting, switches or furniture detailing as subtle highlights against rich materials like wood, leather or velvet. The key is balanced, sleek, precision-engineered metal grounded by warmth and texture. A crisp, timeless finish that will remain lustrous, built to look as good decades from now as it does today.”

Get inspired by these chrome shopping picks

Is brass out of style?

Just because chrome is back in fashion, does that mean brass is officially uncool? Before you update your entire home furnishings, it's worth hearing what interior designer Katie Malik has to say.

"There’s definitely been a resurgence of chrome and silver tones recently, which is interesting considering the wider shift towards earthy, grounded interiors. Chrome offers a sleek, contemporary edge, but it can sometimes feel colder or more industrial. Nickel, on the other hand, is a softer alternative – warmer than chrome but still more understated than brass.

"That said, I still believe brass remains the most timeless and versatile choice. It works equally well in a classic country kitchen as it does in a modern bathroom. It complements natural materials like stone and timber beautifully, and it sits comfortably within both traditional and contemporary design schemes.

"In my view, brass and bronze have an enduring quality that transcends trends. They’re finishes that will always evolve with the home – never static, never sterile. Chrome might have its moment, but brass will always feel authentic, elegant and here to stay."

While chrome is having its time in the spotlight, after speaking with Katie Malik, it’s clear that brass isn’t going anywhere. It might not be the metal of the moment, but it remains a timeless classic that works well in most schemes.

If you want to give your existing chrome fixtures a new lease on life, it's worth learning how to repair a damaged chrome finish – and this expert guide has all the tips you need to make them shine again. Or, if you're looking for inspiration on how to try out this contemporary trend, check out these modern living room ideas.

For some people, the arrival of winter is a time to be embraced – a chance to hunker down and get cosy. However, others dread the lack of natural light and plummeting temperatures, not just due to higher heating and electricity bills, but also for the detrimental affect it has on their mood. For this reason, when looking at how to prepare your home for winter, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with some 'happy home hacks' too.

According to NHS estimations, around two million people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) every year, leaving them experiencing a regular low mood and even depression in some cases.

The good news is that, according to the experts we spoke to, there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent – or at least ease – the symptoms of SAD simply by making some easy and quick upgrades to your home. Here's what they suggested.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Before looking into the home upgrades and house design ideas that can help lessen the chance of experiencing SAD or at least ease the symptoms, it is important to understand what is meant by the term.

"Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when the body is unable to produce sufficient serotonin," explains interiors therapist and Feng Shui professional at InteriorsTherapy.com Suzanne Roynon. "Serotonin is the hormone associated with brightening mood and is stimulated by natural light reaching the retina of the eye.

"As days shorten, and the weather makes staying inside more tempting, our bodies don’t get enough serotonin," continues Suzanne. "This leads to feeling low and even depressed; a condition often described as ‘The Winter Blues’."

1. Bring in as much natural light as you can

One of the leading reasons why people find themselves suffering from SAD is down to a lack of natural light.

"As the days shorten, many people notice a dip in mood or motivation. Our brains are sensitive to light and rhythm, so when sunlight reduces, our internal balance can shift," explains Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr George Baldwin of GB Psychology. "Creating a brighter, more nurturing home environment can make a real difference. Include some window seats or think about positioning seating areas near windows, using mirrors to reflect natural light and keeping blinds open during daylight hours all help regulate mood and energy."

"Maximise every bit of natural light you can," picks up Holly Scott, designer and founder of Holly Scott Interior Design, best known as 'The Happy Home Designer'. "Keep windows clear of clutter and move bulky furniture away from the glass. Mirrors are brilliant for bouncing light around, and metallic details – such as a brass lamp base or a gold-framed mirror – instantly lift a room by reflecting warmth and brightness."

"A simple method for people who spend the majority of their time at home during the day is to actively seek out natural light by sitting, working, or exercising near a window and ensuring the curtains or shutters are open to invite the maximum available light into the room. It really does make a difference," adds Suzanne Roynon.

2. Make your artificial lighting scheme work harder for you

It isn't just natural lighting that can help lift the mood – your artificial lighting design is important too.

"One overhead bulb won’t do much for your mood in winter," explains Holly Scott. "I always recommend mixing table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights so you can adjust the atmosphere throughout the day. Warm white bulbs (around 2700K) make spaces feel softer and more inviting."

There are also lamps available specifically designed to prevent or ease the effects of SAD.

"Simulating natural light is the most straightforward way to tackle SAD," explains Suzanne Roynon. "Use lamps which give both daylight intensity lumens to trigger the production of serotonin, the hormone which boosts mood and then, at the flick of a switch, a gentle warm white for the evening to help the brain wind down for sleep. Regardless of the size of the room or home, it creates an optimal environment for positive brain activity and the feel-good vibes which dull days have a nasty habit of erasing."

One important note, lighting is highly individual and what feels good for one person could feel all wrong for another.

"Ensure that you know your own sensory needs around lighting and what works for you – particularly if you are neurodivergent, as one sensory soother might work for me, but it won't work for you," points out Helen Neale, therapeutic counsellor, parenting and neurodivergence expert at Kiddy Charts. "For example, I love a glittery lava lamp, but that might be a sensory nightmare for someone else! Sometimes we do need soft light to help us if we have been sensory overloaded elsewhere, so it is about trying to get in touch with what works individually, rather than always thinking that darkness is a bad thing."

Shop light therapy lamps

3. Harness the power of colour to lift your moood

It's no secret that the colours we surround ourselves with can have a direct effect on our mood, whether you are looking for the best bedroom colours or those for a sociable kitchen diner space.

"Choosing light, neutral décor colours will increase the sense of wellbeing during grey winter months, and indeed from a feng shui perspective, will always be the most suited to enhancing the positive energy of a home," advises Suzanne Roynon. "Strong, dark coloured rooms are best avoided, and especially during daylight hours if SAD is a concern. Darker tones in furniture, flooring and clutter absorb light, so even a white room will feel gloomy. It’s no coincidence that Scandinavian styling tends towards minimalism and paler shades."

"Colour can play a subtle but powerful role," says Dr Baldwin. "Soft, warm tones such as gentle yellows, light blues and greens can evoke calm and connection, while clutter-free spaces support a sense of control and ease."

"I’d avoid cold greys in winter – they can make a room feel flat and lifeless," adds Holly Scott. "Instead, look to warm tones like blush pink, olive green or terracotta to bring comfort and depth. Pale neutrals with a hint of warmth will still feel bright but much more uplifting than cool shades."

Shop happy paint colours

4. Create a sense of connection and flow

While there is much to be said for carving out quiet, restful, cosy spaces within the home when it comes to boosting the mood, overall, a more open, sociable layout tends to be the best option for battling the blues.

If you are remodelling, building an extension or renovating, consider knocking down internal walls to open up certain spaces to one another, or widen doorways. That said, if you want to minimise disruptive home improvements – something in itself that could cause stress levels to rise – there are other, cheaper and easier, steps you can take.

"If your home has darker corners, keep wall and floor colours consistent between rooms to help light flow," suggests Holly Scott. "Even subtle continuity makes a space feel calmer and more open."

5. Use different textures to create a cosy cocoon

Along with pulling in and making the most of natural light, what you want to aim for within your interior scheme is a space that feels like a joy to spend time in and one that will uplift the spirits, regardless of what's going on outdoors. Textures and layers of comfortable finishes can really help here, whether you are after cosy living room ideas or inspiration for a home office.

"Pairing good lighting with comforting textures, familiar scents and a sense of order can turn your home into a protective buffer during the darker months," explains Dr. George Baldwin. "Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about creating spaces that gently support your emotional wellbeing during these darker months."

"Texture has a huge effect on how cosy a space feels," adds Holly Scott. "Mix materials such as linen, velvet and wool for a layered look that feels calm, tactile and nurturing."

FAQs

What wall colours are best avoided to prevent SAD?

Whether you plan on a full-on redecorating project to get your house ready to ward off the winter blues, are looking for the best colour for a living room or will simply be investing in a few new accessories, it is worth looking into the shades that can lift the mood.

Be aware that certain colours can really make mood worse – particularly those on towards the darker end of the scale.

"Dark colours can generate a degree of overwhelm and its definitely worth limiting time in intensely-coloured spaces," warns Suzanne Roynon, who goes on to list the worst culprits as reds, which she says can "cause feelings of anger, irritability, stress and burnout," and deep blues, blacks and dark grey which can leave you feeling like you're "struggling to cope, with emotional troughs, depression and anxiety."

As the space in which you begin and end the day, getting bedroom design spot on can be key to creating a home that you love spending time in, no matter what season it is.

If you’ve ever stared at a tin of paint wondering whether to keep your skirting board ideas white or match them to your wall colour, you’re not alone. It’s one of those simple decorating choices that can make a surprisingly big impact – and one that interior designers are increasingly rethinking.

Painting skirting boards the same colour as your walls can completely change how a room feels. Done right, it can make a space feel taller, calmer and more contemporary. But contrast still has its place, especially if you want to highlight period features or add a touch of definition around the edges.

So, how do you know which approach is right for your home? We’ve asked designers to share when to match, when to contrast, and how to make your skirting boards work harder in your decorating scheme.

When to paint skirting boards the same colour as your walls

Why paint your skirting boards the same colour as your walls? For many homeowners, it’s about creating a softer, more considered look that allows the eye to flow naturally around the room. When you remove the stark line of white trim, your walls appear taller and the whole space feels more connected. It’s a particularly effective trick in small living rooms or spaces with lower ceilings, where that sense of height really matters.

"Painting your skirting boards the same colour as your walls removes visual boundaries and draws the eye upwards, rather than downwards," explains Lee Trethewey, interiors expert at Sustainable Furniture. "It’s a more modern and minimalist look, whereas contrasting skirting feels more traditional."

Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn, agrees that this technique can have a transformative effect. "It can make rooms feel larger because there are no lines to distract the eye, creating the illusion of a large space," she says. "It’s also a good trick in cosier rooms, where this approach can create an intimate, cocooning atmosphere."

Designer and paint expert Annie Sloan describes the look as “enveloping” and “harmonious.” "It’s especially effective when using heritage tones like soft greens, greys or stone shades," she says.

If you like a little variation, Annie suggests painting skirting boards in a slightly deeper tone than the wall to add quiet depth without breaking up the sense of flow. “Muted, earthy tones are very on-trend right now,” she explains. “Warm coffee-and-chocolate browns or clay-inspired neutrals make beautiful grounding trims that quietly complement the wall colour.”

Building on this idea, you could also experiment with soft tonal shifts or complementary hues that pick up other elements in the room, such as the flooring, furniture or window treatments.

Top tip: Before you commit, test colours on the wall and the skirting, living with them for a few days to see how the light changes them.

When to contrast your skirting boards and walls

Where matching tones create a sense of flow, contrasting colour introduces structure and a touch of formality. The trick is learning how to coordinate your skirting with your style of interior.

For example, in Georgian homes, crisp white trim can beautifully frame bold wall colours and accentuate period details. As Lee Trethewey explains, “Painting your skirting boards a different colour can help highlight architectural features and is much more traditional in style. This classic approach often feels right in period homes, where ornate mouldings deserve to stand out rather than blend in.”

According to Bailey Oates, contrast can also be a clever way to introduce personality to modern schemes. "Try painting skirting boards in a darker or contrasting shade to your wall colour," she suggests. "It’s an ideal way to bring in an accent colour that doesn’t dominate or overwhelm the space, and it works particularly well with neutral walls and slightly deeper tones on woodwork."

Annie Sloan takes this idea further, pointing out that contrast can be used to subtly shift a room’s proportions. "Lighter skirting than walls grounds the room and can make walls seem slightly shorter or more defined, which is great if you want a traditional, structured feel," she says. "Darker skirting than walls adds visual weight at the base, giving a sense of solidity and balance. This works beautifully in high-ceilinged or period properties where you want depth and contrast."

Top tip: If you’re unsure where to start, look for skirting board colour ideas that show how subtle pairings can completely change the mood of a space.

Shop skirting board paints

How to find the right approach for your space

There’s no single rule when it comes to painting skirting boards – it’s more important to find out what feels right for your home. Start by looking at the architecture and natural light in each room. Older properties with decorative mouldings often suit contrast, while contemporary spaces tend to look more cohesive when the skirting blends into the wall.

Flooring also plays an important role. Pale boards can look washed out next to white skirting but beautifully grounded against something deeper, like charcoal or olive. Think about how your wall colour meets the floor – do you want the eye to move seamlessly across both surfaces or pause at a defined edge?

Paint finishes are just as important as the colour itself. As Lee Trethewey points out, skirting boards act as a buffer between your furniture and the wall, so choosing a hardwearing satin or eggshell formula will help protect against scuffs and marks. These are often the best skirting board paints to use in high-traffic areas.

And if you love the idea of colour but don’t want to fully commit to matching or contrasting skirting boards, there’s a playful middle ground emerging in design: decorative borders and painted patterns that act as creative skirting board alternatives. These treatments take the concept of the traditional trim and give it a fresh, contemporary twist. From graphic stripes to bold blocks of colour, they frame a room in a way that feels unexpected yet considered.

If you’re renovating, you might be tempted to start removing skirting boards for a cleaner look, but it’s worth taking a moment before you do. In period homes, original skirting often brings a sense of proportion and character that’s hard to recreate once it’s gone. Where possible, repair or restore rather than replace. If the existing boards are beyond saving, you could consider skirting over skirting instead.

I've had video entry systems in the past, but never a standalone video doorbell. And, since moving to live on a relatively busy high street, I've avoided installing one for fear of late night unwanted notifications.

But, as I live in a first floor apartment and need to run downstairs every time the doorbell rings, when the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell became available for review, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and give it a go.

With claims of easy installation, wireless connection (even though my router is on the first floor) and a solar powered rechargeable battery, would installing it mean an easier life or not, and would it be the best video doorbell for me?

Specifications

It's important to outline the specifications of the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell, as these are usually one of the main deciding factors for homeowners considering which to purchase. In my situation, a wireless video doorbell without a monthly subscription plan were top of my list.

The EZVIZ EP3X Pro offers the following:

• Dual cameras comprising a 2K forward-facing lens with a wide 162° field of view and a 1080p downward-facing lens
• Smart human motion and package detection
• Two-way-talk feature with voice changer function for improved privacy and protection
• Colour night vision making it easy to see who is at the door, even when there is no outdoor lighting
• Built-in LED light on bell
• Option to hardwire or run the bell using the rechargeable battery that can be connected to a solar panel, or removed and charged via USB
• Zero cost storage as it is embedded with a 32 GB eMMC storage capacity meaning it can store up to 6 months of video history (based on the recording of 10 minutes of activities every day)

First impressions and set-up

The EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell arrived in a relatively small box, with two boxes contained within. A good start considering I wanted something I could set up quickly to avoid the sudden downpours we keep having.

Unpacking the boxes thankfully didn't contain any major surprises, although the one surprise was the lack of a full instruction manual. Instead, a small booklet asks you to scan a QR code to view the full instructions online.

I understand that this is a piece of home security equipment that requires a basic understanding of tech in order to install it, but there's still something to be said for having printed instructions to hand.

Especially as you have to flit between the instructions on screen (which are slightly blurred) and the Ezviz app during set up. The camera is designed to be used with your phone, so having to move between screens wasn't overly practical.

But, that aside, on first sight it's a good, solid looking video camera doorbell that I feel looks more expensive than it actually is. This was confirmed when one visitor commented how good it looked, and that she felt it must have a good camera because of this reason.

Setting up the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell

Set up of the EZVIZ EP3X Pro involves four stages:

1. Install the app
2. Power on the doorbell
3. Connect the doorbell to the app
4. Install the doorbell and solar panel if required

Installing the app, powering the doorbell and connecting the doorbell to the app are simple steps. Although it is worth noting that you need to make sure the doorbell has power before you connect it to the app. Unfortunately it's not until you work your way through the instructions that this becomes apparent. It does come with a cable to charge it, but could take around 4.5 hours to fully charge.

Thankfully, mine already had plenty of battery life left, so I was able to proceed without delay.

You'll need to scan the QR code on the doorbell to connect it to your Wi-Fi router, and then start using the app to connect it (have your password ready). You're then ready to install it following the most appropriate instructions for your property.

I opted to connect my doorbell to the solar panel so that the battery is constantly being charged. This involves loosening screws on the back of the doorbell and connecting a cable that comes out of the solar panel. It's not tricky, and doesn't mean you have to try and install it holding both bits. Each part has its own removable back panel, and it's this that you fit to the wall or door frame.

The solar panel needs to sit either above or to either side of the doorbell, again depending on where you will be fitting it. In my case, I was installing the doorbell on a wooden door frame rather than the wall next to the door, so opted to fit the solar panel above.

Although the back plates come with adhesive fixings, they also have drill guides if you are fitting them using the screws and rawl plugs provided. I had the easy job of just needing to screw the plates into a wooden door frame.

Once the plates are in place, you need to make sure the wire from the solar panel to the doorbell is guided through the open slots, so that the panel and doorbell can then be clicked into place on the backplate. It was a little trickier than I expected, but really not that difficult.

And, if you're worried the fact it clicks on and off means that the doorbell might get taken, it has a tamper setting so if it is removed, it will sound an alarm and notify you.

Once you've completed installation, you then have the option of installing a wireless chime in the house, so that even if the doorbell rings and you don't have your phone to hand, you can still hear that there is someone at the door. A handy feature if there are family members who don't have access to the app. As an aside, you can add family members to the app and share the device with them so that they can answer the doorbell if you're not at home.

You can choose the ring tone and the volume, and follow the same process as the doorbell when adding it as a product on the app. Scan a QR code and connect it to your wireless network.

Using the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell

As soon as the doorbell was fitted, it was up and running. Notifications on the app popped through as people walked past, and testing that it worked was simple.

When someone rings the doorbell, on my mobile it shows as a call coming through from the front door (you have the option to name the doorbell), you answer and immediately are connected to the camera.

The pictures are very clear and the wide angle shows a good stretch of the street. The camera pointing downwards would also be great if you have a front porch where parcels can be left.

Audio is clear both ways, despite the traffic noise, and once I'd turned off notifications so it wasn't constantly pinging on my phone, it's fair to say it's been a breeze to use. An added bonus is that can also turn down the level of detections so that it's not storing every single person that walks by – less of a problem in some homes, but essential for me when I live on a high street.

'Events' as the recordings are called are shown as images in the app and stored until you choose otherwise. It's easy to delete the events each day if you don't need them, plus you can save them as screenshots if you do need them for any reason.

There's also a live view function that is handy if you hear noises and want to check if there is anyone at the door that shouldn't be. This is also clear day or night, thanks to the colour night vision.

In terms of battery length, you can click on the battery icon and it shows you if the solar panel is charging. Despite recent poor weather, mine has continued to charge each day, plus there are power saving modes if you want to lower battery usage. As it gets darker through the winter, it will be interesting to see how much the battery tops up each day.

Final verdict

Overall, while set up wasn't quite as simple as plug and play, and the app itself isn't the most sophisticated or user-friendly I've seen, I've been more than happy with the performance of the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell so far.

My biggest concerns were that it wouldn't reach the wireless network as it it's one floor down. I was also worried that as I live on a busy street, I'd be inundated with unnecessary notifications and the camera and audio wouldn't be clear at all hours of the day.

However, the connection to my wireless network has remained constant and stable, the ability to lower notifications and completely disable them suits my needs well and sound and audio are excellent on both counts. In all honesty, my concerns have been answered across the board, and I've been left wondering why I've resisted getting a video doorbell for so long.

In terms of appearance, it also has a more solid look and appearance than some video doorbells. It looks like a video entry system rather than a doorbell, and I think this could be an advantage in terms of deterring anyone thinking of trying to gain entry.

And while you'd think on a main high street I'd be less at risk, it's not always the case. I had scaffolding up recently and on two occasions people climbed it late at night, meaning they were right outside my bedroom window. Needless to say I persuaded them to get down pretty quickly, but wasn't able to capture a picture of them. Had the doorbell been in place, they would have been caught on screen.

I also like the fact that if you're keen on setting up a smart home system, Ezvizhas a wide range of other products you could add into the system. Ranging from full security systems through to radiator valves and robot vacuums, you have plenty of options. And, if you want to integrate it into third party systems such as Amazon Alexa, this is also possible too.

Is this the best video doorbell without subscription to rival the Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 Dual Camera that Laura Crombie, Homebuilding & Renovating's Brand Director tested?

In my opinion, yes. It's solid, reliable, can be used as part of a larger wireless home security system and will clearly suit all homes, from larger detached properties through to city-based abodes.

The Harrogate Homebuilding & Renovating Show is set to deliver a substantial £766,000 boost to the local economy this autumn.

Attracting thousands of visitors, top suppliers, and expert speakers, the show has become a cornerstone of Harrogate’s visitor economy.

Industry professionals and local businesses alike praise the event for its contribution to the town’s growth and vibrancy, and you can attend with two free tickets worth £24.

Economic impact on Harrogate

The show attracts around 10,000 visitors who spend on hotels, restaurants, shops, and leisure, giving Harrogate a significant financial boost.

Paula Lorimer, Director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “We are delighted to renew the relationship with the event. The long-standing show brings together the leading suppliers and experts in the field and offers a great opportunity for homebuilders in the North.”

He said the influx of visitors not only supports existing businesses but encourages new opportunities and investment in the town.

Highlights of this year’s show

From October 31 to November 2, Harrogate Convention Centre will host over 240 exhibitors presenting the latest in homebuilding, renovation, and sustainable solutions.

Visitors can attend seminars led by experts such as Michael Holmes on extensions, Sally Tagg on planning permissions, and David Hilton on energy efficiency.

With thousands expected to attend, the show provides hands-on opportunities to explore products, gather ideas, and receive practical guidance for home projects of all sizes.

Industry praise for the Harrogate Show

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show's value extends beyond its economic impact.

Simon Cotton, Managing Director of Harrogate-based HRH Group, commented: “This is great news for Harrogate to see Northern Homebuilding and Renovating Show renewing their contract.”

The show’s reputation for quality, expert advice, and industry-leading exhibitors continues to make it a must-visit for anyone serious about homebuilding or renovating, while providing a measurable boost to Harrogate’s hospitality and retail sectors.

You can two free tickets to the show here.

Does anyone walk into a decorating shop excited about skirting boards? Paint colours, yes. Tiles, definitely. Even door handles get their moment. But those unassuming strips of timber that run along the base of the wall? They’re usually an afterthought, chosen at the last minute with a quick, “just something simple, please.”

Yet much like a good frame completes a painting, the right skirting board ideas have the potential to pull a room together. Get it wrong and it can throw off the proportions or jar with your home’s character. Get it right and it anchors the space beautifully, bridging floor and wall with purpose.

From the decorative ogee profiles of Victorian terraces to the crisp, square-edged designs in modern homes, skirting boards tell a story about the era they belong to. So how do you match yours to your interior style? We asked designers and craftspeople for their expert advice.

Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes

Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian style properties all typically boast high ceilings, generous windows and decorative mouldings. If you’re lucky enough to live in one, pay attention to your skirting boards. They can help define the architecture, echo the room’s proportions and tie together all those beautiful period details.

“In Victorian hallways and living spaces, ogee or torus profiles around 150 to 200mm high fit perfectly,” says Scott Godfrey, professional carpenter at Blackhammer. “They echo the decorative details of the period and balance tall ceilings and deep architraves.”

Gareth Davies, design director at Classic Interiors, agrees, adding that ornate profiles like ogee or egg-and-dart give the space a sense of grandeur, while Edwardian interiors benefit from something slightly simpler. “They’re still tall, but with gentler curves and less detailing to suit their lighter, more elegant feel,” he explains.

Top tip: When it comes to finishes, these period styles lend themselves beautifully to colour. For a fresh take, consider painting skirting boards in a darker or tonal shade against lighter walls. It’s a trick designers use to frame a room and add depth to interiors.

Period style skirting boards

Arts & Crafts and mid-century homes

As interiors moved away from the heavy ornamentation of the Victorian era, the Arts & Crafts movement ushered in a love of honest materials and handcrafted simplicity. Skirting boards became less about grandeur and more about proportion, texture and balance.

"Arts & Crafts houses can take a simpler approach," says Scott Godfrey from Blackhammer. "Think clean, linear mouldings that highlight proportion without competing with other features." These profiles work best in natural finishes, such as oak, ash or reclaimed pine treated with oils that bring out the grain.

Profiles such as ovolo or bullnose suit the modest detailing typical of these eras too.

If your home leans more mid-century, opt for a slim, unfussy board with a rounded or chamfered edge to maintain the low-slung, architectural feel of the time. Natural materials still reign here, but you can experiment with painted finishes in muted, earthy tones to stay true to the palette of the 1950s and ’60s.

For those designing with sustainability in mind, Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage, suggests exploring renewable materials like cork or bamboo, or recycled composites finished in natural oils. These options nod to the handcrafted ethos of the Arts & Crafts era while feeling entirely modern in execution.

Mid-Century Skirting Designs

Modern and contemporary homes

In contemporary interiors, the mantra is less is more. Skirting boards are pared right back, designed to blend seamlessly with the wall or disappear altogether. You’ll want to aim for a crisp, architectural look that keeps the focus on the materials and form of the space rather than the detailing. You may even consider skirting board alternatives to do away with these fixtures altogether.

“In modern homes, you can pare things right back,” says Scott Godfrey from Blackhammer. "Square-edged or chamfered skirting between 80 and 120mm gives a crisp outline that suits open-plan layouts and contemporary finishes. It keeps the look light and refined, avoiding being overly formal.”

For a truly minimalist finish, Gareth Davies recommends flush skirting boards that sit level with the plaster. “These profiles create that uninterrupted look that feels modern and spacious,” he explains. "They’re particularly effective in extensions, new builds and loft conversions where clean lines are part of the design brief."

Alternatively, shadow gap skirting is a modern design feature that can be used instead of a traditional bulky board to create a minimalist appearance. The effect is subtle but striking – a small, recessed line at the base of the wall that makes it appear to 'float'.

How to balance proportions and ceiling height

Whatever the age or style of your home, the proportion of your skirting boards can make or break the overall look. Too tall and they can overwhelm a small room; too short and they risk looking unfinished. Getting the balance right will inform how the eye reads the space.

“Taller skirting boards visually anchor high ceilings, giving a sense of structure, while narrower skirting stops smaller rooms from feeling boxed in,” explains Scott Godfrey.

Christian Ebbing, product manager at Parador, agrees that proportion plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony. “The height of a skirting board can alter the perception of space,” he says. “Higher boards add formality and grandeur; slimmer boards create a sense of openness and modernity. Matching proportions to ceiling height and window scale helps maintain visual balance.”

If in doubt, test it out. Buy a short length of your preferred profile and temporarily fix it to the wall to see how it feels in context. It’s a small step that can save you from choosing a design that looks perfect on paper but awkward in reality.

FAQs

Should you mix skirting board styles in the same house?

You can, but experts recommend treading carefully. Stick to a consistent profile shape and finish throughout communal areas, then adjust the height subtly in smaller rooms if needed. Maintaining visual balance across spaces is key to avoiding a disjointed look.

Can shadow-gap or flush skirting boards be retrofitted?

Not really. Flush skirting sits in a recess at the base of the wall, which is easier to plan into a new build or extension than to add later. Retrofitting these styles can be costly and messy, so they’re best considered early in the design stage.

Should skirting boards match the wall colour or contrast with it?

Both approaches can work beautifully. Matching tones create a seamless, contemporary feel, while contrasting colours frame the room and draw attention to architectural details. Gareth Davies from Classic Interiors recommends trying a deeper tone on the skirting to add subtle definition without overpowering the scheme.

If you’re renovating, you might be tempted to start removing skirting boards altogether, but it’s worth pausing before you do. In period homes, original skirting often carries character and proportion that’s difficult to replicate. Where possible, restore rather than replace. If the boards are beyond saving, consider skirting over skirting, a practical solution that avoids damaging old plasterwork.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Skirting boards have framed our rooms for generations, keeping walls safe from scuffs and giving every space a perfectly neat edge. But with modern interiors leaning towards cleaner lines and sleeker finishes, this familiar feature is starting to take a step back in the world of design.

Interior designers and homeowners are now looking for fresh ways to finish that all-important wall-to-floor junction and a new wave of skirting board alternatives is proving that you can have a neat, practical finish without a traditional trim.

From smooth plaster edges to contemporary wall panels, we’ve rounded up some of the most inspiring ideas to try at home.

1. Opt for a stylish shadow gap instead

If you're after a truly contemporary look, consider skipping skirting boards altogether in favour of a sleek shadow gap.

“Shadow gaps are recessed gaps at the bottom of walls that prevent the need for traditional skirting, which can be bulky and dated,” explains Mark Irving, building and renovation expert at Build & Plumb. "They’re most often seen in high-end interiors, as they create a minimal, shadowed edge that makes walls appear to float.'

But before committing to a shadow gap design, it’s worth noting that this is a detail that demands precision. It should be planned early in the build or renovation process and fitted by an experienced professional to ensure those clean, perfectly even lines.

2. Plaster your walls from ceiling-to-floor for a seamless finish

For the ultimate minimalist look, some homeowners are choosing to plaster their entire walls instead of fitting skirting boards.

“Running plaster or drywall right down to the floor offers a seamless finish,” says Sue Taylor, director at Complete Construction Products. “It works best with very even floors and precise workmanship, but it keeps the lines super clean and minimal. If you get it right, it can completely change the feel of a room and make it look far more upscale than it actually is.”

Mark Irving, from Build & Plumb, agrees and adds that this approach can also make a room feel more open: “Skirting boards aren’t always necessary in a modern and minimalist interior, as they can be quite bulky and make the space feel cluttered,” he says. “A skirting-free design can create a seamless and sleek appearance, helping it to feel more spacious.”

That said, this pared-back detail comes with a few challenges. Plastering a wall to the floor removes the protective barrier that skirting usually provides, leaving the wall base more vulnerable to scuffs and knocks from vacuums or furniture. Professional plasterers also tend to leave a slight gap above the floor to stop moisture rising through the plaster, which is particularly important on ground floors, where humidity and subtle movement can lead to plaster cracking over time.

Because of this, full plaster walls are best reserved for upper floors or low-traffic areas where walls are less likely to take daily wear and tear. When executed well, though, it delivers a beautifully refined, architectural look that designers love.

3. Install wall panelling down to the floor

Wall panelling is having a real moment in interior design. When taken from ceiling to floor, it creates a smart, continuous finish that feels bespoke and beautifully put together.

It’s not just about looks, either. “Because panels sit higher up the wall than skirting boards, they can be useful for covering small marks or imperfections,” says Mark Irving, from Build & Plumb. “They also provide an extra layer of thermal insulation, helping rooms feel warmer.”

Whether you choose classic tongue-and-groove, simple painted MDF or rich timber veneers, wall panelling has the power to add instant texture and interest to a room. And as Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage, points out, it can be practical too: “Wall-to-floor mouldings can create a fluid transition between surfaces, and they can even conceal wiring or include subtle LED strips for a soft, ambient glow.”

4. Try tiled skirting for a low maintenance choice

Tiled skirting is both a practical and good-looking choice, offering a simple way to give your room a polished, easy-care finish. Instead of fitting a separate skirting board, your floor tiles are extended a few centimetres up the wall to create a crisp, waterproof edge that ties the whole space together.

One of the major advantages of tiled skirting is that you can mop or steam clean right up to the edges without worrying about damaging painted woodwork. Once sealed, it’s virtually maintenance-free, as there’s no sanding, repainting or touch-ups required.

To keep the look cohesive, consider continuing the same tile up the wall, or introduce contrast with a darker base tile to subtly frame the space. Alternatively, large-format tiles are great for creating a smooth, uninterrupted line, while patterned or textured designs add a fun decorative twist.

Top tip: Wondering whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles for your skirting? As a rule, ceramic tiles are ideal for hallways and living spaces, but because they’re slightly more porous, porcelain is the better pick for bathrooms and kitchens where water resistance is essential.

Shop tiled skirting ideas

5. Opt for a sleek metal or flush profile

If you want the crisp lines of a modern home without removing your skirting board entirely, a metal or flush-profile trim is a good middle ground. These minimalist designs sit neatly where the wall meets the floor, creating a subtle edge that feels much more modern that most types of skirting.

Aluminium and stainless-steel profiles are especially popular, as they are available in brushed, powder-coated and anodised finishes and complement a wide range of interior styles. Their slimline design gives definition without distraction, so they’re also a great choice for high-traffic areas where moisture and wear might be concerns.

If you prefer something that feels a touch softer, flush skirting is another great option. This approach uses a very slim, square-edged board that sits level with the wall, creating a subtle shadow line rather than a prominent trim. Painting it the same colour as the wall helps it disappear almost completely, giving you that clean, contemporary look while still protecting against the usual scuffs and knocks.

6. Use built-in storage and furniture in place of skirting

Fitted furniture can be a clever way to do away with the need for skirting altogether. Built-in wardrobes, shelving and media units often include their own plinths or recessed bases, which naturally create a clean line where the wall meets the floor.

This works especially well in bedrooms, living spaces or home offices, where fitted storage already plays a central role. When cabinetry runs wall to wall, it creates a sense of continuity and order, as there’s often no need for extra trim or detailing.

Beyond fitted wardrobes, the same principle can be applied anywhere that built-in storage forms part of your home’s architecture. The only thing to keep in mind is balance: too much built-in furniture can make a room feel cramped, so it’s best used on one or two key walls to keep the space feeling open.

If you decide that traditional skirting still deserves a place in your home, it’s worth getting the details right. From cutting skirting boards to painting skirting boards, our expert guides cover every step. You can also explore fresh skirting board colour ideas for a more design-led finish, or learn how to scribe skirting boards like a pro to achieve that perfect fit.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you're old enough to recall the slew of quick-fix makeover shows that dominated our screens in the evenings during the late 1990s, you'll be no stranger to the world of feature walls. In fact, according to the celebrity interior designers at the time, no self-respecting living room design could be without one.

The most common way to achieve a feature wall was simply to paint it in a bold, often contrasting, hue in order to make it stand out from the rest of the room. No matter if the chosen colour suited the space or its natural light levels – or even if the homeowners particularly liked it. The main thing was, there was an accent wall, supposedly there to add character and personality.

All of that said, there was something to be said about creating visual interest in this way. We asked a range of top interior designers for their opinions and they came back with some brilliant tips on how to create an accent wall to be proud of.

Are feature walls still in fashion?

I am currently in the process of redecorating my teenage daughter's bedroom. She's been busy researching dark bedroom ideas and wanted the chimney breast to be panelled and then painted a deep charcoal shade, keeping the rest of the walls a warm white. Just as I was getting started on the project, I hesitated. After all, 2025 has been dominated by the colour-drenching trend – basically the complete opposite of a feature wall. However, after chatting to the design experts, I decided we were probably ok to proceed, with care.

"Feature walls aren’t necessarily out of fashion, but the way they’re done has definitely evolved," explains Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. "Bold, single-colour walls or heavily patterned wallpapers can feel dated if overdone, but a carefully considered feature wall can still add personality to a room in a modern way."

"Feature walls aren’t out of fashion, but the trend has definitely shifted," picks up Marta Balazs, interior designer at Embee Interiors. "Today, it’s less about painting one wall a bold colour for contrast, and more about creating a balanced, intentional focal point that complements the room’s shape, layout and existing features."

"Whilst accent walls aren’t over, think about the impression you wish to make and then set about finishing your wall accordingly," advises interior designer Benji Lewis of Benji Lewis Design. "Applying a coat of different coloured paint to a wall or covering a single wall with an ill- considered choice of wallpaper, just looks like you can’t be bothered."

How do you create a modern feature wall?

So it seems that feature walls do still have a place in the world of stylish interiors, but just how do you go about creating one that looks fresh and offers the timeless feel that those after modern living room ideas would feel comfortable with?

"Feature walls haven’t disappeared from interior design, but the trend has evolved," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck. 'The bold, single statement wall that dominated the 2000s and 2010s has been replaced by more creative and sophisticated ways to add character and personalisation to your home.'

"In most cases, I steer clients away from a single painted wall just for the sake of it," reveals Marta Balazs. "A feature wall only works when it’s intentional and integrated into the room’s design. Materials, textures, or tonal contrasts that work with the rest of the space tend to create a timeless, modern look that still feels fresh."

"If you’re set on creating a feature wall, think about using texture and subtle pattern rather than a strong, dominating colour," advises Debbie Leigh.

How do you turn a wall into a feature?

It seems that just painting a single wall a different colour and expecting eye-catching results just won't suffice these days, so exactly how do you turn a wall from bland to beautiful?

"Consider textures and materials like timber panelling, fluted detailing, decorative types of plasterwork, or even wallpaper with understated patterns," says Marta Balazs. "These will add depth without overwhelming the space."

"Linen wall coverings, woven panels, or textured paints can add interest – plus they have the added bonus of feeling timeless," adds Debbie Leigh. 'Another approach is to let fabrics inspire your wall by looking to a colour or pattern from your curtains, cushions, or an upholstered headboard to guide your choice."

"A single wall finished with a timelessly lovely panoramic paper (a wallpaper that depicts a scene) can add a great contemporary angle," suggests Benji Lewis. "Don’t overlook the colour you paint the other walls in your room – make your paper and paint choices blend as a whole."

Shop feature wall coverings

Consider wall panelling for a feature wall

It isn't just paint and wallpaper that can be used to create a feature wall – wall panelling ideas make a brilliant alternative.

"I’d definitely explore options like adding a panelling effect to a wall in a room were I to embark on an accent wall," says Benji Lewis. "Just apply strips of MDF to your wall to create the impression of it being panelled and then paint onto that, either in the same colour as all the walls, allowing the panelled effect to be your accent, or paint the panelled wall in a contrasting colour."

"There is a strong emphasis on texture and natural materials within interiors right now," adds James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Wood panelling, for example, is increasingly popular, offering a warm, homely look. Simple tongue-and-groove or Shaker-style panelling can adapt to different interior trends just by changing the paint colour or finish. When combined with paint or wallpaper above, panelling helps tie a space together, giving a room a more structured and cohesive feel."

FAQs

How to choose the right wall to highlight?

One of the secrets to success when it comes to feature walls is choosing the right wall for the job.

"Rather than using the largest wall in the room by default, choose a wall that naturally draws the eye, for example, behind a bed, a fireplace, or a seating area," advises Debbie Leigh.

"It’s really important to consider the full room, its proportions, natural light, and architectural elements, before deciding on a feature wall," picks up Marta Balazs. "A wall becomes a feature for a reason: it should emphasise something that’s already a focal point, such as a fireplace, shelving, or built-in storage, rather than trying to create drama where none exists."

Can you create a feature from more than one wall?

It is important to note that, in some cases, using more than a single wall to create dramatic house design ideas in a space can work better.

"Wrap-around murals are one of the most exciting trends in interior design, transforming rooms into immersive, atmospheric spaces," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Unlike traditional feature walls, these murals extend across several walls – and sometimes the ceiling – creating a seamless effect that makes a room feel larger and more cohesive.

"The beauty of wrap-around murals lies in how they remove visual boundaries, uniting walls and corners in one continuous story," continues James. "With modern, made-to-measure printing, designs can be tailored perfectly to fit any space. The result is a room that feels unique, expressive, and effortlessly stunning. Designs inspired by nature, such as landscapes and botanicals, work well because they have a sense of calm and permanence. A mural that complements the room’s architecture and palette, instead of dominating it, will always feel relevant."

Loving the idea of of a wrap-around mural? Read up on how to wallpaper to ensure you get a super smooth, perfect finish.