Homes & Gardens

The everyday cleaning mistakes ruining your home

Many homeowners may be unknowingly shortening the lifespan of their furniture through everyday cleaning habits, according to an interiors expert.

Patrice Gerber says some of the most common cleaning routines can gradually damage wood, fabrics and natural materials without people...

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A picture showing pot mice on concrete steps

Is there a rat in your kitchen?

Searches for “rat infestations” have surged across the UK following reports of a Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to new analysis.

Google Trends data shows searches for the term have risen by 177 per cent since the outbreak was first reported in April 2026, amid growing public concern about the health risks associated with rodents in homes and...

How Much to have Herringbone Flooring Fitted in the UK

Herringbone flooring has become one of the most stylish choices for UK homeowners, offering a timeless and elegant look. But before installing this classic pattern, many people ask: how much does it cost to install herringbone flooring or how much does it cost to fit herringbone floor in the UK ? In this guide, we break down the costs, factors affecting pricing, and answer common questions...

Best US Made Waterless Diffusers 2026 Lephrone, AromaTech, ScentAir, Air Aroma, Hotel Collection

Best Waterless Diffusers 2026 That Are Made in the US

The demand for waterless diffusers in the US has been growing steadily over the past few years. More people are moving away from traditional humidifier-style scent devices and looking for cleaner, more efficient solutions for home fragrance. In 2026, the focus is no longer just on how strong a diffuser smells, but on reliability, maintenance, and how well the system fits into everyday life....

3 Proactive Landscaping Moves For Your Garden

Having a garden of one’s own is undoubtedly a privilege, and one which, thanks to over 87% of us having such access , many of us take for granted. Often, they’re treated as nuisances to be managed, or functional spaces there purely to entertain guests for the three days of undisputed summer we get each year.

But with a more mindful approach to our gardens and the way we manage them,...

How a Fire Pit Can Turn Your Garden Into a Year-Round Evening Space

Most British gardens get used for about four months a year. May to August, if the weather plays fair. The rest of the time the furniture sits under a cover, the patio goes unused, and the back door stays shut once the sun drops.

A fire pit changes that.

Not in a vague, aspirational way. In a practical one. Add the right kind of heat to the right spot in your garden, and...

How statement lighting can elevate contemporary dining spaces

Well-chosen statement lighting brings drama and elegance to contemporary dining areas. Today's open-plan living spaces demand lighting that combines function with a bold visual presence. The right fixture helps define dining zones while creating an inviting, flexible atmosphere.

Lighting is no longer just a finishing touch but a crucial design element in contemporary homes. As more...

Cheap Student Accommodation in Newcastle upon Tyne: Ultimate Guide

Newcastle upon Tyne is a leading student city, home to over 60,000 students at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities. With living costs much lower than in London, it's ideal for students seeking affordable accommodation without sacrificing experience. From modern purpose-built studios to budget-friendly shared houses, the city offers options for every budget. This guide highlights the...

How to Find an Ideal Student Accommodation in Liverpool

How to Find An Ideal Student Accommodation in Liverpool?

Finding an ideal student accommodation in Liverpool is mainly about choosing the right location, ensuring the preferable accommodation types and room types, setting a budget, checking communal amenities, using reliable booking platform, and choosing lovely surroundings. The city of Liverpool is not as crowded as London, nor as...

No, a Bit of Rain Won't Undo Your Window Clean

It's one of the most common things window cleaners hear. The job's done, the glass is spotless, and within a day or two, the customer looks outside and sees rain falling. Cue the sinking feeling. Cue the message asking whether they should have waited.

The short answer is no. The longer answer is worth understanding properly, because the assumption that rain ruins a fresh window clean...

Navy Blue Wallpaper: How British Homeowners Are Making the Shade Work in 2026

Navy blue wallpaper has quietly moved from trend to staple in British interiors. The deep blues from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene now rival their bestselling neutrals, and the peel-and-stick specialists are seeing the same shift. The UK range at Livette's, for example, has made its navy blue wallpaper collection one of its most viewed pages for British shoppers this year, with buyers...