Thank you for visiting Real Homes. After many wonderful years of bringing you inspiring home decor ideas, tips, and advice, we will no longer be updating our website. We are incredibly grateful to all our visitors and contributors who supported us along the way.

While this chapter is ending, we hope the inspiration and knowledge we shared continues to enhance your home projects. If you want to continue to find amazing ideas, practical expert advice and much more, please visit our sister site Livingetc.com. Thank you again for being part of the Real Homes community.

Good news renters and small-space dwellers, the winners of Real Homes' So Chic Awards 2024 are here.

The competition was dreamt up so we could help our readers find the best and chicest furniture, appliances, decor, gadgets, home fragrances, and cleaning products for your small space. Whether you live in a compact apartment, small house, minuscule dorm, or an actual tiny home, these picks are just as functional as they are stylish.

We've browsed through tons of applications and determined that these winners are worthy of taking up space in your home — no matter how tiny.

Meet the winning products of the 2024 So Chic Awards

Below, you'll find the winner of each of our categories and why it's worthy of a So Chic Award. Our main judging criteria were:

• Functional: We want products that last and work really well. In small spaces, there isn’t much room to waste on picks that don’t work. We love multipurpose products and items that are top-rated at what they do.
• Stylish: Just because something helps you out around your home doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! We value products that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective.
• Affordable: Don’t get us wrong, we love splurging sometimes, but we get what it’s like trying to stick to a serious budget. Products should be affordable for readers just starting out, still living at home, or trying to save their cash.
• Sustainable: The planet really matters to us, and one of our pillars at Real Homes is sustainability. Our judges scoped out picks that make a difference, whether that’s through the product, packaging, or company efforts.

Best Luxe Mattress

WINNER: Helix Midnight Luxe

Sleep on a cloud with this luxurious pick from Helix. Loved by customers and reviewers alike, this top-of-the-line mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam with durable steel coils. Finished off with a premium pillow top, you'll really feel the difference in lumbar support. You can feel safe when purchasing as it comes with a 100-night sleep trial.

Best Hybrid Mattress

WINNER: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Not sure if you're looking for a coiled mattress or memory foam? This cozy hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding ensures you get the best of both worlds. The high-density foam and premium steel coils are assembled in-house and layered under a breathable quilted top. The bed-in-a-box delivery includes free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.

Best Pillow

WINNER: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

With 4.8 stars and over 14,000 reviews, this hybrid pillow from Panda is a real revelation. This orthopedic-grade pillow is made with unique bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam which contours to your sleeping position. It's also filled with Active O2 Micro-pods™ which enhance breathability throughout the night.

Best Mattress topper

WINNER: Nolah Mattress Topper

Add some extra comfort to your bed with a comfy mattress topper, like this highly-rated option from Nolah. We were impressed by the premium AirFoam™️ technology which promises to be 300% more durable and dissipate heat 20% faster than traditional memory foam.

Best Comforter

WINNER: Sleepy's Signature Cloud Puffer Comforter

Dive into this light and fluffy comforter for best nights sleep. Our judging panel liked how full this comforter is, with 300 grams per square meter polyester fill. The microfiber fabric is soft to the touch and is available in cool gray, warm beige, and sage green.

Best Bedding

WINNER: The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

Turn your room into a luxe hotel with this sheet set from The Company Store. Made with 100% combed cotton percale, these 300-thread count sheets feel crisp and cool. Our panel appreciated how many colorways are available with everything from rich blues to pastel pinks.

Best in Bedroom

WINNER: Zinus Linda Wood Platform Bed Frame

Made from solid wood, this platform bed frame from Zinus is a pretty great option for small space dwellers. You don't need a box spring so you can save yourself an additional purchase. The Real Homes team appreciates that it is delivered in one compact, easy-to-maneuver box. Plus, it's easy to assemble in under an hour and tools are included.

Best in Cleaning

WINNER: Dyson WashG1

Dyson is back with yet another fan-favorite machine. This high-tech floor cleaner removes both wet and dry debris in one go, for your easiest Sunday reset ever. It covers up to 290sqm with one tank and is easy to maneuver around the house as it effortlessly glides under furniture. 

Best in Fragrance

WINNER: Voluspa Classic Candle Refill - California Summers

Say goodbye to buying bulky candles over and over again, wasting bulky packaging. This clever candle refill from Voluspa cuts back on waste and is easy to use. Just pop it into place and start burning. Our panel loved the fresh summery scent.

Best in Furniture

WINNER: Zinus Luca Reversible Chaise Sectional Sofa

Stuck in a small apartment with awkward spaces? This sectional sofa from Zinus is the perfect solution as you can customize the layout to a design that fits your needs. It's easy to assemble with four modular components- simply secure the brackets into place, no tools needed. 

Best in Kitchen

WINNER: Terra Kaffe TK-02

Our panel approves of this sleek automatic espresso maker from Terra Kaffe. Not only does it look stunning, it's just as practical as it is stylish. With both hot and cold drink options, this machine makes all kinds of espresso and drip coffee drinks. Plus, it comes with a heating element that can handle any type of milk from dairy to plant-based.

Best in Bathroom

WINNER: Sutera Stone Bath Mat

Say goodbye to set bathroom floors with this clever stone bath mat from Sutera. Made with 100% top-grade Diatomaceous Earth, the material absorbs all water after getting out of the shower - an essential if you're sharing a bathroom with roommates. It's also slip-resistant for extra safety.

Best in Outdoor

WINNER: Enbrighten Eternity Lights

Make the holidays easier with these handy outdoor lights from Enbrighten. Our panel with these powerful LED lights that can be controlled with a Smart App. Choose from millions of color combinations, modes, and effects, plus set them to a specific schedule or automation.

Planning a kitchen remodel? There are many things to consider during this process — countertops, cabinets, color schemes, flooring and backsplashes — but have you chosen your sink yet? 

Picking yours early on pop important design features on your radar for when you choose your countertop and flooring. Sinks are one of the most hardworking parts of your kitchen, but they also present an opportunity to add character and form.

This is one of our favorite kitchen ideas to write about because there are so many options to consider beyond the classic Butler sink so strap in for marble, concrete, stainless steel and so much more, with expert tips and insight from our panel of interior designers.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

1. Beautiful brass sinks

Brass has been having a resurgence for a few years now, mainly in terms of faucets and hardware, but now we see the exciting trend of brass sinks sweeping in.

Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens explains, "Our most recent sink to the party is a large 40 inch wide brass sink, its color and size are tempered because it is under mounted, so you can just see a glimpse of the sunshine gold brass rather than a full front view. 

"A very traditional Victorian sink would have been brass or zinc or copper and it is this authenticity and longevity that makes these sinks so appealing. We love the idea of all these sinks aging beautifully and naturally and any marks that gather over time just adding to their beauty."

Match yours to the beautiful one pictured with the lookalike KS1272PXBS Heritage Bridge Faucet with Side Spray from Wayfair, which has a polished brass finish. It's extremely hard wearing and will last well. 

2. Under mounted

Most kitchen sinks are under mounted as pictured above to allow an uninterrupted look through the countertop. This design choice is a great option when funds are tight and as a budget sink won't really show and with the counter over the top, will look fabulous.

If you go for an under mounted sink, make sure you pick a beautiful countertop that creates a clean aesthetic and suits a contemporary scheme. Amazon's TORVA Black Ceramic Coating with NanoTek Under Mount Kitchen Sink is a budget buy which still looks stylish and modern.  It also comes in eight different size and color configurations so you're bound to find one that fits your needs.

3. Double up

If your kitchen is large and spacious, a double sink will look better proportionately and be easier for those large items that are hand-wash only.

Bridget Zemar, founder of Willow Designs by Bridget, "The kitchen design was rooted in the need for a gathering space for family and friends and the centerpiece is the deep Blanco fireclay sink with its generous 36 inch single basin and apron design, offering enough space to wash the dishes, clean those veggies, and even cut flowers from the garden.

"Framed by a stunning La Cantina window, it provides a perfect view of the beautiful backyard. Bonus workhorse features like the cutting board and drying rack ledge are perfect for this active household."

White is easier on the eye in a scheme that has pale painted cabinets and light countertops. To help you copy this large double sink look in your home, I've curated three matching sinks below. 

4. Fluted

Fluted accessories have become increasingly popular this year, from lampshades to vases, it's a lovely trend immediately adding visual interest to any space.

We've also seen it trickling through to sinks and it's easy to see why. It particularly suits cottage and farmhouse style kitchens. 

The Belfast fluted sink from deVOL Kitchens fluted sink pictured above is a stunning example of how amazing they can look.

"They seem to elevate the washing up and sink area into a feature rather than just a practical place to wash up," says Helen Parker. 

5. Butler style

Butler sinks are perhaps one of the most popular, and the difference between it and Belfast sinks is simply the size. Originally, the Butler sink was designed for pantries in London and was designed to hold more water. Belfast sinks on the other hand are smaller and more compact.

"The Butler sink is a timeless design that adds a touch of classic elegance to any kitchen," explains Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages. "Its clean lines and robust, glossy structure create a striking contrast against a playful, patterned wallpaper as you can see in this eclectic kitchen. Whether your kitchen has a vintage, rustic, or modern look, the versatile butler sink complements all design aesthetics.  It will also seamlessly integrate with the pattern on your walls, whether it's a delicate floral, a bold geometric, or a paper full of personality, like our Safari Soirée wallpaper." 

6. Concrete

If you love an urban style then a concrete sink could be ideal for you. 

Contrary to popular belief, concrete is very durable in water as long as it has been sealed professionally. An investment for sure, but one that if looked after, really can last for decades. 

It's a fabulous kitchen sink idea if you love raw material that has texture and style in in spades. It could also be integrated with a concrete countertop or be under mounted. 

If you love DIY and doing a partial upgrade to you kitchen, learn how to microcement your existing counter to complement your new sink. I've sourced my top three favorite concrete style kitchen sink ideas below. 

7. Marble

An integrated sink is when it's a seamless part of the countertop – one continuous piece that's all the same material – could be marble, granite or a composite for example. 

When done well, it can work in any type of scheme, "This is a project that is dear to my heart as it's my home," says Anja Michals, founder of Anja Michals Interior Design. 

"When updating the kitchen I wanted to reinvent Farmhouse Eclectic," she tells Real Homes. "Rather than going with a traditional farmhouse sink we designed an integrated marble sink, which paired with the iconic Waterworks Henry Kitchen Faucet is a beautiful, fresh, timeless take on Farmhouse."

8. Within an island

There's often quite a bit of discussion about what should be added to a kitchen island with the two main queries being sink or hob. Both have their place and remember, if you have a large enough island you can have both. 

So what size sink should you consider? A kitchen island sink has different uses because it's mainly used for food prep and cleaning, this means you can go smaller or choose a rectangular shape like this smart design. The dishwasher will bear the brunt so this smart addition can allow you extra functionality without compromising on space. 

9. Stainless steel

Love a cool, clean aesthetic? Stainless steel sinks have that industrial look that many love, and they're also great value — to make them look stylish invest in the countertop instead. 

One downside though is that it can be prone to scratches and general wear and tear, this can be dealt with by polishing it frequently. There are different gauge (thickness) stainless steel options to consider if you've got your heart set on one. Opting for 16 gauge over the standard 18 will give you a more high-end finish. 

Learn how to gently clean a stainless steel sink with baking soda. My favorite steel sink offerings are detailed below.

10. The classic Belfast

For a beautiful classic looking kitchen sink you can't go wrong with a square Belfast sink. 

Richard Moore
, creative director, Martin Moore says, "Belfast sinks are a popular option due to the generous depth of sink, making them perfect for things like flower arranging. In this instance, the classic Belfast sink boldly stands out against the dark viridian [blue-green] cabinetry; combining traditional elements with striking, contemporary colors can make a very interesting and eye catching kitchen design," says

"We always recommend Belfast sinks. They look the part, are sturdy and traditional and there is just something about them that feels much nicer than a plain stainless steel under mounted sink," agrees Helen Parker. 

The Wayfair's DV-1K0067 Deervalley Single Basin Kitchen Sink is a great Belfast sink option. 

Kitchen sinks can be as subtle or as a eye-catching as you like, they are essentially part of kitchens for practical reasons, but today we have much more choice when it comes to sizes and material choices. 

Once you've selected your kitchen sink, learn how to clean a kitchen sink drain to avoid a stench ruining your room's ambiance.

At Real Homes, all style, no filter is our game. We understand the reality of living in a small space and are committed to helping you create a place that feels like home no matter where you are. 

We know what it's like to live in, decorate and make a small space feel like home whilst juggling time and budget constraints and aim to bring you designer-led ideas, expert advice and the best deals and reviews to help you make your home feel like a bit of 'you'.

And whilst browsing dreamy interiors of celebrity homes can be a feast for the eyes and great for inspiration, we aim to bring you beautiful homes, gardens and outdoor spaces that are real — with images and ideas that make you feel like the same gorgeous aesthetic, DIY hack, and other advice could definitely work for you too.

Finally, the entire Real Homes team have taken that slightly scary, but very exciting step of moving out for the first time, living with friends, renting alone or with a partner, and some of us have also bought our first or even second homes. Let our collective real-life expertise guide you through the tumultuous, complex, thrilling journey of finding your way in the world: and trust us when we say the adventure definitely starts at home!

Meet the team

Now you know a bit more about what Real Homes is about, meet the team behind the content you see on our pages, across our socials and on our broadcast channels. 

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Real Homes is a US-facing magazine but with members of our team based in the UK, and readers there too, we are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). 

Whilst IPSO does not hold media regulatory powers in the US, we thoroughly abide by the ethical and professional pillars set by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact realhomesdigital@futurenet.com marked: ‘Complaint — FAO Editor’. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk.

Product testing and reviews

There’s no hiding it, the Real Homes team is unashamedly in love with all things home-related. Together, we have years of experience in these subjects, and use our hard-won knowledge to bring you the very best products at the very best prices.

Our buying guide best buys are carefully chosen by our journalists based on a combination of our own experience, rigorous in-house testing and in-depth research into expert reviews, user reviews and ratings. In other words, it’s just as important to us to know and to report what you, the consumer, thinks about a product once you get it home, as it is to base our guides on our own knowledge and experts’ reviews.

Our guides include many of the retailers you shop with, including our trusted merchants, so that the unbiased shortlist we bring you includes the best products on the market at the time of writing.

We sort through thousands of deals to offer the best prices from the most trustworthy retailers. You can support us by clicking these independently selected links, as we may earn a commission on any purchase you make, at no extra cost to you.

Our reviews are rated on a system of one to five stars, based on the criteria of: design desirability – how good does it look, and does it meet our style aspirations; durability — likelihood to perform as well; performance — might be comfort (sofas), might be power (pressure washers), might be speed or accuracy (kettles); point of difference — how much does it add to the overall sum of product innovation, is it noticeably pushing things forward, or is it a copyist me-too; value for money — Real Homes is all about making all of the above achievable to everyone (that’s not necessarily a case of the cheaper the better, but products get judged on value). 

Our experienced reviewers give each product a score out of 25 for the criteria leading to an overall percentage which translates to a star rating (products getting over 100 out of 125 get a 5-star rating).

Five stars - denotes an outstanding product in all of the above criteria. It is rarely awarded, although we do aim to review the best quality product possible and the various industries' leaders, to ensure you'll be buying the best products for your homes. These 5-star (and 4.5 star) products are awarded a Real Homes Rated Gold badge which you'll see dotted around the site.

Four stars - an excellent product that delivers on all the key criteria and would be a good investment for our audience. If a product gets this rating it receives a Real Homes Rated Silver badge.

Three stars - a good score that denotes the product has elements of all of the above criteria. It is the standard rating for products that could be enjoyed by most of our audience. They are awarded a Real Homes Rated Bronze badge.

Two stars - denotes a product that significantly disappoints on one of the key criteria above - perhaps it’s well-made but way overpriced, or looks good but feels uncomfortable.

One star - rarely used, but a one star review denotes a product we feel fails to deliver on several of the key criteria and is best avoided by most of our audience.

To ensure impartiality we are never paid for our reviews or for including a product. However we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy a product through our site. This does not impact our testing processes.

You can read more about our review process for full details.

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We always aim to provide unbiased editorial created by our journalists and writers. We also need to pay our teams and website costs so we make money in a number of ways. 

We sometimes use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them. That's why you'll see a disclaimer at the top of our articles alerting you to the fact.

From time to time we also publish advertorials (paid-for editorial content) and sponsored content on the site. When this is the case the content is clearly marked as sponsored or promoted, so you’ll always know which content is editorial and which is not. Future PLC is our parent company and has an in-depth terms and conditions page with a lot more information that you can read right here. 

When you see a label saying "Preferred Partner," that means a commercial partner is offering a preferential affiliate rate to Future in exchange for greater prominence on the page, such as by highlighting a particular deal for a product that our journalists recommend. Real Homes will only write content featuring "Preferred Partners" when we feel it's aligned with our mission to create the best content for our audience.

The text is written by a Real Homes journalist, and edited by one of the Real Homes' editors, before being published to the Real Homes website. It is not sent to the funding partner for approval. This content abides by the Editors’ Code of Practice from the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

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Our team is committed to bringing the latest relevant homes and interiors news to our audience of homeowners and renters. We primarily do this by interpreting market analysis for our particular audience, but we also create original research through our Real Homes Reports strand. 

All news labelled Real Homes Reports has been produced from surveys conducted by Future PLC's Audience Insight team, via The Illuminate Panel – our proprietary reader survey utility.

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Real Homes is part of Future PLC. We are both fiercely committed to protecting your privacy. Please have a look at our in-depth privacy policy.

Window glazing options are often an overlooked part of your kitchen extension. From aluminium sliding doors designed to create an almost unbroken wall of glass, to stackable slide-and-turn doors, and customizable bi-fold doors — there’s something for every home. 

With interior designers often dubbing the kitchen the heart of the home, it pays dividends to flood this space with natural sunlight and give it some architectural TLC.

For nearly 25 years, IDSystems has been manufacturing innovative and multi-award-winning glazed solutions. This includes end-to-end management of design, manufacture, supply, installation, and support. So you can rest assured, its experienced team will guide you through the entire planning process, wherever you are in the UK.

From eye-catching features to energy-efficient properties, discover how its doors open up a world of possibilities for your kitchen extension project.

IDSystems' window glazing options

Aluminium sliding doors

A popular choice, IDSystems' award-winning aluminium sliding doors offer the ultimate in modern design and functionality. These characteristics of the doors include slender frames, beautifully large glass panes, and exceptional performance, winning over the most discerning homeowners. Sightlines can be as narrow as 20mm, and individual panels up to 3m wide.

When open, they extend living areas onto patios and create a fluid entertaining space. They have surpassed bifold doors in popularity for various projects, whether it's replacing existing patio doors, incorporating them into kitchen extensions, or quite literally showing off your self-build in its best light. Both the EDGE 2.0 and Grand Slider II provide exceptional views of your garden, whether you want to keep an eye on the kids in the summer or watch the snowfall from a warm space in winter.

Unlike squeakily stiff or fragile patio doors of the past, these German-engineered running carriages open smoothly. And, the option to recess the tracks into the floor allows for a flush finish without compromising protection from quintessentially British wet and windy weather. 

Bi-fold doors

Many people assume that only large homes can have bi-folds fitted, but that’s simply not the case. They are an idyllic way to maximise space in a small kitchen. Aside from brightening up a meal-preparation zone, these aluminium or timber-clad doors can be installed inwards to accommodate courtyards and even apartment balconies. 

IDSystems can work with you to create a personalised design that can open both ways, to the left, right, or from the centre to each end. You can even add custom-made, cord or magnetic-controlled Venetian or pleated blinds for added privacy.

Bifolds also support energy efficiency reflect heat, reduce sun glare on sunny days, and help keep the cold out in winter — therefore reducing your energy bills.

Slide-and-turn doors

Vistaline slide and turn doors (also known as slide and swing doors) are manufactured in the UK, with Swiss innovation. Unlike classic bi-folds, this product is made from individual, non-connected, stackable panels that completely open up the aperture of your home with unique, flipper seal technology. 

Choose from two single-glazed frameless glass partitions or a double-glazed, non-thermally broken option that also acts as a room divider. These very doors were selected as the ‘Best of the Best’ in the Let the Light in category of the Real Homes Awards 2021.

Heritage doors

By now you’ve realised doors aren’t just a swinging or sliding barrier between rooms. And, if you’re looking to amp up the style for your next gathering, opt for, steel-look heritage doors. 

Whether you choose a bifold, sliding, or French door configuration, these will give your space that sought-after look you might have seen on social media.

This Art-Deco style works particularly well in period homes but also bridges old and new in contemporary self-build properties. As well as black and grey powder-coated polyester finishes, you can choose from over 200 RAL colours. Dual and textured finishes are available too. 

FAQs

Are patio doors and sliding doors the same?

For kitchen extensions and home improvement projects generally, the term patio doors has been used to cover a wide range of different product types, ranging from French doors to sliding doors covering a wide range of different manufacturers. 

Typically, the term has referred to smaller openings of under three metres and is a throwback to previous generations of uPVC or aluminium frames. To distinguish the latest technology and the most advanced design features (including thermally broken aluminium frames) the term sliding doors is now more typically used.

Do I need triple glazing for a kitchen extension?

The glazing specification required for an extension project will vary depending on the window glazing option you choose. 

Building Regulations Part L, which covers thermal efficiency standards, currently requires overall U-values of 1.4W/m²K for extension projects which can be achieved on IDSystems' range of doors using double glazing. 

Whilst triple glazing can offer more advanced levels of thermal performance it comes at a cost, both in terms of the initial price and the size of glazing that can be achieved, meaning you may need to compromise on the size of the panels if you opted for triple glazing.

Why choose IDSystems?

All of IDSystems' glazed windows are police-approved and prioritise security. They feature a continuous locking bar, a five-point mushroom bolt, a claw lock, an anti-lifting device, and a robust interlock between panels. So you don't have to choose between aesthetics or keeping your loved ones safe.

Contact IDSystems

For more information about IDSystems’ range of award-winning glazed doors, visit www.idsystems.co.uk, email your architect's drawings to info@idsystems.co.uk, or, call 01603 408804.

Looking for a Simba mattress discount? You might just have missed them, but stay put, as Simba's beds are fairly priced, even when not on sale. Trust us when we say that you won't feel short-changed if you're paying full price.

Having tried and tested some of the brand's best-rated products, and experienced the NASA-inspired temperature-regulating technology and cozy layers in each mattress, we can honestly say that this sale is your golden ticket to a good night's sleep, for less. Simba sells three different types of mattress under its Simba Hybrid range, with three depths: the Hybrid (25cm deep with 2,500 springs); the Pro, (28cm deep with 5,000 springs); and, the Luxe (31cm deep with 6,000 springs), as well as the Simba Comfort mattress. So there's something for every sleeper.

As a brand, it has over 250,000 5-star reviews (more than any other in the world) and won over 60 sleep industry awards so you won't be counting sheep. But if it's sustainability that keeps you up at night, just know that it is the UK's first B Corp™ sleep brand. So perhaps you're ready to invest in the best mattress your money can buy, or have been eyeing up something from Simba for longer than you can remember. We'll show you why you should commit.

Why you should invest, even without a Simba mattress discount

Reasons to choose Simba

There aren't any codes or promotions available right now, but here are some ways you can save money, or recieive added value at Simba

Simba mattress accessory picks on sale

Simba also sells accessories including mattress toppers, protectors, duvets, pillows, linens, and much more. Its mattress toppers come out on top as some of our best-rated and let's not forget one of our favorite pillows, which many of the Real Homes team can't sleep without. 

What Real Homes recommends from Simba

Simba mattresses are among the very best mattresses you can buy, which is why we gave two of them full marks.

Meet our testing team and hear more about their thoughts on Simba mattresses and accessories:

Now that you've browsed your bed's "underwear", it's time to dress and style it with printed bed sheets, silky pillowcases, and cozy throws. We've put together an extensive list of the best bedding brands to buy from, so you don't have to have a million tabs open at once. Some of the lines and labels listed are endorsed by celebrities and have been seen on their social feeds.

Looking to improve your loft storage? We get it. That space at the top of your home (under the roof), seldom gets the TLC it truly deserves. Whether it's cluttered with Christmas decor or miscellaneous items you've sworn to sort another day — it is rarely invested in. Unless — of course — you're converting the attic into another room.

But what if we told you that you could achieve an organised scheme, all while maintaining the thermal performance of your loft? Put simply, Loft Leg's products will help you to create a tidy raised area, which in the long run can help save money on utility bills.

So rather than scouting the area on a ladder with a torch in hand, you can have an area that you can comfortably roam, with an optimised floorplan that makes things easy to find.

Here are four things you need to turn your loft into a practical space that wastes less energy too...

Loft flooring legs

What is a loft flooring leg?

Manufactured in the UK from recycled materials, these fittings raise your loft boards by 175mm, avoiding insulation compression, which in turn saves you energy and money. These raised storage platforms are strong enough to walk on and can store up to 25 kg per square metre.

Sold in packs of 12, these are easy to install and can be fitted using screws from several widely-recognised retailers including Wickes, Toolstation, and, Homebase.

With the help of Loft Legs' four-step guide, an electric screwdriver, multipurpose screws, and a few sheets of 18 mm-thick chipboard (or OSB)*,  you can fit loft flooring legs with ease. Prefer to watch along? Loft Leg's video demonstration covers how to board a loft in just over 3.5 minutes. And if you're still stuck, you can always email asklofty@loftleg.com for quick and personable customer service.

Alternatively, if you've got the budget to contract the work out, or prefer to use a professional for reassurance, Loft Leg can provide a list of recommended installers that serve England, Scotland, and, Wales.

Loft Leg ledges

Similar to shelves you put up in your home, a Loft Leg truss shelving kit maximises storage in your loft, creating additional space where it's most needed. The pack includes two brackets, a chipboard shelf, and four screws. So there is no cutting, no mess, and no stress.

In just over a minute, discover how easy it is to install a loft ledge. All you need is a tape measure, a pencil to mark the ledge, and an electric screwdriver. Each ledge creates a 0.53m x 0.53m space to hold boxes and any other materials.

Where to buy Loft Leg ledges

• Buy Loft Leg ledges at Toolstation
• Buy Loft Leg ledges at Wickes
• Buy Loft Leg ledges at UK Build Supplies

Loft Leg lights

What are Loft Leg lights?

Accessing your loft is half the battle. But once you're up there, poor visibility can not only be frustrating but can also present a number of risks, including injury. So rather than relying on your smartphone torch or a lacklustre lamp — consider investing in some eco-friendly lighting instead. Enter Loft Leg's 320-lumen (equivalent to 32 watts) battery-powered LED light.

With up to four years of use**, the best news is that you don't need any prior electrical wiring experience, and the fitting (inclusive of a 2-metre long pull string, reflective strip, and screws) can be screwed directly to any timber element in the loft, including the truss, rafter, purlin, or noggin. Just three D-type batteries and you're ready to light a 10-metre square area.

And, because safety should be at the forefront of all home improvement projects, rest assured that these loft lights are CE-certified, RoHs, and WEEE-compliant.

How to install a Loft Leg light in six easy steps

1. Remove the back cover by pressing the button
2. Install batteries in the correct orientation and secure with velcro straps
3. Screw through back cover to truss/rafter convenient to loft hatch
4. Attach Loft Light to back cover using the location tabs and click into position
5. Adjust length of pull string and attach reflective strip
6. Once the Loft Light is fitted, pull the string to illuminate!

Watch how easy it is to install the Loft Leg light below:

Loft Leg bulb

What is a Loft leg bulb?

Designed to illuminate hard-to-reach areas, and with a rated life of 15,000 hours, the Loft Leg bulb is a 90-degree adjustable 3-panel, 4000-lumen LED lighting solution. The bulb (comprised of 147 ultra-bright LED bulbs) fits into a standard bayonet lamp holder and effectively directs and spreads light around your loft. And, just like the Loft Leg lights, these meet the same regulations for safety.

See how it compares to a 40-watt light in this short video:

Where to buy

• Buy Loft Leg lights from Wickes

Contact Loft Leg

For more information, head to www.loftleg.com, or call 01282 861001, or reach out to the brand via its social channels:

• Find Loft Leg on Facebook
• Find Loft Leg on X (formerly known as Twitter)

* Minimum thickness required
** Based on 20 minutes of use per month

Changing up your small kitchen flooring can give your space the most unexpected makeover. If you're living in an apartment or an older home, you may be stuck with some tragic vinyl floors that just aren't cutting it.

When it comes to designing the ideal kitchen, plenty of people have opinions on the big design elements. However, an oft-overlooked but essential part of kitchen design is right beneath your feet: the flooring. 

Despite being an important part of your kitchen’s design, redoing the floors seems too daunting of an undertaking for many. However, there are plenty of small kitchen ideas to makeover floors that won’t break the bank (or your back). 

All the small kitchen flooring inspiration you need to see

From kitchen floor tile ideas to thrifty peel-and-stick designs, I rounded up some pretty clever small kitchen flooring inspiration. See what our experts have to say about these easy tips and tricks.

1. Get funky with peel & stick options

Ok, I know all about peel-and-stick wallpaper, but I had no idea floor tiles could be installed this way too. Because vinyl peel-and-stick flooring doesn’t need an underlayment (meaning you don’t have to place anything down before arranging the tiles), it’s a fantastic budget-friendly flooring option for those who want a luxury look, like these faux-marble floor tiles from Amazon. Both inexpensive and easy to install (many people DIY these types of tiles on their own), peel-and-stick tiles are growing in popularity. 

Although there are plenty of great reasons to choose this style of flooring, there are also a few downsides, including how labor-intensive it can be to remove tiles. Quality also varies slightly between different brands so be sure to order samples before choosing the style of pattern and color for your kitchen. 

2. For durability, opt for porcelain tiles

“Kitchen flooring should be as durable as it is bеautiful,” interior designer Artem Kropovinsky says. While ceramic tiles are made of finely ground sand or clay, porcelain tiles are made from very fine clay, making them typically more durable than ceramic with a lower water absorption rate. 

“Porcelain tiles arе thе bеst choicе, bеcausе of thеir resistance to expansion and traffic,” says Kropovinsky.

These beautiful hexagon-shaped floral tiles available on Amazon are sure to make a statement, while also lasting a long time in your small kitchen.

3. Go vinyl in a modern way

Steve Silvers, CEO of Express Flooring, understands there are plenty of options on the market today for small kitchen flooring. "Homeowners now have more kitchen flooring options than ever, and their priorities are shifting towards practical features like durability and easy cleaning rather than just design,” he says. 

One suggestion he has for those looking at durability? “Luxury vinyl plank,” Silvers says of the tile type also called LVP. “It replicates the look of natural hardwood with impressive accuracy. Thanks to improved technologies, it's no longer seen as a cheap alternative but rather as a durable choice. LVP is gaining popularity for its ability to handle moisture, scratches, and dents, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.” 

The great news is, choosing vinyl flooring is pretty easy with plenty of great options online.  You can snag this luxury vinyl plank from Amazon to try it out in your small kitchen.

4. Go au naturale with stone tiles

Naturally resistant to stains and moisture, stone floor tiles, like these slate tiles available on Wayfair, are a popular choice for small kitchen flooring that sees a lot of foot traffic. They're also able to retain heat better than other types of flooring, making them a great choice for anyone who despises a freezing floor. 

Often stone floor tiles last longer than their ceramic or vinyl counterparts but they also often come with a hefty price tag. For those looking to get the stone tile look, plenty of stone-like options in ceramic and porcelain are available on the market today, like these ceramic stone-look tiles available on Wayfair. 

5. Go for timeless ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular small kitchen flooring choices out there. Because they're manufactured by a variety of companies, ceramic tiles come in many different variations of colors and styles, so they can easily make your small kitchen look more luxurious. They're readily available so you can simply pick them up from your local home-improvement store or order them online. 

If you're searching for a particular color or pattern, you're most likely to find your desired type in a ceramic tile. I love these stunning blue vintage-inspired tiles available from Wayfair. Typically waterproof and non-absorbent, these tiles are more resistant to stains, making them a popular choice for any kitchen. 

6. Go bold with color

When it comes to designing your small kitchen flooring, neutral tones and classic motifs are not the only options. Especially when you decorate using neutrals or softer tones, choosing a bold-colored floor can make all the difference in adding visual interest to your kitchen. Embracing maximalism including bright colors, is a great way to inject some fun and modernity into your kitchen design. You can plenty of options online, like these Moroccan-inspired tiles from Wayfair.

7. Get vintage-inspired with penny round tiles

Vintage-inspired kitchens are always charming. Vintage round penny tiles are a great way to create geometric appeal to your kitchen floors. Although square or rectangular tiles are the norm, penny tiles are hexagon tiles that were popular in the early 1900s but make sense visually in contemporary kitchens. 

A retro throwback that will give more depth and interest to your floors, vintage penny rounds also come in a variety of colors and potential patterns, like these penny tiles available on Wayfair. 

8. Go for a classic pattern

Found dating back to Ancient Rome, black and white tiles are always a timeless home decor buy. Using any classic patterns or styles in your home means choosing a floor you won’t feel that you have to change in a few years. 

Adding a bit of timeless appeal to your kitchen’s floors allows you to be more experimental when it comes to furniture or other decor. Classic is always a great style choice, even when it comes to your small kitchen flooring. 

Tile buys for your small kitchen

FAQs

Although it can be quite the project, transforming your kitchen floor is a rewarding and satisfying way to put your personal stamp on your kitchen, and get you one step closer to turning your house into a home. 

You're going to want to take steps to preserve your new gorgeous small kitchen floors. Add some kitchen area rugs to high-traffic areas to keep them in good shape, Plus, a nice rug adds some cozy ambiance to the room.

Is there a perfect formula for how to store skincare products in a small bathroom? While our moisturizers are a blend of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, our bathroom storage system feels like a mixture of chaos and turmoil. 

Finding room in a cramped space is not easy, but it's not impossible, either. With the help of organization experts, your Sephora splurges and drugstore favorites can all get some real estate in the W.C. And yes, we promise to help it all stay functional.

Small bathroom ideas should not be without these skincare storage systems. You can thank us later.     

How to store skincare products in a small bathroom

Even if you're decluttering a small bathroom, you'll realize there are still plenty of goodies that need a place to live. Here's how to streamline your collection of cleansers, creams, and the like. After all, if you can fit a shower and a bath in a small bathroom, this task should be a breeze.

1. Stacked in drawers

If you're aiming to make a small bathroom look luxe, you'll want to clear the counter space as much as possible. That's why your first storage choice should leave items out of sight.  

"I recommend either keeping skincare products behind the medicine cabinet or in a drawer, depending on the size and shape of your products and your drawer size," says professional organizer Jean Prominski, founder of Seattle Sparkle. "Skincare products will most likely be used twice a day, so they deserve the highest value real estate — along with your toothbrush!"

But it's not enough to freely toss the bottles and containers in every which direction; they need some semblance of order, and Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation, has just the solution.

"Stackable storage is great in small bathrooms because you can use the entire height of your cupboard shelves for storage," she says. "For small items like skincare, they’re useful for keeping everything contained and categorized."

Consider this Small Bathroom Storage Mistakes 101.

2. Vertically

Whether it's a floating shelf or a basket dangling from a hook, look up instead of around — designers swear it'll help in the long run. 

"Leverage maximum vertical space in skincare organizers [like] wall-mounted holders," says designer Artem Kropovinsky. "Open space counters ensure products are not stored out of their reach."

3. On a rotating organizer

Let's say you've just relocated the best plants for the bathroom off the counter and you're left with a little room. This could be an ideal locale for those daily essentials. 

"If your countertop is big enough, you could even store them in a rotating organizer," Prominski says. "You may even have enough space on an organizer like this to store your makeup and hair products, depending on how involved your routines are."

4. Prioritize

Before investing in products, decide what's worthy of bathroom space and what can be stored elsewhere, depending on how frequently you use the product. Perhaps this can even be a good way to kickstart a decluttering process? 

"Separate your daily skincare so everything you use most often is in one place and easy to find," Price adds. "Especially if space is really tight, you might not be able to store all your skincare in the bathroom so prioritize your daily routine."

If you need another storage suggestion, those Urban Outfitters' vanities are looking mighty adorable!

Still suffering from a lack of space? We get it. To make things a little easier and less cumbersome in such a high-trafficked locale, we asked designers and organization experts about toilet paper storage ideas for small bathrooms and small bathroom towel storage ideas. Clutter, be damned — the experts have this on lock.

Wondering how we test coffee makers, and why our reviews are incredibly in-depth? Well, research has shown that 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every single day. But the quality consumed, and how your beverage is made varies substantially. From instant freeze-dried preparations to pods, grounds, and even coffee bags we all have our own methods and machines we prefer.

We've been reviewing coffee makers both at home and in our dedicated testing lab for nearly five years now, and as a result, we've landed on our top favorites. That's not to say that this will never change, of course. We also review brand-new coffee makers, as they are released or sometimes just before. Either way: we will always have hands-on experience with a machine before we recommend it. All of our coffee maker reviews are conducted either by team members or in the case that we have no more space left on our kitchen worktops, by a contributing editor that we trust. Whilst thinking about who is the best person to test which coffee maker, we always consider their living situation too.

This means that the best coffee makers we can recommend have been put through their paces to check that they can cope everywhere from a busy family home to a single household with a tiny kitchen and every other situation in between. We always try to use these coffee makers for at least a month before coming to a decision, and in some cases, we might review them or have two (or more) going at one time, as this makes it easier to compare different models for our key criteria. 

How we test coffee makers — our methodology

Coffee maker experts

We use a rigorous five-stage process to become a Customer Advisor. Customer Advisors are proven experts, with hands-on, long-term experience of industry-leading products and the ability to compare between major brands to help you make the best choices for your home. Our acting head of ecommerce, Christina Chrysostomou, is our current in-house coffee maker Customer Advisor. 

The process is as follows:

1. Home user: We own a market-leading option, and use it in our home or garden on a regular basis. This means we see how the top products hold up over time, and compare new releases to our top choice. 
2. Industry expert: We know the market leaders, and stay up to date on their latest releases to make sure we're always in the know. 
3. Behind the scenes: We've been to a factory or showroom to see how products are made and experienced the behind-the-scenes of how new products are tested and developed. 
4. Technical know-how: It's one thing to test a product, but the key to being a customer advisor is knowing how it works. We understand the inner workings of a product and can explain exactly what makes it satisfactory (or unsatisfactory). 
5. Reader awareness: We answer to our readers. Ask us questions, request new product releases, or just let us know what your favorite products are! We want to understand how you shop so we can help with your purchasing decision.

How we test coffee makers

While coffee makers have been around for years, for a lot of people, making the switch from instant or shopbought is a first. This is why we make sure to include plenty of photos of our testing process and advise how to get the most out of each product when we review them.

We do like to add some objective measures to our reviews, tracking how long it takes to prepare coffee menu items, and measuring noise levels to ensure they are suitable for morning and evening use (homemade espresso martinis are a Real Homes favorite).

Even the most outstanding small coffee maker might not be the right fit for your kitchen or lifestyle, which is why we always test these in our own home, to help you decide if a product is right for yours. This enables us to figure out how a product slots into day-to-day life, for example, how easy a coffee maker is to clean, if the beverage-making process is messy, or if a pod coffee maker isn't the most sustainable option.

How we decide which products to review

Our reviews are always completely impartial and never paid for. Brands will often send us coffee maker free of charge to give us the opportunity to review them. We are often allowed to keep them, which means we can add to our reviews over the months (and even years!) to note how well the product has fared after consistent use. 

When we're not allowed to keep a product we try to hang onto it for at least three or four weeks to make sure that the product is put through its paces before we send it back to the company. This means we rarely miss a new launch and are constantly reviewing new coffee makers back-to-back, throughout the day.

Some brands are trickier to get hold of than others, but we're always striving to include as many different products as possible, with different price points and designs to suit any space or budget. We're genuine coffee maker enthusiasts, so if someone launches a new product with an interesting feature, we'll be first in line to try it out. You can find our 'Review in progress' badge on the models we are currently testing. 

Why we bother with unboxing

First impressions are everything — so how the coffee maker arrives is important to us. While things like a battered cardboard box can happen in transit, having something stable that you can carry home or get delivered without the packaging getting too damaged is essential.

Many of our Real Homes reviewers live and commute into the city, so we also have to think about lugging boxes on public transport. What's more, many of us rent apartments so more often than not have to shuffle stuff through lifts or carry these small kitchen appliances up sets of stairs.

We are all for sustainability packing too. So even if the coffee maker comes in 100 percent FSC cardboard — the box should be appropriately sized. Inside, some plastic is fine (for example plug protectors) but we would prefer it to be kept to a minimum. We'll always state where a product arrives with excess packaging that's harsh on the environment, as this is very important to us.

And, no one needs a forest's worth of instruction manuals and bits of paper, too, so where a PDF or page can be found online or kept to one sheet with a QR code, we're happy to scan this on our smartphone to find extra information.

Our standard testing procedures

Functionality tests

Coffee makers tend to (generally) fall into a number of camps: pod coffee makers and bean-to-cup coffee machines. When operating the former, you are instructed to insert a capsule and press a button that will pierce the cap to allow the grounds to mix with hot water. A fairly standardized process all in all. Whereas, with a whole bean machine, there is a bit more involvement around sourcing fresh beans, grinding them (and finding the right coarsity), and ensuring that the water temperature isn't too hot.

We don't have a bias on which is necessarily better as it all comes down to the overall experience. Yes, bean-to-cup brewers do have more buttons and settings, but most buyers consider it an art form that they can master with time and experience. And, most surprisingly, these days, even the simplest of machines are equipped with 19-bar extraction.

It's also worth noting that some coffee makers' settings that are supposed to simplify making a cup of Joe. Times, temps, and strengths may vary from model to model as the manufacturers may have taken into account the wattage and capacity of the device. Most coffee makers will have a shut-off mode which will automatically switch off the machine after a period of inactivity. This will ensure that you don't use any more power than you need.

Coffee making tests

When testing a coffee maker, our first step is to make a selection of standard drinks in the same cup / cup material. Depending on the cofee maker model, this may include:

• Espresso
• Americano
• Milk-based coffee drinks including cappuccino and latte

1. Making espresso

Short and simple, an espresso is the purist coffee drink on the menu and is the foundation or base that your beverage begins with. Typically, this uses around 0.84 fluid ounces of water to 0.24 ounces of freshly ground coffee (or its equivalent pod makeup).

In a pod machine, we expect this to take around two minutes (once you've popped the respective capsule into the appliance). But we don't just measure time as a gross metric. Here, we might see how long each model takes to heat water, and dispense coffee, and if it has a keep warm function, how long this stays active until the machine switches off.

Once prepared, we'll use a thermometer to test how hot the coffee is. Coffee that is extracted at too high a temperature will a) burn the user's mouth and b) taste bitter. On the contrary, water that doesn't reach a sweet spot between 149 – 160 degrees Fahrenheit might not produce adequate crema.

In terms of crema —  that is, the thin layer of small bubbles) that forms on the top coffee — we're aiming for a rusty-brown, tan leather hue, that has an oily viscosity and rich mouthfeel that gives the drink 'body'. And, though the contents of these pods can be up to a year old, you may notice the difference between fresh and stale products. It is worth noting at this point, however, that some models artificially create this crema. We have the experience to identify authentic foam that is produced when the water and oils emulsify. The biggest tell-tale sign is that a real 'head' typically lasts a lot longer.

2. Making Americano

An Americano (or Caffe Americano) is your typical black coffee made by lengthening a shot (or two) of espresso with hot water, with a typical 2:1 water-to-coffee ratio. For most coffee drinks, it tends to be more paletteable and drunk in 7–10 fluid-ounce servings. Milk can be added, but for testing, we tend to omit this ingredient so we can assess the strength of the coffee, identify any tasting notes and take note on the extraction process. Again, we're looking for a temperature that sits between 194-201°F and a lovely layer of caramel-colored, creamy-looking texture.

3. Making cappuccinos and caffe lattes

For milky coffee lovers, making a cap is one of their favorite tests to try out. The composition is based on thirds. A third espresso, a third steamed milk, and a third foamed milk. Depending on the device, we might test a prepared milk capsule, review the functionality of an automatic milk frother, or have a good at using a steam wand that typically sticks out on the side of the machine.

Cleaning tests

After we've made the coffee and assessed its functionality and features — it's time to clean the coffee maker. There are, of course, a few variables that might affect how easy or difficult this task is. So when getting rid of coffee grounds, oils, dried-on milk, and dirty water from the drip tray, we ask ourselves these questions:

• Are any of the parts dishwasher safe? If so, should it be placed on the top rack only?
• How easy is it to clean the outside of the coffee maker; can it be wiped with a cloth?
• How easy is it to clean the internal parts, including the filter and grinder?
• If the parts are not dishwasher safe, can they be hand-washed with dish soap?
• Does the coffee maker have any other accessories —  how do these scrub up?

Assessing value for money

We appreciate that our reader have different budgets, and will have different expectations from their machine. Generally speaking, the best coffee makers will last around five years and will have a warranty attached to them (that you'll often need to register for). But, if we suspect that the machine will break in the near future, or has design flaws — we will tell you.

Conversely, if we review a product that is affordable and performs well, we will look for the best deals for you to get it at the most competitive price (especially during peak shopping periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday). We use price comparison sites like CamelCamelCamel to determine whether the discount you're getting is actually a saving, or whether you should purchase it at another time.

How we give our verdict

Though our experts have ample experience in testing coffee makers, many of our in-house customer advisors will coordinate with colleagues on our sister publications to arrange a coffee maker review day in our Future plc kitchen, where we have the facilities and equipment available to test these machines in one place and act as a collective panel. 

• Five stars: denote an outstanding product in all of the above criteria. It is rarely awarded, although we do aim to review the best quality product possible and the various industries' leaders, to ensure you'll be buying the best products for your homes. These 5-star (and 4.5-star) products are awarded a Real Homes Rated Gold badge which you'll see dotted around the site.
• Four stars: an excellent product that delivers on all the key criteria and would be a good investment for our audience. If a product gets this rating it receives a Real Homes Rated Silver badge.
• Three stars: a good score that denotes the product has elements of all of the above criteria. It is the standard rating for products that could be enjoyed by most of our audience. They are awarded a Real Homes Rated Bronze badge.

How to submit a coffee maker for review

Our team is always looking to get our hands on new coffee makers to put to the test. If you or your company would like us to review your product, please reach out to homesecommerce@futurenet.com.

Our coffee maker reviews

5-star coffee makers

These reviews have been given our gold badge and are considered to be the top-rated models we've tested.

• Bruvi coffee maker review
• De'Longhi Rivelia coffee maker review
• De'Longhi Primadonna Soul Automatic coffee maker review
• Keurig K-Supreme Plus Single Serve coffee maker review
• NutriBullet Brew Choice Pod + Carafe coffee maker review
• OXO Brew 8-cup coffee maker review
• Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno SNE500BKS coffee machine review

4.5-star coffee makers

• Braun MultiServe coffee maker review
• Breville Barista Max espresso machine review
• Cuisinart grind & brew single-serve coffee maker review
• De’Longhi Active Line ICM14011 drip coffee machine review
• Gastroback Design Espresso Barista Pro coffee machine review
• Grind One pod coffee maker review
• Keurig K-Duo single serve & carafe coffee maker review
• Keurig K-Elite single-serve coffee maker
• Keurig K-Express review
• Keurig K-Slim + ICED Single Serve coffee maker review
• Nespresso Citiz espresso maker
• Nespresso Essenza mini review
• Nespresso Lattissima One review
• Nespresso Vertuo Next review
• Ninja pods and grounds coffee maker review
• Ninja Programmable XL 14-cup coffee maker review
• Ninja Specialty coffee maker review

4-star coffee makers

• Casabrews espresso maker review
• De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 coffee machine review
• De’Longhi Scultura ECZ351 espresso coffee machine review
• Keurig K-Classic coffee maker review
• Keurig K-Select coffee maker review
• Nespresso Pixie espresso maker
• Nespresso Pop coffee maker
• Nespresso Vertuo Plus review
• Zwilling Enfinigy Drip coffee maker review

3.5-star coffee makers

• Beautiful By Drew Barrymore coffee maker review
• Smeg ECF01 espresso machine review

Wondering how we test vacuum cleaners? When testing vacs, we know how important it is to have a rigorous testing process. Vacuums are a big investment and come in so many different styles, so it's important to put them through a fair process in order to decide which models are the best to recommend.

Over the past three years, we've been testing vacuums in our homes and in our testing lab. This process helps us push the capabilities to the limit, both in real-life settings and through our standardized testing checklist. We will always have tested a vacuum before recommending it. As well as this, we'll often test vacuums that have just come on the market  — and sometimes even before they've hit the shelves.

This means that the best vacuums that we've tested have been thoroughly put through their paces before writing about them. All of them have been tested by our in-house team or specialist freelancers in various homes, who have years of experience testing homewares. From this, we have been able to put together in-depth buying guides for cordless vacuums, vacuums for pet hair, handheld vacs, and Shark vacuums.

Vacuum cleaner experts

Many of our experts are Customer Advisors, who are proven experts with years of experience with hands-on experience with leading products. This gives them the ability to thoroughly test out industry-leading brands. To become a Customer Advisor, we use a rigorous five-stage process.

The process is as follows:

• Home user: We own an industry-leading model, and use it in and around our homes regularly. This allows us to see how products stand up to the test of time. We also compare newer models to our top choices. 
• Industry expert: We know what brands and companies are leaders in the market, and are always up to date on their news and latest releases.
• Behind the scenes: We have visited a showroom or factory to see how the products are built, as well as experiencing how brands test and develop their releases.
• Technical know-how: Having technical know-how is one of the most important things about being a customer advisor. This means that we understand how the product itself works and know how the inner workings function. This means we can explain in detail what makes a product brilliant or not.
• Reader awareness: We love talking to our readers, answering questions, responding to review requests, or even just chatting about your favorite products. By understanding how you shop, we're fully able to assist with your purchasing. 

How we test vacuum cleaners

How we decide which products to review

All the reviews featured on our site are always impartial. While brands will send us vacuum cleaners to review, these are completely free in order to give us the opportunity to test them. We can normally keep these, which means we can add to our reviews throughout the months and years to see how it has held up over time with regular use.

When we aren't able to keep a product, we will be sure to use it for at least three to four weeks so we can test it as thoroughly as possible before sending it back. This allows us to always keep on top of new releases and allows us to test new vacuums constantly. 

Some brands are more difficult to reach than others, but we are always trying to include products from a variety of different companies. This allows us to test different kinds of vacuums with different price points. We love trying out vacuums, so if a company launches a vacuum with an innovative feature, we'll always be the first to ask to call it in. For vacuum cleaners, we place our 'Review in progress' badge on the ones we are currently testing. 

Why we bother with unboxing

First impressions always count, so how the vacuum arrives is important to us. While damaged boxing can happen in transit, having a strong container that you can carry home or get delivered without the packaging being broke. 

Many of our Real Homes reviewers live and commute into city locations, so we also have to think about carrying boxes on public transport like subways and buses. As well as this, lots of our team members rent apartments, so more often than not have to shuffle boxes through lifts or carry them up flights of stairs.

Not only this, but we are big advocates for sustainable packaging, too. Even if the vacuum comes in 100 percent FSC cardboard, we still believe that it should be sized appropriately. Inside the box, a little plastic is acceptable (e.g. for plug protectors), but we prefer this to be kept to a minimum. We'll always highlight where a product arrives with packaging that's harsh on the environment or excessive.

Not only this, but we also look at the amount of paper in it. Where a PDF or page can be found online or scanned via a QR code, we'll always highlight and state the environmentally-friendly benefits of this.

Our standard testing procedures

Functionality tests

Vacuums tend to fall into two key categories: cordless and corded. These both affect how a vacuum moves and the power levels it has. Cordless models are battery-operated which means freer movement, while corded models are plugged into the mains. For cordless models, we also look at how long the charging time takes. 

There are other models types, such as robot vacuums and handheld vacuums which we also test, but cordless and corded are the ones that most people will opt for and use for regular deep cleaning.

For all of these, we look at how easy they are to operate via digital displays and buttons. As well as this, we test how they operate around various sized spaces and rooms. This involves testing how seamlessly they can be maneuvered and how bulky they are to carry. 

We also test out individual features, such as LED lights, boost buttons, and accessories. Many top vacuums have specialist technologies, such as Shark models having CleanSenseIQ and Flexology.

Cleaning tests

When trialing how each vacuum cleans — no matter what the price or model — we test it out on three core factors: dirt, flour, and cereal. This allows us to test how the vacuum can clean up different sized debris with different textures. We also test them on various floor types such as carpet and hardwood.

1. Flour

Flour is a common spillage in the kitchen, which is why it's one of our top dirt factors to consider. The soft texture mimics debris like dust, dead skin, and pet dander, while the white color makes it useful visually as well. This makes it easy to see if dirt gets trapped in dust cups or the wheels.

2. Cereal

We use cereal to test, as the smaller pieces are light. Some vacuums scatter these, crunch them up, or even can't cope and won't suck them straight up. Our cereal of choice is rice-based ones, thanks to its small size and hard texture.

3. Dirt/Debris

Lastly, we also test dirt and debris. We use coffee grounds for this, as the smaller grains have the same texture as dirt and crumbs. The darker color also makes it clear to see how the vacuum cuts through the dirt. The scent of the coffee grounds also makes it easy to sniff out how well it tackles odors, as some vacs come with built-in neutralizers.

Maintenance tests

When testing our vacuums, we look at how easy it is to maintain and clean long term. This is why we specify whether filters are easy to clean or remove, whether a model is bagless or not, and how easy it is to empty into a trash can. We also will check how easy it is to clean. Some vacuums require the parts to be individually cleaned, while others even have self-cleaning functions. A good vacuum cleaner should make your life easier, and our testing is here to make choosing the one that does that easy, too.

How we test at home

When we test vacuum cleaners, we will test ours at home as well as in our lab. Why not just in in laboratory conditions, like other reviewers? Because that’s not where you’re going to be using your vacuum. 

Just as in the lab, they’re tested on mud, spilled cereal, human hair, and pet hair, plus the general dust that a normal, busy home accumulates. This is all done around furniture pieces and neglected nooks and crannies. This allows us to bring real-world testing into our reviews. 

Our reviewers have smaller homes with both hard flooring and carpet, so the vacuums are challenged with both. We will also test them on high-pile rugs whenever possible. Switching between different rooms also allows us to test how efficiently a vacuum can get around the house in one session.

They also often live in spaces they share with other people, pets, or live in rented spaces with other people living around them. This is why we check how noisy the machines are to use and whether this impacts both them and those around them. 

Cordless vacs are a popular choice now, so we also consider the battery life when testing these. Is the charge in the battery sufficient to finish in one go, or are you going to be stopped short? And how long will you have to pause while the battery recharges? A home — rather than a lab — is the best place to test this out.

Storage is another real-life issue. Are you going to have to dedicate a huge amount of cupboard space to the machine? You need to find out before you splash out, not regret your buy. That's why we assess this and consider the shape of the machine — not just its dimensions. 

Our vacuum cleaner reviews

5-star reviews

• Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 vacuum review
• Dyson V11 Absolute cordless vacuum review
• Henry Xtra HVX200-11 vacuum review
• Kärcher VC 6 cordless vacuum review
• LG CordZero A9 stick vacuum review
• Miele Complete C3 PowerLine vacuum review
• Samsung Jet 90 cordless vacuum review
• Samsung POWERstick Jet vacuum review
• Shark Stratos IZ862H cordless vacuum review
• Tineco Pure One S12 cordless vacuum review

4.5-star reviews

• AEG 8000 Series cordless vacuum review
• AEG RX9-2-4STN robot vacuum review
• Dirt Devil Scorpion+ handheld vacuum review
• Dyson 360 Eye robot vacuum review
• Dyson Ball Animal 2 vacuum review
• Dyson Light Ball vacuum review
• Dyson V7 Absolute cordless vacuum review
• Dyson V8 Absolute cordless vacuum review
• Dyson V15 Detect cordless vacuum review
• Henry HVR160 vacuum review
• Hoover ONEPWR handheld vacuum review
• Hoover Telios Extra TX50PET vacuum review
• Levoit VortexIQ40 vacuum review
• Lupe Pure cordless vacuum review
• Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat&Dog PowerLine vacuum review
• Miele Classic C1 Turbo vacuum review
• Miele Triflex HX1 Pro cordless vacuum review
• Proscenic S1 handheld vacuum review
• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum review
• Roborock S7 robot vacuum cleaner review
• Shark IC160UKT cordless vacuum review
• Shark IZ201UK cordless vacuum review
• Shark IZ251UKTDB cordless vacuum review
• Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus handheld vacuum review
• Shark Vertex HZ2002 vacuum review
• Shark WV200UK cordless vacuum review
• Shark XL Pet PZ1000UKT vacuum review
• Tineco Floor One S3 vacuum review
• VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 cordless vacuum review

4-star reviews

• Bissell Icon 25V vacuum review
• Bissell Zing vacuum review
• Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum review
• eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity vacuum review
• eufy by Anker RoboVac G20 vacuum review
• Henry Eco vacuum review
• Hisense HVC6264BKUK cordless vacuum review
• Hoover H-Free 500 cordless vacuum review
• iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum review
• Kenmore Elite vacuum review
• Neabot NoMo Q11 3-in-1 robot vacuum review
• Prosenic P11 vacuum review
• Roidmi Nano P1 Pro handheld vacuum review
• SharkCylinder Pet CZ500UKT vacuum review
• Shark Vertex AZ2002 vacuum review
• Shark Wandvac WV361RGUK cordless vacuum review
• VAX Blade 5 Dual cordless vacuum review
• VAX ONEPWR Blade 3 cordless vacuum review
• VAX ONEPWR SpotlessGo cordless vacuum review

3.5-star reviews

• Beldray Revo handheld vacuum review
• Henry Allergy vacuum review
• Proscenic P11 cordless vacuum review

3-star review

• Ultenic U11 cordless vacuum review

Whether you're moving into a bigger pad to make space for a little one on the way, or downsizing as the kids flee the nest, settling into a new home can be stressful. But once you've sorted through the boxes, and bits and bobs (and had your first takeaway on the floor), you can hopefully get cracking with all your decorating ideas.

While paint colours and wallpaper might initially come to mind, it’s a good idea to consider the window dressings too, especially if the old ones are letting your new space down. You might even have nothing on the windows! Well-designed and expertly fitted blinds, curtains and shutters can make all the difference, so best not to skip over the details.

It’s easy to make DIY mishaps when it comes to windows, which is why the experts at Hillarys are on hand to take away the stress of your projects. 

Here are seven must-haves to consider when you’re making updates or moving home. 

MAXIMISE LIGHT TO UPLIFT YOUR MOOD

In the UK, as the days get shorter and the nights feel colder, you may want to bring more light – and cosiness – into your home. Making the most of bright rays of sunshine is a must – but light can sometimes feel harsh depending on your room’s aspect. If you’re thinking of replacing old curtains, consider a layered approach that includes a voile to ensure light won’t create any unwanted glare.    

Hillarys blinds are designed to work year-round, so blackout blinds are a good way to help improve sleep in any season. Having a snug finish is key to stopping light from creeping in around the edges, so you’ll want a professional to measure and install them.

Day & Night blinds are an ideal way to allow for privacy, while filtering light as needed – and can even be motorised, and controlled via an app on your smartphone. Interior stylist and influencer Gemma Gear (aka @thatssogemma) loves her Day & Night blinds – which she chose because her kitchen is overlooked by neighbours. She’s even created a cosy window seat for the dog to watch her cook too.

Watch – top ideas to get started

GET SMART WITH THE SEASONS

We’re all keeping an eye on our energy usage – and keeping the bills down has become more important than ever. Thankfully, Hillarys has a wide range of thermal solutions that retain heat in cooler weather so your home works more efficiently.

What’s more, when the seasons change again and the mercury peaks, these blinds, curtains or shutters will help keep heat out so your room is cooler and more comfortable. 

Gemma does just that with her INTU Micro Hive Blinds. She says: “They're amazing with heat control. So in the winter, they keep the rooms warmer and in the summer they keep the rooms cool.”

PRIORITISE WHERE YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME

If your home move has chipped away at your finances, take a look at Hillarys value collection, and be sure to prioritise the rooms you spend the most time in.

This may be the kitchen – aka, the heart of the home – or perhaps the home office where you run the show and need an optimum working environment. Good lighting can make or break a successful video call, and we all know the perils of screen glare when hopping on a laptop to put together a presentation.

As for the living room, consider blinds that will allow in plenty of light, but can also be adjusted when you want to focus on your home cinema experience. Nothing ruins a blockbuster moment like light reflecting off the screen. 

CONSIDER ISSUES WITH PRIVACY

Of course, privacy is appreciated in all areas of the home, in particular the bathroom and bedroom. So when you need an extra layer of reassurance, choose your window dressings wisely.

Gone are the days of outdated window films and textured glass in toilets and bathrooms. With the latest moisture-resistant materials, you can have a contemporary finish in your bathroom while you soak in the tub, or take a shower.

Blackout and wooden blinds are great choices for sleep spaces – they can be motorised too, so you’ll wake up even easier each morning.

Gemma chose a sheer roller blind to go underneath her Abigail Ahern Roman blind – a great way to get the privacy she needed while not compromising on the look.

CUT OUT THE NOISE

You may not have noticed on your initial viewing with the estate agent, but city and suburban living usually comes hand in hand with some degree of noise pollution. And an idle engine or car alarm can wake up even the deepest of sleepers. Luckily, drowning out sound is the job of a good window dressing.

Hillarys advisors know all the ways to find the right solution for your particular window, so you can relax and enjoy your home. Whether it’s bay windows in a bedroom, or bi-fold doors leading to the back garden, noise can crop up anywhere, so you need an expert opinion on how best to tackle it. 

Once you’ve dealt with these bothersome day-to-day disturbances, you can rest reassured you’ve moved into the right neighbourhood. 

PICK A RETREAT SPACE FOR RENOVATIONS

Anyone who’s ever laid down a dust sheet will know how much mess can get created during your makeover – especially where builders are involved. Which is why you always need a retreat space, so you can destress after the rollers are put away in an area that is clean and tidy. 

Whilst being busy getting her home office ready, Gemma has put some finishing touches to the guest room – so it’s not only welcoming to visitors, but can be used as a temporary work space too. Her “Rainbow Room” is great for retreating to, and features an Abigail Ahern Roman blind with an eye-catching pattern and fringing. 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH HILLARYS

Visit hillarys.co.uk to book an appointment with your local advisor. It’s really quick and easy to do, plus it won’t cost a penny and there’s never any pressure to buy. Appointments are available at a time to suit you, from the day you get your keys! 

It can be tempting to cut corners or buy off the shelf, but it's better to buy once and buy well, that's why the window wise come to Hillarys. 

Plus, if you join the Homemovers Club you’ll get expert tips and advice, and be able to bag a multi-blind discount.

Are you a property owner looking to make improvements that'll really make your house a home? If a cushion scattered here and there or a new couch isn't cutting it, you might need to think outside of the (decor) box.

A few strategically placed spotlights and pendant lamps might offer ample lighting, but if your aim is to really make a statement with an airy atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling slim sightlines — look to Korniche. 

Its multi-award-winning, quick-to-install aluminium bifold doors, roof lanterns, and flat roof lights will make your self-build, renovation, and extension projects come to life. In short, these products will improve heat retention, security, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. After all, everybody wants to feel safe, warm, secure, and stylish!

Read on for five reasons why you should trust its engineering expertise and portfolio of high-quality and innovative glazed products.

5 reasons to choose Korniche

1. Bathe your home in natural daylight

As well as letting sunlight pour into your space 365 days a year, a roof lantern can also provide ample ventilation in the summertime and lock in warmth to insulate your scheme come the colder months, saving you money when it gets chillier.

2. Customise the space to your exact needs

Korniche doesn't cut corners and it doesn't provide your standard cookie-cutter design. On the contrary, its roof lanterns and bi-folding doors come in a versatile range of configurations and an almost endless number of colours, so you do not have to compromise on a single detail.

3. Ensure safety and security with bi-fold doors

Korniche bi-fold doors come rigorously tested to keep your home fully protected. Certified to the advanced PAS24:2016 standard, its strong, durable, powder-coated, aluminium frames come with enhanced security that includes a three-star attack-resistant Yale locking barrel, high-strength shoot-bolts, and multi-point FUHR locking systems, so you can rest assured that your family can stay safe from environmental elements and deter potential intruders from gaining access to your property.

What's more, sealed bearings prevent debris and moisture and don't degrade your bi-fold doors, ensuring a durable product that's built to last. So whether the kids have brought mud in, or you've got sludgy, autumnal leaves that threaten to stick to your garden door, you don't have to worry about damage. But the best bit? The coating on the glass has self-cleaning and solar control properties for fuss-free maintenance.

4. Installation is quick and easy

Self-build and renovation projects can be an exciting way to put your stamp on your property. There are, however, a lot of decisions to be made, including whether you're looking to do the work yourself or pay for a builder's labour and expertise. Thankfully, Korniche has cut out most of the hard work with its roof lantern design. It's the only one on the market that requires no cutting, trimming, or silicone sealant to be assembled. In fact, it can be fitted in under an hour and glazed in seconds, making it the speediest and simplest install in the industry.

5. Products designed for progression

Just like people, every house has a personality too. Although planning permission may have stopped you from going gung-ho on adding unique features to your home in the past, (in most cases) you won't need authorisation from your council to install flat glass, bi-fold doors, or roof lanterns.

Where to buy

No need to look at a vague map with pins dropped on a part of England you've never heard of. To find your nearest Korniche stockist, simply enter your postcode on the 'where to buy' page and it'll do the rest.

Note that while you can't buy directly from Korniche, its trusted stockists will sell straight to you or via your builder. If you do choose to go through your tradesperson, they may be able to source your materials with a 10% first-order discount via KwikQuote.

If you're not quite ready to take the leap of faith, or you're just a little traditional, visit Korniche at the next Homebuilding & Renovating Show for a no-obligation chat about how it can make your vision a reality.

Designing a small space is no easy feat, which is why Real Homes created its first-ever So Chic Awards this year. 

The competition was dreamt up so we could help our readers find the best and chicest furniture, appliances, decor, gadgets, home fragrance, and cleaning products for your small space. Whether you live in a compact apartment, small house, minuscule dorm, or an actual tiny home, these picks are just as functional as they are stylish.

We've browsed through tons of applications and determined that these 12 winners are worthy of taking up space in your home — no matter how tiny. From compact single-serve coffee makers to smart fragrance diffusers, take a look at the products that have earned the title of best in our So Chic Awards. 

Meet the judges

We tapped our editor-in-chief, head of ecommerce, deputy editor, and ecommerce editor to decide which products are fit for small spaces.

Meet the winning products of the 2023 So Chic Awards

Below, you'll find the winner of each of our 12 categories and why it's worthy of a So Chic Award. Our main judging criteria were:

• Functional: We want products that last and work really well. In small spaces, there isn’t much room to waste on picks that don’t work. We love multipurpose products and items that are top-rated at what they do.
• Stylish: Just because something helps you out around your home doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! We value products that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective. 
• Affordable: Don’t get us wrong, we love splurging sometimes, but we get what it’s like trying to stick to a serious budget. Products should be affordable for readers just starting out, still living at home, or trying to save their cash.
• Sustainable: The planet really matters to us, and one of our pillars at Real Homes is sustainability. Our judges scoped out picks that make a difference, whether that’s through the product, packaging, or company efforts.

Work from home hero

Winner: BenQ ScreenBar Halo Monitor Light

We know the pain of staring at a screen all day. It's unavoidable for most of us, but that doesn't mean it has to remain uncomfortable. This monitor light clutches onto your computer or monitor and provides additional lighting, so you're not squinting and rubbing your eyes every 10 minutes. The "downward-focused illumination prevents glare and reflections, ensuring a strain-free screen reading experience." This isn't something that'll give out in a couple of years either. With a lifespan of 17 years, you can use it from college until you're far along in your career, making it a more sustainable purchase, too.

Small space furniture champion

Winner: Zinus Logan Reversible Chaise Sectional 

A couch is a vital part of your home, but it's never easy finding one that fits in smaller living spaces. Whether you're a fan of nap time, host movie nights with friends, or prefer to WFH on your couch, Zinus' Logan sectional is the one for your tiny apartment or house. You can arrange the layout depending on what's best suited for your living room, and it's outfitted with green tea-infused ergonomic cushions. Oh, and you don't need tools to set it up!

Compact kitchen must-have

Winner: Bruvi Single-Serve Coffee Brewer

Coffee is a shared love among our team, but most of us can't afford to have a gigantic espresso machine taking up counter space (or most of our budget). That being said, we're not the types to settle for stale, off-tasting brews. Bruvi's machine looks sleek — have you ever seen a coffee maker with bamboo textures? — and meets Golden Cup standards (aka: sustainable drinks, pod disposal, and snazzy features). It has a touchscreen, a large water tank, and super specific brewing capabilities, whether you prefer a less acidic coffee, a strong espresso, or a matcha.

Best bedding choice

Winner: Night Lark All-In-One Duvet

Finding great bedding is a challenge in itself, and finding storage space for your seasonal sheets and comforters is another. That's why Night Lark's special duvet won our hearts. This option combines a comforter, duvet, and flat sheet, pleasing all kinds of sleepers — including those of us who don't care for the top sheet. It's also washable, which is a huge perk for anyone who doesn't want to deal with lugging their bedding to a specialty cleaner. It dries in an hour and a half, so no more disappointing nights with soggy sheets when you've left it a little too late. The brand is family-owned and B Corp-certified, too — we love it! 

Small bedroom superhero

Winner: Nolah Mattress Topper

Not only did Nolah's topper win a So Chic Award, but it's also been ranked as our best mattress topper for back pain. This is a must-have for anyone residing in a dorm or apartment who's stuck with their provided mattress. The two-inch pick comes in two firmness options and is available in twin XL size too for anyone living on campus. The "temperature neutral" construction is ideal for hot and cold sleepers as it'll keep you comfy all throughout the year. The trademarked AirFoam material goes the extra mile when it comes to relieving pressure, especially in comparison to traditional memory foam.

Best bedroom gadget

Winner: Dreamegg White Noise Machine

Living in small spaces goes hand-in-hand with noise issues. It could be an annoying next-door neighbor, a roommate who just doesn't get it, or surrounding city noise — regardless, it's not a fun experience. The Dreamegg White Noise Machine will cut it out. Aside from seven white noises, it also has seven fan sounds, 10 natural sounds, and a cozy nightlight. You can set a timer to leave it running until you're fast asleep and the gadget will clock your last settings and remember them. It helps that it's super compact, too, perfect for tiny bedside tables. Our head of ecommerce never slept better after introducing this to her bedroom.

Small bathroom essential

Winner: Hai Infusions Smart Showerhead

Don't underestimate the power of the humble showerhead. As our global editor in chief found, the Hai Infusions Smart Showerhead will completely transform any bathroom, particularly if you're living in a rental. No extensive installation or drilling is needed and you won't need to call a plumber. It comes in six chic colors and despite conserving water, the pressure is top-notch. Users can effortlessly slide between a mist or rain and the infusion port turns your daily ritual into a vitamin-infused aromatherapy sesh. There's also a little LED light to tell you when the water is warm (and when you've used too much) and you can track your water usage on the app.

Top-notch home fragrance

Winner: Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser 

Home fragrance fanatics know the struggle of keeping their candle and diffuser collections at bay. There's just not enough coffee table surface area or cabinets to keep them all in. That's why Pura's creation is so game-changing. Rather than swapping out large vessels throughout the seasons, this smart diffuser has teamed up with your favorite brands to provide the same delicious scents in one tiny gadget. Whether you love Nest New York, Studio McGee, or Anthropologie, you can get the same fragrances wafting through your home with a much smaller footprint. Plug it into the wall and let it do its magic. You can control the whole process through the app, choosing scent schedules, turning on the nightlight, and decreasing or increasing the intensity.

For conscious cleaning

Winner: Truly Free Laundry Wash

Our editor-in-chief Melissa has extremely sensitive skin, so this non-toxic detergent that's free of dyes, bleach, and other not-so-friendly chemicals caught her eye. There's nothing worse than clothes and sheets that cause rashes and reactions. The great thing about Truly Free's laundry detergents is that the brand has a fragrance-free option, as well as an original scent version that's gentler (as the fragrance comes from essential oils). Aside from caring for you, it cares about the planet, too. After your first purchase, you'll get refill pouches to keep more plastic jugs out of landfills. You'll get 50 loads out of one bottle and much cleaner clothes that doesn't come at the expense of the environment. 

Small space-savvy decor

Winner: Loloi x Rifle Paper Company Eden Collection Mughal Rose Blush Rug 

We're big fans of Loloi and Rifle Paper Co. at Real Homes, so when we saw a rug collab between the two we kind of freaked out. In a small space or a rental, rugs are the perfect style solution. They don't require landlord approval and they won't cause any damage to your space, but they will boost the overall appearance. The faded floral print will appeal to a wide range of tastes, whether you're a cottagecore enthusiast or a fan of boho. With these colors, it's not something that's going to feel untrendy after a few years either. This is an investment worth making to really spruce up a small space. You also won't be able to stop scooting your feet across the plush CloudPile material.

Wall art wonder

Winner: The Fantasy Collection Wall Collage Kit from Desenio

Decorating your walls is a fun and personal way to spice up your home. But it's easier said than done when you're in an apartment or dorm. Wall collages are hugely popular nowadays, and Desenio's kit wins for being easily customizable, affordable, and ideal for anyone who can't use nails to hang up prints. 

Small outdoor space selection

Winner: Zinus Dillon Outdoor Chat Set

You may not be able to squeeze a full-blown couch or dining set on your apartment balcony or compact patio but Zinus' small-space-friendly Chat Set certainly will fit. The armchair pair and table combo are stylish but made for withstanding the elements. Although the cushions are wrapped in weather-repellent covers, they're still incredibly comfy. The set comes all in one box with necessary tools included (so yes it'll fit through your door, and no, you won't have to buy a drill). 

Every drop makes a difference, which is why Triton has designed the next generation of electric showers. It not only has the necessary settings to help you reduce your water and energy usage but looks sleek and stylish too. 

As the industry leader for nearly 50 years, Triton has taken the concerns of its customers to create a first-of-its-kind personalised electric showering experience, ENVi, that helps you to see your water usage and energy cost.

That's because — generally speaking — electric showers are a great option for busy families as you don't need to use any stored hot water, as they heat the cold supply on demand, so there's no wasted energy. This means that it's available on demand, 24 hours a day.

So, if you're sick of waiting for water to warm up, or the shock in temperature when someone switches on the taps, look to this innovative and stylish shower. With ease of installation and unrivalled reliability, this chic fixture is the perfect option for your bathroom renovation.

Read on to discover more benefits of buying into the British brand's new product.

The ENVi shower can help you to save water, energy and money

Triton's revolutionary shower offers an easy-to-read, full-colour digital display that lets you know how long you've been showering, as well as the cost of your usage (in pounds and pence) and litres consumed. 

So why not set a target to see how much money you can save each month? Using ENVi's eco button and shaving just one minute off of your routine will pay dividends and help to reduce your carbon footprint too. Better still, get the family involved and make them feel accountable by setting up a user profile for each member.

To put that into perspective, Triton Showers has calculated that if one per cent of UK households reduce their daily shower time by one minute on average, this could save over 673 million litres of water, equivalent to 270 Olympic swimming pools. It would also reduce nearly 6.7 million kg CO2e, equivalent to removing 3,950 cars from the UK’s roads.

Use Triton's handy calculator to see how much you could save and how you compare against the typical UK household. All you need to provide is a little information on your current habits and it'll do the maths and show you some money-saving options too.

It'll match your bathroom style

With three premium finishes (black, silver, or copper), there's a style to match every scheme. Plus, you've got four flexible kit choices (including wall or ceiling-fed kits) to ensure you can customise your washroom setting, whilst maximising the space you have.

Want to pretend you're washing in the tropics? Choose a luxurious rainfall shower design. Got a young family? The DuElec®-model lets you divert flow between two shower heads — one rainfall and one five-spray pattern showerhead.

Customise your showering experience

If you find yourself always having to adjust settings after other members of your household have a shower, then you’ll love the user profiles you can set up on the interface. With the press of one button, the shower will revert back to the settings that you’ve programmed, so there’s no need to fuss with the controls each time.

The ENVi® range starts from an RRP of £399. Product shown features DuElec kit, at an RRP of £539.

For innovative and eco-conscious bathroom solutions, look no further than the ENVi range, which is available to shop now from the Triton website.

Follow Triton on social media

• Facebook - Triton Showers
• X (formerly known as Twitter) - @TritonShowers
• Instagram - @triton_showers

Socialising or relaxing alfresco has never been more popular as we enjoy the sense of wellbeing that comes from being outside and spending time with family and friends.

Now, Zest outdoor living has the perfect outside entertaining set-up to give away to one lucky winner – complete with instant-impact timber garden bar, furniture and planters.  

The prize, which is worth more than £2,000, has everything needed to create the ideal garden hospitality space. The centrepiece is the  Zest bar and stools – cleverly designed so the door panel folds down to make a sturdy bar.

The Zest pizza oven table (oven not included) will help you expertly serve up pizzas in minutes. The central tabletop will keep your pizza oven steady, while the fold-up sides can be used for preparing and serving. 

And when your food’s ready, sit down to eat at the Freya six-seater dining set with comfortable high-backed chairs and benches.

The prize also includes the Zest Chelsea square planter and a four-tier planter for growing plenty of fresh flowers, herbs, salads and vegetables. 

All of the pieces are handcrafted from sustainable wood, and pressure treated to stand the test of time.

This amazing prize really has everything for the alfresco entertaining enthusiast  Check out zestoutdoorliving.co.uk for information on where to buy nationwide and for online retailers.

This competition has ended

While you might be able to get away with donating unwanted bits and bobs to a charity shop, appliances like vacuum cleaners aren't always readily accepted at thrift stores. And who knows how to recycle a vac these days? (Spoiler alert: lobbing it in a skip isn't the eco-friendly route).

So, if you're in the market for a new vacuum cleaner — while trying to figure out how best to get rid of the old one — look no further than Currys. As the UK and Ireland's largest specialist electrical retailer and services operator, it has the latest in floorcare tech, and the environmental know-how to take care of your old dust buster. And right now, the brand is offering you £50 off when you exchange your carpet/hard floor cleaner or small kitchen appliance (no matter what condition) for a new one.

Quick menu
1. Spotlight deals
2. How to claim
3. Terms and conditions

There's no need to rush into a decision. With Currys ShopLive, you can get advice before you buy and even video call with one of its trusted experts. Plus, if you want to do a little homework before shopping, Currys' TechTalk platform is the place to get the latest tech reviews and inspiration from its blog.

So take a look a some of our favorite vacuums available in its campaign to get Britain cleaning!

3 of the best Currys floorcare deals

How to qualify for your floorcare discount

To get £50 off on selected vacuums when you trade-in any old tech, use the code: FLOORCARETRADEIN50. 

Terms and conditions

18+ GB. Currys stores only. Bring in any electrical kitchen appliance or floorcare tech product powered by a battery or mains supply via a plug, working or non-working, into a Currys store between 12.07.23 and 15.08.23 to receive £50 off your next purchase of selected floorcare at Currys.

Discount is eligible in-store on the same day you bring in your old product for recycling or online with code FLOORCARETRADEIN50. One discount per customer only.

For more information, head to Currys.co.uk 

One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you've got free reign to do (almost) anything to your property. But if your DIY skills (or lack of) are doing you a disservice, — just know you're not alone.

In fact, research shows that 52% of Brits steer clear of home improvement altogether because they lack the skills and confidence. That's over half of you reading this right now.

And, it appears mum's quite literally the word when it comes to passing down practice to the kids. A staggering 3.1 million of us are still calling our parents for reassurance on undertaking basic restorations and repairs — including fixing a leaky tap.

Luckily, nationwide waste removal experts HIPPO have taken on the mammoth task of teaching the country a thing or two about taking projects into their own hands. And it has asked none other than TV presenter and DIY enthusiast Dom Wood to help. 

Dom Wood's 9 top tips on DIY

Whether or not you know Wood from his days on BBC's Dick & Dom In Da Bungalow, the Devon-born entertainer is on the campaign to make us Brits BFFs with our toolbox. Studies show that nearly 40% of us a) don't have a hammer, or the right tools at all, and b) can't be bothered to clean up afterwards. Here are nine tips from the celeb that'll help up your DIY game and make the cleaning process easier.

1. A lick of paint can go a long way

"To help reduce waste and ensure your painting area is kept nice and tidy, stretch an elastic band over the length of your paint tin and shift it across into the middle to help you get any excess paint off your brush and avoid unwanted spillages," says Wood.

 "Make sure you cover your paint tray and brushes with cling film between painting sessions to help save additional time, energy, and paint."

2. Make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job

"It may sound obvious, but before you start any DIY job, you need to make sure you have the right tools to hand," advises Wood.

To create a DIY starter kit, his top tool recommendations are a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, drill, and pliers.

3. Keep things tidy to help save time

To keep on track of the bigger indoor or outdoor mess that comes from your DIY projects, consider a HIPPOBAG. You can fill it up and book a collection with HIPPO to take it away.

As a carbon-neutral business, HIPPO’s strong environmental policies ensure that over 95% of all waste collected is diverted from landfill with the remaining disposed of in a responsible way. The company’s commitment to achieving a sustainable future means they take action to reduce their carbon emissions wherever possible and have seen a 34% reduction since 2016.

4. Always start small

The trick with DIY is often to start off small and slowly build up your confidence. One of Wood's favourite tips is to hang a frame up on the wall with limited hassle. Take a look at this picture-perfect three-step guide.

1. Squeeze a little bit of toothpaste on the outside of the nail hook hanger on the back of the picture frame
2. Place the picture on the wall where you’d like to hang it
3. Once the picture is precisely positioned, press down a little, allowing the toothpaste to naturally leave its mark on the wall, this will leave a clear mark where you need to put the nail.

5. Skill-share with friends and family

If you’ve recently learned a new DIY skill or discovered a quick and easy tip or trick, make sure you share it with others. Sharing tips is so important as we often assume other people are better at DIY than us.

6. Pay attention to detail

"DIY shelves are great for extra storage or displays in any room," says Wood.

"While it might seem overwhelming choosing a position or ensuring they’re straight, a little extra effort can go a long way in making the job much more efficient. When putting up shelves at home, I use masking tape to visualise where the shelf will go and to help mark out where the nails will be drilled."

1. Firstly, use the masking tape on the back of your shelf to mark your screw holes, then peel your tape off.
2. Transfer the tape to the wall, and use a spirit level to make sure everything is straight before drilling where you have marked on the tape.
3. Peel away the tape and add in the screws.

7. Shine a light

"If you’re painting a wooden surface, it’s a good idea to paint over knots with knotting solution otherwise the sap will bleed through any paint you apply," says Wood. "A wood primer followed by an oil-based undercoat should also be used and finished with an oil-based gloss or topcoat."

Inspecting your work can be done with the torch on your phone or a traditional flashlight.

"Position the light so it shines across the painted wood surface and detects any patchy surfaces, loose paint, or blemishes which need a little extra work," he adds. "Take a pencil and lightly circle the spots that you need to come back to."

Find out more about the DIY with Dom Wood campaign.

How HIPPOBAGs make DIY a dream

Stocked in over 2,000 stores across the UK, HIPPOBAGs allow you to get on with DIY without worrying about the waste left behind. Once you've received your flat-packed yellow sack, simply fill it with rubbish, and give HIPPO's friendly contact centre a call to arrange pick-up. Its team will take it off your hands (no permit admin needed), responsibly recycling your refuse at one of 250 accredited waste transfer stations nationwide that have been personally audited by HIPPO employees.

As the number-one skip bag company in the UK, you won't have to worry about taking time off of work to be in as HIPPO's helpful drivers will remove the heavy waste from the front of your home.

Bought a bag? Book your collection here

Other places to buy HIPPOBAGs

• HIPPOBAGs at B&Q
• HIPPOBAGs at Homebase
• HIPPOBAGs at Travis Perkins
• HIPPOBAGs at Wickes

Contact HIPPO

• Call HIPPO on 0333 999 0 999
• Instagram (@hippowaste)
• Facebook (@hippowaste)
• Twitter (@HIPPOWASTE)
• Read the HIPPO blog
• View HIPPO reviews on TrustPilot

Name another kitchenware brand with as much flair and retro pizazz as Smeg. Whether it's the sleek glossy finish or the four-letter brand fashioned in cool chrome, no other company maxes out mid-century modern luxury on the market quite like this brand does.

With over 75 years of engineering experience and creative expertise, Smeg continues to create appliances that deliver aesthetically and technologically, in its own distinct signature and exclusive style.

Standing for way more than a retro fridge, this iconic Italian brand has made a name for itself designing large-format durable goods. Think beautifully-designed built-in ovens that require a standing ovation, wow-factor wine coolers that perfectly chill Prosecco, a variety of hi-tech hobs to keep even the most discerning host happy. 

And, of course, energy-efficient dishwashers that deliver on cleaning performance at the end of a good night . Consider your curated space an amphitheatre of kitchen excellence to perform in. Rome might not have been built in a day, but it's possible to build an idyllic cook space in one.

Fabulous '50s style

Just like the staples in your capsule wardrobe, Smeg's classic '50s-inspired nostalgic design will never fall out of fashion. Curves are in, and you'll always feel at home with chrome. No doubt, investing in a Smeg electrical appliance will pay dividends for years to come.

Let your kitchen see its true colours

The Italian brand has thrown the rulebook out of the window and come up with (nearly) every hue possible regarding home appliances. Rather than just looking at practicality, Smeg's products allow you to inject your personality into your space.

Neutral lovers will have a soft spot for Taupe, while Ruby Red is reserved for bold Bellas who want to make a statement! Pastel green exudes the feeling you get from a creamy pistachio gelato and Smeg's Barbie-style pastel pink reminds us of the Bougainvillea flowers that bloom in Capri.

So why not add a touch of glamour into the heart of your home, and infuse that little bit of luxury into your every day with a cute kettle? Or, grind stressors to a halt with a beautifully-made coffee maker. Creating your dream kitchen can start with one appliance at a time.

Color isn't the only piatto del giorno. If you want to create a contemporary scheme, consider one of Smeg's eight aesthetic lines for your next kitchen renovation or extension. The monochromatic Dolce Stil Novo meets the expectation of those who prefer a modern look in their cook space. While Portofino places you in a picturesque harbor; all without purchasing a plane ticket.

Of course, if you do like black — Smeg does deliver exceedingly elegant and tasteful matte and gloss options that'll seamlessly blend into a retrofit kitchen.

Art Deco aesthetic

Texture is another way to transform your kitchen renovation or extension. Copper, chrome, and brass are all metallic finishes that reflect the Art Deco era and ooze opulence. This means you can relish in tactile jewel-like tones that feel expensive, for a fraction of the price you'd expect.

And if you're looking for a timeless design that's easy to maintain and use, consider the super versatile classic range created in conjunction with architect Guido Canali.

Made in Italy, brought to life in the UK

Though Smeg may have roots in Guastalla, it has established itself as a household name on our shores. But, just like a gorgeous Italian gallery, you too can "try before you buy" and sample the Smeg lifestyle with a complimentary cookery event in Oxfordshire or London.

Ideal for those planning a new kitchen, or for shoppers who want to get the most out of their purchases, you can watch the appliances in action and taste the delicious results. Try pasta made in self-cleaning ovens, pizzas prepared in six minutes, or Tiramisu whipped up in front of your eyes in a workshop-style setting.

Experience Smeg for yourself by signing up for one of the upcoming events today — they’re completely free and there’s no obligation to buy anything on the day!

Register your interest to reap the rewards today and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest to keep up to date with the latest information and events. 

Whether you have a garden, or not, we can all appreciate the outdoors. Breathing in the fresh air, taking a walk, or being surrounded by nature is a simple solution when we’re not feeling 100%. It’s true: Green spaces have huge benefits for our physical and mental health — they’re a place of relaxation and solitude. 

Which is why it’s important to take care of our outdoor space. Be it a large acre of land, a shared patch of greenery, or a back garden with flower beds and more, having a lush lawn will do wonders for our well-being. And this is everything behind GreenThumb’s current Share the Lawn Love campaign. Where hose pipe bans and droughts have made it difficult to maintain the most healthy of lawns, the UK’s most recommended lawn treatment company has made it its mission to bring outdoor lovers the greenery they deserve. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how GreenThumb can help you (and others) achieve more than just the garden aesthetic you’ve been longing for.

What is GreenThumb’s Share The Lawn Love campaign? 

The importance of outdoor spaces has dramatically changed over the last few years. From making more of an effort to spend as much time outside as possible to more of us wanting our own garden, there’s certainly been a rise in prioritizing the outside. And if anyone can see this, it’s GreenThumb. 

But new hose pipe bans, increased water bills, and droughts in the UK have put a noticeable barrier between the eager gardener and the enjoyment of tending to their lawn. Knowing the considerable benefits customers could have, when it comes to not only being in but looking after (and out on) their gardens, GreenThumb has decided to provide its Standard Programme to over 160 lawns across the UK, including individuals, families, and local organizations nominated by GreenThumb customers. 

The 3 key benefits of having a healthy, green lawn 

Thinking about getting Astro Turf? Saving some money on your energy bill may seem like a good enough reason to invest in fake grass that doesn't need so much attention. But honestly, having a luscious, real lawn has benefits that go beyond a good-looking garden. 

1. Wellbeing

Put simply: oxygen. According to the Lawn Institute, 150 sqm2 of natural grass can produce enough oxygen to support four or more people, each and every day. That’s a fair bit more than Astro Turf or gravel can provide. Just like taking a deep breath can help reduce stress and induce calm when you need it, being surrounded by nature can provide you with enough fresh air to boost your mood and reduce your heart rate.  

2. Wildlife

Managing the health of a lawn, whether that's diseases or pests, creates a positive space for wildlife. GreenThumb's lawn treatments contain important elements required to keep your green space in good order. And, in doing so, they generate oxygen and nutrients for wildlife to enjoy.

3. The environment

Forget investing in synthetic greenery that does no justice to the environment. GreenThumb aims to provide treatments that are truly environmentally-minded. Offering a completely organic program is on the horizon, but for now, fertilisers are kept to the most environmentally friendly solution possible. 

And besides, GreenThumb’s Oasis treatment lessens the need to water a lawn by up to 80%.

If that’s not all you needed to know to get yourself looking after your lawn ASAP, we don’t know what is.

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that snuggling up for a movie (or a TV show marathon) is the ultimate way to spend a night in. Whether you live on your own, it’s date night with your significant other, or you’re getting the popcorn ready with your family, a television feels like a household staple and an absolute essential for a fun evening with your nearest and dearest.

Saying that, it’s all too easy to let that television take over your entire space and dominate your living room decor scheme. If you’re keen to up the ante on entertainment in your home, without compensating on your perfected living room layout, a smart projector could solve your problems. Bringing — screenless —  large-image impact to anywhere in your home, rather than just directly opposite the couch, you can take an entirely new approach to flexible living.

It’s pretty much in the name with LED smart projectors, and investing in this versatile piece of tech can change how you use and enjoy your home. Ready to be paired with all of your devices and placed in practically every corner of your rental or even tiny studio, they are designed to literally transform any blank wall into a screen at the push of a button. They’re also much more energy-efficient than your everyday projector as they consume less power, making them kind to both the planet and your wallet. It's a win-win situation.

As any apartment dweller knows, multifunctional pieces are your best friend, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to these projectors. So if you’re thinking of making the switch and looking for some inspiration, here are the top three ways to get the most out of an LED projector like ViewSonic's LED projectors for home entertainment.

1. A screen in any spot

Projectors  and larger-scale screens have countless uses outside of the living area. A projector can be moved around to any room in your home, allowing you to make use of your “screen” in your bedroom for makeup tutorials, in the kitchen for recipe videos, or wherever you like to do your home workouts. 

And the best part? Unlike a TV that constantly occupies precious space even when it's off, when your projector isn't in use, you have your clean wall back. It stays a blank canvas ready to decorate.

It’s the epitome of flexible living, plus it’s much more gentle on your eyes than a traditional tv and the blue light from your phone and tablet screens. With a projector, the light bounces off of the wall before hitting your eyes rather than making direct contact. Ideal on all accounts.

2. Outdoor movie night

Grab your projector and a bedsheet and get ready for your main character moment, as you recreate a rom-com setting in real life. Whether it’s in the garden, on a tiny patio, or with a DIY screen on a spontaneous camping trip, there’s something so magical about the idea of an outdoor cinema.

ViewSonic’s M series of projectors are specifically designed to take on-the-go, and can work both inside your home, and out. They are battery-powered for up to six hours of viewing time so you can watch nearly a full season of a tv show on one charge. And here’s a pro tip: you can also connect up to a portable power bank, and guarantee you’ll make it to the season finale.

3. Set the scene

Picture this: You’re hosting a milestone birthday or Christmas, and want to create the perfect setting for your loved ones. You can pop on your projector and queue up the ambiance, be that party tunes or crackling fireplace videos, for the ultimate backdrop. Or, bring it to the bedroom to enjoy soothing sights and sounds in a nature documentary to help you wind down before you go to sleep.

This projector can even help you set the decor tone in your home by displaying artwork, photographs and more for a feature wall like no other. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you could even craft a piece of digital artwork in real-time by pairing with your tablet and casting onto the wall as you work.

Which projector is best for you?

ViewSonic has a diverse range of projectors to suit your space and your entertainment needs. Most of the projectors can be easily moved, put into auto-focus, and they each have built-in speakers also. The X series is specially designed for use at home, while the M series has a battery-powered option for those planning to bring their projector on the go. 

The X- series is great for movie buffs with dreams of the ultimate home cinema, as it easily projects and auto-focuses an image up to 100 inches in 4K quality. If you’re a student looking for a pocket-sized, budget-friendly option to upgrade your dorm room, the M series is the way to go. For avid campers planning movie nights under the stars, these compact and portable projectors with their  6-hour battery life are perfect to pop into your backpack. 

Learn more about ViewSonic’s Reimagine Your Space Campaign and explore their full range of projectors and detailed specs here. 

Having a bright, open, and airy home will make you feel more connected to nature. If your current situ is lacking in natural light, then roof lanterns and bi-fold for are the tried and tested route to increase sense of space. But whether it's flat-roof extension, self-build or renovation, there's more to consider besides the basics, like the price — there are thermal qualities, ease of extension, and aesthetics to think about too.

British brand Korniche’s innovative, award-winning engineering combined with an eye for style make its designs the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a brighter, more beautiful home. Appearance aside, its aluminium roof lanterns and bi-fold doors are low maintenance and weather resistant, keeping your home warm and secure all year round.

Including views, frames, and energy efficiency, here are five ways Korniche can help bring your designs to life and make the most of natural light, right: 

 1. A stunning view 

It's true, some glazing options can be bulky, obscuring whatever view you may have outside. Korniche’s roof lanterns and bi-fold doors provide a solution with some of the narrowest sightlines available, thanks to their seamless aluminium joints and sharp design sensibilities. This maximises your view from every angle. 

Inspired by Victorian architectural design, the brand’s roof lanterns create a powerful link with the outdoors by opening your space to the sky above, and bathing your room in natural light. This gives your home a bright and stylish appeal, and can do wonders for your mental health and well-being; the benefits of natural daylight go beyond brightening up just your living room. 

PS: Every detail on the roof lanterns has been carefully considered, with no visible fittings and a smart, but simple design that can be professionally installed and glazed in no time at all. In fact, the ease and speed of installation include a patented Speedbead that allows the glazing of Korniche products to be carried out in seconds.

2. Double frames means more light 

Korniche’s range of bi-fold doors is similarly sleek, with narrow but durable frames that allow for more natural light and an increased sense of space in your home. The option to powder coat in vivid hues adds a dash of colour and character to your design, while creating the perfect stylish vista. 

How your space feels is just as important as how it looks, of course, and Korniche’s effortlessly smooth roller system is engineered to last for years to come, retaining quality and function even with daily use. 

Korniche’s products are available in bespoke sizes and an *almost* endless range of customisble colours, making it easier than ever to integrate roof lanterns or bi-fold doors just the way you want.

3. Energy efficient, too

Anything to reduce the energy bills, right? Well, you'll be pleased to know Korniche’s bi-folds have innovative smart thermal technology, specially designed to keep your home warm and cosy — making them a must-have. 

Don't worry about your money being wasted either, as a patented clip-glazing bead means the glass on your bifold can be taken out and replaced in seconds. This bonus extra feature is invaluable for long-term maintenance and customisability.

And if you opt for the roof lanterns, they use thermal breaks to vastly reduce the heat transfer for amazing weather resistance, come rain or shine. 

4.  Looks that are made to last 

Yes, even in the unreliable British weather, you can trust Korniche. Every product is weather resistant, made using lightweight and durable aluminium materials which, unlike timber, don’t warp or rot as they age. This means all of Korinche’s products are incredibly low maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run, whilst reliably retaining their good looks.

5.  Maximum security 

Have peace of mind when it comes to keeping your (now) beautiful home secure with Korniche. Leveraging over 30 years of experience to develop the most advanced products on the market, Korniche has made industry-leading security a standard across its range.

All Korniche’s bi-fold doors come with enhanced features installed, including 3 Star Yale locking barrels and multi-point locking systems. The roof lanterns, are some of the strongest on the market, supporting maximum glass sizes without the need for additional rafters. Impressive! 

 How to buy your new bi-folds or roof lanterns 

Korniche is a distinctly British brand with all its products designed, engineered, and manufactured in the UK — delivered to the mainland via a network of local trade retailers, distributors, builders, and installers. 

Visit https://www.korniche.co.uk/ today for more information about these innovative products, or to find your local supplier or reseller.

For many people tackling a renovation or redevelopment project, the end goal is to extend their social space out onto the terrace or patio. To provide that seamless connection that blurs the indoors and out, customers have been presented with two options: bifoldsor sliding doors. But now, there is a practical and aesthetic alternative that pays dividends.

Combining the benefits of bifold and aluminium sliding doors, the unique new slide and turn door system from IDSystems is the ultimate in flexibility and wow factor. The Swiss-designed vistaline doors (also known as slide and swing or slide and stack doors) consist of individual glazed panels that concertina before turning and stacking, offering the narrow sightlines of sliding doors but with the advantage of opening up the space entirely, allowing natural light to pour in, just as bi-folding doors do.

Slide and turn doors versus bifold and sliding doors

Popularity-wise, there has been a paradigm shift in trends away from bifold doors and towards sliding doors over the past five years.  

“The large panes of glass and narrow frames that can be achieved with sliding doors make them a must-have for larger builds, though bi-folding doors still have their place, especially for smaller renovation projects where the fixed panel of sliding doors would block the space,” says Edward Stobart, sales manager at IDSystems.

“Our vistaline slide and turn doors combine the benefits of both, and have super-slim 45mm sightlines.”

How do slide and turn doors work?

As well as gliding along and turning to stack at right angles at one end of the track for a completely open aperture, the individual, independently-operating panels can simply slide open at intervals, revealing small or large gaps depending on how much fresh air you want to bring into your home. The top-hung vistaline system opens effortlessly and smoothly.

Space-savvy stackable panels

Unlike bifold doors — where the panels open up before sliding — the vistaline system slides along a single track before turning to stack at the end, meaning indoor and outdoor furniture can be positioned close to the doors. This is ideal for those with cosy courtyard gardens or small interior spaces.

“The vistaline system is ideal where space is limited on a patio, in a living room, or even on a balcony," says Stobart. "You aren’t going to catch plant pots or furniture as you open up the doors, meaning you have more usable space, whether the doors are open or closed."

An energy-efficient solution

Whether you're planning to install slide-and-turn doors in your new build or a renovation project, the goal is a stylish system that keeps energy costs down. With triple-glazing as standard, vistaline doors from IDSystems can achieve a U-value (the measure of heat transfer) as low as just 1.1W/m²K. The system’s aluminium frames are thermally broken, which prevents the transfer and loss of heat through the frames of the doors — making them an ideal solution for an environmentally-conscious project.

How to contact IDSystems

For more information about IDSystems’ exclusive vistaline slide and turn doors, visit IDSystems, email your architect's drawings to info@idsystems.co.uk, or call 01603 408804.  

Now more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to save money. With the price of our fuel bills increasing, and the cost of living being generally on the rise, it really is time to get tactical with our money. 

If you’ve reached the milestone of homeowner, the challenge of looking after your home can seem like a big one. The fact is, many of us are living in homes that are poorly insulated - most often without even realising it. No matter how high we crank up the thermostat, if the warm air floods out too easily through the walls or roof, we’re not going to feel warm and we will be wasting a lot of money. 

This is where some careful planning and thinking ahead comes in. Investing in your home’s insulation now will end up saving you money in the long run. Innovative products like SprayCork from CorkSol are making it easier for us to increase our home’s energy efficiency, but it comes with many other added benefits too. Here’s our top 5 reasons why your walls are an update worth investing in…

1. It will save you money

SprayCork is an insulating render that can be applied to either the outside or inside of your home, and it works to prevent the warm air in your home from escaping through the walls. This means that you’ll be able to turn your heating down, so you can spend less on bills and still keep warm. Sounds like a win win?!

2. It can help protect the planet

Sustainability is high up on our agenda, and creating an energy-efficient home goes hand in hand with protecting our environment. A lot of the world’s pollution comes directly from our homes, with the gasses escaping and leaking out into the atmosphere. A sustainable surface coating such as SprayCork helps to trap the warm air in, so you can turn your heating on less, and allow less hot air to pollute the planet. 

3. It can reduce road noise

If you live on or near a main road, the constant hum of road noise may feel like an inescapable inevitability. But, SprayCork can help to reduce this! The cork adds an extra layer of soundproofing to your home, reducing external noises for a more calming, tranquil space. 

4. It can prevent damp

Hands up if you’ve ever suffered with damp in your home. We hear you. The great thing about using cork is that, as a natural material, it is permeable. This means that it allows moisture and condensation to pass through the surface, rather than sit on the walls and create damp spots. If your walls can breathe naturally, the air you breathe in will be cleaner and fresher, creating a naturally healthier home.

5. It will up your kerb appeal 

There’s no denying that it feels good to return home every day to a house that looks nice from the outside. Most of us feel a sense of pride for our homes, so a facade that’s aesthetically pleasing simply makes us feel good. Not only this, but upping your home’s kerb appeal can even add value to your property if you do come to sell it. SprayCork, when used as a render on the exterior of your home, creates a clean, crisp and fuss-free aesthetic you’ll be keen to show off.

Head to corksoluk.com to find out more, make an enquiry or to find your local approved applicator.

Me? Extra? *Sips iced matcha from a vintage glass with a fancy straw while sitting on a matching green velvet couch.* What makes you think that? Jokes aside, my friends often label me this, but I see it as just caring about the small things. Whether I'm adding a dried orange to my homemade martini or making sure my coffee machine matches my kettle, the little touches are what make me feel complete.

And I'm not alone. Aesthetic Amazon finds, satisfying home restock ASMR and romanticize your life videos are all over our feeds. But before I make a reel of my own, I thought I'd share a few things in my small apartment that are totally extra, but worth it. These buys are perfect if you've also been deemed the over-the-top friend.

Coffee table books 

As I'm sure my interior and fashion friends would agree, a home isn't fully styled without a coffee table book. For the rest of you, it might not seem like an essential. But there's just something about having your living room feel like a fancy hotel lobby or the reception of Vogue House. If there's one thing that will elevate your space, it's a coffee table book, or a few. I've built up a collection that I switch throughout the year alongside the most recent edition of Real Homes magazine, too, of course. 

PS: A coffee table book also makes the perfect present for someone moving into a new home. 

Home fragrance, everywhere 

"Your house smells so good" is by far the best compliment you can receive, in my opinion. Living in a high-rise apartment with an open plan kitchen-living room means smells from whatever you're cooking can travel, and unfortunately, the trash can isn't too far from my sofa. So investing in good home fragrances is a biggie. Believe me when I say I have a candle or reed diffuser in every room. Okay, so it's perhaps not too over the top, but I do have one of those viral candle warmers and keep my matches in the cutest mason jar. 

Fun ice cube trays 

I'd be lying if I said the #restockicecubtray TikTok's all over my FYP didn't inspire me to buy all the ice cube tray shapes on Amazon I could find. But honestly, this simple part of my relaxing Sundays has made staying hydrated much more exciting. I refill my small and large square ice cube trays with fruits and water at the end of every week, ready for a ~fancy~ few days ahead. Of course, it's not all about the H2O either. I have flower-shaped molds I fill with coffee and huge spheres that look so fun in a short tumbler with a gin and tonic or a whisky. 

Aesthetic glassware 

Part two, if you will. Drinking out of aesthetic cups is a must. I always keep a carafe by my bed, drink coffee or tea out of glass mugs (only), and have a whole bar cart full of fancy martini glasses, iridescent champagne flutes, and square-based wine glasses for when I'm hosting or having a night in. Oh, and I'm completely obsessed with my colored glass coffee press — not that I use it often. You could say it's something of an obsession. 

Here's to being extra 

If you're in the market for a new mattress, you'll be well aware that this investment buy deserves a fair amount of thought and research before you make that final decision. Because finding a mattress that fits your budget and comfort needs, but that also aligns with your living situation and even eco-stance, is no easy feat. As dedicated good sleep advocates, we understand this better than anyone else, and that is why we thoroughly review all of the mattresses we recommend in our best mattress guide.

Everyone deserves a decent eight hours of sleep, every night, so we've tried and tested a whopping 41 mattresses in total (and counting) at Real Homes to help narrow down your options. These include mattresses that are sold exclusively in the UK, some that are only available in the US, plus, some globally-renowned picks too.

Here's a deep dive into our testing procedure to help you find your perfect mattress asap.

Why are we telling you this?

When it comes to testing, there are certain criteria that we check each mattress will fulfil. Gone are the days of spending an entire day in a department store on the weekend; moving from mattress to mattress, awkwardly laying on something that's too hard — then perhaps too soft — or finding the right one only to realize that it's way out of budget (that's where our cheap mattresses guide comes in, anyway).

We've been (happily) spending our time sleeping on mattresses all over the globe, from Greater London to Georgia, testing them with our own luxury bedding sets on top or using our own approved mattress protectors and our favorite pillows, too.

This way, you can buy online, safe in the knowledge that you'll be making investing in something recommended by our in-house experts and not just from testing it in a store for ten minutes or so, or after reading a couple of non-descript reviews.

When we've flagged a new mattress to review, we will think about a range of factors before it comes to selecting someone to review it. For our mattress reviews, we do these both in-house and using freelancers, to split the load. Because some of us have flatmates or a landlord who won't let us change our mattresses, while others have a spare bedroom they can store their old mattress while they test and compare a new one.

We will always give a mattress to someone who we think fits best in with their lifestyle. For example, we will always give a firmer mattress to someone who sleeps on their front. Equally enough, for anyone who is eco-conscious, we would let them try out an organic one.

If someone has reviewed a number of mattresses for us, they'll always compare these mattresses within a section of their review, so that if you happen to be choosing between those two mattresses yourself, we can help make your decision easier.

Our full mattress testing process

Unboxing your mattress

First thing first: the unboxing and delivery of your mattress. The majority of the mattresses we test will arrive in a box for convenience, but for those that don't, we're always sure to record how easy they were to get through our front door or up our staircase (if we live in an apartment). The ones that do arrive in a box are super easy to navigate through an entryway, but depending on their weight and the distance to your bedroom, you might need more than one person to help you.

Some mattresses come with a cutter to remove their plastic packaging safely, without needing to use scissors as this can potentially ruin your mattress if you end up cutting it. The first thing we do after unboxing and taking photos of the mattress we are reviewing is to pop it on our bed the right side up. By this, we mean that once it is cut open, it will unroll itself on the right side and at the right end of the bed. 

Then, we go ahead and open the mattress and arrange it onto our bed frame, leaving it for however long we are told in the instructions. This is usually around four hours — or until it looks like it has fully inflated. Do note that your mattress will take a couple of days to get to its proper fullness.

Here, we snap a couple of photos to show progress.

Our standard testing procedure

After rolling out our new mattress and letting it get some air, we sleep on it for the first night using our existing pillows, bedding, and whatever else we usually sleep with. We don't really like to change too much so if we dislike the mattress, we can pin it on just the mattress and not our new pillow or whatever else.

We're always sure to note our initial thoughts on our new mattress, however, this will (nine times out of 10) change as the weeks go by. Initially, a mattress will be uncomfortable whilst you get used to its new filling and firmness.

Essentially, we sleep on this mattress for a couple of weeks before really doing anything. We make notes of things we discover that we like or dislike, and we compare our new mattress with our previous mattress when it comes to breathability, comfort, and motion transfer.

We'll first answer what the mattress is like to sleep on, in a nutshell. Here we note what our second sleeper (if our reviewer shares their bed) thought of it too, as they will more than likely sleep in a different position to our main reviewer.

We talk about motion transfer and how each reviewer was impacted by this. This is particularly noticeable when there's a second reviewer, but if there isn't one then our reviewer will ask a friend to contribute to their review and help them come to a verdict on this. Essentially, our reviewer will lie down on the mattress facing the wall and the other person will repeatedly get in and out of the bed on the other side. If our reviewer is bouncing around it shows that the mattress hasn't got good motion transfer.

We'll then talk about the mattress's firmness and who it's best suited for based on this. We delve into how far we sink into the mattress when sleeping and we ask friends and family to lay down on the mattress to back up our verdict. To come to a verdict we try to ask a range of different people (friends and family) to lay down on this mattress and we get them to rate it out of 10 — with 10 being rock solid.

We'll do our weight test so long as our reviewer has a weight to hand. So that you can see how firm the mattress is, we place something heavy in the middle of the mattress and we'll lay a tape measure across the mattress so that you can see how far the mattress dips. This should give you an indication of how soft the mattress is, but remember that this weight isn't anything in comparison to body weight, and firmness will feel slightly different depending on your body weight too. This is just a rough indication.

To test the edge-to-edge support, we will again use a weight and place it close to the edge of our mattress. We'll note whether it rolls off or stays put, as this is a good indication of whether the mattress is supportive. We can also do this test just by sitting on the corner of the mattress (like you do to put your socks on!) and noting how supported we feel — and whether we're sliding off onto the floor, basically.

Next up we're talking about posture. Some of our reviewers will have the gadgets to actually measure their (or their partner's) posture whilst laying on the mattress. In this case, they draw dots on their spine and get them to lie down. And using a laser they will highlight a line on their back which will show where their spine should be sitting when they are on their side. You want to avoid any dips, around the hips or shoulders as this will add pressure to these body parts.

Should our reviewer not have this equipment, we will try and gauge the information without it, and note how our posture feels when sleeping on our side. It's also worth us noting that not everyone sleeps on their side, so in the case that a mattress isn't recommended for a side sleeper we will avoid doing the above thorough test.

What about breathability? The only way we can really test this factor is by comparing it with our old mattress. Usually, our mattress reviews are done within a six-week turnaround so we don't get the chance to report on how we felt sleeping on the mattress throughout all of the seasons. However, this is why we update our reviews so that we can add new verdicts and thoughts after prolonged use. This is an easier thing to test if one of our reviewers is a particularly hot sleeper.

In some cases, mattresses we review have a removable cover that we can wash and report back on to note how it washed and back up any claims like whether it's really moisture-wicking, or not.

We then will start diving into the specs of the mattress, specifically focusing on what it's filled with. We take a look at other reviews and we talk about whether we think it's worth the money — and why. 

Our mattress reviewers

As we've already mentioned, the job of reviewing mattresses is split around the team. This way, we're not biased by having only one person test all of our mattresses. As we all know that what works for one person might really not work for another. This is also how we ensure that our mattresses are tested by different types of sleepers.

Here's who has tested what when it comes to mattresses, and we've listed our reviewers starting with Real Homes team members, and in order of who has reviewed the most mattresses:

From the Real Homes team:

Freelance mattress reviewers:

• Empty list

All of the mattresses we've tested

In total, we've reviewed 41 mattresses at Real Homes. Some of these mattresses are only available in the US, others are only sold in the UK and some are global mattresses. Here's a list of all of the mattresses we've reviewed so far, and what we rated them.

Global:

• Casper Original Mattress - 5 stars
• DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress - 5 stars
• Nectar Original Mattress - 5 stars
• Emma Original Mattress - 5 stars
• Otty Hybrid Mattress - 5 stars
• Rest Assured Richborough Mattress  - 5 stars
• Emma CliMax Hybrid Mattress - 4 stars
• Sealy Activ Geltex 2200 Mattress - 4 stars
• Tempur Sensation Elite Mattress - 4 stars
• Leesa Original Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Casper Hybrid Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Dormeo S Plus Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Mirapocket Eco Comfort Breathe 2000 (firm) Mattress - 4.5 stars
• AmazonBasics Extra Comfort Memory Foam Mattress - 3.5 stars

US:

• Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress - 5 stars
• Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress - 5 stars
• Tuft & Needle Original Mattress - 5 stars
• Avocado Eco Organic Mattress - 5 stars
• Amerisleep AS3 Memory Foam Mattress  - 5 stars
• Nolah Natural 11" Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Siena Memory Foam Mattress -  4.5 stars
• Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Saatva Classic Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Purple Plus Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Birch Mattress - 4.5-stars
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress - 4 stars
• Allswell Mattress - 4 stars

UK:

• Simba Mattress - 5 stars
• Emma Premium Mattress - 5 stars
• Brook & Wilde Elite Mattress - 5 stars
• Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress (extra firm) - 5 stars
• Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress - 5 stars
• Avocado Green Mattress - 5 stars
• Rem-Fit 400 Hybrid Mattress - 5 stars
• Eve the Original Foam Mattress - 5 stars
• Silentnight Studio Eco Hybrid Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Button & Sprung Perendale Mattress  - 4.5 stars
• Cotswold Company Dursley Mattress (Firm)  - 4.5 stars
• Silentnight Arundel Pocket 2000 Mattress - 4.5 stars
• Millbrook Bed Company Nemo Mattress - 4 stars
• Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress - 4 stars

It’s officially the time to buy a new vacuum if yours needs replacing, what with Black Friday having just been and gone and the January sales in full swing. So, if you’re in the market for an upgrade - perhaps you want to get rid of your corded model and snap up a shiny cordless model? Or maybe you’ve recently gained a furry friend in your household and your current vacuum just cannot cope. I know the struggles thanks to my joyful yet super furry Pug, Doug. Either way,  there’s no better time than now to replace this all-important appliance that you truly cannot live without. 

I’m here to help make this decision a whole lot easier, so you can spend your January doing whatever you please - from avoiding alcohol to going on a health kick that you may or may not forget about come February the 1st. And if you want to take advantage of the January sales then there’s nowhere else to shop other than Currys. I’ve just had a scroll through their discounts and it’s safe to say they are unbeatable. Some top-rated vacuums are on sale for the first time ever, so don’t miss your chance.

I’ve done some proper digging and picked four vacuum cleaners from Currys, that are all on sale and in my opinion, these are great family vacuum cleaners that can cope with copious amounts of mess — and much more.

You can shop all Currys floorcare deals live right now.

1. This Hoover vacuum has £100 off and is great for pet-friendly households

Finding a pet-friendly vacuum cleaner is hard, I get it. But this one from Hoover is actually on sale right now, and it’s specially designed to collect pet hair. It also has a Boost Mode for when you really need the extra oomph. Its Anti-Twist floorhead means that you won’t waste any more time untangling pet hair (and probably your hair, let’s be honest) from the roller brush. Its Mini Power Nozzle also makes it easy to de-hair your sofa, your favourite chair or a thick pile rug. When it comes to storage, it couldn’t take up less space as it has a Park Mode to make it sit at just 69cm high.

Bin capacity: 0.45L
Runtime: 45 mins
Charge time: 2.5hrs
Attachments: 3
LED headlight: Yes
Handheld? Yes

2. The cordless Bosch Unlimited 7 is great for small families 

With a generous £130 off, this vacuum from Bosch performs in more than dust collection but let’s face it: it looks pretty swarve too. It offers an 80-minute battery life (from two batteries, both included) and these batteries will work with all of your Bosch tools. It also charges in less than an hour, so if you find yourself cleaning up after the kids several times a day, or maybe you vacuum your entire house every day, then this is super convenient. Even better? It gives Shark vacuums a run for their money thanks to its bendable stick that helps you clean crumbs and more from underneath your furniture, without bending down.

Bin capacity: 0.3L
Runtime: 80 mins
Charge time: 1hr
Attachments: 8
LED headlight: Yes
Handheld? Yes

3. Now less than £200, the Samsung Jet 60 is a brilliant budget buy in the sale 

Yes, the Samsung Jet 60 comes in a lovely purple colour but also it’s less than £200, which is hard to come by these days if you’re looking for quality. It’s fitted with a special Jet Brush to pick up pet hair and dust with ease, from carpets, rugs and hard floors. It has all of the usual bells and whistles of a vacuum, and really it’s anything but confusing to use. Otherwise, it has a spacious 0.8-litre bin which ought to make for fewer trips to your kitchen bin.

Bin capacity: 0.8L
Runtime: 40 mins
Charge time: 3.5hrs
Attachments: 2
Led headlight: No
Handheld? Yes

4. Spend less and clean more with this Vax vacuum and carpet cleaner that’s £149 

If your home is mostly fitted with carpet, then this Vax vacuum that doubles as a carpet cleaner will soon become your best friend — especially if you have children and pets. You’ll need somewhere to store it and be aware that it’s quite heavy due to its nature, but it definitely gets the job done. Gone are the days of paying someone to clean your carpets when you can do it yourself, and you clean your upholstery too with the included attachment. It’s corded (as you’d expect) but it works to clean and sanitize your carpets as well as have them dry within an hour. Simply enough, it comes with cleaning flued included but you fill it with clean water and fluid, whizz around your home with it and then you empty the dirty water tank after (and you won’t believe your eyes when you do!).

Bin capacity: 4.7L wet & dry
Cord length: 8m
Attachments: 1
LED headlight: No
Handheld? Yes

Which one will you be buying in the January sales? Don’t take too long to decide as these deals might finish soon.

Coffee can make or break a morning. That hot cup of caffeine is so multidimensional — get it right, and it can be euphoric. On the flip side, a poor cup of joe can be a bitter and burnt slurry that you struggle to get through. Earthy is just about OK, but if it tastes like soil, that's where we draw the line.

Over the past two years, we've spent more time in our house, turning our kitchens into quasi-cafes and coffee shops. But despite the current climate, it's the little things that make us feel cosy. Like a proper, Barista-grade beverage in the comfort of our own home. No queues, no need to find a clean table. Just you, your drink, and good company.

Research suggests we drink tens of thousands of cups of coffee in a lifetime, so whether you're drinking in the wee hours of the morning before anyone's up, or having a chit-chat over coffee with friends at home — make every coffee cherry count with a bean-to-cup machine.

Contrary to belief, making a brew from scratch is just as easy as instant. And, once you invest in your machinery, you'll reap the rewards of owning it for years to come. Here are four reasons why you should consider an upgrade.

1. You can serve better quality, barista-style coffee at home 

Ever apologised to a guest with the words: "Sorry, is instant OK?" Many of us have been on the opposite end of that question. And, it might come across as a little rude to suddenly object to your host's hospitality. So if you want to end the awkwardness as you spoon soluble freeze-dried java into a cup — this is your chance to upgrade your coffee game.

A bean-to-cup machine provides an opportunity for theatre. From grinding the beans, to tamping and watching the coffee extraction through the group head, become a barista without the need to don a branded apron. Then there's the aroma and the crema. Something you don't get to fully appreciate with granulated coffee.

Of course, we're not going to skim over the initial up-front cost of a professional-looking machine, but if you think about the times you've gone out with pals for pastries and coffee, over time, you'll make your money back.

2. They're super easy to use 

You don't need to panic that your coffee maker will be too complicated to use. Many good bean-to-cup machines have automatic pre-programmed options; meaning that you’re often just a few button pushes away from a delicious espresso. 

With the BREVILLE VCF153 Barista Max+ Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, you won’t have to guess what grind size to adjust the machine to either. Let the machine calculate the perfect calibration, with its Intelligent Grind feature. All you need to worry about is making sure you've got an ample biscuit selection, or some cake on hand to accompany your Americano, latte, or cappuccino… You get the point.

Many modern machines tick the boxes for making coffee, but if you're looking for something that is super stylish too, the swanky Siemens EQ 500 is the one we'd pick. Chic coffeeSelect Display? Check. OneTouch Double cup to make two drinks at once? Check. AutoMilk with self-cleaning steam functionality? Check! We're sold, and we're sure you'll be too.  

3. Make your coffee just how you like it

You might assume that bean-to-cup coffee machines are for a certain type of person. One that likes their coffee in its purest form. Think espresso, Americano, and long blacks. But machines these days come brimming with features, some just as good as the professional apparatus you see in an artisan cafe.

The DELONGHI La Specialista Arte EC9155.MB Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, for example, has 19-bar pressure, and a memory function so it'll remember your order just like your favourite server from the coffeehouse. Whether you like luscious lattes, creamy caps, or frothy flat whites, the My Latte Art steam wand can create frothy coffee drinks made with milk.

There's often a British phenomenon over the colour of one's tea, but no one talks about different coffee strengths. But, with the MELITTA Purista F230-102 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, you can create a mild, medium, or strong shot to suit everyone's taste. 

4. It's a sustainable pick

Yes, pod coffee machines are convenient, but if the manufacturer hasn't got their sustainability hat on you can end up with tonnes of plastic and non-recyclable metal destined for landfill. With a bean-to-cup machine — what you see is what you get.

You could make yourself and two friends a coffee by going through three pods' worth of coffee to order, heating the milk each time. Or, you could invest in the PHILIPS LatteGo EP2236/40 Bean To Cup Coffee Machine. The latter means you can make three different drinks in quick succession, brewed at the right temperature, with no waste.

And, spent coffee grounds go beyond the kitchen bin. Pucks can be used as compost in the garden, to clean your kitchen, and, even as an exfoliating beauty treatment, if you fancy a bit of R&R after than cup of coffee.

Admittedly, we are going through unprecedented times, so in a period that can seem a little volatile, shouldn't good coffee be our constant? You'll be surprised to know a coffee machine costs less than 50 pence an hour to run a coffee machine on maximum power.

Currys free coffee bean offer

Right now, Currys is offering free coffee beans with selected machines, so you can "espresso" yourself from the get-go. No more off-the-shelf granules that were ground god-knows-ago, these are aromatic beans that you can be proud to pour into your hopper, so hop, skip and jump into the store, or have it delivered at a click of a mouse.

• Spend £350 - £599: get 2 months of free coffee  
• Spend £600 - £999: get 6 months of free coffee
• Spend over £1000: get 12 months of free coffee

T&Cs at a glance 

Offer ends 10/1/23. Redeem before 10/02/23. Up to 12 bags of ground or coffee beans free when purchasing a bean-to-cup machine over £350. 2 bags free for £350 - £599, 6 bags for £600 - £999 and 12 for over £1000. Free trial renews from £7.99 unless cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

House guests and the holiday season go hand in hand, and this Christmas, it’s likely that more of us are set to have busier households compared to the last couple of years. It’s an exciting moment and you will no doubt have started decking the halls and prepping your house for all the merriment. From hanging your wreath to refilling your bar cart, whether you have a friend coming just for Christmas Eve or if your sibling (and all their children) are coming for the entire holiday period, you’ll want to ensure they have a super cosy setup on all fronts. Of course, if you haven’t got a designated guest room, the first challenge will be carving out a little space for said guests in your home, but after that, it’s all about adding those extra special touches that will make their stay memorable.

Festive upgrades

When you’ve got a lot on your plate, it’s easy to think that a bed, sofa bed, (or even spot on the couch) for visitors = job done. But there is so much more to it; especially over the Christmas period when sheer glee and endless parties leave friends and family wanting a spot to recoup wherever they can.

Investing in simple upgrades like new bedding or a couple of plush pillows can actually make all the difference. These give your guests somewhere beyond comfortable to rest their heads and restore their excitement for the holidays. Although you might be thinking that you could do without an extra item on your shopping list in December, Panda London, a leading name when it comes to cosy and eco-friendly sleep essentials, is making good Zzzs and the ultimate guest experience far easier on the bank balance with seven very sweet deals. 

Panda’s Christmas Offers

• 25% off its ultra-breathable Hybrid Bamboo Mattress
• 15% off its award-winning range of bamboo bedding, pillows, toppers, sleep accessories, and kids' products.

The bamboo difference

What’s the big deal about bamboo you say? Let us tell you.

Cosy hotel comfort

Think of that priceless feeling of hopping into a super cosy (and good-looking) hotel bed, and then some. Bamboo sheets and duvet covers will outdo cotton in terms of silky softness — and don’t let a lower thread count make you think otherwise. Bamboo is naturally sweat-wicking, and kids and adults alike are sure to sleep comfortably the whole night through.

For the ultimate upgrade, consider Panda’s Bamboo & French Linen Bedding. Divinely soft (yet super strong) in a linen-textured finish, this pick is available in six colours that are sure to look great on every guest bed.

Easy to care for

Bamboo sheets stay fresher for longer and they are so soft that you won’t need to use fabric conditioner, wash them any higher than 30 degrees, or even iron them for that matter. This makes bamboo bedding a breeze to keep in good condition. What’s more, the material is generally hypoallergenic and has antibacterial properties, so it's a super safe option for kids, especially if they suffer from eczema or sensitive skin.

Stylish and sustainable

Whether it’s a new Hybrid Bamboo Mattress or a vintage pink duvet set that you choose, you can rest assured that you’re making a sound investment for yourself, your guests, and the planet. Bamboo requires little to no irrigation anyhow so it's very sustainable in itself. Panda also keeps its materials organic, pesticide-free, and ethically sourced on all fronts to give you even more peace of mind.

Using clever fill compositions, like bamboo and Nano-Microfibre ™ (created from recycled water bottles), no birds were taken from the sky to create super cosy duvets, mattresses, or mattress toppers. Chemical-free, and full of naturally strong fibres, choosing bamboo will ensure that your new bedding will last until next Christmas and beyond, too.

Letting everyone enjoy cocoon-like luxury is what Panda London is all about and now that you can save a little on investment pieces that will last you way beyond this Christmas, it feels like a good time to take your guest setup to the next level.

• For Christmas, Panda London is offering 25% off its Hybrid Bamboo Mattresses and 15% off its award-winning range!

A boiler breakdown is the last thing you need this winter. You can avoid this by getting a new A-rated boiler from British Gas with interest-free credit on all new boiler purchases. 

A home renovation or new car might be something you look forward to and don’t mind saving for. A boiler replacement — not so much. But heating and hot water are essential, so a boiler malfunction can cause financial and mental stress. 

You might have a conventional, combi, or system boiler – but every type of hot water and heating system can break down suddenly. And when they do, it can cause havoc at the most inconvenient time. Mid-shower, washing the dishes, or even drying clothes are just some of the disasters we know of.

Fortunately, British Gas can help — even if you don't use them as your energy provider.

Why a safe boiler is essential

 A faulty boiler can be dangerous. So, if you want to keep your home running safely, one of the best things you can do is make sure your boiler is in good working order. 

British Gas offers a free no-obligation home visit or video call, plus flexible payment plans to repair, maintain or replace your existing boiler.

If you're a landlord — it's your legal responsibility to keep your tenants safe. So whether you have a portfolio of properties or are taking your first steps to lease a home, British Gas can guide you through the process and give you the confidence to check the basics like how to reduce boiler pressure before calling out the pros. 

How a boiler can help energy bills in the long run

 While they don't have an exact expiry date, a boiler that's nearing its tenth birthday might not be the most energy-efficient. ’Symptoms' like blinking and whirring might suggest that you have an inefficient appliance that's wasting precious energy. Swap a G-rated boiler for an A-rated appliance to future-proof your home and you could save up to £840 a year in energy bills. 

British Gas interest-free credit boiler deal

We won't sugar-coat it: boilers can be expensive. So when yours stops working, it can be overwhelming — especially in the current financial climate. However, with British Gas, you can choose how to pay for your new A-rated boiler. Then pick a convenient installation date and they'll do the rest. 

Two ways to pay for a brand-new boiler

1. One of the most popular ways is to spread the cost, interest-free.* With £0 deposit and 0% interest you can have your replacement immediately and spread the cost with affordable monthly payments over the next few years.
2. On the other hand, if you have saved money for a rainy day, British Gas boilers are available to buy outright.

Reasons to choose British Gas for your next boiler

You might assume that a local boiler installer will offer the cheapest price, but you'll be surprised.

As a household name that's been around for more than 200 years and offering a trusted boiler installation service for 50 years, choosing British Gas is a wise move for a job well done. 

With British Gas, you'll get a visit from one of their 6,000+ professional, fully-insured Gas safe engineers (on the Gas Safe Register list) who will get the job done safely. They will also have a Gas Safe ID card which you can request to see. And, if you want to be super sure, they can even quote a special password at your doorstep. 

And, when it comes to picking out which type of boiler is best for your home, they'll break down the benefits and be completely transparent about the reasons why. So whether you've got a small flat or a sizeable house, British Gas will help you choose one of 120 models from a leading manufacturer. They choose from the best brands that offer value for money, reliability, performance, and energy efficiency.

Plus, once it's installed, you'll also get a 5-year warranty too. That includes all parts and labour. And, while the expert engineers will do their best to fix the issue, if they can't, you'll get a replacement free of charge, no questions asked.

Prevention is better than cure

A boiler on the blink can be unexpected, so if you'd like reassurance that yours is healthy, book an annual boiler service to keep it running its best. Your expert engineer will be able to give your appliance a comprehensive MOT and nip any minor issues —which could become major — in the bud.

You might also want to give yourself a safety net with British Gas boiler and heating care. Choose from a HomeCare annual repair and cover plan (paid monthly) or a one-off payment for a one-off repair, and protect yourself against costs that are typically between £99 and £499. 

The small print

*British Gas acts as a credit broker, not the lender, and offers products from a panel of lenders. Payment options are subject to change without notice. British Gas is a trading name of British Gas New Heating Limited (No. 06723244), an appointed representative of British Gas Services Limited (No. 03141243) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register No. 490568).

Both companies are registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Millstream, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5GD. Availability of credit depends on status and credit checks. Terms and Exclusions apply.

What does your home security look like? If you’re a renter or you live in a flat, chances are, your home security system is lacking, or even completely non-existent. As Christmas approaches, now is the most important time to ensure you have peace of mind both in and outside of your home. 

Many renters rule out the idea of installing home security as they assume it’ll require drilling into walls and installing wires. You can be forgiven for thinking this is too much of a faff if you’re not entirely sure how long you’ll live there and you’d risk losing your security deposit.

And the situation is tricky for flat owners too. How can you protect your home if it’s in a shared building with shared access? Keep on reading to find out how and why you should look to invest in protecting your rented home or flat this winter.

1. Your possessions, safety, and peace of mind should be a priority

As house prices soar, our finances don’t always follow suit, and reaching the prestigious milestone of becoming a homeowner is only becoming more and more difficult. As a nation, we’re spending more of our lives in rented properties than ever before — with most people buying their first home in their mid to late 30s. That’s a lot of years of renting, not to mention, collecting valuables, and compiling expensive items. Your possessions, safety, and peace of mind are important regardless of your homeownership status and you want to protect what you own.

2. Many home security systems are designed with renters in mind

You can now find portable home security systems that require no wiring — making for easy installation and the ability to take them with you if you were to move. The Ring Stick-Up Cam Battery is perfect for renters as there’s no drilling required, so you won’t risk permanently damaging the wall. The same goes for the Ring Alarm, which comes in a variety of packs to suit any home. That all-important security deposit must always be kept in mind, and with a camera and alarm like these, you’ll have nothing to worry about. 

‘Many traditional alarms involve a permanent fixture that you can’t take with you when moving home,” says Dave Ward, managing director of UK and international at Ring. ‘Unfortunately, that means renters and flat owners often feel they can’t have access to security solutions. But with Ring’s innovations, this is no longer the case.” 

3. Home security systems make for seamless home deliveries

Hands up if you love online shopping. Yep, we see all those raised hands, and we love it too. But there’s nothing worse than when you miss your delivery and have to spend time tracking it down. Thankfully, home security systems can help you monitor your deliveries (even if you live in a flat). With a product like the new Ring Intercom, you can use the Ring app from wherever you are and be alerted when someone is buzzing your apartment. 

Whether you’re at work, out with friends — or even just laying in bed — you can speak to the delivery person directly from your phone to best advise on how they can safely deliver your package. Should they leave it with your favourite neighbour, in a safe space inside the building, or are you around the corner so able to retrieve your goods in just a second? "Ring Intercom is specifically designed for apartment dwellers. It transforms their audio intercom functionality to give flat owners the ability to remotely speak to and buzz a visitor into their building from wherever they are in the world using their smartphone or tablet. The Auto-Verify for Amazon Deliveries feature even provides secure, time-limited access for Amazon Delivery Drivers to deliver directly to your doorstep, so you won’t have to wait indoors for that important Amazon Delivery again," says Ward.

4. Home security tech isn’t as expensive as you may think

It’s easy to rule out even thinking about home security, as in the past it’s been associated with big houses and large cameras drilled into your wall. But as tech has evolved so rapidly over the years, so has security. Now home security kits are much smaller, and most importantly, less expensive, making them more accessible to a variety of budgets. For example, you can buy the Stick Up Cam for less than £60. Now if that’s the cost of peace of mind, we say it’s well worth it. 

"Previously, renters and flat owners felt excluded from security, with their home set-up making it feel like peace of mind and convenience just wasn’t an option," says Ward. "But now that there are devices that are really easy to install and across a range of price points, this is no longer the case."

5. You will thank yourself in the long run

While monitoring your deliveries is all well and good, having a home security system for any type of property can prove vital for preventing potential crime. With the Two-Way Talk feature on most Ring devices (including the battery camera devices for renters and flat owners) and a siren on the Alarm, you can deter potential incidents from even happening. And if a crime does, unfortunately, take place, having a recording (with a Ring Protect plan) can act as crucial evidence. You’ll also feel more in control knowing exactly what’s going on around your property at all times. 

Knowledge is power after all, so setting your rental up with a modern home security system like Ring could be one of the best choices you make this year. 

Scratching your head on which COSORI air fryers are worth buying? With over three million happy customers, COSORI has recently claimed some real estate in Amazon's air fryer search results and we can certainly see why.

With a whole host of air fryers to choose from, including models fit for large families and ones for modern spaces, we're here to help make this decision a bunch easier. All of these COSORI air fryers have been reviewed or are in the process of being put through their paces in our test kitchen. Otherwise, these are the deals you want to see. 

So, COSORI makes some of the best air fryers in the biz, which is another reason why you should invest this sale season. If you're already sold on the brand itself, but not totally sure which Cosori air fryer will fit in your kitchen (size and style-wise), we can help with your buying decision based on how many mouths you need to feed, how much money you're working with (including a section on how much it costs to run an air fryer), and even your dietary requirements. Because there's no point in buying an air fryer with additional niche functions if you're not going to use all of them.

See which of these COSORI air fryers will suit you

Wondering how we review air fryers? Learn more about our testing process.

When it comes to cleaning hard floors — whether it is tiles, wood or luxury vinyl — a mix of sweeping, vacuuming, and then mopping can get them sparkling clean. The brush and vacuum take care of all the loose bits of dust and dirt, and the wet mop washes away the ingrained grime and wet or dried spills.

However,  it is also labour intensive as you switch between techniques and cleaning tools. And then there’s the inconvenience of having to wait for your newly washed wet floor to dry before you can walk across the room again.

Three jobs in one

The solution is a cleaner that combines the best of all these techniques in a wet and dry vacuum. Its powerful suction can vacuum the floor clean of crumbs, dropped food, tracked-in dirt and debris, and even spills of liquid.

Then the ‘wet’ part does what you previously relied on a mop, sponge-style of floor cleaner or even scrubbing brush (if you're going old school) to do in removing the more stubborn and sticky stains and spills — even if they are dried on.

Dual water tanks

In a wet and dry vacuum, there are two separate water tanks to ensure that you aren’t cleaning the bulk of the floor with dirty water — like you would with a conventional mop, when you use the same water you’ve just rinsed the grimy mop or cleaner head in.

The hot clean water (mixed with floor-cleaning fluid), and the waste water are kept in separate tanks that operate on a cycle — so you are always using clean water to mop with and not just pushing tepid dirty water around — resulting in pristine floors and a more hygienic clean. 

Quick drying time

When mopping old style, not only is it hard work, but you also had to wait for it to dry afterwards, and hope that the children or pets — who were probably responsible for most of the dirt — didn’t dash across your pristine floor, leaving a trail of paw or footprints.

With a wet and dry vacuum, like the EZVIZ RH1 Smart Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum cleaner, it can automatically adjust water flow, so the brush isn’t too wet — which means it dries quickly and won’t leave water streaks. It also has a self-cleaning head that flushes out all the dirt and debris before auto-drying, so you don't have the tiresome job of having to clean your tools and appliances after you've cleaned your floor.

The EZVIZ RH1 Smart Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum cleaner

The new EZVIZ RH1 Smart Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum cleaner is a three-in-one cleaner that tackles sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming, before cleaning itself afterwards. It is cordless and easy to manoeuvre, working on a large rechargeable battery. Designed for all types of hard floors, the impressive suction power can remove both dry dirt and wet waste, while a built-in infrared sensor gauges how dirty the floor is, automatically adjusting the water flow, roller speed, and suction power as needed. There is a high-capacity dual-tank design, so waste and clean water never go to the same place, and after the job is done, the mopping head auto-cleans and air-dries itself to prevent bacteria from building up, leaving it spotlessly clean ready for the next time you use it. The easy-to-read LED display details power levels, ongoing tasks, and gives maintenance alerts. It costs  £349.99 from the EZVIZ online store. This is the first cleaning appliance to be produced by EZVIZ, a leading name in smart home security devices. They will be expanding the range by introducing the RH2 early in 2023, with upgrades including multiple sterilisation methods and a pleasant fragrance.

Bringing in more natural light is a key part of any home improvement project. Whether you are extending, converting or renovating an existing space, you want to find ways to draw in more light so it feels bright, spacious and welcoming.

If you are extending your home, you need to make sure rooms that are now in the centre of the house aren’t plunged into gloom because of the loss of a back window. If you are creating a side-return extension, glazing in a sloped roof can create a striking feature, and illuminate the space below — whether it’s your new kitchen or an inviting dining area. And in the loft,  roof windows transform it from a dark, dusty, and cobweb-filled storage space into a room for whatever you require — whether it’s a master suite, luxurious guest bedroom, home office, or a playroom/teen hangout for the kids.

If you have discovered the benefits of using roof windows in your home improvement project, and are enjoying the style and light they provide, VELUX wants you to show off the results, and inspire others to include these lofty light-givers in their renovation. 

Whatever your recent home transformation — whether it’s been an extension, a loft conversion or you’ve self-built your dream house — if you’ve included VELUX roof windows as part of it (the more the better), they want to hear and see all the details about how you did it. 

If you want to take part and have the chance to be featured on the site, just email Lon-veluxrealhomes@ketchum.com with your name, address, and phone number, along with a few details about your project and three to five photos of the transformed space. If VELUX loves it as much as you do, they’ll get back in touch. 

The best improvement projects featuring VELUX roof windows as an integral part of it will be showcased on the VELUX website, helping to persuade more homeowners to discover the transformative power of daylight.

Things to remember

1. Entrants must be the property owners of the home they enter for consideration.

2. Incentives for taking part in filming will be discussed directly between VELUX and the entrants if their project entry is of interest.

3. Entrants must be willing to be filmed as part of the case study — VELUX would interview them about the process behind the renovation/build and film them interacting with the space.

About VELUX

For more than 80 years, VELUX has been transforming homes by bringing in daylight and fresh air with its market-leading roof windows. The VELUX range, which is built to last and installed by experts, includes windows for sloped and flat roofs, roof balconies and terraces, sun tunnels, blinds, and shutters. Advancements in manufacturing have made the VELUX products even more sustainable and energy efficient, and they now include the latest smart home technology for total control via an app. For more details, go to velux.co.uk

Fancy getting interiors inspiration delivered to your door? Subscribe to Real Homes today from just £/$3 for three months, and save 74% on the newsstand price! Don’t miss out on this amazing January Savings offer and treat yourself… or give a thoughtful gift to that someone special!

Subscribe to Real Homes magazine today and you'll get every inspiration-packed issue delivered straight to your door – with prices starting at as little as £/$1 per issue.

Perfect for anyone who's passionate about their home and interiors, each issue is packed with 100s of home transformation ideas that anyone can achieve, whatever your budget. And with plenty of inspiring reads and amazing real homes to browse, it's the perfect way to make some time for yourself to relax with a cup of tea (or a cocktail…) and your new magazine, too.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next home improvement project, you'll find everything you need in Real Homes magazine, whether you're on the hunt for ideas for creating an open-plan layout, quick and easy decorating projects, transforming your kitchen or bathroom for a modern new look or updating your living room with the latest decorating trend.

Treat yourself or a loved one to a brilliant monthly read packed with inspiration – subscribe to Real Homes today and take advantage of our amazing offer before it's gone. It's too good a deal to miss! Terms and conditions apply.

5 reasons to subscribe to Real Homes

• January savings - don’t miss out on this amazing deal and save 74% when you subscribe!
• Subscribe from as little as £/$1 per issue. Plus, every issue is delivered directly to your door every month!
• It's the perfect magazine for anyone with a passion for interiors.
• Each new Real Homes magazine issue is packed with great new ideas, features and articles for your home. Be ahead of the crowd when it comes to interiors trends.
• We love helping you save money. Not just with our subscription offers, but our mag is brimming with home transformation ideas for every budget. Take the plunge and let even more savings roll in.

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Casper is one of the leading mattress brands on the market.  So we won’t be surprised if you’ve been dreaming about one for a while, especially if you’ve been sleeping on a mattress that doesn't have the comfort factor you’re after.  But we also understand that investing in a brand-new bed can be costly. 

That’s why there’s no better time to buy than now. The holiday sales have officially kicked off at Casper, with some of the best deals we’ve seen. From now until the new year, Casper has the chance for you to save up to $800 on a mattress. Oh, and there are 25 percent off-sheet sets, big money off weighted blankets, and discounts on pillows, too in their clearance section. 

Not only is the Casper mattress backed by a 100-night free trial, free shipping, and a 10-year warranty, but it also holds a spot in our best mattress guide. So if you’re wanting to upgrade your entire sleep set-up for less, then Casper is the place to check out this month. 

Casper mattress discount you can get right now

More Casper mattress deals 

What Real Homes recommends from Casper

Casper mattresses are some of the most popular on the US market. They're rated highly by customers all over the nation, but to make sure their claims are up to scratch, we had to put a couple of Casper mattresses in the hands of our expert tester Linda Clayton. She's tested both the much-loved Casper mattress as well as its hybrid alternative, rating the Original an impressive 5 out of 5, with the hybrid following behind with 4.5 stars. 

Here's what she had to say: 

More about Casper mattresses

More Casper discounts

Casper bedding deals

January is literally the perfect time to upgrade your space DIY and if you follow Real Homes, then you're probably not afraid of getting hands-on to make your space beautiful. The best way to give your entire home, or even just bedroom space, a glow-up without going over budget, is to get creative and think outside the box.

This month, we're focusing on small homes, so if you've managed to enhance space in a tiny room or small apartment. Whether you're a total novice or a self-taught pro, we're here for it and no DIY project is too small to celebrate.

What's in it for you? If we love what you've done, we will let you know ASAP and each winner will win $150 (or the equivalent in GBP), and your full project will be featured on realhomes.com and/or exclusively in Real Homes magazine...

How to enter the Real Homes' competition 

Get involved by filling in the form to share a snapshot of the project you'd like to contribute and every month we'll pick up to five lucky winners. The last submissions for this month will be at midnight on January 31st and we will aim to contact winners by the 7th of February.

Please note that we will need a set of basic step-by-step instructions to accompany your submission should you be chosen! This should be roughly 300 words.

Terms and Conditions apply. Good luck!

Terms and conditions

All entries must be submitted via the online entry form. This competition is Open to all residents of the UK and US (excluding residents of Rhode Island, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, or any other U.S. territory where prohibited or restricted by law) aged 18 years and over, except employees of Future Plc and its group of companies (“Future”). 

Entries limited to one per household. Use of automated devices or methods of submission are not valid forms of entry. There will be up to five (5) monthly winners in total each entitled to $150 (or equivalent in GBP) (the “Prize”). By entering your images and / or videos (“Media”) you: (i) confirm that you have the permission of the homeowner to submit the entry; (ii) agree and understand that your surname and county of residence will be published if selected as a winner; (iii) confirm that the Media has not been shared with other home publications  (vi)  grant Future an exclusive right to publish, feature, reproduce and use the Media  in Future’s print and digital media (including social media), in existence now or later invented with credit to you, and (vii) grant Future’s licensees the right to publish content incorporating the Media, providing the publication is in the same context as Future’s use. All photos must be submitted as jpegs at 300dpi. Computer-generated or computer-altered Media will not be accepted. Artwork and illustrations will not be accepted. You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright of all Media entered. Future does not accept any liability for the publication of unlawfully reproduced Media. 

The winners will be selected by members of the Real Home editorial team (the “Judges”) from all valid entries received. Future reserves the right to withhold prizes if, in the opinion of the Judges, the quality of entries falls below the standard required. The Judges’ decision as to the winners is final and no correspondence relating to a competition will be entered. The winners shall be notified by Future by email/telephone within 28 days of being selected and will be required to supply details of a UK or US postal address. Future will deliver the Prize. The Prize is non-transferable. There is no alternative Prize. No purchase required. Void where prohibited. The value of the Prize may be taxable as income and each Prize winner is solely responsible for any taxes, including, but not limited to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes that become due with respect to the value of the Prize. By entering this competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, the competition rules at: www.futureplc.com/competition-rules/ and collection of personal data in accordance with Future’s privacy policy at: https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/. We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel, alter or amend a competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, or if circumstances arise outside its control.

How are you feeling about Christmas this year? The past two years have been a little tarnished for all of us with isolation, and never did we feel the impact of those lockdown rules more than at Christmas time. Now, dare we say it, things are well and truly on the up, and a Christmas where we’re allowed to mingle, laugh and hug our loved ones is finally upon us. 

Whether you’re hosting the pinnacle Christmas dinner this year, throwing a New Year’s Eve party, or simply reuniting with friends for a long festive weekend, organisation at this time of year is key. You don’t want to be paying over the odds for a last-minute air mattress or traipsing the streets for those essential final flourishes. And you equally don’t want to be so busy sorting out all the finer details, that you forget to have a nice time yourself. 

So to make the most of all of life’s little moments, we’ve put together this handy guide of the top five things you can do now to make this Christmas one to remember. 

1. Create a cosy sleep space for your guests

When you’re inviting family and friends to stay, you want them to feel as comfortable as possible, and that starts with a good night’s sleep. We’re loving the Woodland Fable duvet set from John Lewis as the perfect festive but also pretty set, creating a cosy and Chrismassy feel in any space. If you’re transforming your home office or spare room into a guest bedroom this year, a warm rich red duvet cover like this is an easy way to add impact and create instant festive cheer.

2. All eyes on the Christmas tree

There’s no denying it, if people are coming over to your house at Christmas time, the first thing they really want to see is the tree. Not only is it such a special and magical sight, but it’s also often the backdrop to family photos that’ll be treasured for years to come, so don’t let yours disappoint. And this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. This 6f Traditions Christmas tree from John Lewis is so chunky and full, plus, it’s a total bargain. What's more, the high-quality design will last, so you’ll be bringing it out year after year, making it a sustainable choice too. With a selection of quirky decoration themes from super sweet Sugar Plum Cafeto a mysterious and elegant Nightlife theme, John Lewis has all the baubles you need to create a show-stopping tree, even on a budget. Memorable decorations like this dinosaur decoration are sure to be one the kids hunt for every year when you get the decorations down from the loft. 

3. Get the right tools for the job

Christmas dinner is the epicenter of Christmas Day, and tends to be the thing that people remember the most. Be it your aunt’s special stuffing or your nan’s marinated sprouts, the taste of Christmas stays with us. So if you’re the chef this year, ensure you have everything you need to cook the best meal possible. Quality frying pans like this from John Lewis’s Anyday range don’t cost the earth, but can make a huge difference to both how good your food tastes, and how pleasant it is to cook it!

4. Create an extra special tablescape

Gathered around a table with your loved ones, wearing paper hats and telling silly jokes bring a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Whether or not you’re a budding chef, you can make the experience extra special by creating a beautiful dining environment. We’ve got our eye on these luxury Winter Fayre crackers. They’ll suit literally any festive scheme and they’re only £15. Shhh.. we won’t tell if you don’t! Complete with extra special additions like these Foliage glass flutes and gold cutlery, John Lewis really is the one-stop shop for curating a special dining scheme for less than you’d think. 

5. Book in some me time

We don’t want to sound like a Scrooge, but amongst all the joy and merriment, Christmas can be a bit of a stressful time too. With endless present lists, guests' dietary requirements and kids’ concerts to get to, it’s a time of year when there is a lot going on. So be sure to map out some solo downtime just for you. Be it a quiet walk in nature, or a cosy evening in tucked up with a book or embroidery, planning in some 'me' time amongst the hustle and bustle can really help you out in the long run. 

Yes, that’s right: you can score a big discount on our favorite firm mattress right now.  The Emma mattress now has 50% off to kickstart the cozy season with a huge saving.

You might have already had the Emma on your wishlist for a while, or recently decided on an Emma model to suit your sleeping needs. Either way now’s the time to check out. With up to 50% off mattress bundles, beds, and more, you can save BIG on upgrading your entire sleep setup. We’ve tried and tested Emma's bestsellers, amongst more buys, so you can trust you’re getting a good deal. If there’s one thing we’d recommend investing in, it’s the Emma Original mattress, which holds a top spot in our best mattress guide for good reason. 

Whether you’re in the UK or the US, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need on the best Emma mattress deals on, at the moment. 

The very best Emma mattress deals 

US

UK

Need more convincing?

Want more information about Emma's mattress before you spend your hard-earned cash? Find out everything you need to know in our Emma mattress review. Here's what our reviewer had to say too: 

The best Emma mattress deals this week

More current Emma mattress offers

The best Emma mattress accessory prices

Emma sells more than mattresses on its website. It has a range of pillows, mattress protectors, and bedding to choose from too. Everything comes with a 200-night trial as well. Winning!

US Emma Accessory Deals

UK Emma Accessory deals

With the World Cup on our screens in November, and Eurovision on home turf next year, we'll be hosting friends and family for the long run. And, while hosting is a relatively enjoyable experience, having a washing machine making a racket over your football chants can be embarrassing!

Of course, with the cost of living crisis, investing in white goods can be a bit of a tall ask financially. So if your goal is to seek out a new machine, consider trading in your old appliance for a Hotpoint hero this October. An A-rated washer will not only save you money on energy and water in the long run, but you'll also help do your part for the environment too.

Christmas is less than 10 weeks away, and with football shirts and seasonal outfits on standby, you'll need a reliable and winning washer if you're going to survive the festive and footie period.

Until 31st October, you can sub off a substandard machine for an energy-efficient replacement. As part of AO's trade-in transfer window, they'll do the hard graft of picking up your old appliance for free and take it away to their recycling centre when they drop off your new one.

Yes, even if your machine is faulty, you'll be pleased to know that it still qualifies. Even if it's stopped working completely, you can still go for goal and have your goods in time for when you'll need them most. So whatever the football tournament has in store, you can guarantee it's coming home when it comes to sourcing the best new washing machine for your home.

Why choose a Hotpoint ActiveCare washing machine?

Let's face it, beer, ketchup, and pizza and red wine are all magnets to clothing whether you're cheering on the Three Lions, hosting a Halloween party or snuggling down for an early Christmas movie. Thankfully, Hotpoint's ActiveCare range is developed to protect your laundry by removing more than 100* of the most stubborn stains, even at temperatures as low as 20 degrees. 

Christmas can also be a time when we don our glad rags, so sequins, silk, and sparkle are all on the cards. Instead of spending money on unnecessarily dry cleaning (and finding the time to pick it up), choose a Hotpoint machine with a dedicated Delicate Wash programme for gentle cleaning. Selected models also have steam options, which will not only cut out creasing and can alleviate the need for an iron altogether but also get rid of bacteria, refresh and soften your clothes.

Prefer to be cosy and chic? That light-coloured cashmere jumper or scarf you often pair with a boots and leather skirt can be laundered using the wool programme which washes on cooler temperatures with a lighter drum motion. It'll also do a good job on those novelty jumpers so you can pull out those sassy slogan knits and questionable cardigans we forcibly wear for Crimbo cheer.

And, who can resist a crisp walk after festive food? While we're full to the brim with Turkey and the good intent for the year ahead, dogs and children can't resist zoomies or a muddy puddle. Thankfully, Hotpoint's washing machines not only remove stubborn stains, but they can remove them quickly, reducing the wash time by activating ActiveCare or the Rapid wash options.

If you're staying in-in, no one wants their washing machine to cramp the Christmas playlist or drown out a seasonal special on the telly, By opting for a Hotpoint washing machine, you can set and forget, whilst it works quietly in the background.

What's more, ActiveCare technology increases the cleaning power by +60% by pre-mixing the water and detergent to create a mousse that can remove even stubborn stains at temperatures as low as 20°C!**

Here are our Hotpoint heroes

If you've got a large squad, look no further than the Hotpoint NM111046WDAUKN 10Kg Washing Machine. This washer can clean clothes in as little as 30 minutes and has an Anti-allergy programme that removes all traces of dust, pollen, and pet fur. At 76 dB, it's as quiet as a mouse... while it works on getting your clothes squeaky clean.

The Rapid and Green button allows you to make a conscious decision on whether you want to speed up the cycle or save on energy. This special option lets you customise the washing cycle according to your needs. With a simple touch, you can either speed up the cycle by up to 50% or save up to 20% on energy***.

Need to dry clothes quickly? Then you'll need the Hotpoint ActiveCare NTM1182XBUK 8Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer on your team. Despite the bad rap that some dryers get, this A++ rated appliance uses heat pump technology to dry shirts, shorts, and all sorts, recycling warm air and removing moisture in the process. It truly is a game-changer when it comes to having laundry ready to go. Plus, You could save up to £388**** per year in energy costs with this heat pump tumble dryer.

The ActiveCare range keeps your clothes looking their best for longer, by carefully drying your clothes using heat pump technology. This energy-efficient drying solution minimises stress on fibres, reducing fabric wear out by up to 40%***** so that you can wear your favourite clothes time and time again.

Read more about Hotpoint ActiveCare at ao.com here

Get the ball rolling with a Hotpoint ActiveCare appliance

1. Scout a Hotpoint ActiveCare product that you like.
2. AO will collect your old appliance when we drop off the new one. Just make sure it’s empty, unplugged, and disconnected from the electricity and water supply.

The small print

• *Obtained on Anti-stain program 20°C (tested on Cotton) and ActiveCare option activated and tested by external institute SSOG (Italy) on more than 100 types of stains.
• **Compared to Hotpoint washers without ActiveCare
• ***The percentage saved on time or energy will vary according to the load and program selected.
• ****Saving calculated by Youreko and are based on the energy usage of this model compared to the least efficient 8kg model in the market, operating on the standard cotton cupboard dry program as published on product fiche or energy label, completing 260 cycles per year (5 per week) over 13 years, with an average current energy cost of 34p per kWh and an average annual increase in electricity costs of 4.92% per year. Further details on calculations can be found at Hotpoint.co.ukSavings calculated 01/10/2022 and may vary depending on other factors such as usage, energy cost fluctuations, cycle type etc..
• *****Up to 40% based on jeans program without ActiveCare.

Why choose ao.com

We're all trying to shop around to save money, but it's not only price that's important. Buying from ao.com means that you can benefit from flexible delivery (7 days a week on a day that suits you), hassle-free installation, and a price match promise, ensuring they'll beat all other retailers – even when they've got a sale on!

Shop Hotpoint ActiveCare appliances at ao.com

When it comes to choosing the essentials of your property, like external doors, it warrants more attention than you might think. It’s easy to take these fundamental features of a home for granted when, actually, every detail counts. And when you’re investing in bi-folding doors, getting the right model will make an incredible difference to the look and feel of your home, enhancing your day-to-day for years to come.

Korniche have been producing quality award winning bi-folding doors for more than six years and pride themselves in bringing customers stunning products that deliver above and beyond. Combining refined aesthetics with unparalleled performance, Korniche bi-folds are engineered and built to last, yet designed to give a sleek and modern finish, sure to enhance all types of property. Crafted with aluminum, these doors set the bar high, offering everything you would expect from bi-fold doors – lots of natural light, brilliant maneuverability – and much more.

Customisable on all levels, no matter what specific design or style wants you have, your doors will finish off your space perfectly. Choose a minimal but contemporary matt black finish or, tap into a more eccentric interior design scheme and choose any colour under the rainbow to paint onto raw uncoated frames. From the configuration, to the handles and luxurious glide of the doors themselves on their specially crafted pivoting axle, Korniche bi-fold doors are brimming with thoughtful features and details for a consistent look that will offer households a lifetime of seamless functionality.

What’s more, at a time when the rise in energy bills is at the forefront of our minds, you can rest assured that Korniche bi-fold doors feature high-performance glazing for heightened heat retention. Meaning that your home will stay comfortable, and good looking, in all seasons.

Want to find out more? Go to the korniche.co.uk website for further product resources and for information on where to buy. From the comprehensive 10-year warranty on their bi-fold doors, to the ease of installation and aftercare service, choosing Korniche means investing in a stylish, secure and reliable feature for your home and there has never been a better time to invest.

If there’s one place where you should be able to feel comfortable, it’s at home. With rising energy costs and frequent talk of future grid failures, the world seems to be filled with uncertainty right now. While many things are, naturally, out of our control, there are some ways that you can instill more confidence in your own environment. Especially as we are rapidly headed towards winter, taking the reins on your home’s power supply seems timely to say the least.

The cost of energy is one thing but what these resources are costing the environment is also cause for concern. As we’re all looking for innovative ways to be more budget and eco-friendly, considering a portable power station to effectively backup your home’s energy supply in a sustainable way means that you’ll have a little more peace of mind this winter, and beyond. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. Enhancing everyday living 

Designed to efficiently power your home, from running appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine to heating water for a shower, even in an outhouse or cabin, portable power stations are the future and can give households more control of their energy supply and expenditure.

Choosing a model like EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 1kWh will see your home is fully functional and comfortable in no time. Complete with a 1024Wh capacity in itself – and able to be combined with previous models for optimised energy also – the DELTA 2 offers a superior solution to many repercussions of the energy crisis. With 13 outlets, it gives households more energy freedom. Whether you need to boost everyone’s phone on a last-minute trip or simply run your coffee maker, a power supply that delivers safe usage is indispensable. Thanks to the Delta 2’s X-Boost technology, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most out of everyday high wattage appliances, without overloading them – making it a brilliant addition to modern households. 

2. Offering sustainable solutions

Gone are the days of ‘backups’ not showing up, now portable power supplies are revolutionary on all levels, from charging, to run time. DELTA 2 is both powerful and quick to charge for unparalleled reliability. Able to fire up to 80% in under an hour (50 minutes to be precise), no matter how busy and demanding your household may be, the DELTA 2 will be able to provide a reliable solution to power needs big or small.

Plus, with greener living now just as much of a priority as staying on budget, having a portable power supply that can deliver optimum performance in a way that is kind to the environment, is a big plus. A model like the DELTA 2 was built to offer a reliable but also renewable energy solution. It uses LFP batteries which are a more stable and longer-lasting alternative to traditional batteries – a major development in the energy sector –  and it can actually be charged using EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels. Taking 500 W solar output, in just three to six hours of energy-saving charging, your power supply can be ready to use. 

3. Designed to suit you on every level

With all that power, you may expect something bulky and unsightly. However, choosing a discreet portable power station like EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 that is seamless in design to suit, if not even enhance, every modern home, means you won’t have to compromise on your home’s style or sacrifice too much space either.

Built for busy lifestyles, there’s an EcoFlow app that you can use to control your DELTA 2 over Wi-Fi, or even using Bluetooth should you go off-grid. Whether you want to check charging data or customize settings to adjust the charging speed, you can do so with ease. Plus, with 1-3kWh expandable capacity, you can grow your storage depending on your household needs.

EcoFlow says that you’ll enjoy 10 years of daily use from the DELTA 2 thanks to the LFP battery chemistry allowing for 3000+ cycles, which is 6x the longevity of alternatives. Available with a 5-year warranty, investing in a revolutionary product to keep your home’s power supply not just afloat but fully functioning, from a company that’s making waves in the sustainable energy world, is a move that makes complete sense.

What's more, late October EcoFlow is launching its RIVER 2 Series featuring even more portable and affordable options. Full details will be revealed on EcoFlow websites from October 25th. 

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace of mind to customers in over 100 markets through its portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories. EcoFlow's mission is to reinvent the way the world accesses energy by creating quiet, lighter, and longer-lasting renewable batteries. EcoFlow's products are now available in all countries and regions across Europe, supported by a network of over 800 local retailers.

Are air fryers worth it you ask? In short: Yes, oui, si, ja! Whatever language you ask the question in, there are so many reasons to buy an air fryer, and oh can I tell you the ways it can save time, money, and energy (especially after that post-work commute on the subway).  

Whether you want French fries on the regular, without the guilt, or if it's the cost of living crisis that's got you considering alternative ways of cooking to cater to a shoestring budget, now that I've tried at least a dozen of the best air fryers on the market, honestly, I can't really imagine my kitchen life without this countertop essential.

Are air fryers worth it in the long run?

Why invest in an air fryer

Topline, air fryers just make cooking a whole lot quicker without compensating for delicious results, and food in some cases is even tastier than if you were to use your conventional oven or, try to keep it a lot healthier by using a microwave, subbing out oil or resorting to just boiling veggies... 

Plus, there are an absolute ton of cool and unexpected air fryer recipes out there. The French fry is not the limit here and you can do everything from reviving store-bought croissants to cooking entire joints of meat. 

Need I say more? Um yes I can, and I'd like to elaborate on why small air fryers (in particular) are so worth it, for every kitchen and every kind of cook.

They make frozen food taste so much better

We’ve all got a bag of frozen fries or chicken nuggets in our chest freezer. Often they make for a lackluster meal when time and energy are in short supply. But the hype is real when it comes to the difference that air frying can make. Oven fries really don’t come close to your favorite takeout, but air fryers use a basket to circulate hot air around your food, distributing what little fat and oil is in your oven fries evenly and recreating the taste and texture of fried food. The difference really is noticeable – I promise. 

They can refresh takeout foods

You know what I mean. If you've used a takeout app to order thick-cut fries you'll know they'll either come wrapped in paper or delivered in a polystyrene container... and how the hot air will spoil the crispiness of your fries. Now, when I want that just-served texture, I just put them in my air fryer and it pretty much revives their crispy texture. Because no one likes a limp fry. The same goes for soggy samosas or bhajis if you've overordered at your favorite curry house.

Air frying leftovers trumps the microwave

Move over microwave oven — there's a new cool kid in town. Yep, your trusty pinging machine might have served you for many years (including college), but even the best microwaves have their downfalls, including soggy reheats, and cold spots in your food.

So for a more consistent reheat that won't give baked goods a squishy texture, try using an air fryer to warm through your leftovers. It is especially good for reheating pizza – in fact, I think it makes takeout pizza even better. You can even reheat wet leftovers including pasta, noodles, and casserole in an air fryer as long as you put them in a suitable container (though note some manufacturer instructions will advise against this).

4. They're cheap to run 

They're cheap to run

With food and energy prices varying from day to day, feeding your family on a budget is something everyone should be conscious of. But that shouldn't mean living on cheap fast food or scrimping on portion sizes. Presenting: the air fryer

The good news is, if you're wondering: 'are air fryers expensive to run?', the answer is no. In fact, air fryers cost anywhere between $0.20 and $0.80 to run for an hour — not that you'll even be using it for that long unless you're cooking large cuts of meat. The cost to run an air fryer is therefore much cheaper than the best oven.

5. It is way healthier to cook in

It's healthier to cook in

If you're wondering how healthy an air fryer is, it does depend on what you cook in it. What cannot be disputed is that you don’t need to use nearly as much oil when air frying, compared to frying in a pan or even cooking in an oven tray. 

Cooking chicken wings or oven fries? Placing them in an air fryer basket allows the fat to drain off and into the drawer below, which not only helps to crisp your food evenly, but it also means you will end up not eating that fat when you tuck into your meal. If you want to cut down on the amount of fat you consume, buying an air fryer is a great way to do it.

And don't forget the kid's school snacks. If you're spending unfathomable amounts on fruit jerky and don't fancy spending a gazillion bucks or waste counter space on specialist equipment like a food dehydrator, you can DIY this tasty treat in your air fryer.

They speed up th cooking process

Air fryers take almost no time to preheat, in contrast to your fan oven or even your best non-stick frying pan. Simply press to start the cooking process and add your food, and you already got a jump start on your meal prep time. Then there’s the fact that most air fryers I’ve tried have significantly sped along the cooking process. Oven fries that are described as taking 25 minutes to cook only take 15, fishcakes that would take 40 minutes in an oven are often ready in 25. If you want a device to make mealtimes faster and more convenient – this is it.

Plus, as everything is concealed in the basket, and with the lid being shut, you won't get splattered by any oil.

7. Cleaning an air fryer is easy

Cleaning an air fryer is easy

It takes only a few minutes to clean an air fryer, and many of the top models you can buy are also dishwasher-safe. Simply place the basket and tray into your dishwasher after each use and you’ve just saved yourself a whole lot of cleaning. Better still, invest in some silicone air fryer liners (available on Amazon) and you'll only have to rinse these rubbery accessories.

Another big yes is that there's no hot oil to clean up, because performing a risk assessment every time we go to clean our deep fat fryer gives us unreal levels of anxiety, not to mention the smell cooking oil leaves on clothes and our hair. Someone pass the dry shampoo please!

However, that doesn't mean binning your deep fryer as it still has some advantages if you read through our head-to-head battle of air fryer vs. deep fryer.

If you've ever had to clean an oven from top to bottom, you'll know that even with the best oven cleaner, it can still be a mammoth task. Baked-on and burnt debris (hello cheese) is just the worst, and if you don't tend to it immediately, that greasy smell will permeate through the house. So working with a smaller appliance, *ahem, air fryer* will save you from getting on your hands and knees (without those scarily-corrosive substances).

It's easy to invest in quality

Because there are so many air fryers on the market, it is easy to find great air fryer deals. Top brands such as COSORI (available on Amazon), Philips and Ninja will be vying for your attention with great deals and record-low prices. It is possible to pick up top air fryers for way less than $100, and some of the top ones can even be bought for around $50.

And, if one of the top brands keeps going out of stock, there are some serious contenders that do the job just as well... sometimes for less. Take, for example, these Ninja air fryer dupes that rival the Dual Zone.

Air fryers are great for cozy eats

Cozy and comforting eats aren't reserved for your slow cooker and air fryers can make everything from porridge oats to crispy brussels sprouts and speedy mug cakes. And because it is oh so speedy, if you want a hunger fix in minutes, it's a winner. 

Air fryers economize on space

Air fryers cook so quickly that they won't heat your space in the same way that your oven will. So I love using mine in summer for quick light bites but it's also ideal if you're in a studio that can quickly become too hot if your oven is on full blast. 

Plus, if fries are on the menu, using a deep-fat fryer often feels a little like a faff, and depending on your model, you could end up turning your kitchen into a super heated and kind of sweaty mess.  Not a good look for guests, so I love my air fryer for keeping my kitchen space literally cool but also a little more calm and collected.

The same can be said for using a hot oven, eCommerce Editor Christina Chrysostomou loves her air fryer for a similar reason, "When I use my air fryer, I feel like I can kick back a little more and have a drink with guests as I go. Plus, there's none of that opening the oven door and getting a hot sauna experience that you did not want." It's way more manageable.

I have a relatively small kitchen, so I have enjoyed testing out a variety of air fryer sizes. The top small air fryer I’ve tested was the Philips Essential which had a modest footprint and lightweight design, but on the other end of the scale, Philips also does an extra large air fryer that can fit an entire chicken and cook enough fries for a family of six. So if you're looking for ideas for a small kitchen, without taking up worktop real estate, this is the air fryer for you.

On the flip side, if you're already dreading Thanksgiving and Christmas because of a lack of oven space, there are machines are big enough to air fryer a turkey!

There are so many air fryer types to choose from

The top air fryers I’ve tested come in a range of designs and sizes. My absolute favorite is the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (available on Amazon), because you can cook two elements of a meal simultaneously, in different drawers and even in different modes. Wanna know even more about this machine? Take a look at our Ninja Foodi Dual Zone review.

They just keep getting smarter

Air fryers offer convenience but they also actively try and make your life easier. One such example is the Proscenic T21 Smart Air Fryer (I’ve tested this one too) which not only comes with Alexa-enabled controls, it also has an app that can suggest recipes and pair with the air fryer to select the right timings and temperature settings for your specific meal. That’s super smart.  

You can cook so much in an air fryer

Most good air fryers have settings for grilling, roasting, reheating, and even baking. There are a ton of surprising things to cook in an air fryer and more.

In fact, when you buy an air fryer you’re really not restricted to just cooking food you would usually fry. Think tray cakes and even air fryer hard boiled eggs. We've also seen people make cheesecakes, toast, and muffins in their air fryers, so you can get plenty of use out of an air fryer all year long, for your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts and snacks.

They will elevate your cooking game

If a packet of ramen is your go-to, I know you can do better. And air fryers can be argued to actually make you more creative with what you cook. You can go totally gourmet like Christina who has been baking wild salmon and roasted vegetables with feta (as above) plus lots more in her air fryer, because, why not. Or, go a little more simple but nonetheless exciting like E-commerce writer, Louise Oliphant, who loves using her Dreo air fryer for cooking asparagus in particular... 

So whether you're making a chicken salad or want to make a small side dish to accompany said noodles (there actually is no shame), an air fryer will elevate the taste of all of your ingredients so that you enjoy more elaborate eats and flavor, minus the usual time and effort that would usually go into it!

'Air fryers have become so popular over the past couple of years because they just make everything so much quicker and they’re so versatile,' says Rebecca Bebbington, content strategist at NetVoucherCodes.

'People love that you can make everything in there from chicken and potatoes to roast vegetables and burgers. The best thing is that nothing really takes too long to make it there, so they’re perfect for busy people who find dinners a struggle. On top of that, things made in the air fryer usually require fewer ingredients so in some respects it saves you money too.'

'People still underestimate just how many things they can actually make in the air fryer so we’ve put together a list of things that people probably wouldn’t have thought of.'

Stirzaker's surprising list of six things you can air fry

1. Macaroni cheese
'Baked pasta is probably one of the last things you would think to make in your air fryer but it works! Place your uncooked pasta into your air fryer along with some water, heavy cream, seasoning and cheese and mix it all together ensuring that the pasta is covered. The key to this is letting it cool for around five minutes in the end so that the sauce thickens up. You’ll also want to give this a stir halfway through.'

2. Cakes
'Baked goods like cakes and muffins can also be made in the air fryer. Of course, the size of the cake you can make will depend on the size of your air fryer, you’ll need to ensure that your cake tin can sit in there comfortably.' 

3. Wraps
'The air fryer can be used to achieve that perfect crispy, golden wrap too. Just fold up your wrap like a burrito to avoid any of the filling falling out, spray it with some fry light or spread some butter over it and then place it in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until golden.'

4. Tortilla chips
'Using your air fryer to make things like tortilla chips gives you a much healthier version of the snack as it’s made with air rather than being deep-fried. Simply brush your small tortilla wraps in some olive oil and cover in seasonings of your choice like salt and tajin and cut into pieces. Cook these in the air fryer until golden brown.'

5. Cinnamon rolls
'The circulation of air in the air fryer is what makes foods come out crispier than if they were to be made in the oven. When baked in the air fryer cinnamon rolls come out airy, light and extra flaky and crispy!'

6. Grilled cheese sandwiches
'When made in the oven, grilled cheese sandwiches can often come out a little soggy. For maximum crisp place these in the air fryer instead. Not only will it come out crispier, but it will also be cooked a lot quicker than if it was in the oven.'

If you are struggling for space and need more rooms and bathrooms, it could be tempting to move to a bigger property. But the solution may rest within your home, it just takes a little imagination to uncover its untapped potential.

Need a second WC downstairs? What about the space under the stairs that has become a dumping ground for coats? Coveting a master suite that can give you a sanctuary to retreat to? The dusty attic could be put to better use than storage by being converted into a bedroom and en suite. Or why not convert the dark and chilly garage that’s filled with everything but the car, so you can create your dream kitchen with a separate utility and shower room?

Adding an extra toilet as part of these improvements – whether it’s downstairs for guests to use, in the utility or upstairs so parents have their own separate bathroom – will add convenience and value to your home; experts estimate it will increase its worth by about five per cent.

However, fitting one, especially in a space where it was never planned for a bathroom to be, can provide challenges with all the plumbing that is needed to service it. If you are installing a WC under the stairs or in an en suite as part of a loft conversion, and it isn’t above or below an existing bathroom, it is unlikely that it will be close to mains drainage or a soil and vent pipe.

Fitting a macerator toilet could solve this problem as it doesn’t need a drainage extension pipe, so you can fit it anywhere – in a loft, basement or garage – or into the most compact of spaces, such as under the stairs or in a room created by taking a small area off the hallway or landing.

How do macerators work?

Traditional plumbing systems need gravity to work to wash away waste and fluids from one point to another. But, there are times when a toilet needs to be fitted in a space where it can’t rely on gravity to do this.

A macerator in a toilet is a built-in sewage pump that uses a high-speed rotating blade to liquidise waste so it can be flushed away in any direction. A water and electricity connection is all that is required for it to work. The waste is discharged through small bore pipework and feeds into the mains drainage system.

They are a hygienic and safe way to dispose of waste as the macerators, pumps and discharge pipes create compact units that are very clean. And because the units are watertight and external to the toilet bowl, they are unlikely to leak or cause the toilet to flood.

Creating dream spaces anywhere

If you don’t have mains drainage in a room that you are planning to convert, it doesn’t have to stop you transforming it into an en suite, bathroom, shower room or even a mud room for rinsing off your pets after a rainy walk.

Specially designed shower pumps can be fitted where floor drainage is required but where space underneath is very limited, such as in wet rooms or bathrooms with a low entry shower tray.

If it’s a new utility or kitchen with an island you want, and mains drainage isn’t nearby, rather than costly plumbing work, adding a compact pump under the sink could be the answer.

Saniflo

Saniflo is the market leader in macerators, having invented the concept back in 1958. It now has more than 30 products to help customers find solutions to complete their perfect project – including macerators, pumps and lifting stations. Its technical team can advise customers on the best product for the space they are looking to transform. A network of Saniflo engineers throughout the UK ensures that installation and aftercare is available from trained professionals. For more details, go to saniflo.co.uk

The Target Deal Days sale is officially here for 2022, and really it couldn't have come at a better time. This sale offers anyone who shops at Target (online or in-store) the chance to score some incredible products at a discount price, ahead of Black Friday. We're talking about everything from brilliant air fryers to easy-to-use vacuum cleaners and even stylish furniture. From big brands too, such as Ninja, Cuisinart, and even Dyson.

What are you waiting for? This sale officially started yesterday and is only live for three days. So, whether you're investing in a steam mop to ramp up your cleaning routine, or perhaps it's a coffee machine to help save you money (and an extra stop) every morning? We've listed six of the best appliances in the Target sale, just below. Better yet? We've tested all of these appliances, (give or take a few newer models) and we can vouch that they truly are worth your dollar. Read our reviews and buy them directly from Target today, before the sale ends.

With up to 25 percent off appliances at Target for Deal Days, there's no place else to do your shopping from now through to Saturday 8 October.

6 of the best Target Deal Days offers

1. Our best-rated air fryer for families has $20 off

2. Get $130 off this gold-rated, 7-in-1 air fryer

3. Clean your hard floors with hot water with the Shark Pocket Mop which is now only $89.99

4. Go wild for the Dyson Animal Origin, now with $50 off

5. Get your coffee fix at home with Keurig coffee maker

6. Save over $200 (and effort) with the iRobot Roomba j7

When is the Target Deal Days sale?

Target Deal Days is a three-day sales event that is currently taking place Thursday 6 October through to Saturday 10 October 2022. The online campaign requires no membership and discounts span across various product categories including home appliances, and vacuums & floor care.

When is the Target Black Friday sale?

While there has been no official announcement of when Target's Black Friday sale will start, our predictions will be that the retailer will drop prices on selected items on Friday November 25 2022. We assume this will continue right through to Monday November 28 2022 (aka 'Cyber Monday). 

How we test air fryers is both an art and a science. Reviewing these small kitchen appliances requires consistent methodology, which is why we have developed a rigorous testing process to make sure that all of the products we review can be compared directly. This is how we choose which appliances to feature in our buying guide, and how we decide which models are the top choice for certain buyers.

We've been reviewing air fryers both at home and in our dedicated testing lab for nearly three years now, and as a result, we've landed on our top favorites. That's not to say that this will never change, of course. We also review brand-new air fryers, as they are released or sometimes just before. Either way: we will always have hands-on experience with an air fryer before we recommend it. 

All of our air fryer reviews are conducted either by team members or in the case that we have no more space left on our kitchen worktops, by a freelance reviewer. Whilst thinking about who is the best person to test which air fryer, we always consider our writers' living situation.

This means that the best air fryers we can recommend have been put through their paces to check that they can cope everywhere from a busy family home to a single household with a tiny kitchen and every other situation in between. We always try to use these air fryers for at least a month before coming to a decision, and in some cases, we might review air fryers in batches or have two going at one time, as this makes it easier to compare different models for our key criteria. 

Air fryer experts

We use a rigorous five-stage process to become a Customer Advisor. Customer Advisors are proven experts, with hands-on, long-term experience of industry-leading products and the ability to compare between major brands to help you make the best choices for your home. Our acting head of ecommerce, Christina Chrysostomou, is our current in-house air fryer Customer Advisor. 

The process is as follows:

1. Home user: We own a market-leading option, and use it in our home or garden on a regular basis. This means we see how the top products hold up over time, and compare new releases to our top choice. 
2. Industry expert: We know the market leaders, and stay up to date on their latest releases to make sure we're always in the know. 
3. Behind the scenes: We've been to a factory or showroom to see how products are made and experienced the behind-the-scenes of how new products are tested and developed. 
4. Technical know-how: It's one thing to test a product, but the key to being a customer advisor is knowing how it works. We understand the inner workings of a product and can explain exactly what makes it satisfactory (or unsatisfactory). 
5. Reader awareness: We answer to our readers. Ask us questions, request new product releases, or just let us know what your favorite products are! We want to understand how you shop so we can help with your purchasing decision.

How we test air fryers

While air fryers have been around for over five years, for a lot of people an air fryer is still a new concept, and their purchase at the moment will likely be their first. This is why we make sure to include plenty of photos of our testing process and advise how to get the most out of each product when we review them.

We do like to add some objective measures to our reviews, tracking how long it takes an air fryer to cook certain foods, and measuring noise levels while the air fryer is on. But more on that later.

Even the most outstanding air fryer might not be the right fit for your kitchen or lifestyle, which is why we always test an air fryer in our own home, to help you decide if a product is right for yours. This enables us to figure out how a product slots into day-to-day life, for example, how easy an air fryer is to clean, if an alarm noise can get a bit annoying over time, or if a small air fryer can easily fit into a kitchen cupboard to hide it away.

How we decide which products to review

Our reviews are always completely impartial and never paid for. Brands will often send us air fryers free of charge to give us the opportunity to review them. We are often allowed to keep them, which means we can add to our reviews over the months (and even years!) to note how well the product has fared after consistent use. 

When we're not allowed to keep a product we try to hang onto it for at least three or four weeks to make sure that the product is put through its paces before we send it back to the company. This means we rarely miss a new launch and are constantly reviewing new air fryers back-to-back, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Some brands are trickier to get hold of than others, but we're always striving to include as many different products as possible, with different price points and designs to suit any space or budget. We're genuine air fryer enthusiasts, so if someone launches a new product with an interesting feature, we'll be first in line to try it out. You can find our 'Review in progress' badge on the air fryers we are currently testing. 

Why we bother with unboxing

First impressions are everything — so how the air fryer arrives is important to us. While things like a battered cardboard box can happen in transit, having something stable that you can carry home or get delivered without the packaging getting too damaged is essential.

Many of our Real Homes reviewers live and commute into the city, so we also have to think about lugging boxes on public transport. What's more, many of us rent apartments so more often than not have to shuffle stuff through lifts or carry these small kitchen appliances up sets of stairs.

We are all for sustainability packing too. So even if the air fryer comes in 100 percent FSC cardboard — the box should be appropriately sized. Inside, some plastic is fine (for example plug protectors) but we would prefer it to be kept to a minimum. We'll always state where a product arrives with excess packaging that's harsh on the environment, as this is very important to us.

And, no one needs a forest's worth of instruction manuals and bits of paper, too, so where a PDF or page can be found online or kept to one sheet with a QR code, we're happy to scan this on our smartphone to find extra information.

Our standard testing procedures

Functionality tests

Air fryers tend to (generally) fall into two camps: manual/analog or touchscreen. When operating a manual air fryer, you are instructed to move the dial to the desired temperature and time. Whereas, with a digital screen, you simply press an illuminated screen to set degrees and cooking duration.

We don't have a bias on which is necessarily better as it all comes down to the overall experience. Yes, dials can sometimes be clunky, but if you're too light or heavy-handed with an LED interface, the user experience can be equally irritating.

It's also worth noting that some air fryers have pre-programmed settings that are supposed to make cooking popular foods simple. Times and temps may vary from model to model as the manufacturers may have taken into account the wattage and capacity of the device. 

Outside of its convection-oven abilities, the air fryer may serve as a multicooker meaning it can act as a rotisserie, cook rice, make yogurt, charbroil, and even steam. So to be fair, we'll try and compare like-for-like models against each other.

After the cooking process is complete, most air fryers will make a noise to alert you. This may range from a short ping to a sequence of bleeps. While it's not the be-all and end-all of making a purchasing decision, if you're hypersensitive to noise (or want a late-night snack without disturbing family or roommates), a celebratory announcement at midnight is the last thing you want.

Cooking tests

When testing an air fryer, our first step is to cook a selection of standard air fryer recipes. There are four we use with every air fryer, but we will add some depending on the range of features offered. These are:

• Chunky fries
• Frozen food
• Streaky bacon
• Meditteranean vegetables

1. Air frying fries

The first recipe we'll always do is french fries, of course. The ability to make speedy and delicious fries is one of the main selling points of an air fryer — after all, they are designed to replicate that deep-fried taste but without as much fat, so fries are a must-try. It's good to note at this point that some ultra-processed foods will have been cooked in oil before we reheat them. So although you may question how healthy air fryers actually are, you only have to look in the bottom of the basket to see the pool of fat that drips off your food. 

The recipe we use in every test involves taking whole potatoes, chopping them into chunky, half-inch wedges, and letting them soak for a few minutes to remove any starchiness. We then dry them off and toss the fries in a drizzle of neutral-tasting oil and some seasoning.

In a conventional, pre-heated oven, these would take around 25–35 minutes to cook, but some of our air fryers have crisped up our homemade fries in as little as 12 minutes. We measure how long this takes each air fryer, check for the consistency of cooking across the different fries, and do our all-important taste test. 

2. Air frying frozen foods

Air fryers also work well with frozen food, so we make sure to cook something from frozen in every air fryer we test. This is usually some kind of breaded chicken fillet, nugget, fish finger or goujon, and we use this test to see if it can crisp out the exterior of frozen food on the exterior without drying out the middle. We also, where we can, will test things like hash browns, fish fingers, and more frozen foods in our air fryer, however, this won't be a standard requirement for every review.

Unless the reviewer has a particular dietary requirement, such as veggie, vegan or gluten-free, coatings are typically wheat-flour based and we usually test with meat. But, foods will be chosen by the reviewer based on what they want to eat and what they can eat, to avoid any unnecessary food waste.

We've recently introduced frozen fries into the catalog of testing; simply because we know that it's a popular choice with our audience. Our objective is to keep the product consistent when testing, so we'd never compare a thick-cut fry to a skinnier French fry for example. Ultimately, we're looking for a crisp exterior with a fluffy center.  

3. Air frying bacon

Another important test we always carry out is cooking bacon. Air fryers can do this in as little as a few minutes, and it is a great way of seeing how evenly an air fryer can cook. In some air fryers, we have found that the fat renders on some of the bacon but not all of it, which is a sign of inconsistent cooking. In other air fryers, the fan has been so powerful that the bacon has been blown around the inside of the air fryer and lost its shape completely; curling on itself in the process. 

Of course, there are different cuts of pork including thick cut, back, and streaky which all cook at various rates with differing results. So where possible, we will aim to use the same type each time for comparison. Whether the product has been smoked or cured in a particular way (e.g: using nitrates) can also affect the flavor, color, and water content, so again, these variables will be taken into account when cooking. And, it goes without saying, if any of our reviewers have any dietary/religious requirements, we will always seek to accommodate by allowing them to test, for example: a turkey-based, halal or kosher alternative.

4. Air frying vegetables

Our final standardized test is a bake or roast test. Many air fryers come with settings to bake or roast vegetables, meat, or other foods you may not want to air fry. Others come with dedicated vegetable pre-set modes which we use in our tests. As vegetables have a high moisture content, this is a good way of seeing how well an air fryer can remove this moisture from the cooking basket. It also helps to get some greens on our plate after all of the fries and frozen chicken!

Aside from the more exotic-looking Mediterranean vegetables, we've tried local produce closer to home and will try and source veg that is in season. For example, baked Tenderstem® broccoli and air-fried asparagus go down well in our test kitchen.

Cleaning tests

After we've made the food and assessed the cooking quality — it's time to clean the air fryer. 

There are, of course, a few variables that might affect how easy or difficult this task is. So when getting rid of grease, crumbs, and sticky sauces, we ask ourselves:

• Is the air fryer basket dishwasher safe?
• How easy is it to clean the outside of the air fryer; can it be wiped clean?
• How easy is it to clean the air fryer cavity?
• If the parts are not dishwasher safe, can they be hand-washed with dish soap?
• Does the air fryer have any other accessories —  how do these scrub up?

How we test at home

An air fryer slots easily into everyday life, so we will always use an air fryer for at least a few weeks before completing our review. This helps us to notice any issues that we may have missed in our initial testing, and it will help us observe how well an air fryer slots into day-to-day life.

When testing air fryers at home we obviously use them to cook our four standardized testing foods, otherwise, we also use the air fryer for the occasional lunch or dinner meal, and we have even air-fried the odd sweet treat (such as a cake, cookie, or reheated pastry) as part of this testing. After the standardized testing, we won't force ourselves to use this air fryer so that we can truly comment on if we found that it made our lives easier or not. 

We will review how much kitchen counter space it takes up, how long the connecting cable is, and how easy it is to clean the product by hand, or in the dishwasher, too. It's also worth noting that we will look at the wattage of an appliance, not only just to see how powerful it is (and how that affects cooking results), but also what impact it will have on your energy bills. We will often calculate the cost to run an air fryer by the hour using Sust-it. Typically, our results range between 20-30 cents.

Our air fryer reviews

5 star air fryers

These reviews have been given our gold badge and are considered to be the top-rated models we've tested.

• Cosori CP358-AF Pro Air Fryer review
• Cosori Lite Air Fryer review
• Instant Vortex Mini 4-in-1 Air Fryer review
• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer review
• Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer review
• Ninja Foodi Multicooker review

4.5 star air fryers

• Breville Halo Air review
• Cosori Air Fryer review
• Cuisinart Air Fryer toaster oven review
• Dash Compact Air Fryer review
• Dreo Air Fryer review

4 star air fryers

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer
• Cosori Pro LE L501 air fryer review
• Dash Digital Tasti-Crisp 2.6qt Air Fryer review
• Ninja AF101 air fryer review
• Paris Rhone air fryer review
• Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer review

3.5 star air fryers 

• Magic Bullet Air Fryer review
• Proscenic T21 Smart Air Fryer review
• T-fal Actifry Genius XL 2-in-1 air fryer review
• T-fal Easy Fry Compact Digital Health Air Fryer review
• Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer review

Yes, October isn't just about Halloween and autumn leaves, it’s also about getting your best sleep yet. And the current deal on at Eve is sure to have you sleeping soundly. We’ve got all you the info on how you can bag up to 40 per cent off a new hybrid mattress. 

Believe us when we say that this is a deal worth checking out. We’ve tried and tested a few of Eve’s best-sellers, including their premium hybrid mattress that features in our best mattress guide. A hybrid option is especially fit if you’re wanting something better than your current pocket-sprung mattress, if not, then there are plenty of other mattress sales worth browsing.

Still, Eve has applied the discount for you – so all you have to do is add a new mattress to your basket, no code even required. Your order will be delivered to your door for free, rolled and packaged in a box for easy moving. And with a 100-night trial on too, you can get return it and get a refund if you're not keen. Investing in your sleep couldn't be simpler.  

Eve mattress deals this month

Why buy an eve mattress?

We've tested the Eve Original Foam mattress and the Premium, plus the mattress topper and some other bedding. Our reviewers were impressed. Really impressed. Both got over 4.5 stars out of 5.

The quality of materials is brilliant, as is the mattress thickness and availability of sizes. Plus both options come with a 10-year guarantee; free returns after 100 days and excellent, and speedy delivery.

See below what our review had to say: 

The best eve mattress

More Eve mattress deals:

Eve sleep mattress accessories...

Believe it or not, eve sells a large range of other products apart from their best-selling mattresses. Some of them make our best guides, and others we'd love to get our hands on to try. See our top bedding buys below. Because why shop anywhere else?

Black Friday Eve mattress deals 

Had your eye on an Eve mattress, but can't find the deal for you? Then it's worth waiting until Black Friday. Take it from us, you'll find the best deal of the year if you just hold off for a little longer. Until the 25th November in fact. We're expecting big savings across investment items for your home, including £££ off a new mattress. With discounts continuing through to Cyber Monday on 28th November too, they'll be offers on your favourite bedding brands, including eve (hopefully). So if you need a new mattress, or a topper, mattress protector or pillow too, then Black Friday is your time to buy. So if you pop back in a few weeks time, we're sure to have updated this page with all the Eve Black Friday mattress deals we can find. Until then, happy snoozing! 

Whether you’re moving into your first home or replacing existing countertops in a kitchen remodel, you may feel perplexed at all the options and different materials available. Unlike when choosing appliances, or even the colour of your walls, not everyone is so familiar with stone countertops, and they are a little misunderstood, with a reputation of not always being practical, or worth the investment.

What some may not realise is that quartz and porcelain are different to natural stone. They are still made using natural materials but manufactured in such a way to give them lots of desirable qualities that you would want for an indoor kitchen surface, as well as many product options for outdoor kitchens too! However, not all finished products are made equal, and the quality can vary drastically, between suppliers, so ensuring that you choose surfaces from an expert like Caesarstone who create their collections using only the highest quality raw ingredients and design know-how, is essential. If you’re looking for style, longevity and sustainability, at a fair price, it’s high time you became familiar with all the benefits that come with engineered stone countertops. 

1. Enhanced quality

When you’re looking for a long-term investment, choosing a trusted manufacturer like Caesarstone that has over three decades of experience in designing and fabricating premium quartz and porcelain countertops is a must, so that you can be safe in the knowledge that products are put through their paces, ensuring they are not just aesthetically beautiful, but also very fit for purpose.

A premium finish is a must for Caesarstone, manufacturing their product with high-quality raw materials and channelling their decades of experience into the creation of worksurfaces that are extremely durable. Naturally hygienic, hardwearing, heat-resistant and stain and scratch-resistant whilst being easy to maintain, making them perfect for busy family lives. In addition, Caesarstone products are rigorously tested to ensure they will remain beautiful for years to come.

2. Design with a difference

Porcelain and quartz countertops come in unique, striking finishes, and can bring a lovely warmth or modern edge to a kitchen, letting you add character and beauty to your cooking space. Whether you want a honed or more textured look, there are a variety of surface finishes, colourways and veining options to choose from, and Caesarstone’s offering, created by their in-house design team will help you curate your perfect kitchen remodel.

With countertops from the Pebbles collection available in earthy stone colours, you’ll be able to bring the true essence of their origin, into your space. However, if you prefer a modern concrete appearance, complete with an industrial textured surface, or a marbled look with subtle and interesting markings, you’re sure to find the right surface. Plus, you can use Caesarstone’s online visualiser tool to help you imagine the different surfaces in your own space, making your decision far easier.

3. Thoughtful details

With sustainability at the forefront of our minds, not only is choosing an engineered stone countertop material like quartz or porcelain, that is built to last, more environmentally friendly, but by choosing a trusted manufacturer like Caesarstone, you can ensure that your kitchen surfaces will have been made with environmental and ethical responsibility in mind. Caesarstone's recent ESG report proves its commitment to sourcing quality materials with fair trade in mind, championing ethical practices and supporting the communities that help bring their brilliant products to life, so that you can do your bit for people and the environment too.

From unfaultable usability to perfect colourways and finishes, once you’ve encountered the premium quality that defines all of Caesarstone’s products, you’ll never look back. Request a sample or get a quote for your kitchen countertops today through a recommended Caesarstone fabricator to bring your dream cooking space to life. Alongside all of the benefits that come with quartz and porcelain worktops, you’ll enjoy a Lifetime Warranty to give you complete peace of mind when making your investment.

Be sure to visit Caesarstone’s website to access their clever visualiser tool, inspirational blogs and helpful design content too. You’ll be able to explore a full catalogue of colours and even book a tour of their studio where you can see full height slabs. Whatever help you need to choose your perfect kitchen countertop, you can count on Caesarstone!