Buying a sofa is — in a word — hard. And expensive. And frustrating, and painful, and exhausting, too. I guess maybe you can't distill the sofa-buying process down to just one word, because it really is just too big a deal. Because if you want a couch that's really going to last, you can't take any shortcuts.

If there were a shortcut, though, I am confident it would have something to do with IKEA's sofas. Because of its reputation and its furniture acumen, you can generally shop with the understanding that you'll find something of decent quality. But there is also so much product to sort through, and in this case, that might mean finding the best sofa for you feels like finding a needle in a haystack.

Well, dear reader, that's where I can help. A few weeks ago, I spent an afternoon at my local store, where I did nothing but sit on every single IKEA sofa available in the showroom (okay fine, I ate some meatballs, too). I sat up, sat down, rolled around, touched, felt, plopped, plumped ... I did everything you would need to do to get a decent feel for a sofa before purchasing, then compiled my testing in the shortlist below.

Now, you can shop a pre-selected shortlist of sofas that not only impressed me during my visit but also come with a first-person review you can trust. Below, you'll find my five fave IKEA sofas (though take a look at my separate guide to IKEA sleeper sofas if you're looking for a sofa bed) as well as some honorable mentions, which are good choices, stylistically, but may come with more caveats than their predecessors.

JÄTTEBO

This was, by far, my favorite IKEA sofa. From my experience, I would certainly recommend it. It is so incredibly chic — the low profile, the corduroy fabric, the green color — and very on trend. Plus, IKEA's JÄTTEBO sofa also conceals hidden storage beneath (yes, you read that right).

I quite like that it is modular, as well, which means you can reconfigure the layout as your life changes, grows and expands. The sit itself is medium — it was softer than I thought but not uber-plush, either.

I also touched and felt a few of the different upholsteries available and can confidently say they are all chic and of high quality. The soft brown was definitely my favorite (included in the gallery above), but the white and blue bouclés were also nice for something a bit more tactile.

STOCKHOLM 2025

As for my second favorite IKEA sofa, I would have to say the STOCKHOLM 3-seater took the cake. The look and style of this piece is a 10/10, and it's not something that seems like it came from IKEA; the visible wooden frame, for instance, elevates it instantly.

It's also much bigger than you'd expect, in part because of the deep seat and pocket-spring core, and the sit is extremely plush — probably an eight out of 10, with 10 being the most plush possible. (So if you have back problems, maybe not the one for you.)

The cotton-linen blend fabric feels pretty durable and would be nice to curl up on, but I do wish that the fill felt a touch more substantive or high-quality. It's also worth noting that the cover is washable and comes with a 25-year guarantee.

UPPÅKRA

If you're looking to buy a main living room sofa for a family, the UPPÅKRA is probably the one for you. It's a very big couch, with an extremely deep seat depth and a chaise that could fit two adults or three to four kids.

Now, at least in my showroom, the cushions on the display UPPÅKRA seemed a tad too big for the frame, but I'm not sure if that was just wear and tear on the showroom model or a hallmark of the product. Still, though, the sit is really nice, and the overall product makes for a quality family couch, not least of all because the style is top-notch.

It comes in six different colored, washable fabrics, and you can also choose between wood or chrome-plated legs, depending on the look you're going for. As someone who cares a lot about style, I appreciate the options.

KIVIK

The KIVIK is a solid buy when it comes to IKEA sofas. I have linked a three-seater here, but I tried a sectional in the store. I quite liked the chaise; it was pretty wide and could easily serve as a place for a guest to sleep.

Regarding plushness, I'd give this a 7/10. It didn't feel like a luxury sofa to me, but it felt good for what it was. In other words, if you bought this couch online and sight unseen, you wouldn't be unhappy when it arrived.

The other thing I would note: the armrests are sofa height, so if you like to lean your head on your hand while you, say, read a book, you'd be leaning over pretty far. That said, one online review notes: "To someone who has back problems, I find this sofa very comfortable. It’s on the firm side (which is perfect for me) and doesn’t eat you when you sit down."

It also comes in eight different fabric colors. Plus, top tip: the matching Kivik footstool has hidden storage space.

FINNALA

The FINNALA is another solid IKEA sofa. Good for the price, nice fabric, stylish silhouette. I'd say that the sit leans plush (6/10), but not overly so, and that the seat itself is deep.

Personally, I wish this had a bench cushion instead of three individual seats — I just think that's a classier look — but it's also true that three separate cushions make for easier cleaning and replacement. So, there's a silver lining there. I'd just keep an eye on this fabric if you have pets, as I'm not sure that it would be a good sofa for animals.

I'm also sorry to UK readers, but this IKEA sofa seems to only be available in the US right now. It's also currently on clearance, so it may be on its way out. If you like the look, I'd move quickly.

Honorable Mentions

The IKEA sofas that are still worth mentioning — and could still work great for you! — but didn't crack my top five after my afternoon spent in-store.

SALTMYRAN

I don't think the look and sit of IKEA's SALTMYRAN 2-Seat/loveseat rises to the level of main sofa (you just cannot lounge the way you want on this), but it's a shocker for the price and also surprisingly comfortable. It has a medium firmness with a compact, minimalist design. Consider for an office, guest room, or dorm.

SALTSJÖBADEN

The SALTSJÖBADEN is pretty firm, but the deep seat kind of makes up for that (i.e. you don't feel like you're chilling with a railroad-straight spine). The fabric covers are washable, and would probably stand up nicely against kids and pets. In fact, the IKEA I visited had this in a nursery-themed showroom, and I quite liked that placement.

If you'd like to use the 2-seater as a main couch, I would also recommend buying the matching footstool to go with it; I tried it out and liked having that flexibility. But the SALTSJÖBADEN series also has three-seat and sectional options, too, so you're covered if you want something bigger, too.

MORABO

The MORABO would be higher on this list of IKEA sofas if it were available in both the U.S. and the U.K. — as of this writing, it is only available in the U.S. Sigh. This green colorway is fabulous, in my opinion; in store, I sat on a black leather MORABO, which, although the quality did surprise me (it has a nice deep seat and a medium-plush sit), wasn't my favorite stylistically. If you can capitalize on this natural green look, do it. Best of all, you can honestly bring this into your scheme as something of a neutral.

FAQs

What is the best-selling IKEA sofa? 

Anecdotally speaking, I would say that the FRIHETEN sleeper sofa is one of, if not the, best-selling sofas at IKEA. You can't seem to go on any trip or crash at any friend's house without running into one. And for good reason!

I have had many a sound night's sleep on a FRIHETEN, then gotten up and lounged on it all day. Don't get me wrong — it's not what I'd want as the main couch in my living room. But it's an affordable, versatile piece that makes hosting overnight guests a breeze. You can see the appeal!

What is the best-looking IKEA sofa? 

In my opinion, the best-looking IKEA sofa is easily the JÄTTEBO. Truthfully, it blew me away. I felt like I was looking at and sitting on something much more expensive, from a higher-end brand. The other fabric options are just as chic as the olive green I tried, too. I don't think you can go wrong with this sofa, especially because it's genuinely comfortable, too. Perhaps on the more expensive side for this retailer, but worth the money, no doubt.

Looking for an IKEA sofa that can do it all? I've also shared my hands-on experience with IKEA's best sofa beds, which will hopefully help you in your search.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Small entryways often make us panic-buy tiny furniture, but the real shift usually comes from choosing pieces with less visual weight. A few thoughtful swaps can completely change how spacious an entryway feels without changing the footprint.

When people ask how to make an entryway feel bigger, I always look at what is blocking the eye first. Consider the function of the space and what your entryway actually needs to do. Is the mirror too small to create the illusion of more space? Are shoes and bags taking over the floor? Once you start thinking about openness, height, and storage, even the narrowest hallway can feel much calmer.

For this edit, I have focused on five styling swaps that help you bring in furniture without making the space feel cramped.

Swap a Solid Cabinet for an Open Console

One of the quickest ways to make an entryway feel bigger is simply letting more floor show. Furniture on legs immediately creates more breathing room because your eye continues underneath it instead of stopping at a solid block.

Swap Mantel Mirrors for Full Length Styles

When floor space is limited, the eye naturally looks upwards. A tall mirror or slim vertical piece can stretch the room visually and encourage the eye to travel higher. Mirrors are also one of the simplest ways to create a sense of depth and bounce light around a compact entryway.

Swap Open Storage for Closed Ones

Shoes, bags and umbrellas are part of real life, but they’re also the quickest way to make a small entryway feel busy. Good storage isn’t about owning more; it’s about seeing less of that everyday clutter. This is where entryway benches with hidden storage can be especially useful, giving you somewhere to sit while keeping the practical bits out of sight.

Swap Bulky for Streamlined

Here, the goal is not always to reduce what you have, but to refine how each piece feels. Choose functional furniture that appears lighter, such as a slim shelf for keys and everyday essentials, or pieces with open frames, slender legs, and enough negative space. These details allow the space to remain practical while still feeling airy and effortless.

Swap Five Small Things for One Statement

Invest in one beautifully chosen piece that can become the focal point. A chic unit entryway or perhaps a bold mirror can make an entryway feel far more intentional than several smaller pieces competing for attention.

After all, I understand. Not every home has the space or walls for the kind of built-in storage you see in beautiful entryway ideas, the kind that hides every shoe, rogue umbrella, and mysterious pile of post. Most of us are working with a much more realistic setup. That's why these smaller swaps matter.

At Design Lab by Livingetc, we can make those decisions through our Find service. Send us your brief and budget, and we will send you three to five curated pieces that could spark ideas of what to add to your space. It is completely free of charge.

For more design ideas and clever ways to make every corner of your home work, make sure you're signed up to the Livingetc newsletter.

If there’s one thing I learnt from the heatwave last week, it’s that there’s no way I’ll be able to survive the whole summer with my thighs sticking to my flimsy plastic garden chair. Summers are for relaxing with an iced beverage whilst reading a book, but to truly soak up the feeling, you need a sunlounger.

Whilst the feeling of basking in the sunshine on a sunlounger is one typically reserved for once-a-year poolside or beach holidays, there’s no reason you can’t up the levels of comfort in your garden. But, of course, it has to look good, and when I stumbled across the Casaria® Rocking Wooden Sunlounger on Amazon, I was impressed. It not only looks incredibly stylish, but its ergonomic design makes it the ultimate relaxation piece for your outdoor space.

Now, rocking isn’t for everyone, so if you have family members looking for a more stable chair, this lounger comes with wooden wedges to make a firmer stand. Best of all, it’s currently on sale for under £85.

If you’re anything like me, physical exertion of any kind during the summer has to be kept to a minimum. Luckily, this lounger is pretty effortless to pack away — without compromising on sturdiness, it neatly folds in half when the unpredictable summer downpours hit your garden, plus the linseed oil finish also helps in case you don’t manage to get it to your ‘garden closet’ in time.

It works indoors too — in front of a fireplace with a blanket draped over the top or in a sauna would look super stylish. But in case you want a more traditional, stable sunlounger, here are six alternatives for a comfort-optimised summer.

Don’t worry if you only like sunbathing in small doses — patio awnings are the latest trend that gives you the option to cool down from the heat without having to retreat back inside, all while adding another layer of luxe to your garden.

And for more ideas for your garden and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Every season, I scour the best fragrance brands for their latest launches to discern the scent that deserves a place in all the most beautiful homes. And now that the sun's warmth is dictating the way we're perfuming, I'm pronouncing tea as the trend of the season.

And it feels just perfect. The sophistication of oolong, the warmth of chai, the depth of Earl Grey, and the earthiness of matcha are notes that make your home smell like summer in a fresh new way.

The best part? It feels like a natural addition to even the trickier spaces to scent, like kitchens and dining rooms. But let's first talk about why tea is leading the way this summer and how to bring the trend home.

The Seasonal Fragrance Trend: Summer Tea

When you think of summer candle scents, garden-inspired fragrances around fruits, florals, citrus, and herbs are likely the first to pop to mind. Why not opt for a less predictable fragrance while retaining the natural, earthy quality that feels in tune with the spirit of summer?

Tea ticks all the boxes. Considering it's not as mainstream as classic summer notes, tea home fragrance also feels like a neat way to tap into smellmaxxing and set yourself apart from typical scentscapes of the season.

And while tea-scented candles are a romantic way to perfume your home with these notes, you can also use diffusers for passive fragrance. Or through incense cones for a deeper, almost cleansing quality. If you don't know where to start, here are some of my favorite ways to tap into tea.

I've grown so fond of the tea fragrance trend, I'm bringing it into my personal fragrance routine. And at the top of my wishlist is the Earl Grey and Cucumber Cologne from Jo Malone London.

To keep in touch with the best and most stylish ways to perfume your living spaces, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter. And in the meantime, if you're yearning for that Euro summer vibe at home, Laura Gonzalez x Acqua di Parma's latest candle line should be on your radar.

It's best to think of rugs as art for the floor. Especially when considering collections like Justina Blakeney (of Jungalow's) new collaboration with Ruggable. Inspired by the LA-based designer's own "indoor jungle," the eight different designs are nature-inspired, a bit Boho, and filled with color, pattern, and globally influenced motifs.

It's Justina's second collaboration with the popular rug brand known for its affordable, durable, and conveniently washable designs. "The color palettes are almost always drawn from natural landscapes — desert scenes with warm terracottas and agave greens, seascapes with deep teals and soft blues, and California-inspired chaparrals with golden yarrow, sage brush green and sprays of lavender," Justina tells Livingetc.

It also encapsulates her personality. "I am a person who stays in awe and celebration of the natural world, and my style reflects that — incorporating botanical motifs, natural materials, and spaces that invite in the wild and lush feeling of the outdoors, she says.

Selecting the right rug for your space is a big decision. It can either anchor your room or steal the spotlight — it’s literally the foundation. And it all comes down to what texture, style, and pattern you choose.

In terms of the biggest rug trends right now, Justina says she's noticing people inviting in more color, pattern, and vibrant exuberance. "Just a few years ago minimalism and all white and beige interiors really seemed de rigueur," says Justine. “I think what we all experienced during the pandemic made people look at their homes in new ways — as a personal sanctuary, as a canvas for self-expression, and as a place to be entirely oneself. I think that has made environments more relaxed, less cookie-cutter, and more creative."

This rug collection answers that. If using bold and clashing patterns intimidates you, Justina's golden rule is that "when the color palette is cohesive, it almost always works."

“I think the key is to balance the patterns with enough solids and to mix up the scale of the patterns as well," she adds. "Sometimes small patterns can read as solids, so you can mix even more in without the space feeling too chaotic."

The collection is available in 7 sizes — starting small at 60 x 90cm, about the size of a doormat, all the way up to a large 275 x 365cm size, as well as a runner. There are eight patterns to choose from, with various color versions of each.

When pushed to choose, Justine says her favorite style is the Cadra rug, an abstract pattern of lines and triangles, blended with sky blue, brown, and orange tones. "I have the Cadra in the warm brown in my living room, and whenever I’m in there I get lost in the warm colors and the shapes," she shares. "I love triangles and diamonds, and the rhythms are a little off-beat — creating a beautiful syncopation — a bit like music."

Can't pick just one? Maybe you don't have to; discover the art of layering rugs — it's a creative way to play with pattern and color, and adds a greater sense of comfort to your space.

And for more product recommendations, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Many a host will swear by their sofa bed, convinced it's the most comfortable and stylish on the market. And as much as I love their enthusiasm, and would never say as much to their face, they are wrong. Let's face it, most sofa beds leave much to be desired in both aesthetics and comfort. They're typically clunky, lumpy, and an absolute pain to set up — a subpar offering for both a sofa and a bed.

For most of us, a sofa bed is a substitute for a full guest room, a solution to one of the many issues of living in a smaller space. But when you're working with such a limited footprint, each piece you include in your home means that much more, and you don't want to hand over valuable living room real estate to a bulky sofa you don't even really like. It's a conundrum I've heard repeated far too many times to count. And this is exactly why, whenever I come across where to buy a sofa bed that actually looks good and feels good too, I feel a responsibility to share my findings with the world. And I think I've just found a winner in Pottery Barn's Josie Daybed Sleeper.

It's got everything we love in a sofa, from the cute bouclé finish to the pared-back design, and with the chic, elegant look of a chaise lounge and the comfort of a full, double bed, this is a style that both you and your guests are bound to love.

Stylish Alternatives

If the Josie Sleeper Daybed isn't exactly the style you're after, I've selected six more pieces that are versatile and design-forward, too.

Finding the right design is only half the struggle; next up is knowing how to make it look like part of your home, and not just a random piece of furniture you've stuck in the corner of your living room. Luckily, the experts have shared all their tips for how to style a sofa bed. And for more design tips and ideas, subscribe to our newsletter.

Small-space decorating is never really about having less. It’s about choosing better. The right piece of furniture should earn its place, whether it adds storage, creates flexibility, gives a room structure, or simply makes the whole space feel more intentional. And when square footage is limited, every detail is noticed, which is why I always think furniture in a small room needs to feel especially considered.

Before buying anything new, it’s worth thinking about how to make the room feel polished as a whole. Making a small room look expensive is a great place to start, because sometimes it’s the quiet details, from lighting to hardware to layout, that make the biggest difference. Then, look for pieces with slim legs, rounded shapes, hidden storage, or a lighter visual weight. Furniture that sits slightly off the floor, for example, can help a room feel airier, while nesting tables and fold-out desks give you flexibility without taking over.

The same logic applies to kitchens. If you’re working with a small cooking space, you can still make it feel open and stylish with the right furniture choices, whether that’s a narrow island, a compact dining table, or stools that tuck neatly away. You can also steal plenty of ideas from these tips on how to make a kitchen feel bigger, especially when it comes to creating flow and avoiding visual clutter.

Color matters too. If your furniture is bulky, dark, or too heavy in shape, it can make the whole room feel smaller. Softer woods, glass, warm whites, pale neutrals, and pieces in similar tones to your walls can help create a calmer, more seamless effect. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide to what colors make a room look bigger is full of smart inspiration.

The best small-space furniture should never feel like a compromise. It should make your home work harder while still giving it personality, polish, and that layered feeling that makes a room look thoughtfully designed. Whether you’re styling a tiny living room, a narrow hallway, a compact kitchen, or a bedroom that needs a little more breathing space, these pieces are a good place to start.

And if you’d like a little more help pulling everything together, explore our services at Design Lab by Livingetc, where we can help you find the right pieces for your space, your style, and the way you actually live. For more clever shopping edits, decorating ideas, and designer-approved tips, make sure you subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter too.

I still find myself thinking about the kitchens I grew up in. The island, or more often just the table, was never really “styled” in any deliberate way. It was simply whatever had been used that day left out: a bowl of fruit, a jug, maybe a candle that had somehow stayed there. I think that instinct for gathering things naturally has stayed with me, it just feels a bit more considered now when I approach a kitchen island.

As kitchen island ideas have evolved beyond purely practical worktops, they’ve become much more than practical worktops — they're the social heart of the home and now designed to feel like standalone pieces that can be styled and lived around, rather than just fixed units for cooking and prep.

I like to start by anchoring the space with a tray or oversized bowl to give the eye somewhere to rest. If your kitchen opens into a living or dining area, echo colors or materials from those spaces so the island feels connected rather than separate.

From there, introduce height. I love the sculptural ceramic vase by M&S home paired with a few branches or a favourite flower arrangement. It helps break the long horizontal line of an island and brings movement into the room.

An Anchor to Ground the Composition

Create height to break the horizon line

The Details That Make It Feel Like Home

A kitchen island might be one of the hardest working areas in the home, but it doesn’t need to feel purely practical. The right pieces can soften those straight lines, add height and create a small moment that feels beautifully connected to the rhythm of the space.

If you're inspired by this collection but would like something tailored to your own home, Design Lab by Livingetc can help. Send us your brief and budget, and we'll source three to five shoppable pieces that work with your kitchen, your style and the way you live.

For more ideas that elevate your space, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

IKEA has a lot of great furniture you probably don't even realize you want or need. That's why any 'quick' trip in-store tends to famously turn into a few hours and a trolley full of things that definitely weren't on your list. And while impulse purchases can sometimes catch you out, if there's one I think is worth making, it's IKEA's STOCKHOLM PS Side Table on Casters.

I was first introduced to this side table at a sneak peek of the IKEA STOCKHOLM collection back in 2025. At the time, it was styled as that — a side table — but Karin Gustavsson, the creative lead behind the collection, quickly explained that, "The height of the bottom shelf is actually made for bottles," so it could double as a rolling bar cart, too. Clever, I thought.

But it didn't stop there. "You could even use it as a Lazy Susan beside the dining table," she added. Or in the kitchen with potted herbs, to give the feeling of a 'walk-in' closet stacked with shoes or bags, in a kids' room with books, in the bathroom with beauty products... get the picture? It's perfect for small spaces — there when you need it, easily rolled out of the way once you're done.

All this time later, I still think it's IKEA's most versatile piece of furniture, and considering it's from the brand's most premium collection, it's one of the prettiest and best-made, too.

But don't just take it from me. With a 4.8/5-star rating from over 40 reviews, it seems well-worth an impulse purchase. Here's what customers have to say, specifically:

• "This side table was very simple to assemble and moves about easily on a carpeted floor."
• "Coffee tables can often get in the way, but the 5 casters on this make it so easy to move."
• "It took about 10 minutes to assemble using just one key."
• "Expensive but money well spent. This is one of those Ikea products that I can confidently recommend to everyone."
• "A future classic."

The only design flaw it seems, is, as one review points out, "the base isn't quite big enough to fit a magazine or paper." So, if you can see yourself wanting to do that, specifically, here are some alternatives that might be better suited.

Alternatively, if you've already got a coffee table, side table, or bar cart you really like, but want to make it more multifunctional and flexible for your smaller space, you could always buy a set of heavy-duty caster wheels from Amazon and attach them to the base yourself.

Further to that, you can even find small caster wheels for kitchen appliances, to make moving them (and storing them) on your kitchen countertop easier.

For more inspiration like this, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter to have it delivered straight to your inbox.

The wall above a sofa or headboard is one of those decorating spots that can feel strangely intimidating. It's a big visual moment, but it also needs to feel personal, and balanced with the furniture below. A single print can look too small, a gallery wall can feel too busy, and leaving it blank can make the whole room feel unfinished.

If you're starting above the sofa, our guide to above-the-sofa decor ideas is a good place to begin, especially if you want something that feels layered rather than predictable. But the same thinking applies above a bed, too. Scale, texture, and mood all matter. As an interior stylist, I always think this area should do more than just “fill a gap.” It should add atmosphere.

Have you seen the hanging picture rail trend? If not, it's worth stealing a few ideas from it. It makes artwork feel more relaxed and flexible, especially if you're someone who likes to change things around. Posters, tapestries, sculptural wall lights, and framed pieces can all work beautifully here, depending on whether you want the space to feel soft, graphic, cozy, or more architectural.

And if you're still not sure what direction to take, these modern wall decor ideas are full of inspiration for making your walls feel more designed. From printed posters to plug-in sconces and fabric hangings, these are the pieces I’d look at first when a sofa or headboard wall needs something with more personality.

The best wall decor above a sofa or headboard should feel intentional, but never overworked. Sometimes it's a bold tapestry that softens the room, sometimes it's a pair of sconces that add symmetry and glow, and sometimes it's just the right poster in the right frame. The trick is choosing something that feels connected to the rest of the space, whether through color, texture, shape, or mood.

And if your wall still feels impossible to solve, you can always explore our design services at Design Lab by Livingetc, where we help turn those awkward blank spaces into something much more stylish. You can also subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for more decorating ideas and clever shopping edits.

I hate to say it, but I only recently became a bit of a bedding snob. Up to this point, I felt comfortable grabbing a set of cotton sheets from, say, IKEA, and calling it a day. The approach got me far, and I wouldn't fault you if you've operated similarly, but recently I was offered the opportunity to test some bedding from Cozy Earth, the über-soft loungewear retailer that has parlayed that same material success to become one of the best bedding brands, particularly in the US, and well, consider me converted.

The old me wouldn't have found it necessary to splurge this much for a plush duvet and a luxurious set of sheets, but the new me — the one that has just spent two weeks under Cozy Earth's new Bamboo Quilt — can hardly believe I went so long without taking the plunge.

A lightweight comforter alternative for hot, heavy sleepers, the Bamboo Quilt impressed me (though admittedly, not as much as the brand's Soft-Wash Cotton Duvet, which I also recently reviewed). Here are my honest thoughts on what I liked and what I didn't, and whether I think it's worth buying.

Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt Good Quality?

The short answer here is: yes, absolutely. Even if it's not the type of bedding I typically gravitate toward, I can confidently say that this is a really nice product. For one thing, it is every bit as cooling as it purports to be. I sometimes run hot while I sleep, but my fiancé runs hot every night. The other morning, he said to me, "I really like this blanket, by the way." (It's a quilt, but hey: a win's a win!)

I don't wake up kicking the sheets off my legs, nor do I toss and turn in the middle of the night because I'm just a little too warm. And this is just as much a benefit of bamboo bedding itself as it is of Cozy Earth; bamboo is naturally temperature-regulating and breathable.

The feel of the fabric is great, too. It's silk-like, but much more durable. The tufting adds some nice interest to what could otherwise be a somewhat boring blanket, and I was very pleased to see that it was machine washable (because who has the time to take their bedding to the dry cleaner?!)

How Is It To Sleep In Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt?

First, a disclaimer: Even though I am a hot sleeper, I like a fluffy blanket and one with a bit of weight. So that's one downside of the Bamboo Quilt, which is quite lightweight — for me anyway. That said, I slept very well while using it.

I don't have central air conditioning in my house, which means I rely on a heat pump in my bedroom to keep me cool at night; if you live in the UK, I suspect you're in a similar situation. So as much as I want something with a lot of weight on me, I have to acquiesce a bit in the summer season.

And Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt is an excellent choice for the warmer months, no doubt. It's soft and sleek on the skin, it's lightweight, and it's a breeze to sleep under. Plus, if it has my fiancé's stamp of approval, you know it's good.

How Easy Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt to Care For?

As I do with all new bedding, I threw the quilt and the sham in the laundry when they first arrived. The process went smoothly. Both washed up well and went through the dryer without issue. I would be less sure what to do if a mark developed on the fabric at some point; the material is so sleek and soft that it seems almost irresponsible to apply something like stain remover ... but I think that is a bridge you could cross when you get to it.

So far, I have only washed the quilt once, and it still has a bit of a sheen on top. Cozy Earth notes that this is a marker of quality (why, I'm not sure), but that it will fade over time/with each wash. For what it's worth, I have been sleeping with the quilt for about 1.5 weeks now, and the shine is still there, which I like.

How Stylish Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt?

Now, here is where my personal opinion will come into play. I do not think that the Cozy Earth Bamboo Quilt is as stylish as, say, the Soft-Washed Cotton Duvet Cover that I tested recently. And that is saying something, because the duvet cover is pretty plain; it's stylish because it is every bit as luxurious as it purports to be.

The quilt, however, leans a touch trad in my opinion. As I mentioned above, it probably wouldn't work if it were any smaller than what it is now... but I can't help but feel like it's just a touch too long on the sides. I personally love when my duvet/comforter hangs juuuust right over the sides of my mattress, and the quilt isn't quite there. That said, on a different bed, it could be a completely different story, but either way, I'd recommend actually measuring the dimensions in your space to avoid disappointment.

Where it does get some extra points, however, is in the subtle tufting in the surface of the fabric. These little details add the perfect amount of extra visual and tactile interest to your bedscape without requiring throws, shams, and bolsters, which is probably what you would need to add dimension to the Soft-Washed Cotton Duvet.

The Finer Details

A few additional things worth noting:

Packaging: I noted similarly in my last review for Cozy Earth, but I really enjoyed the way in which my order was packaged. The best online brands know that first impressions begin on the doorstep, and Cozy Earth lives up to that expectation. And they should, for that matter, especially when you're paying what you're paying. The pictures above show you how both pieces of my order arrived.

Wrinkles: The Bamboo Quilt and shams look quite wrinkly when they come out of the wash. Part of this was my fault; the website lists easy and clear care instructions, which involve a step to minimize creases during the wash process, and I did not follow them. Overall, the extra lines aren't really much of a bother in my opinion, but I thought I would mention them, just in case you might feel differently.

Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt Worth It?

Cozy Earth's Bamboo Quilt is of wonderful quality. It is well made, soft to the touch, and wonderful to sleep under. The cooling qualities are also quite nice if you consider yourself a hot sleeper. But if you like something with a little bit of weight to it, or run cold during the night, I would say this is not the product for you. The bottom line: consider your personal sleep preferences before pulling the trigger. If you fit the profile I laid out here and above, you'll be a happy camper.

But, as I mentioned before, the brand does way more than just bedding, and I've heard fabulous things about Cozy Earth's bath towels, too. Perhaps that's a lower-priced way to test the quality of the brand out for yourself, first.

For more product recommendations, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Garden-inspired scentscapes continue to be one of the trendiest ways to elevate your home's ambiance. This year, the spotlight is focused on tomato leaves. And, let's just say, Habitat definitely got the memo with its new Multiwick Tomato Leaf Candle.

If you like a bright, zingy candle without the heavy price tag, this is a lovely way to tap into the tomato scent trend. And this blend of notes happens to be a charming way to make your home smell like summer.

Not to mention, it's poured in a subtly speckled green ceramic vessel that effortlessly fits into the vibe of summer decor, too. Here's what you need to know about the blend if you can't smell it in person.

In my opinion, one of the toughest challenges in home scenting is making your kitchen smell good. Especially when finding the perfect scented candles, it's important to find one that feels like a natural addition to this space.

Habitat's Tomato Leaf Candle is immediately one that I would style in a kitchen. It's the kind of fragrance I'd embrace as a treat after a Sunday reset. And since it's a multiwick, it's especially nice for a larger kitchen or an open-concept kitchen and dining space.

And if it's sold out by the time you're here, these are some of my other favorite home fragrances that align with this fruity scent.

We've learned that tomato scents are a brilliant way to make your home smell good this season. However, it's equally important to be aware of summer scenting mistakes that could bring your home's ambiance down.

And to keep up with all of the best home fragrance tips and launches, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

The sofa is usually the largest piece in a living room, so when it feels unfinished, the whole space can feel a little flat too. The good news is that you don’t need to start from scratch.

Before you commit to buying a new sofa, know that sometimes the smallest styling shifts are the ones that make the biggest difference. A better cushion combination, a relaxed throw, a side table that adds shape, or even a sculptural lamp beside the sofa can make the entire room feel more layered and intentional.

For me, sofa styling is all about building a story. You want different textures, a mix of shapes, and a few details that stop the room from looking like everything was bought in one go. Pillows are, of course, one of the easiest places to start, and if you want even more inspiration, this throw pillow collection, curated by Miaad Latood, stylist for Design Lab by Livingetc, is full of pieces that can instantly bring in pattern, softness, and personality.

Also, if you’re working with a tricky layout, the area around the sofa matters too. This guide on what to put behind a sofa in a small living room has clever ideas for making that space feel more useful and designed, rather than forgotten. And, of course, if you need help pulling a whole room together, Design Lab by Livingetc offers bespoke design services to help you create a space that feels polished, personal, and completely your own.

Sofas should feel like the heart of the room, not just the place where everyone happens to sit. With the right mix of pillows, throws, lighting, and decorative details, it can become softer, more layered, and far more interesting without needing a full redesign.

For more stylish shopping edits, designer-approved decorating ideas, and clever ways to make your home feel more beautiful, don’t forget to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter. And, if you need extra help for your living room, book an appointment with a Livingetc stylist today.

I’m convinced that there’s only one thing to get me through the heat this summer, and it's screaming, "I’m melting in the sun," as I play Olivia Rodrigo’s stupid song for the 100th time. If you're anything like me, your Spotify playlist has also probably consisted of you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love all day, every day, since the album dropped earlier this month. It's been so all-consuming for me that I've even noticed it inspiring my last interior purchases.

Now, unleashing your inner fangirl onto your home decor isn't always a safe bet, but whilst the teenage angst and edgy purple-ness from Olivia's previous albums may have lacked the elegance of Livingetc, her new album connotes a softer maturity, and capturing the spirit of her album around your home can be way more subtle — and stylish.

So far, her music videos have given us royal maximalism, balletcore, and even retro hospital looks, and combined with the whimsical nostalgia and a bit of heartbreak, making your room look cohesive and sleek (and not like you’ve unravelled) may be challenging, but I've just found nine pieces (one for each song) that do it, and I think you may just fall in love with each.

Alternatively, you could buy the record and incorporate some vinyl styling ideas, like hanging it on the wall or curating a 'collectors' shelf. And if you like this vibe, you might also like Livingetc's decor edit of Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl album, too.

For more inspiration like this, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Picture this. It's a summer afternoon, and you're brunching with a chilled bottle of wine. In the clammy weather, your beautiful bottles are dotted with condensation that eventually trickles down and inks the surface of your favorite coffee table. That just won't do. The solution? A chic coaster.

If you ask me, it's a summer home bar essential that'll serve you beyond just the warm seasons. And if you're taking off your host hat to play guest at a home that values tasteful design, then it also makes for a thoughtful gift.

So, I found nine gorgeous wine bottle coasters that will sit pretty while keeping your home's delicate surfaces safe. And if you're in a dry era, I'd also use these to hold cool bottles of water, too.

More Happy Hour Accessories

Another summer hosting essential I can't stop thinking about? This chiller dip bowl from Amazon.

For more genius ideas that elevate your space, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

The best kitchens are those that are designed to actively support the lifestyles of the people living in them. Finding little ways to integrate your daily routine into your space is what makes it feel truly personal, and, for me, nothing exemplifies that more than my dedicated coffee station.

Much like the rest of the population, my day does not begin until my first coffee has been consumed. It's an integral pillar of my routine, something I look forward to every day, and often, embarrassingly enough, go to sleep thinking about. So, when I was designing my kitchen, I knew a dedicated coffee bar was an essential addition. What I didn't realize, however, was just how expensive it was to create one of these from scratch. As it turns out, those stunning, built-in coffee cabinets I see all over Instagram don't come cheap, and my dream of a pocket-door breakfast station was quickly dampened. Luckily, I found the next best thing: this Coffee Station Organizer on Amazon.

With the same chic elevated look as all the custom-built cabinets I'd been lusting after, but at a fraction of the price, I think I struck gold with this find. And you'd never guess I got it for less than £50.

Alternative Options

If this design isn't exactly what you're after for your space, I've rounded up a few different styles that are also easy on the wallet.

While you're designing your ideal coffee nook, these are the six things every coffee nook should have for a stylized, streamlined space.

For even more design ideas and inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter.

As a Gemini, it's with a tinge of sorrow that I farewell June. It was a good month, not just for my personal celebrations, but for the many, many fabulous homeware launches and releases. Missed them? Don't worry — I keep a list of all the most exciting announcements that landed in my inbox, and it makes up our ICYMI for June.

Things are definitely warming up (London has experienced a stifling heatwave), and you could see some of this sunny, summer attitude in last month's ICYMI list, and especially throughout June's new-in homewares sections. But this month we've settled into summer, and now the central theme feels more focused on refreshed creativity.

Brands are venturing into new areas, new makers are being discovered, and Livingetc even announced our own exciting collaboration with Hug Rug. For the design-obsessed — like you and me — it's all very exciting. So, without further ado, let's dive into the top 10 collaborations, releases, and collections you don't want to miss from June.

1. Hug Rug x Livingetc Collaboration

First up, Livingetc recently announced its collaboration with Hug Rugs, and what an exciting collaboration it is! (Maybe I'm slightly biased, but they really are some stylish rugs.) It spans three different prints in various colorways and sizes, all of which bring a sense of playfulness and contemporary style.

Each rug takes a current design style, pattern trend, or color trend that our editors have been loving and makes it feel fresh for the Livingetc home. Plus, you can count on quality here. Hug Rugs products utilize a washable design made from soft, recycled polyester that is zero waste! So, it will look good and feel good in your home.

2. Allday Goods x Lucy Mahon Collaboration

I've been a sucker for the drawn-on decor trend since I first discovered it. There is something so endearing and impactful about adding pieces to your home that feel collected and unique. So, when I saw that the Allday Goods and Lucy Mahon collaboration sported an illustrated style, I fell hard.

Knives are absolutely a kitchen utensil worth investing in, especially if you're someone who loves to cook. And this piece is quality. Made to order, each handle is hand-carved from American Ash and hand-painted.

As for the blade, it's a Santoku style, or a Japanese version of a Western chef's knife — what the brand deems an all-rounder kitchen knife. Santoku translates as 'three benefits' and relates to the knife's ability to slice, dice, and mince.

3. Artemest Collection by GACHOT

You can count on Artemest for luxury homeware that will make your home feel like a 5-star hotel. So, it's no surprise that Artemest's first-ever furniture collection is just as good. Each piece in the collection is designed by New York–based studio GACHOT and crafted by Artemest’s network of Italy's finest artisans.

According to the brand, the collection is conceived as a dialogue between the clarity and restraint of New York modernism and the depth, tradition, and material richness of Italian craftsmanship. A sort of design yin and yang.

And if it sounds expensive, that's because it is. But as with all of Artemest's products, you are paying for high-quality pieces that feel like true artworks.

4. Cozy Earth's Waterfront Bedding Collection

My awareness of Cozy Earth started with the brand's famous bubble cuddle blanket. I had the privilege of snuggling up under one at a friend's house, and it's safe to say that it's been at the top of my bedding wishlist ever since.

All of that to say, I knew Cozy Earth's Waterfront Collection was worth taking a closer look at. It's a summer bedding series with each piece made from 60 percent cotton, 25 percent Tencel, and 15 percent polyester in a soft, gauzy texture.

And the collection taps perfectly into modern coastal decor trends. The subtle stripe design is summery without shouting.

5. New Makers at ABASK

ABASK is one of those online homeware brands that you can always count on for artful, one-of-a-kind pieces. That's because everything is truly made by artists. It's worth the browse if you haven't already.

This June, ABASK announced three new makers into its catalogue: Niijima Glass, Friedemann Buehler, and Mastellone Giuseppe. Each specializes in hand-blown glass, hand-crafted oak pieces, and colorful wood inlays, respectively.

These are pieces that you invest in and will live with throughout the years — the kind of homeware that sparks conversation. Below are a few of my favorites from the new artists that are currently available on ABASK's site.

6. MG&Co's Ripple Collection

The Ripple Collection from MG&Co is here, and it's a colorful set of pulls with a playful swirl design. The brand knows how to blend joyful pieces with an elevated finish, but this is definitely a collection to bookmark if you are considering adding sculptural knobs, pulls, and handles to your home.

The Ripple Collection launches in nine finishes across two sizes, six high-gloss lacquered colorways (drawn from MG&Co.'s signature palette), and three core metal finishes that offer a quieter, more considered presence.

But ready for the really fun addition? It also introduces a new paintable option, a first for the MG&Co. hardware line. So you can customize your hardware just as you please!

7. The Luxury Bed from Savoir and Ozwald Boateng

Livingetc's home wellness writer, Amiya Baratan, put this on my radar, and now I am scheming how I can get a $1,000,000 headboard in my home. It sounds like a crazy price, but when you realize the talent behind the design, it kind of makes sense.

"The moment I heard rumors of luxury bed maker Savoir and British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng marrying ideas, I knew some interiors magic was at play," says Amiya. And the love child that is Authenticity is easily the most beautiful bed I've seen in a long time.

The custom hand-woven leather is inspired by traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth and held by a sculptural oak frame. "And the cultural symbolism stitched into what can only be described as an art piece is genuinely marvelous," says Amiya. And it's handmade to order with over 200 hours of painstaking effort from Savoir artisans behind the scenes. As Amiya points out, "It's a bed worthy of a runway."

8. Herman Miller Introduces the Aeron Chair in Color

Herman Miller’s Aeron Chair, designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, has pioneered ergonomic seating since its debut in 1994. It instantly made the list of iconic chairs. And now, it's available in two new, very stylish colors.

Since the launch, the chair's color palette has consisted of tightly curated neutrals intended to harmonize with any environment. And the two new colors, Jasper (an earthy olive green) and Nightfall (a sophisticated midnight blue), complement the existing hues and are similarly inspired by natural elements.

And the colors aren't just for style. Joseph White, director of design strategy for MillerKnoll, explains, "Our research suggests that strategic use of color can have a powerful effect on workplace engagement and individual productivity. Saturated colors in cohesive environments have the capacity to change our respiration, our blood pressure, and even our body temperature."

9. CB2 x Todd Snyder

Sorry in advance, but this release is for all of our US readers, specifically, but it is too fabulous not to include. This June, CB2 launched its first-ever collaboration with menswear designer Todd Snyder. Named The Townhouse, it's a 65-piece home collection that brings the principles of menswear tailoring into furniture, lighting, and home decor — chic.

As you can imagine, it's full of well-made pieces with tailored, but exciting finishes. Think frosted coupes, leather materials and accessories, and herringbone upholstery. It's designed to emulate the tailoring of Savile Row, the structure of NYC townhouses, and Todd Snyder’s signature attention to proportion, texture, silhouette, and finishing details.

So, that's it for June! Even the best things have to come to an end, but at least it's a very stylish end. Our June Zeitgeist edit dives into even more design musings happening this month, but for more inspiration while you wait on the next ICYMI, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels as though they have the tiniest bathroom in the world. With barely enough space for a shower and toilet, the rest of my bathroom essentials are tucked into every nook and cranny I can find. So you know, I'm always on the hunt for any bathroom product that can add more functionality to what little space I have.

What I've found in my latest search has to be one of the best small bathroom storage ideas that covers multiple bases. When you're working with limited space, anything you add needs to really work hard and maximize what's available. Ideally, it won't just fulfill one purpose; it needs to do more. Case in point: this clever Bamboo Pull-Out Laundry Hamper from Habitat doesn't just offer a spot to throw dirty clothes — it provides extra storage space, too. I call that a win-win.

Up until now, I'm ashamed to admit, I've been using an old tote bag instead of a proper laundry basket. It doesn't look good, but I just hadn't figured out a way to bring in the amount of storage I require, while still having space for a laundry basket. This clever design solves all my small bathroom problems, combining storage space with a laundry basket, killing two birds with one chic-looking stone.

Shop Stylish Alternatives

With its chic, minimalist look and smart dual-use design, Habitat's Bamboo Pull-Out Laundry Hamper has quickly become one of my favorite ways to conceal clutter in a bathroom — though, in saying that, it would work equally well in a laundry room or even the corner of your bedroom.

For more design ideas and inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Outdoor pots are one of the most overlooked elements in garden design. I recently rounded up the best outdoor planters, and it made me realize just how much a planter can change the feeling of a space. People invest in beautiful plants, then place them in whatever container is at hand, and the whole arrangement loses its sense of intention.

Japanese gardens offer a useful reminder: a planter is not just a container; it is part of the composition. The choice of Japanese garden plants matters, but so does the vessel that holds them. The concept of ma, or space, is central here, reminding us that not every corner needs to be filled.

Instead, Japanese-inspired outdoor spaces seek a sense of calm from mixing things up in a thoughtful way, using everything from tall shapes and shallow bowls to simple stone vessels — all placed with intention. Even a small London terrace can feel considered with one strong planter, the right plant, and enough space around it. So, here are 16 to shop.

Perhaps that's the biggest takeaway: you don't need dozens of planters to make an impact. One beautifully chosen vessel and the right plant can often say much more.

If you’d like help finding the right piece for your own outdoor space, the Design Lab by Livingetc FIND service is here for exactly that. Send us your brief and budget, and I’ll curate a tailored edit of three to five shoppable options that work for your space.

Also, for more shopping inspiration and stylist-approved finds, don't forget to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

Some outdoor spaces don’t need a full redesign; they just need better light in the right places. A dark fence, a blank garden wall, or a patio corner with no evening glow can make the whole garden feel unfinished once the sun goes down. That’s where solar wall lights become such a clever fix. They bring light up onto vertical surfaces, which instantly makes a garden feel more layered and easier to enjoy at night.

If you’re looking for a wider starting point when buying garden lighting, these ideas are full of ways to make an outdoor space feel more atmospheric. But when you want something simple, stylish, and low-commitment, solar wall lights are especially useful because they don’t need hardwiring or a complicated installation. You can use them to frame a seating area, brighten a side return, highlight a garden wall, or make a fence feel more architectural after dark.

For more focused inspiration, our edit of outdoor solar wall lights is a great place to start. And if you thought solar lighting stopped at wall lights and lanterns, did you know there are outdoor solar-powered nesting tables too? Yes, they exist, and they’re such a clever way to add light exactly where people gather.

These are the solar wall lights I’d look at first if you want to make your garden feel brighter, softer, and more finished without turning it into a major project.

The best solar wall lights are practical, but they also do something more decorative. They can make a plain fence feel intentional, give a patio more atmosphere, and help darker corners feel part of the garden rather than forgotten.

And if you’d like help making your outdoor space feel more pulled together, you can explore our design services at Design Lab by Livingetc. For more shopping edits, decorating ideas, and design inspiration, sign up to the Livingetc newsletter too.

What I love about lighting — both indoors and out — is how one piece can make such a big difference to an entire space; how it looks, how it feels, not to mention its practical benefits. When it comes to outdoor spaces, finding pieces that don't just light up your garden but also add ambience and decorative flair is key to creating a lived-in feel that makes it a true extension of your home, which is what we’re seeing more and more of in outdoor spaces in 2026.

A piece that does this very well is IKEA's SOLVINDEN LED Outdoor Table Lamp. Its modern silhouette is a design statement in its own right, and the on-trend green hue is just the right amount of color to be interesting without being overbearing. The open-stripe style casts a wonderfully magical glow into your space that will make you want to stay out in your garden long into the early hours.

What makes this particular outdoor lantern a great choice, for both small and large gardens alike, is its ease of use and versatility — powered by solar, not only is it a more eco-friendly lighting option, but there's also no need to fuss with wires and outlets, while its handle lets you carry it with you wherever you need it — you could even hang it if you wish. So if you're looking to buy garden lighting that's as multifunctional as it is elegant, at a very affordable price point, then this lantern is one of the pieces to have on your radar.

With a 4.4-star rating, reviewers share they are particularly impressed by its aesthetics, quality, and ease of use — and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a statement-making piece that’s as stylish as it is functional and one customer notes that it still works well even when wet, while another adds, "Despite its low price, the light has a very high-quality appearance. A beautiful blend of minimalism and retro. Makes a beautiful light."

This modern retro lantern will suit any style of outdoor space, making it feel softer, warmer, and more inviting. One of 2026's biggest outdoor lighting trends is gentle layering, and this piece is a great way to tap into the motion. With the myriad of solar lighting options available on the market — and there really are a lot; I see countless flood my inbox every day — the styles that tap into the latest trends while having timeless appeal, all while being pleasantly affordable and versatile are a big win in my book.

Stylish Alternatives

If you're interested in exploring more solar lighting options, IKEA's SOLVINDEN solar-powered outdoor pendant lanterns are just as magical, and can be hung anywhere in your garden.

And for more ideas for your garden and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Sleeping in the heat is hard. Fans, of course, help, but a lot of it comes down to the bedding material you choose. And while linen has long been favored thanks to its naturally breathable weave, there's another fabric that experts are increasingly recommending for hot weather: TENCEL™ bedding.

“TENCEL™ is a naturally derived material that really helps regulate your body temperature as you sleep,” explains Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom. “It’s sourced from the eucalyptus tree and is made of teeny tiny fibers which absorb 50% more moisture than cotton, keeping your body cooler whilst you sleep.”

The linen bedding alternative is made from sustainable wood pulp that's spun into fiber, yarn, and fabrics. While the brand name TENCEL™ has become widely commonplace, it's made in the same way as modal and lyocell fabrics and is considered very eco-friendly. "It requires less energy and water than cotton and, as a naturally derived fiber, it’s also biodegradable," adds Georgia.

"TENCEL™ sheets are designed to stay cool, being very breathable with a silky touch," she adds. That silkiness shows through in a subtle lustre, giving it a super luxe look, similar to bamboo bedding.

So, if you’re tired of throwing your heavy duvet off the bed during the night, here are nine modal, lyocell, or TENCEL™ bedding buys that will make this summer so much easier to sleep through.

Got your bedding sorted and still struggling to drift off? There are a fewother things you can do to help you sleep in the heat, including keeping your room cool during the day, investing in a good fan, and even freezing a hot water bottle to put by your feet.

For more advice for all things house and home, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Many of us approach gardens by asking what else we can add, when often the most beautiful outdoor spaces are the ones that know when to stop. Japanese-inspired gardens capture that feeling so well. They are calm, effortlessly edited and really connected to nature without ever feeling empty.

What I’ve always loved about Japanese garden ideas is how much they rely on restraint. The Japanese concept of ma, or the mindful use of empty space, is a reminder that not every corner needs to be filled. Sometimes the most calming spaces are the ones that allow room to breathe.

Experiencing the gardens of Japan firsthand is still firmly on my bucket list. Until then, I’m quite happy to borrow some of the same principles at home through natural materials, simple silhouettes, bird baths, low seating and lanterns that create a soft glow as the evening settles in.

If there’s a corner of your garden you want to turn into a quiet sanctuary, start there. These 24 Japanese-inspired furniture and décor pieces capture that sense of simplicity and connection to nature.

Japanese-inspired gardens are exactly the approach I'd recommend if you're hoping to create a calmer and more connected space. They remind us that you don't need to overfill a garden to make it feel beautiful. In fact, some of the most restorative outdoor living spaces are often the most mindfully edited.

For more product recommendations, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

I'm an owner and a lover of pizza ovens, but I absolutely appreciate that they are an investment purchase, with many setting you back hundreds of pounds. Not only that, they require — for most of them at least — outdoor space as well. So if I'm asked for a recommendation on how to make homemade pizzas that will take them to the next level, without having to fork out for a pizza oven, I would suggest a pizza stone.

This Unicook Pizza Stone on Amazon, for example, is made of cordierite, which is the same material used in outdoor pizza ovens. As pizza stone lover and Livingetc's content director Lindsey Davis explains, "The reason the stone works is that the cordierite material instantly draws moisture from your dough, causing a good rise and crisp crust."

With a pizza stone, you only need your standard oven to enhance the bake and flavor of your pizzas, meaning you can bake till your heart's content, no matter the weather. Alternatively, if the weather is good and you have an outdoor space and a charcoal BBQ, this stone is compatible with your BBQ's grill, too, and will give you a more authentic outdoor pizza cooking experience. Currently on sale for less than £25, which is basically 10% of the cost of your average pizza oven — I'd say that's money very well spent.

As Lindsey goes on to explain, "I have an outdoor pizza oven, but bought a stone for my indoor oven, and it gets far more use. Not only is it an option when the great British weather is a let-down, but it's also quicker and easier to set up. It's important to put the stone into a cold oven to prevent the risk of cracking. Simply do that and turn your oven up to its highest temperature, and once heated, it’s good to go. This can be ready in as little as 20 minutes in a good oven — generally a little less than a gas pizza oven."

Super easy to maintain and store away in your kitchen, it's not hard to see why this best-selling pizza stone gets a 4.5-star rating after almost 1,000 reviews.

One reviewer shares, "It is amazing how such a small, unexpected add-on can be such a pleasant surprise." Another adds, "Excellent! Heavy, thick stones with great heat retention. Lots of space for large pizzas. I bought two." While one shares that it's the best stone they have used yet.

"The only drawback of a stone inside is that you don't get the rolling flame over the pizza," advises Lindsey. "This causes that iconic ‘leoparding’ of the crust, and more importantly, adds flavour. However, when convenience is king, you can't fault an indoor pizza stone for pizza night, whenever you fancy."

Alternatives

If you like the idea but want to explore some other options, I've found a few alternative styles that are just as easy on the purse strings.

Accessories for Your Stone

If you're thinking about adding a pizza stone to your kitchen's inventory, you'll also need a few pizza oven accessories to make your pizza-making experience easier and more enjoyable.

And if you own a Big Green Egg, you can also use this clever wedge that transforms your grill into a pizza oven.

For more ideas for your home, garden, and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Inspired by your brief, I've curated a few slim sideboards that would sit comfortably against your beautiful Cole & Son wallpaper while complementing the warmth of the American walnut flooring and rosewood dining table. I was particularly drawn to pieces with a subtle mid-century influence, clean lines, and rich timber tones that would feel cohesive with the existing scheme.

I've just returned from a trip to the coast in Spain, and honestly — is there anything more inspiring than travel? I always come back with so many ideas for my home, drawn from the design of restaurants and bars I visit, the local architecture and crafts, the museums, churches, stores, everything.

Of course, it helps that this influx of inspiration has come perfectly timed with my next Payday Edit — how else would I be able to afford it all? So, below, you'll find a curated collection of bits and pieces for your home, mostly inspired by my trip. There are swirling cocktail picks that would look so good skewered in a pintxos (yes, I'm planning to recreate them at home), stacking stools from Habitat in the same hue as golden hour in San Sebastián, and the folding paper fan I carried around to keep me cool in 30+ degree temperatures (but now it's on sale).

And, of course, there are some other things, too. Because once I start looking — online and through my inbox — I always find so many beautiful things. So, whether or not you have your own holiday booked this summer, here are some purchases that will make your home destination-worthy in its own right.

Call me picky, but I can't stand the idea of an eyesore kitchen appliance. Especially since I live in a studio with a small kitchen that would require me to keep my air fryer on display. And no design has had enough of an impact to convince me to give up some open counter space... until Our Place's Wonder Oven.

In all honesty, it's the best-looking oven I've seen to date, and its multifunctional design only makes it more impressive. And having spent hours scrolling the virtual aisles, I can confirm that it's one of the most stylish home appliances in the Amazon sale right now.

But is the Our Place Wonder Oven worth it? Here's what you need to know before you decide if it's the perfect fit for your small kitchen. And why it's one of the only air fryers I'd ever leave on display.

So, what makes the Our Place Wonder Oven so special? Firstly, it is a truly hardworking kitchen appliance. This type of oven allows you to air fry, bake, roast, toast, broil, and reheat. So, instead of losing space to an old and potentially unstylish air fryer, oven, toaster, and microwave, you could invest in this 6-in-1 appliance.

Now, it's worth noting that the Wonder Oven's capacity and size make it perfect for a small kitchen and similar portion styles. So, if you're cooking a larger meal or hosting a family-style dinner, you might not be able to get away with just this Wonder Oven. Unless you live in the US, in which case, Our Place has released a Wonder Oven Large as well as the Wonder Oven Pro for even loftier hosting responsibilities.

However, to that note, if, like me, you live in a studio and are likely to use the Wonder Oven for solo meals or smaller portions (up to three people), this is a brilliant and beautiful space-conscious option.

And, of course, the biggest selling point, on par with its functionality, is its look. I never thought I'd ever refer to an air-frying toaster oven as beautiful, but it is at that. And if you're not especially drawn to the pretty 'Spice' finish, one of these colorways is sure to appeal to your interior palette.

Alternative Ovens and Air Fryers

More On Sale From Our Place

FAQs

Which Color of the Our Place Wonder Oven is Best for Modern Kitchens?

Overall, I find that the 'Spice' Wonder Oven is the most stylishly versatile. It's minimalist enough to blend into a space, but the slight terracotta finish gives it some character.

If you're a maximalist, the 'Blue Salt' Wonder Oven is dopamine decor at its most functional. And if you're a true minimalist, then the 'Steam' Wonder Oven will fit right into your home.

Can the Our Place Wonder Oven Replace an Air Fryer?

Yes, the Our Place Wonder Oven can replace your air fryer. In fact, according to reviews, it's best known for its air frying and toasting abilities, alongside its other cooking styles.

If you're based in the US, then I feel it's my responsibility to tell you that another wishlist item of mine is on sale right now — the Our Place Dream Cooker. And if, like me, you're waiting until it hits the UK market, the Crocs x Our Place collab will tide you over in the meantime in all its butter yellow glory.

For more of the best-looking designer deals that are actually worth your time, money, and space, sign up for our newsletter.

One of the best ways to offer your houseplants steady hydration has always been the DIY rope technique, where one end of the rope sits in a vase of water while the other is submerged in the soil. However, this often involved using plastic bottles, and even otherwise, it was never a design moment to take in. However, I recently discovered these plant straws (like these from Amazon and these from Beards & Daisies that give this technique a major glow-up.

Not only does it offer a cleaner look to this slow watering system, but it also introduces softness and height to your indoor garden. It's little details like this that make the difference between just a group of houseplants and a stylish display that lends to the overarching aesthetic of your home.

Here's a better look at how it works. And I've also found some equally stylish alternatives, just in case it sells out for the summer.

More Slow-Watering Systems for Houseplants

FAQs

Are Plant Straws Better Than Watering Spikes?

Compared to watering spikes, plant straws tend to be a better hydration accessory for indoor gardens. Aesthetically, they offer some visual interest through height and look more stylish.

Functionally, plant straws are preferred for a more consistent moisture level and a lower risk of overwatering. Plus, it tends to be more low-maintenance as you can fill the reservoir without moving the system out of place.

Which Houseplants Benefit From Plant Straws?

Thirsty houseplants like peace lilies, prayer plants, and calatheas can benefit from steady self-watering through plant straws in the warmer seasons. It's important to avoid using these systems on plants that are survive on less water and are more prone to root rot.

Another self-watering system that pleasantly surprised me is the water cacti from Bergs Potter. It's perfect for your indoor trees that need a touch of TLC while you're OOO.

And for more design ideas sprucing up even the smallest spaces, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Recently, I ditched my candle lighter for matchsticks, and my only issue was that the strikers wear away too soon. There's something so satisfying about lighting a match, and I love keeping my matches on display — so I found these Adhesive Match Striker Papers on Amazon.

And since beautifully designed matchboxes have become a modern-day collector's item, these stickers can sit directly on your pretty boxes (once the original strikers are worn out). You can paste it on a vase for your matches or even directly onto your favorite scented candles.

It's a subtle addition that can make a total difference to your scenting routine. And you have to admit that a covert striker is so much better than a standard matchbox. Here's how it works!

If You're Not Down to DIY

Another feature your scenting routine might be missing? A candle lid. It prevents your candles from losing fragrance and keeps singed wicks out of sight when not in use.

For more subtle adjustments to make your home feel more functional and stylish, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

I'm one of those people who has to have a cover on me in bed at night, no matter how hot it is — it feels wrong to me not having one — but when the weather is as hot as it has been lately, I realized that I needed to explore alternative options to my climate control duvet which simply isn't cutting the mustard for sleeping in the heat right now, even with a fan blasting over me, too. What I need is a cover that actually cools my body down, and for that, I've found Elegear's Cooling Arc-Chill 3.0 Cooling Blanket on Amazon.

This cooling blanket, which I'll start by saying is more stylish than any others I've seen, is made of the latest, upgraded Japanese Arc-Chill 3.0 cool technology fabric, which is specifically designed for hot sleepers, night-sweat sufferers, and general hot-weather times. Said to reduce skin temperature by 2 to 5°C by absorbing body heat, you can sleep comfortably on those super warm nights, without running up the electric bill, either.

What makes this blanket particularly special is that the fabric features proprietary jade stone particles, known for their naturally cooling qualities, which also happen to make the blanket softer and smoother, too — and, in my opinion, far more interesting. It's not hard to see why it has a 4.3-star rating after 23,500 reviews.

"Genuinely one of the best things I've ever bought," shares one reviewer. "I've tested it out for a while before writing a review, to be sure it actually works. Well, it actually works, and I love it so much!"

Japanese cooling techniques are designed to cool down the body itself as opposed to the air or space around them, and this is what makes the Japanese Arc-Chill fabric superior compared to regular cooling blanket fabrics, as it feels instantly cool to the touch. Measured by a Q-Max value that calculates how quickly heat is transferred away from the body, it actually feels cold, rather than simply keeping you from overheating, as regular cooling blankets do.

"I struggle with overheating in bed, especially in the summer, so I bought this just before the current heatwave," explains another reviewer. "It seems to have brought my overnight body temperature down to a perfectly manageable level with the result that I’ve slept fairly well despite the high nighttime temperatures I get in my top-floor flat."

Some reviews note that heat can build up inside the blanket, but when it does, all that's required is a bit of a waft, and it will instantly cool again. For under £40, that's money well spent in my books.

Worthy Alternatives

For the rest of your bedding, you could consider one of these linen bedding alternatives that the experts love using, especially for hot weather.

For more stylish bedding ideas and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Keeping a tidy kitchen isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. There's nothing worse than seeing a beautifully designed space ruined by a mess of washing up in the corner, and even the most thoughtfully designed drying racks can still take up far too much of your precious kitchen counters.

This becomes particularly problematic in shoebox kitchens, where there simply isn't enough space to fit a bulky drying rack, and all the rest of your countertop essentials. It's an issue I myself am far too familiar with, which is why I'm constantly on the hunt for smart solutions to this seemingly unshakeable problem. And my latest find, this Small Triangle Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack from Amazon, may just be the best one yet. Designed to sit snugly right in the corner of your kitchen sink, this clever design offers you more surface area to use as you see fit, without eating into your existing countertop space.

The best solutions for small kitchen problems revolve around finding ways to increase the functionality of the 'dead space' in your design, sneaking some extra storage into those corners that would otherwise go unused and unappreciated. And that's exactly what this design does so well.

Equally Clever Alternatives

If you're still searching for ways to get your kitchen in the best shape possible, it's worth taking some time to learn about the design mistakes that make your kitchen look messy; some of them may surprise you.

And for more design ideas, subscribe to our newsletter.

When you consider soundbars, certain brands immediately spring to mind. Sonos, for one, has built a formidable reputation in this space, and its Arc Ultra is the soundbar that almost everything else at the £1,000 price is judged against.

Bose is well known for its headphones and Bluetooth speakers, but its soundbar pedigree has been spottier, with the Smart Ultra Soundbar — the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar's predecessor — failing to truly threaten the Sonos Arc Ultra as the best soundbar.

But Bose's Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is its most serious attempt yet to change that, and after spending a few weeks with this stylish soundbar, it’s an excellent one. The question is, can it knock Sonos off its throne?

First Impressions

Bose describes the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar as the biggest acoustic overhaul to its soundbar portfolio in a decade. It arrives with a completely redesigned speaker array, a brand new control interface, and an aesthetic that suggests someone at Bose has finally realised that looking great in a living room matters just as much as sounding great in one.

The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is available in two colorways, Black and White Smoke, with the Black model sent to me for review. I’d have loved to see the Driftwood Sand variant of the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker available here too, but that wasn’t to be, sadly.

Still, the black and white models both look more interesting than most in the soundbar space (bar the retro Marshall Heston soundbar options), predominantly thanks to the reflective top and control panel, so that’s something to be celebrated.

Features

Underneath the fabric-and-glass exterior is a speaker system with heaps of ambition. The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar offers a 5.0.2 configuration with a nine-driver architecture: six full-range drivers, a dedicated center tweeter for dialogue clarity, and two PhaseGuide drivers, which use proprietary processing to steer sound toward areas of the room where no speaker physically exists. Comparing Bose and Sonos again, it's the same principle that makes the Sonos Arc Ultra sound wider than you’d expect it to, and Bose applies it well here.

The '2' in that 5.0.2 count refers to two upfiring speakers, one at each end of the bar. Unlike some rivals that make a visual feature of their upward-firing ports, Bose has tucked these flush beneath the fabric so you wouldn't know they were there from the exterior. They fire sound vertically to add height to Dolby Atmos content, which means the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar needs to be kept clear of closed shelving above it. A cabinet with a TV resting overhead could block those channels entirely, so it's something to keep in mind when you’re planning furniture and placement.

Bass is handled by Bose's CleanBass technology, which delivers low-frequency output with depth and clarity without a separate woofer. I’ll go into more detail on that in the Sound section below, but if you are after more serious low-end heft, you can add the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer, while the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speakers can also be added as surrounds for a more immersive experience.

On the connectivity front, you get HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 5.3. Alexa is built in, too, so there’s a decent list here.

It’s worth flagging that the eARC-only setup means this soundbar won't work with older TVs that lack an ARC or eARC port and rely on optical instead, however, so do make sure you check your TV before buying this soundbar. DTS is not supported either, only Dolby Atmos, and there's also no HDMI passthrough, though the Sonos Arc Ultra has the same limitation.

Style

This is one of the nicest-looking soundbars I've had the pleasure of reviewing recently. Most are black rectangles with little to write home about. You place them beneath the TV and try not to think about them or the fact that they are ruining your carefully considered décor. I’d go as far as to say the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is instead something you might actually want on display. The White Smoke colorway is worth considering if you have a lighter interior, as it is one of the few soundbars that would complement rather than contrast with a pale or neutral room. That said, the Black looks great too; it’s just more conventional.

At 111cm wide and just 6.7cm tall, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar sits with a low, assured profile that doesn't overpower the space around it, though I would advise using it with a TV no smaller than 55 inches, or it will dominate. The knit fabric that wraps the body feels premium to the touch and gives it warmth that matte plastic can't replicate. Stretching along the top is a glass panel that adds a sense of quality, while the circular touch-sensitive control wheel built into it is satisfying to use. Slide your finger clockwise to raise the volume, anti-clockwise to lower it, and tap to play or pause.

There are two design details worth flagging, though. First, that lovely glass top is highly reflective. With a bright TV screen above, you'll catch a mirror image of what's playing in the bar below, which can be distracting. Second, it really loves a fingerprint, and it enjoys dust too. If you regularly adjust the controls by hand rather than through the app or your TV remote, you'll find yourself wiping it down more than you’d probably like.

When it comes to TV wall mounting, it’s possible, as it is for the Sonos Arc Ultra, but the bracket is sold separately, so factor that into your budget. The bar is best positioned under your TV with at least 10cm clearance above, and Bose advises against mounting it above the screen.

Sound Quality

The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is not all looks and no function, though. Far from it, in fact. Fire up a Dolby Atmos film, and the soundstage really opens up, extending well beyond the physical edges of the bar and further than you might expect, with effects feeling well placed in the room. The upfiring speakers do good work here: there's actual height to the audio. Rain, aircraft, crumbling buildings, and anything that should sound like it's coming from above, seemingly does. That's not something every soundbar at this price can pull off convincingly.

It is worth doing the CustomTune room calibration, however. Like Sonos Trueplay, this uses your phone's microphone to measure your room's acoustics and adjust the soundbar's output accordingly, and without it, the Atmos presentation is noticeably flatter. Run it before you settle in for a serious movie session, and it will make a noticeable difference.

Dialogue is clear and consistently well anchored in the centre throughout. In busy scenes, it can be easy for voices to get lost in the mix, but the Lifestyle Ultra keeps speech intelligible without it feeling artificially boosted. The SpeechClarity mode in the app takes this further when you need it, using AI-driven, real-time processing to isolate vocals from background noise, lifting voices without simply raising the overall level. This was particularly useful for late-night viewing when you don't want to sacrifice atmosphere for the sake of a conversation.

The low end is impressive, too. Bass has decent punch and body without becoming muddy or overblown, with action sequences having good weight. I would say the Sonos Arc Ultra has more depth and is more impressive as a standalone soundbar, but for many, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar will deliver more than enough.

Ease of Use

Setup is about as straightforward as it gets. Plug the included HDMI cable into your TV's eARC port, power it up, download the Bose app, and follow the simple steps. As I mentioned above, running the CustomTune calibration process at this stage is well worth the few extra minutes, and even with that factored in and any software updates, you should be up and running in under 30 minutes.

The Bose app has been significantly updated alongside the Lifestyle range, and it's now one of the better soundbar apps on the market. EQ is handled via simple bass/mid/treble sliders, but there's more available if you want it. You can independently adjust the centre channel level, the height mix, and the surround balance, which gives you good control over the presentation. Unlike Sonos, which has had a well-documented troubled relationship with its own app in recent years, the experience here is clean and a pleasure to use.

Day-to-day control is handled via the on-bar touch panel or your TV remote through HDMI CEC, which means the bar wakes and sleeps with the TV and responds to your normal volume buttons without additional setup. What you don’t get is a physical remote for the soundbar itself, and Bose doesn't sell one separately, either. The CEC integration means

Extras

What you do get with the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, like Sonos, however, is the option to grow the system should you wish to. Out of the box, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is a 5.0.2 system, but add the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer (£899.95) and you get a great bass foundation with wireless connectivity, so there are no cables across the floor. Bring in a pair of Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speakers as rear channels (£299.95 each), and you have a full 7.1.4 system for a more immersive experience than a single bar, no matter how good, can replicate.

It's a lot of money all in (close to £2,500 for the complete setup), but the modular approach means you can build toward it gradually rather than committing to everything at once. Sonos operates similarly with its Arc Ultra, Sub, and Era 300 surrounds, so this isn't unique to Bose, but it's well executed here. The two systems are close enough in price and approach that which one suits you will likely come down to ecosystem preference and which one you'd rather look at.

Is the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar Worth It?

At £999.95, the Lifestyle Ultra goes head-to-head with the Sonos Arc Ultra, which is an interesting contest. The Sonos has deeper bass as a standalone bar and the benefit of a more mature, extensive ecosystem. If you already have Sonos products elsewhere in your home, the Arc Ultra is the natural choice. But the Bose counters with better design, a more refined app, and sound quality that's certainly close. For anyone starting fresh or coming from older kit, I wouldn't automatically hand the Sonos the win.

There are some omissions: the missing remote, the lack of HDMI passthrough, the reflective and smudge-prone glass, and a wall bracket that really should be included at this price. But the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is the best soundbar Bose has made, and that alone makes it worth your attention.

If you've been looking at a Sonos Arc Ultra and wondering whether there's a viable alternative that also looks great in your living room, the answer is yes — it’s this.

White sheets? Not in 2026, thank you. As our lives become increasingly defined by convenience and automation, at home (especially in the bedroom — a particularly personal space), we're looking for ways to add more emotion, and bold color and a little touch of nostalgia are easy ways to do it.

When it comes to bedding trends, we're going for layered and lived-in, rather than crisp and clean. And Cozy Earth has just released four new colors — Eclipse, Sandalwood, Coconut-and-Sandalwood Ticking Stripe, and River-and-Sea Salt Ticking Stripe — as part of its soft-wash cotton bedding collection, which tap straight into the look.

Whether you opt for the nostalgic French farmhouse-inspired ticking stripe, or a rich, moody dark blue, the new colors feel like a shortcut to a softer, warmer look (plus, it helps that the material feels perfectly worn in from the first night).

How should you style the popular bedding brand's new collection? Given the navy blue Eclipse set is so rich, our Design Lab by Livingetc stylist Miaad Latoof suggests leaning into the depth. "It can look really beautiful styled with crisp whites, warm creams, or soft oatmeal tones for contrast, especially if you want the bedding to feel fresh."

To make it feel more layered, she'd introduce deeper jewel tones like burgundy and forest green. "Pair these with materials like dark wood, brushed brass, or ceramic lamps with textured surfaces to give the room a more elevated feel," Miaad adds.

For the Sandalwood bedding, Miaad recommends pairing it with natural textures and tones; "Think rattan, light oak, linen, bouclé, or woven accessories, then layer in subtle accent colors like olive green, terracotta, clay, or soft rust to keep it warm and grounded," she says. "It could also look lovely with off-white and pale stone tones if the aim is something calmer and more minimal."

For that more nostalgic look, choose either of the ticking stripe sets. Iokasti Sotirakopoulou, our other Design Lab by Livingetc’s stylist, says the coconut-and-sandalwood colorway feels more organic. "Pair it with natural materials such as linen, oak, and woven textures to enhance that relaxed, lived-in feel," she adds.

“You could also introduce cushions in warm terracotta, rich olive green, or deep tobacco tones to add depth and warmth while complementing the earthy palette," Iokasti continues. "It's a great option for anyone who wants to introduce patterned bedding without committing to anything too bold.”

But, if a French-inspired elegance is what you're after, Iokasti recommends the river-and-sea salt ticking stripe. "It would work beautifully with warm whites, aged brass, and natural wood finishes," she says. "I'd style it with layered bedding and a mix of textures to lean into its effortless, airy quality."

To add a little more depth, Iokasti says to layer a navy blue throw with a subtle geometric pattern at the end of the bed, alongside cushions in varying shades of blue, from soft powder blue to deeper navy tones. "Layering bedding color combinations within the same color family creates a relaxed, cohesive look that feels calm, collected, and timeless," she adds.

For more product recommendations and styling advice, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Out of all the coffee machines I have tested this year (and trust me, there have been a lot), only a couple have really taken me by surprise. I often start with the prejudice that a machine is too 'automatic', too big, or too expected, and then, after testing, realize I was completely wrong. And my biggest misconception to date? Writing off the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, only for it to become the appliance that turned me into a coffee-pod person again.

Now Nespresso's Vertuo Pop Machine is on sale for Amazon Prime Day (and £40 off, might I add), it's back on my mind. How do coffee pod machines hold up against the craft-centered espresso maker? Can you have both in your coffee station? I'll start by saying the Vertuo Pop machine's main appeal is convenience. It's for the person who lives on the go and needs their caffeine fix to be as streamlined as possible, but still versatile and delicious.

And for anyone turned off by the idea of having to buy coffee pods, innovations have meant there is now an impressive range of flavors, brew strengths, and even drink types to choose from — much like with buying regular coffee beans. (Plus, recycling is much easier.) I'm telling you, I totally get the pod appeal, and even more so when a good-looking machine like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is currently only £59.

Admittedly, half of what makes your Nespresso coffee taste better is the type of coffee pods you buy. Nespresso's Vertuo Pop machine uses the brand's new Vertuo technology — the disk-shaped pod is spun at incredibly high speed during brewing to extract the espresso shot.

It's worth flagging that this means you can't use the smaller, original Nespresso pods on a Vertuo machine. And, considering it's also trademarked, you won't be able to buy pods from other brands, but I'd argue that within Nespresso's collection, the Vertuo line is even more extensive.

As for the machine itself, the Vertuo Pop is very similar to the Nespresso Vertuo Next. The only real difference is the size of the water tank. Both are great options for small spaces, but in my opinion, you can't beat the joyful array of colors that the Vertuo Pop comes in. A pink, orange, or lavender mini coffee machine to brighten up your coffee nook? Yes, please. It makes what could be a boring appliance a piece that feels that much more considered.

Coffee makers and the best espresso machines are big investments. Even if you opt for one that isn't the most expensive on the market, it's still an appliance that you'll most likely use every day. You want it to be well-made, have the ability to brew a fabulous espresso shot, and when you've made your decision, hopefully, the product is on sale. Right now, the Vertuo Pop is delivering on all three.

But luckily for you, I've done some more searching, and below are three more of my favorite pod machines at a lower price than usual.

Okay, I may have re-convinced myself on pod coffee machines. That said, the heatwave in London has my mind on other, cooler beverages, and for that, an iced coffee maker is what you need in your nook this summer.

For more coffee inspiration and to stay up-to-date on all the best buys, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

Why is it that I groan at the thought of standing over the kitchen stove every night, but the idea of doing it at the table seems so exciting? Swiss fondues are a long-standing tradition in my family — it's like a meal served with a show — but a pot of melted cheese doesn't sound so enticing come summertime.

A BBQ, though? That's a non-negotiable in the sunny season. When I first came across the OFYR Tabl'O Outdoor Table Grill (available at John Lewis), two thoughts rushed through my head: it's so sleek and compact, and, at £295, it's pretty affordable compared to other table-top grills (for reference, a Minimax Big Green Egg retails for £925).

But outdoor kitchen trends this year aren't just about specs, they're about style, too (obviously), and as my first introduction to OFYR as a brand, I can hand on heart say that I don't think I've ever seen more stylish outdoor cooking equipment. Whether you've got a wide-open space or an inner-city balcony, I feel like the Tabl'O won't just help cater the event, it'll become the event.

If you've got a smaller outdoor space, but still want to recreate the feeling of a dedicated outdoor kitchen, tabletop grills are a game-changer. Charcoal BBQs tend to be the most affordable option, but that doesn't have to mean sacrificing style altogether.

Below, I've found six alternatives to the OFYR Tabl'O, ranging in both cost and cuteness. From options that can pack away, to portable designs, and some of the prettiest BBQs on the market, I'm sure you'll find something that suits.

Looking for something a little more design-y? Japanese outdoor grills definitely shine in that department, though they tend to be on the more expensive side, so it's worth waiting for a sale (ahem, Amazon Prime Day) before buying.

For more product recommendations, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Drying racks aren’t high on my design agenda — when buying one, I think predominantly about affordability and whether it does the job. As a result, it's often an eyesore, takes up significant counter space, and never quite has room for an entire load. The result is a sporadic display of half-dry dishes lurking above a puddle of water on my counter.

The answer, I've learned, is to lift your drying rack off the counter and balance it over the sink instead. And this Teak Wood Roll-Up Dish Rack from Amazon does exactly that with thoughtful design. It sits on top of the sink, creating space for your dishes to dry, while excess water falls straight down the drain.

Designed with versatility in mind, the rack extends your counter space and can also double as a meat-thawer, colander, or even a way to water plants. Plus, you can also conceal dirty dishes beneath it until the dinner party is over. And, once you're done, unlike wire drying racks, this one rolls up and tucks neatly in a cupboard.

Want more where that came from? I've found just the thing.

If you have a smaller kitchen, trading your drying rack for a space-saving design can streamline your space. And if you want more like this, there are so many IKEA kitchen storage buys, including stainless steel rails and countertop organizers, that can double, if not triple, your kitchen storage.

For more product recommendations, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

There's nothing quite like the pressure of pulling out an overly complicated instruction manual for the lighting you forgot to set up, mere moments before your guests are due to arrive. If you're anything like me, you'd probably give up and resign to moving the party indoors once it gets dark. But with this summer set to be a hot one, and most UK homes lacking air-con, who wants to leave the relief of a cool evening breeze for a stuffy kitchen?

The Newgarden Lima LED Rechargeable Light, which you can buy from Lights.co.uk solves that problem, saving you the headache of setting it up and the future of your evening soirée. The secret? It’s magnetic, meaning all you have to do is pull the doughnut-shaped halves apart and connect them back together around the stem of your parasol.

This affordable, easy-to-assemble, and sleek outdoor lighting idea is ideal for a Pinterest-worthy garden party. Plus, with no wires or fixtures, there's no reason you couldn't use it in other places, too: on the table, on steps, maybe even mounted to a wall using a strong magnet?

Thankfully, there’s the option to adjust the brightness and color. That’s right, no need to frighten your guests with that clinical bright white lighting the midges and moths are obsessed with (research shows that bugs are more attracted to cool white lights than warm lights). And as it’s remote-controlled, you can do all that from the comfort of your garden chair with a glass of wine in hand.

Still looking for a suitable alternative? Here are six other contenders I’m considering for my next evening garden party.

Don’t worry if you’re not one for parasols and hanging lights. You can get the same low-effort installation and warmth from low-level solar path lights, but with a very gentle, enchanting glow.

For more product recommendations, make sure you subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

I love coffee, but I don't love hot coffee on a hot day. I need cold, refreshing drinks, but I still want my morning coffee fix, so I've been looking for options that don't involve buying an entirely new machine. I have a Sage coffee machine at home, but it doesn't have a cold-brew option — and I am absolutely not buying a separate machine purely for cold coffees for the short time of year the weather is unbearably hot. The solution? This Japanese-style HARIO Cold Brew Coffee Pot (on Amazon).

This chic little number has a slim, minimalist design, in true Japanese style, and one of the highest numbers of 5-star reviews I have seen on Amazon — 80% of its 17,909 (at the time of writing) ratings are 5 stars, which amounts to over 14,000 people who highly recommend this product. One reviewer says, "This product is the best, and easiest way I’ve found of making delicious cold brew coffee."

Needless to say, I have it in my own basket. So, if you, like me, are looking for a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy cold coffee brews in the summer months, rather than going down the iced coffee maker route (there's a difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee — more on that later), then you should have this HARIO pot on your radar. Oh, and did I mention it's currently on sale for less than £20?

What's the Difference Between Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee?

First up, iced coffee can be made in minutes, whereas cold brews are generally steeped for 12-24 hours. So, yes, if you're looking for a quick on-the-spot cold coffee drink, you'll need to forgo cold brew (unless you've premade it, as you would have with the HARIO coffee pot!).

However, what iced coffee makes up for in time, it lacks, depending on your taste, in flavor. Cold brew coffee is more aromatic, smoother, and generally sweeter, whereas iced coffee is lighter and generally more acidic — this is because iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, and cold brew coffee is steeped for several hours in cold water.

As Livingetc's resident coffee expert and design writer, Olivia Wolfe, confirms, "The cold brew method is great because it cuts the acidity of the coffee flavor for a smoother and less bitter tasting drink! Also, grinding your own beans in this case is definitely worth it to improve flavor. I'd recommend the same grind size as you'd use for filter or drip coffee (medium fine)."

Why Customers Love the HARIO "Mizudashi" Cold Brew Coffee Pot

Having originated in Kyoto, Japan, in the 17th century, cold brew coffee has definitely been on the rise in recent times — especially very recent heatwave-heavy times — with the naturally sweet, refreshing taste of a cold brew a joy and necessity for many heat-suffering caffeine-lovers alike in the summer months.

But what makes the HARIO maker so appealing? One customer shares, "The 1-liter capacity is great for making multiple servings, and the design makes brewing simple and mess-free. The coffee comes out smooth, rich, and refreshing every time. The build quality is excellent, the mesh filter works perfectly, and it’s easy to clean. A must-have for anyone who enjoys delicious cold brew coffee at home. Highly recommend — makes cold brew coffee simple, tasty, and convenient!"

Another says, "I would recommend this product over any other I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a few." And honestly, the list of great reviews goes on and on. If you're debating whether to try cold brew coffee at home, this could be your perfect way in.

Stylish Alternatives to Shop

For more chic cold brew coffee maker options, I've rounded out six more styles that are highly reviewed, but still easy on the wallet.

If you think you want to invest in a cold brew coffee machine after all, our coffee expert, Olivia Wolfe, shares her honest thoughts after testing Smeg's New Cold Brew Machine.

For more ideas for your kitchen and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Garden lighting can make such a big difference to how an outdoor space feels, but the idea of wiring, installation costs, and calling an electrician can quickly make it feel more complicated than it needs to be. If your pathway, patio, or flower beds feel too dark at night, solar path lights are one of the easiest solutions. They charge during the day, switch on after sunset, and can usually be placed straight into the ground without cables or professional help.

If you’re looking for a broader place to start, our guide on where to buy garden lighting is full of stylish outdoor options, but solar path lights are especially useful when you want something quick, practical, and low-effort. They help define walkways, add a soft glow around planting, and make the garden feel more considered after dark, without needing a full lighting plan. For more styles beyond pathways, you can also explore our edit of solar powered outdoor lighting, or try these Amazon solar fence lights if you want to bring that same glow to boundaries, walls, and darker corners.

These are the solar path lights I’d start with if you want to boost your garden lighting in the easiest way possible.

The best solar path lights don’t just make your garden more practical, they make it feel more atmospheric too. A few well-placed lights along a path, around a border, or beside an outdoor seating area can completely change how the space feels in the evening.

And if you’d like more help making your outdoor space feel stylish, layered, and beautifully put together, you can explore our design services at Design Lab by Livingetc. For more shopping edits, decorating ideas, and design inspiration, don’t forget to sign up to the Livingetc newsletter too.

Okay, I have high standards when it comes to the best at-home coffee machines. I like a semi-automatic style that brews a perfectly silky espresso shot, with a rich crema layer, and a milk frother attached. However, when the temperatures hit 38 degrees, it becomes a completely different story. Suddenly, it's all about iced coffee, and for that I've got my eye on Breville's single-serve Iced Coffee Maker, (which happens to be 51% off in the Amazon Prime Sale right now).

Normally, it still costs just under £50; adding this iced coffee machine to your morning line-up is the easiest way to start making cold beverages this summer. And even better than the affordable price tag are the stellar reviews to go with it. One shares, "I was reluctant at first about purchasing due to the price; I thought it wouldn't be good. How wrong I was; this has been the best purchase ever. It's so simple to use, easy to clean, and the iced coffee it makes is delicious."

I mean, nothing beats a simple morning routine, especially when hot days have us all feeling a little more lethargic. And with this iced coffee maker, you also get a reusable cup, so you can have a refreshing cup of coffee on the go. Convenient? Affordable? Small-space friendly? What's not to love! The only thing you need to know is that it's part of Prime Day Deals, so if you're not a member already, you'll need to sign up first to get the discount.

A machine like this is typically supplementary. Meaning you probably already have a quality espresso machine or drip coffee maker, and this is a fun coffee station addition that quenches a specific thirst. Sometimes that makes pulling the trigger on these products a bit trickier — do you really need a separate iced coffee maker?

Well, beyond the fabulous price, there are a few things that make this iced coffee maker worth considering. First of all, the size is very conducive to small countertops. At 9cm deep x 25cm wide x 34cm high, you could easily tuck this away in a cabinet in the off-season, or keep it out on the counter if needed.

And you can't ignore the cup inclusion. I love having a mug dedicated to a specific drink (not to mention a range of cups makes your coffee mug organization more visually interesting), and you can use this reusable style while traveling or when lounging in your outdoor space.

It may not be as luxurious or high-tech as cold brew machines like the Smeg Cold Brew and espresso maker, but the Breville Iced Coffee Maker is definitely one of the simplest, straightforward machines I've spotted on the market. Sometimes, sticking to the basics is better anyhow.

But it's definitely not your only compact option. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy a cold coffee beverage this summer without the fuss of a full espresso machine. Below are a few more iced coffee favorites that are also small-kitchen-friendly.

I love talking about coffee, especially when it means discovering new products that help elevate a coffee station and ease the morning routine. This might just be the new thing that a summer coffee nook isn't complete without.

To stay up-to-date on the latest, design-forward coffee news, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

Weightless, enveloping, and luxuriously squishy, the boneless couch has become a viral sensation over the last few years because it can be very stylish, conveniently comes in a box, and is ridiculously inexpensive for a sofa. Plus, some reconfigurable styles feel like a grown-up take on kids' soft play structures, and well... doesn't that sound fun?

Buying a sofa bed that looks and feels good can feel like an impossible feat. What's more important: the sofa or the bed? Made from comfortable memory foam, the Vipbear Boneless Sofa from Amazon is available in two sizes (160cm and 200cm) and a range of colored corduroy fabrics.

It's also currently 15% off as part of the Amazon Prime Day sales. And before you say it, I know the thought of buying a sofa from Amazon might be scary, but the few reviews so far should give you some comfort, with an overall rating of 4.8/5-stars. "Awesome quality," writes one. "Wasn't expecting it to be half as good given the price," notes another. "The firmness is perfect to sit and sleep," another echoes. Plus, it's returnable within 30 days.

You will, however, have to be a Prime member to get this deal, so sign up now if you're considering it.

Not keen on corduroy just ahead of summer? Fair enough. Thankfully, there are some other brands out there making very similar styles of boneless sofas in different styles, shapes, and price points.

These are some others I'd recommend shopping.

With their innovative designs, these luxe boneless sofas balance comfort and versatility. But perhaps you are looking for a slightly smaller alternative; in which case, IKEA’s new PS chair bed is equally clever and stylish.

For more design ideas, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

In case you haven't heard yet, we're about to head into a heat wave. This isn't set to be just any normal heat wave either; with temperature predictions hitting just below 40 degrees, the UK is about to experience some seriously tropical conditions. And if there's one thing our country is not built to handle, it's the heat. Rain, snow, ice? All fine. But as soon as the temperature creeps over the 25-degree mark, all cards are off the table.

In times like these, there's only one place to be: sprawled outside, safe in the comfort of your garden. But even the shadiest of gardens won't be fully exempt from the powers of this current heat surge. Which is exactly why I've been looking at this Portable Misting System (which you can buy from Amazon) with immediacy. Designed to attach to your umbrella and gently spritz you with a cool, delicate mist of cold water, this is the one thing that will provide me with comfort throughout the upcoming days and is an easy way to make an urban garden feel cooler — or any garden for that matter.

In my books, anything that can provide some kind of temporary relief from these soaring temperatures is a win, and nothing feels quite as refreshing as that breezy dusting of icy water misting across your face. In fact, beyond making it bearable, something like this can go so far as to make a heat wave feel downright enjoyable, so long as you remain within misting distance at all times. And for under £40, I think this should be a no-brainer buy for all this summer.

Alternative Misters for Hot Weather Relief

Keeping cool during the daytime is one thing, but everyone knows the real issues start once it's time to get into bed. This year, I'll be swapping my winter bedding out for one of these linen bedding alternatives that experts prefer, especially for hot weather.

For more design tips and ideas, subscribe to our newsletter.

I'm always pro-dishwasher, but there are certain things that you just don't want to risk chucking in the machine; it only takes one jagged, misshapen whisk to accept that fact. Which leaves you with the inevitable task of some good, old-fashioned hand-washing.

It's not that the act of washing up itself is particularly laborious or troublesome; it's more so what comes after it. I don't know about you, but I don't particularly love the look of a tea-towel full of wet utensils cluttering up my kitchen countertops. For one, it's not particularly attractive, and even worse, it requires so much space that it can easily end up taking over your kitchen counters. Plus, as I'm sure you're already aware, it's far from the most effective drying method, either, with the underside of your utensils left sitting on a damp, moist towel, which is particularly problematic for your wooden utensils.

So, after one too many warped and splintered wooden spoons, I realized I needed to find a new method. Something that takes up less space and actually dries my utensils effectively. And I found just the thing. The Metal Kitchen Utensil Holder With Diatomaceous Earth Base, which you can buy from Amazon may look like just any utensil holder, but it has a secret ingredient that gives it that magic touch. The diatomaceous earth base, discreetly hidden at the bottom, absorbs all the excess water, leaving you with perfectly dry utensils in little to no time. And if you need any more convincing, it's only £20 on Amazon. I don't know about you, but that's a no-brainer buy in my books.

If you're looking for more ways to organize your kitchen, we've got you covered with our expert guide to maximize space and minimize clutter.

And for more design ideas for your kitchen and beyond, subscribe to our newsletter, and all the latest will land directly in your inbox.

Ten years on from its last release, IKEA is officially back with the latest rendition of the iconic PS Collection, and this time, I was lucky enough to get to experience the products first hand ahead of the launch. During my time in Älmhult, the home of IKEA, I got to dive deep into the 44-piece collection, chatting to the designers behind it all, and finding out exactly what makes PS so special. And while every item holds its own unique appeal, this is the one I instantly knew would fit right into my home.

Designed by Henrik Preutz, this colorful chair is more than it meets the eye. Inspired by this year's theme of playful functionality, Henrik wanted to create something that incites joy and is useful enough to fit seamlessly into your everyday life — while also being surprising and innovative enough to set it apart from the crowd. And with his IKEA PS 2026 Chair, he achieved exactly that.

"With IKEA PS 2026 chairs, I wanted to create something you’d fall for at first glance — the kind of pieces that make you stop and smile," says Henrik. Staying true to the signature IKEA minimalism, Henrik experimented with form, landing on something that felt truly original, yet pleasingly classic, too. And the best thing about the design? How you use it is completely up to you. Sit forwards, using the padded cylinder as a backrest, or spin around and rest your arms on it — we'll leave that up to you.

Stylish Alternatives to Shop

If you can believe it, this wasn't the only stand-out chair from this year's PS Collection. The inflatable chrome chair, which was featured in the IKEA PS Collection teaser, went viral instantly, and it's easy to see why.

For the rest of your design inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter.

Like everyone else, when the warm weather hits, I find myself craving frozen drinks — a frosé, a smoothie, a slushie of sorts. And while I would love to make these at home, like everyone else, I find myself calculating just how much counter space the obvious choice — the Ninja SLUSHi, which you can buy from Amazon and is deservedly the most popular model — would take up.

Kitchen appliance trends are seeing gadgets become smarter and more enticing, but it is hard to justify investing in the latest tech when each development only brings products that are bigger, and my kitchen only ever feels smaller. Counter space is precious real estate, so dare I say, the Cuisinart’s FreezeWand (which you can find on Amazon, too) is going to be a better choice for those with space challenges. It can whip up everything the Ninja SLUSHi can, but in a much more compact.

It may have been designed as an ice cream maker, and it can also do a lot of the same things that a Ninja CREAMi can, but the wand is versatile — it can create milkshakes and slushies — just like magic. Portable and compact, it takes up no counter space and can just be secretly tucked away. And it is under £80 — significantly cheaper than the Ninja SLUSHi, retailing at £299 (or currently £199 if you're a Prime member). Of course, it can't do it en masse as the SLUSHi can, but for a solo serving, it might just be your hot-weather savior.

Other Frozen Treat Makers

Sold on the summer slushies? Here are six alternatives to the FreezeWand, to suit your tastes.

However ergonomic the Ninja SLUSHi is, not being able to pack it away is a total turn-off. And with its versatility, ease, and compact design, the Cuisinart FreezeWand is hard to beat.

And if, despite all of the space-saving appliances you purchase and decluttering tips and tricks you follow, you find your messy kitchen persists, take a look at why this could be, and how to resolve it according to interior designers.

There's no greater joy than treating yourself to a new home appliance. The promise of a new beginning, of more convenience, ease, and excitement. Whether it's a new shiny coffee machine or a state-of-the-art air purifier, each new home purchase holds the possibility of a better way of living. The idea that this could just be the one thing that you'd been missing, the upgrade your home so desperately needed.

But of course, here at Livingetc, our home appliances can't just be functional; they have to look good, too. And you'd be remiss in discounting Amazon as a place to find such items. While the massive retailer may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of stylish and luxurious home appliances, you'd be shocked at what you can find when you know what to search for.

From some of the best espresso makers to gems from our favorite kitchen appliance brands, this behemoth of a site has a wealth of chic appliances, if you know where to find them. And I've rounded up our favorite 12 — some of which are even on sale right now.

If you're looking for more great finds, these organized kitchen buys on Amazon are all approved by professional home organizers and are guaranteed to bring some more order to a messy kitchen.

And to keep up with more designer discounts, like Selfridges' summer candles sale, subscribe to our newsletter.

I'm yet to meet anyone satisfied with the amount of storage they have in their kitchen. From four-storey homes to studio apartments alike, it's seemingly impossible to be satisfied — the more you have, the more you fill it, and the more you need. And while this affects us all, no one knows the pain quite like those living with a cramped, shoebox-sized kitchen.

However, all is not lost. To overcome your small kitchen storage woes, you just need to find smart, space-saving solutions — designs that maximize your space, rather than eating it up — and these Magnetic Basket Organizers on Amazon do exactly that. Handily sticking straight onto your fridge, with no installation needed, these clever baskets are a tiny kitchen lifesaver, and, even better yet, you can get them for less than £15.

So if you barely have enough space to fit your pots and pans, let alone all your ingredients, these handy (and strong) baskets are the genius way to a clutter-free kitchen in seconds.

Alternative Options to Shop

If these baskets aren't quite what you're looking for, I've selected more clever and stylish options to choose from too.