1. Are there fire safety precautions in place?

There are a few things that your landlord is required by law to do to ensure you’re protected against fire hazards in your property. Firstly, there should be adequate means of fire escape. That means there should be at least one smoke alarm on every floor of the building used as living accommodation.

Any room that has a working fireplace or burning stove also needs to have a carbon monoxide detector. If your property doesn’t, they strongly recommend buying your own and invoicing your landlord for it. If your property is classed as an HMO (house in multiple occupation), then your landlord is also legally required to fit a fire extinguisher on each floor.

Make sure you check who’s in charge of maintaining the alarms, too. If it’s you, you’ll have to ensure that they’re working and never run out of battery. However, it’s worth noting that the landlord must make sure the alarms are working at the start of each new tenancy.

2. Can your landlord enter your property?

Contrary to popular belief, the landlord, estate agent or people acting on their behalf cannot visit the property without prior warning. If they want access to the property to give a viewing or carry out repairs, they legally need to give you at least 24 hours notice before showing up.

If you’re not going to be able to be there when they come, but you’d prefer that someone you trust was there when they visit, you can ask for a witness.

The only time they don’t need to give 24 hours notice is in an emergency. This includes things like a fire, a gas leak, a flood, an incident that has caused major structural damage, or when a crime has taken place on the premises.

3. Do landlords need to check appliances?

All gas appliances in the property must be safely installed, maintained and annually checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. There should be a record of every check, and this should be kept at the property to prove it. Ask to see this before signing your contract, and make sure your landlord keeps on top of things while you’re living there.

Your landlord is also legally required to ensure any electrical equipment they’ve provided is safe. This includes things like cookers, kettles, toasters, microwaves and vacuum cleaners. Although it isn’t a legal requirement, this is often done via PAT (portable appliance testing) carried out by a qualified professional. Ask your landlord what their policy on this is.

If you’re hoping to update your kitchen products, this will be at your expense unless the electrical ones provided by your landlord are unsafe. And, on the subject of electrical safety, landlords must also make sure that all electrical installations (that’s things like plug sockets, lights and switches) are inspected by a registered electrician at least once every five years.

4. Are landlords responsible for pest control?

Many houses often play home to unwanted guests. When it comes to infestations of mice, rats, bedbugs and bats (yep, even bats!), it’s difficult to know who’s responsible, as it depends on a number of things.

If you have mice, contact your landlord immediately and they should make plans to get rid of them ASAP. If you discover rats, inform both your landlord and the local health authority. They’ll make plans for a team of experts to come and deal with them, as rats are a massive health and safety risk. With bedbugs, it’s a little more complicated. Essentially it comes down to whose ‘fault’ it is that the property has bedbugs.

In short, there are some basic things to consider if you have a pest problem. Is it covered in your tenancy agreement? Were the pests there when you moved in? Was the infestation caused by disrepair? Was the infestation caused by you? This should give you an idea of where to start in terms of your rights.

5. Are tenants allowed to have guests or sublet?

Most tenancy agreements won’t mention too much about having guests to stay, so it’s normally more about coming to an understanding with your housemates than anything else. Whether you’re living with friends or not, be mindful of those you’re sharing with. This is especially true if your guest will be sleeping in a communal area. And if your guests cause any damage, remember you’ll be liable for it.

If you or a housemate accepts money from a guest for staying over, or if you want to rent out any of your rooms temporarily on Airbnb or something similar, this is considered subletting. Subletting is pretty much always going to be against your tenancy agreement, so if you get caught, you could even be evicted. The only way to get around this is to ask your landlord (very nicely) for permission first and take it from there. Don’t hold your breath, though.

6. Can you decorate a rented house?

Before you start painting your walls or doing any major redecorating, you’ll need to get written permission from your landlord. Some landlords will let you paint the walls if you’d like, sometimes with the caveat that you’ll need to paint it back to its original colour before you leave. So, if you’re only going to be living there for a short time, you should consider whether it’s really worth it.

If you’re not able to paint your walls, you could instead decorate your room with things like cushions, rugs and photos. Just be careful to not damage the walls. If you hammer in nails or use Blu Tack, you could end up with a hefty bill when it’s time to move out.

As a general rule, the property should look the same when you move out as it did when you moved in. If you’re mindful of this while making yourself at home, you can’t really go wrong!

7. What repairs are landlords responsible for?

If there are any issues with the property that could result in an accident, make sure you report them to your landlord straight away. Your landlord is responsible for most major repairs, including any faults with: the structure of the property; sinks, baths and toilets; pipes and wiring; heating and hot water; and the safety of gas and electrical appliances.

Minor repairs, such as changing lightbulbs and fuses, are usually down to the tenant. Plus, any damage caused by yourself, or your guests, will have to be sorted by you.

Problems with damp affect a lot of tenants. Whether it’s your landlord’s responsibility or not depends on who caused it. For example, if you don’t ventilate the property properly and cause condensation dampness, then it could be your responsibility to fix it.

Most landlords will be reasonable and make any necessary changes that are their responsibility as soon as possible. But if you’re having trouble getting the ball rolling, here’s a repairs request template to get it in writing. It should do the trick.

8. Can your landlord evict you?

There are a number of reasons that a landlord could legally evict you, including: being at least two months or regularly late on rent payments; breaching any of the terms of your tenancy agreement; letting the property fall into an unacceptable state; subletting without permission; causing serious nuisance to the neighbours; using the property for illegal purposes, such as dealing drugs; and refusing to leave the property at the end of your contract.

Seek legal advice immediately if your landlord threatens to evict you. If there’s no court order included in your eviction notice, this is illegal. Only a bailiff with a valid warrant can evict you. It’s also considered a crime for your landlord to use any harassment tactics to get you out of the property. If this happens, you should call the police immediately.

9. How much notice do you need before you move out?

When you sign a fixed-term tenancy (for 12 months, for example), your landlord cannot ask you to leave early unless the tenancy agreement specifically allows them to end the contract early. To do this, there will need to be a break clause in the contract. This means that either you or the landlord can end the tenancy early after the specified period, as long as notice is given in writing. For example, you can break the contract with two months’ notice at any point after six months.

Without a break clause, you’ll only be able to end your tenancy early if your landlord agrees (this is more likely if you can find a new tenant to replace you), or under certain circumstances like your landlord breaching their contractual responsibilities. Otherwise, you’ll still have to pay for your rent until the end of the contract.

For a periodic tenancy (when it rolls over every week or month for an indefinite amount of time), things are a little different. Check out this info from Shelter for more details.

Any notice to leave must be in writing and include the date on which the tenancy is to end, as well as the signature of the person giving the notice.

10. Tenancy Deposit Scheme rules

Every landlord is legally obliged to place your housing deposit within a government-owned deposit scheme called a Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme.

This ensures that both sides are equally protected in case of any disputes. If your landlord fails to put your deposit in a TDP scheme within 30 days of receiving it from you, you could be due compensation.

If you want to make sure you get your full tenancy deposit back at the end of your tenancy, check out the advice in this guide.

To see your company in any upcoming please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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The residents’ team at apartment rental brand Essential Living have shared their top tips with Checklist for renters to get their living space looking its best, any time of year.

Invest in your home working space

For those living in more confined living spaces like apartments, you are less likely to have a choice on which room to set your workspace up in, but if you can, the best place to set up is at the kitchen table, or a desk if possible. Working near a window is also beneficial as natural light can improve concentration. 

More importantly, invest in comfort and get an office chair with lumbar support. For a cost-effective alternative, place a small pillow at the curve of your lower back. You can also get an ergonomic keyboard with wrist support.

Reorganise your space

Particularly for renters with little storage, it can be a struggle to find space for everything and to properly organise your surroundings. Make your space more organised by selling, donating or discarding any unwanted items that have been sitting at the back of the wardrobe for months. By creating this free space, you will already start to feel refreshed and much more neat and tidy. 

Have a spring clean

Giving your home a good spring clean makes you feel good, but it can be easy to become distracted and allow your cleaning tasks to pile up.

To avoid the build-up of cleaning jobs, make a cleaning schedule of smaller tasks to tackle little and often to keep on top of it and prevent you feeling overwhelmed by a bigger clean. A build-up of dust on your surfaces can trigger red, itchy eyes or a runny nose, so by dusting your surfaces just once a week you will feel a huge difference. 

Throw away any expired foods

Have you ever found a tin in the back of your cupboard which is about three years old? If the answer is yes, then it is time to get rid of any expired tins that are just sitting there taking up space. For renters who may not have a huge amount of kitchen space, you will instantly feel more organised.

This also goes for the fridge, remove everything and give the inside of your fridge a good clean with some antibacterial wipes. This will remove any bad smells and allow you to reorganise each shelf so you can see what items need to be eaten first. 

For any foods you don’t need, why not donate them to your local food bank. This way you’ve also done your good deed for the day. You can find your nearest food bank at The Trussell Trust. 

Give your home décor a makeover

It’s always a good time to incorporate some new, fresh colours into your home’s décor. The colour trends for the spring/summer seasons include orange, red and blue shades, as well as four key neutral shades including universal khaki, dark blue, shiny white and ashen.

You don’t need to paint the walls – many renters can’t anyway – but just by purchasing some cushions or lampshades in these colours it may just give your home that modern refresh you wanted all along.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The quick and easy tips to refresh your home appeared first on Checklists.

1. Less is more

Perfectly suited to a decluttering makeover, the minimal trend will see you clear out your spaces and live with less.

We are all more conscious of waste and the human race’s ever-deteriorating relationship with the planet, so refusing to accumulate more belongings and cleansing our living spaces will give us an overall sense of wellbeing, as well as keeping our lives clutter-free. Check out the book Love People, Use Things for tips.

2. Jungle is massive

We’re bringing the outdoors indoors in 2022, and ferns are the houseplants of the year. Most houseplants die a death through over-watering, but ferns are thirsty beasts that need a lot of care and attention.

You’ll need a humid environment to raise these plants, or to mist them regularly. A challenging new year project for budding botanists, check out Bloombox Club for inspiration.

3. Aromatherapy cleaning

Improve your mental wellbeing by adding essential oils into your cleaning routine. We’ve been overwhelmed with anti-bacs and bleaches in recent years – and while still important, it’s time to add a little fragrance and relaxation to your home environment. Lemon oil is a great one to start with, as not only is it citrus fresh, it’s a natural degreaser.

4. Transforming our green spaces

We’ve been much more attracted to our outdoor spaces in recent years, for those of us lucky enough to have them. Many of us have specifically veered our lives towards gardens and greenery after lockdown, and this is the year to makeover your garden as a safe haven. Gorgeous garden sheds, big barbecues, and wildflowers will all make your summer parties all the more special.

5. Light, light, and more light

Wanting bright, airy rooms is not a new concept, but after two years of pandemic, it’s time to throw open those curtains. Installing skylights to watch the stars and replacing full windows and doors for oversized glass will be a huge trend this year.

6. Sustainable design

We’ve got our climate-conscious caps on again when it comes to the design in our home, and this year will see folks leaning towards sustainability in their household design. Cork and bamboo flooring will start cropping up in homes, as well as recycled glass.

7. Tech-tastic

We are rapidly moving towards embracing the ‘Internet of Things’ and thus all of our appliances will become more and more connected. Smart homes are the future, so get ready to link up your devices. Video doorbells, smart lighting and Alexa and Google assistants will all be popular, and will all communicate with each other behind our backs.

8. Prints of loved ones

We’ve realised what really matters in recent times, and now is the year of the wall collage. Remind yourself of your favourite life highlights and gather your loved ones around you by having a display of their faces on your wall. Check out Mixtiles for an exciting new way to mix up your wall decor.

9. A lick of paint

According to paint connoisseurs Farrow and Ball, colour paint trends are rooted in simplicity. They chose the likes of Breakfast Room Green and Stone Blue among their defining colours for 2022.

10. Wooden worktops

Keeping the outdoors-but-indoors theme, natural wooden worktops are going to start appearing more and more in kitchens. Lovingly cared-for worktops make a stand-out feature in farmhouse-style kitchens, and wood celebrates the natural world from the comfort of your home.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The 10 interior trends to bring your home to life appeared first on Checklists.

1. iRobot® Roomba® s9+

When it comes to robo-vacs, the Roomba s9+ represents the sci-fi future we’ve all dreamt of, because it empties itself! Freedom from cleaning? Hooray!

This Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum features automatic dirt disposal, emptying its bin into a disposable bag that holds up to 30 loads of dirt and dust, so you don’t have to think about vacuuming for weeks at a time. Dreamy.

Its ‘Maximised-Edge Design’ and specially angled brush reach deep into corners, while its three-stage cleaning system pulls in embedded dirt and pet hair from wherever it hides.

Using advanced vSLAM® navigation technology, the robot gathers over 230,400 data points each second that it uses to create a map of your home.

Find out more at irobot.co.uk

2. Dyson 360 Heurist

This futuristic unit combines the 78,000rpm Dyson digital motor V2 with patented Radial Root Cyclone technology, for powerful suction.

Featuring a powerful quad-core processor, this robot creates a map of your home and updates each clean in case you’ve re-arranged the living room recently.

Its whole-machine filtration captures particles as small as 0.3 microns, and the Dyson app allows you to define zones and create a cleaning schedule.

Find out more at dyson.co.uk

3. AEG RX9-2-4ANM

Although it looks like a giant camera, the unique ‘trinity’ shape of the RX9 gives it excellent reach into your home’s corners and allows it to manoeuvre easily around furniture. It also boasts ‘off-road’ capabilities, as it can negotiate height differences of up to 2.4cm.

The RX9’s huge camera-based vision system uses lasers to scan, map and remember your rooms – you can also set and monitor the robot’s cleaning schedule using the AEG RX9 app to make the whole process effortless.

Find out more at aeg.co.uk

4. Neato Botvac D7

The Neato Botvac has a host of options and comes in at the middleweight price point. Its multiple cleaning modes mean you can opt for the ‘Eco’ option, which gives you a longer, quieter energy-saving clean, whilst its ‘Turbo’ option operates at full-power for deeper cleaning.

The Neato’s exclusive D-Shape design mimics corners of the home for a precise clean that round-shaped robotic vacuums simply can’t do. Use the app to start, stop, find, schedule and receive notifications from the Botvac while you’re out-and-about. It can also take advantage of a second charging station anywhere in your home, meaning larger homes can be cleaned more effectively and efficiently as the Botvac returns to the nearest base.

Find out more at neatorobotics.com

5. Lenovo T1-S-L-VCL0L1

Featuring a sweep mode, mop mode and a run time of two and a half hours, the Lenovo T1-S-L-VCL0L1 robovac has more than enough charge to take care of your vacuuming chores. It’s also designed to climb over door ledges, so it can move effortlessly from room to room.

Featuring a path tracking sensor and smart navigation, it returns automatically to recharge. You can control its cleaning tasks through the app or a voice assistant – setting its 2-in-1 function to clean how you like: it can both vacuum and wipe the floor for you with the integrated mop, making your dwelling clean and fragrant.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

6. Xiaomi Roborock S5 Max

With an impressive battery life of 180 minutes and a 600ml bin capacity, the Roborock rocks on, vacuuming and mopping your floors like there’s no tomorrow.

The Roborock has no issues with rugs, carpets and floors of heights up to 15 millimetres and can easily dodge pitfalls such as stairs.

The internal air filter and mopping pad are removable and washable, as is the dust tray. The device’s app allows you to see a map of each room and change your preferences for each room. An excellent range of options at this price point.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

7. Miele Scout RX2

A powerful cleaning bot, the Scout RX2 features a ‘Quattro Cleaning Power’ suction system consisting of four elements – swing-out side brushes for getting into corners to brush the dirt into the path of the appliance, a suction opening and roller brush for coarse soiling, and a rear suction opening to tackle fine soiling.

Thanks to its high speed, the motor ensures strong suction power and is particularly energy-efficient, meaning you get more cleaning time between charges.

A unique feature of the RX2 is its camera, transmitting live footage to your mobile so you can monitor what’s going on in your house, wherever you are.

Find out more at miele.co.uk

8. Medion MD18871

With smart navigation and a two-hour charge, this unit gives higher-priced robotics a run for their money. Designed to be compatible with most carpets and hard floors, its smart sensor technology allows easy navigation around rooms.

You can control this robovac via the phone app or simply ask Alexa to start the cleaning for you. This little unit requires minimal input as it returns automatically to its station to recharge.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

9. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 15C MAX

The first in the ‘budget’ range of our selection still comes with a host of decent features. Cleaning hard floors and medium-pile carpets with ease, this robovac boasts high suction, self-charging intelligence, and a super-slim 2.85-inch design, allowing it to slide under furniture effortlessly.

The eufyHome app, along with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control-services, means you can operate your BoostIQ with minimal effort. This unit features technology that automatically adjusts the suction power within two seconds, ensuring your floors get the best clean.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

10. Proscenic 850T

Despite being at the lower end of the market, this Proscenic 850T boasts an array of impressive features. It has both vacuum and mop functions, and can be controlled with either its app or home smart devices.

Its ‘Vboost carpet detection’ system automatically recognises carpet and switches to maximum-suction to provide a thorough scrubbing. Its infrared sensors help it to detect edges, so it can easily avoid falling downstairs.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Clean without fuss using one of these top 10 robot vacuum cleaners appeared first on Checklists.

1. La Di Da

Founded by interior designer Steph Briggs, La Di Da is an online boutique that brings together eco-friendly brands and pre-loved furniture.

Each of La Di Da’s items is handpicked by Steph, who is passionate about hunting down homeware and unusual gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.

Find out more at ladida-andover.com

2. Rotpunkt

Specialising in using ethically sourced material, Rotpunkt is a luxury kitchen brand with a firm eye on sustainable manufacturing.

All their production has been 100% carbon-neutral since January 2020 and its greenline BioBoard uses resource-saving chipboard, which saved up to 50 football pitches of forestland per year.

For extra sustainability points, buy Rotpunkt’s ex-display or pre-loved cabinets via The Used Kitchen Company.

Find out more at theusedkitchencompany.com

3. Cosentino

While stylish,  granite and marble are inherently unsustainable for the environment as they both require an energy-intensive manufacturing process.

Silestone quartz is a great alternative and Cosentino is leading the pack when it comes to creating stunning tabletops.

Cosentinos Sunlit is a hybrid formulation made with premium minerals, quartz, and recycled materials—reduces waste by using 99% reused water from the production processes, 100% renewable electric energy, and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition. 

Find out more at cosentino.com

4. Prestigious Textiles

Prestigious Textiles’ takes plastic bottles that may have otherwise gone to landfill to create beautifully made curtains and drapes.

The brand blends the recycled polyester from the bottles with sustainably grown cotton to make soft and luxurious homeware products that start at just £54.00 per metre. 

Find out more at presitigious.co.uk

5. The Little Botanical

Go green – literally – by bringing plants into your home. Not only do they boost your mood, a little greenery can also help to absorb toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

British brand The Little Botanical takes the hassle of plant picking by providing a curated collection of contemporary succulents and houseplants in stylish pots, with most of their plants grown on-site. 

Find out more at thelittlebotanical.com

6. Nemo

Given that we spend a third of our lives asleep, it makes sense to invest in a quality mattress.  New to the market but already causing a stir,  Nemo claims to be the world’s first fully recyclable mattress, with every king mattress made from at least 300 plastic bottles.

Best of all, it can be recycled faster than you can say the word nap – the whole mattress breaks down within just five minutes. 

Find out more at nemomattress.co.uk

7. Barker and Stonehouse

With the largest range of sustainable furniture in the UK, Barker and Stonehouse deserve your attention.  Their Big Blue Sofa was created using recycled and recyclable materials and its frame is made from European timber while the sofa is 100% foam-free.

They don’t use any unnecessary man-made chemicals either, so you can settle into a truly stylish seat, sin-free.

Find out more at barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

8. Yours Sustainably

Online eco shop Yours Sustainably’s homeware section is small but mighty.  Everything is either sustainable, ethically made, upcycled, or plastic-free, so shoppers can be confident they’re buying something eco-friendly.

Our top pick? Arthouse Unlimited’s all-natural candle is made using the finest plant-based ingredients. Free from paraffin and animal products, this earthy amber and vanilla candle also does its bit for charity, will proceeds going to artists living with epilepsy and learning difficulties. 

Find out more at yourssustainably.com

 9. Tooth.Eco

Switching out your plastic toothbrush for a Tooth.Eco brush is a small change that can make a big difference.

The toothbrush subscription service calls the 100% recycled brush ‘your last toothbrush ever’ thanks to its slick design and reusable aluminum handle – all you need to do is switch out the interchangeable head when they send you one in the post. Simples. 

Find out more at tooth.eco

10. Sheridan

Sleep easy knowing your sheets are made out of the most eco-friendly materials.

Textile specialist Sheridan’s sheets are beautiful, breathable, and, best of all, sustainable. Woven in 300 thread count cotton percale, they are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified,  designed to last and come packaged in a reusable organic cotton bag.

Find out more at sheridan.com.au

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The sustainable interior brands to bring warmth to your home this winter appeared first on Checklists.

1. The Radiator Centre

Livingstone Radiators

The Radiator Centre’s range of Livingstone radiators tick all the boxes when it comes to being green.

Made from marble dust, which is usually a waste product from the marble cutting process, these radiators use less energy and at the end of their life can be crushed and recycled.

And you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability – the beautiful modern designs fit seamlessly into any home and can even be linked to your phone, putting the power quite literally in your hands. 

Find out more at theradiatorcentre.com

2. Methven 

Aurajet Aio Shower Handset

While we’re talking green and interesting, Methven’s range of innovative and award-winning showers, taps and valves are some of the most stylish we’ve seen.

Not only will a new shower handset transform your bathroom, but it could also save you a lot of water.

The eye-catching Aio collection, which features a unique halo design, has an optimised flow rate to minimise water usage, meaning you can have a powerful shower with minimal impact on the environment. 

Find out more at methven.com

3. GROHE

GROHE Blue

Still or sparkling? With the GROHE Blue you don’t have to choose.

Forget buying plastic, this nifty tap will supply refreshingly filtered water – still, medium or sparkling –  direct from your kitchen with the touch of a button. Bye-bye, bottled water. 

Find out more at grohe.co.uk

4. Fisher & Paykel

Fisher and Paykel CoolDrawer

Reduce your waste with Fisher & Paykel’s CoolDrawer which is a smarter way to store your food.

Forget your basic fridge-freezer, the CoolDrawer comes with five settings – including fridge, pantry and freezer – meaning you can adjust it to suit whatever is stored inside. It even has a fast freeze function and humidity control to help preserve veg for longer.

Find out more at fisherpaykel.com

5. Tala  

Tala LED Lightbulbs

The future is brighter if you swap your traditional halogen bulbs for LEDs. It only takes two seconds to make the switch – and Tala LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 15,000 hours, eight times longer than regular bulbs. 

Find out more at johnlewis.com

6. Graphenstone

Graphenstone paint

Just a couple licks of these lime-based paints reduces air pollution. Fifteen litres of Graphenstone on the walls absorbs approximately five kilos of carbon dioxide, the equivalent to planting a tree in your home.

Free from plastic and toxins, they use Graphene technology to allow moisture to flow through the paint surface, helping to reduce condensation, mould and mildew. 

Find out more at graphenstone-ecopaints.store

7. Everbuild

Everbuild Window and Door External Frame Sealant

Mind the gap –  a staggering 40% of your home’s energy escapes from your windows. 

Sealing in and around frames is the quickest – and cheapest – way to make your home more eco-friendly in an instant. You can fill them with fit foam, a brush strip draught excluder,  wiper strips or frame sealant – just be sure to use the correct product for each job. 

Find out more at toolstation.com 

8. Miele

Miele G 7160 SCVi Dishwasher

Thinking about a home makeover? Look no further than the German designer Miele’s latest dishwasher.

With the world’s first automatic dispensing PowerDisk, precisely the right amount of detergent is dispensed at exactly the right time and half loads are automatically detected so there’s no need to wait until the dishwasher is full.

It is B-rated for energy efficiency and all Miele dishwashers can be connected to hot water at up to 60˚C, helping to save up to half on electricity usage.

Find out more at miele.co.uk

9. Thermafleece

CosyWool by Thermafleece

Increase your property’s value and save on energy bills by adding extra insulation to your loft or roof.

The move could save you up to £300 a year and with rolls of insulating foam can cost less than £10, there’s no reason not to give it a go. For extra green points choose a natural product like sheep’s wool to lay loft insulation. 

Find out more at insulationsuperstore.co.uk

10. Franke

Franke’s Minerva 3-in-1 Kettle tap

Now’s the time to invest in a more economical tap. Ditch the kettle as we’re unnecessarily wasting more than 3,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide every day by boiling more water than we need.

Instead, tap into the trend of a boiling water tap. This nifty device, which dispenses hot, cold and boiling water from a single tap, is worth splashing out on. 

Find out more at franke.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten energy-saving products to make your home more eco-friendly appeared first on Checklists.

To secure the best deals, shopping in end-of-season sales is a well-known trick. This includes BBQs, dining furniture, outdoor seating, lighting, and storage as clearance sales commence. What’s more, a recent Which report details the sharp rise in prices for outdoor furniture over the past year meaning that buying out of season could actually save you a lot of money.

Here are some deals so you can prepare your garden to host in summer 2022.

1. Dakota Fields Sun lounger

First up is a pair of reclining sun loungers by Dakota Fields. Made from weaved rattan and, being both water and UV resistant, the loungers are durable to the ever-changing British weather. Each lounger is padded with a matching head cushion for maximum comfort. The padding is detachable from the frame to protect it from the elements. With a matching side table, handy for placing drinks and sun cream, for extra convenience.

With five adjustable positions, for maximum relaxation and equipped with wheels to make them easily movable; the loungers are great for making afternoons in the summer sun feel extra luxurious.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

2. Crank & Tilt Parasol

Spending endless hours sat out in the sun’s direct rays can get a little too much, especially during the height of summertime. Therefore, a parasol can be an essential way to provide respite and, of course, shade. Available in dark grey and neutral tones and made from steel with a polyester canopy, this parasol is both stylish and functional.

With a manual hand-crank, the parasol is easy to set up. It also has the ability to be tilted, allowing you to get perfect shade from the sun.

Find out more at homebase.co.uk

3. Blakeley Garden Deluxe Rope Portable Hanging Chair

One of the best ways to relax on a summer afternoon is in a hammock. The Blakeley Swinging chair is perfect for spending lazy afternoons in the sun, listening to birds, podcasts, or reading books and socialising with friends. The striped, blue, red, and white colours are also a throwback to classic beach towels on British sea-sides.

The seat comes without a stand and can be easily moved. Meaning the chair is suitable for outdoors and indoors in the colder months. The material is a quick-drying polyester and cotton blend, suitable for machine wash.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

4. Texas Stardom 4 Burner Gas BBQ

No summer is complete without a BBQ. As soon as the weather forecast predicts sunshine and moderate temperatures, BBQs up and down the country are wheeled out of their sheds and the ever-familiar smoky smell fills the air.

The Texas Stardom four burner Gas BBQ is not your basic outdoor cooking appliance either. Boasting being able to cook up to 25 burgers at once, this BBQ is perfect for hosting garden parties.

Find out more at homebase.co.uk

5. Corrugated Garden Metal Storage Shed

Number one on Which’s report of rising garden furniture prices is the garden shed, making finding a reasonably priced one in the sales a top priority.

Outsunny’s corrugated shed is a reliable and during option for garden storage. Created as a stable and durable structure, the shed’s topcoat is weather resistant – allowing whatever you store inside to be kept dry and protected all year round. The angled roof prevents rainwater from building up and damaging or rusting the shed. Available in both green and grey, the shed is a staple for outdoor storage.

Find out more at therange.co.uk

6. Zipcode Design Felicity Sofa

When spending hours relaxing outside, choosing a sofa-style seating set over a dining table and chairs can be a comfier alternative. The Felicity sofa set comes with two corner pieces, a middle piece, footstool, and matching coffee table.

The rattan base comes in either brown or black and is both UV and rust-resistant. The cushions, both large and small, have removable covers, allowing them to be easily removed and washed. The smaller cushions are in a lime green to add a pop of colour.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

7. Solar powered fairy lights

Fairy lights are an easy way to add some atmosphere to your garden. More intimate than standard garden wall lights, a string of fairy lights will make you garden space feel warm and welcoming to visitors.

These lights are solar-powered, removing the need to be attached to mains electricity. The accompanying solar panel should be fixed somewhere with plenty of access to direct sunlight, allowing the lights to charge up throughout the day. With the simple design and warm white LEDs, these lights will make a lovely addition to gardens both big and small alike.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

8. Lyra Garden Bench

The Lyra two-seater sofa is an elegant and beautiful design for those looking for unique garden furniture. With its simple, sleek design the sofa would work in both bigger and smaller gardens, unlike larger outdoor seating – perfect for people who don’t want to overcrowd their back garden.

The finely weaved poly-rattan and simple steel framework give the seat a lovely retro feel while the durable material means it’ll be able to withstand being outside all year round. The seat also has available matching armchairs and a dining table.

Find out more at made.com

9. Gold Art Deco Geometric Garden Lantern

Creating the perfect outdoor living space is not just down to choosing the comfiest sofa or best BBQ, paying attention to the details, and choosing items to give the perfect accents will really bring your garden together.

The Gold Art Deco Garden Lanterns from Homebase have a simple and complementary style. Available in both a geometric and leaf pattern, the gold finished lantern is a perfect statement piece and can be brought indoors for the colder months.

Find out more at homebase.co.uk

10. Pillar Votive Candle

Candles are perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere, however burning them in your garden can sometimes be a little tricky with wind. However, the Bolsius Pillar Candles from The Seasonal Aisle are made from a premium wax blend and suitable for outdoor use.

Lasting for around 43 hours per candle and coming in a set of six, these candles are a great addition for long summer evenings spent outside with friends and family.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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Over the past year, we’ve been at home than ever. More time at home means more time to notice all the places which would benefit from some attention.

One of those spaces is our hallways. When we come home, we want to feel like we are walking into a warm, safe, and inviting space – and this of course starts with our hallways. But if you have a small or narrow hallway, how can you decorate it without over-filling the limited space?

We spoke to the design experts at Essential Living who have provided us with their top tips on how to create an inviting hallway in a quick and easy way.

Mirrors

Mirrors are known as a great trick in opening up a narrow room, making it appear bigger than it is – ideal for narrow hallways. They’re also handy for when you’re rushing out the door or wanting to check your outfit looks good.

You can get great statement mirrors for your hallway, which can make for the perfect hallway feature and conveniently do not take up any floor room.

1. Wilko Art Deco Fan Mirror

This retro art deco-inspired mirror from Wilko is a classic and simple design, adding a touch of style to your hallway. By forgoing a large or colourful frame, the mirror is made to be versatile and easily suited to your other furniture.

Find out more at wilko.com

2. Oliver Bonas Aurora Glass Mirror

For a more of a statement option, Oliver Bonas have a vintage-inspired glass wall mirror. The coloured frame makes it harder to style than the previous choice, however the mirror comes in a range of colours, including green, grey, blue and bronze.

Find out more at oliverbonas.com

3. Oliver Bonas Black Round Wall Mirror with Hidden Storage

Looking to combine to pieces of furniture into one? If you are short on floor space you can even find mirrors that have hidden storage inside.

Oliver Bonas have a round wall mirror with a shelving unit behind. The sleek and classic design would be near-universal in complementing décor while providing space for miscellaneous items such as change, keys, and post.

Find out more at oliverbonas.com

Shelving units and shoe cupboards

Shelving units are a great way to add character to your space without actually taking up the space needed to get through the hall. The shelves could simply be a great place for displaying things like candles, to give a great ambience as you enter your home or even to double up as storage.

4. Wilko Arthouse Circular Gold Shelf

This styling on this arthouse-inspired, gold circular shelf from Wilko provides a little more style than a standard shelf while providing a space to place decorations or place your keys somewhere easily accessible.

Find out more at wilko.com

5. Matalan Antique White Coat Rack

For a classic shelving option, Matalan have a classic option for shelves combined with a coat rack. The coat rack will allow an easily accessible place to store your coats and jackets, keeping them from being piled up staircase bannisters.

Find out more at matalan.co.uk

Speaking of storage places, shoe cupboards are a great place to tidy up your hallway and make it look less cluttered.

6. Wayfair Wooden Flip Down Shoe Storage

A succinct and stylish way to store your shoes, thus decluttering the hallway space, is the flip-down shoe storage. The narrow depth of the cabinet (18cm) will particularly suit the narrowest of hallways, keeping the area tidy and not overcrowded.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

7. IKEA Ställ Shoe Cabinet

A slightly bigger but still compact option is the Ställ shoe cabinet from IKEA. While larger than the previous option, the double rows in each compartment allow for plenty of room for storage. Perfect for families or people with large show collections.

Find out more at ikea.com

Bold Colours

Your hallway is the entrance into your home and gives an immediate impression to guests as well as creating the mood each time you re-enter your home.

While some people prefer lighter and calming colours such as off-white or pale greens, which create bases for your furniture shine on, others prefer a bold statement wallpaper that gives their hallway the extra wow factor.

8. Milton and King Park Avenue Petite Wallpaper

If you wanted to go all out on creating a feature wall for your hallway, wallpaper is a great choice. This Milton and King Park Avenue Petite wallpaper provides a unique but not too overpowering choice to make your space stand out.

Find out more at miltonandking.com

9. Pantone Ultimate Grey

For paint options both neutral and bold, Pantone released their 2021 colour (or in this case colours) with one of these being Ultimate Grey. The grey would complement a statement feature wall or work as a neutral background to decorate with mirrors, shelving and pictures.

Find out more at pantone.com

10. Pantone Illuminating Yellow

In contrast to Ultimate Grey, the second colour of 2021 is Illuminating Yellow, a bright and fresh tone ready to breathe light into your home. Perfect for opening up a narrow hallway with a breath of fresh air.

Farrow and Ball have a wide range of paint shades including Lamp Room Grey and Yellowcake which are similar to the Pantone shades. Alternatively, B&Q’s brand Valspar offers paint mixing services, allowing customers to get as close as possible to their desired shade.

Find out more at diy.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10 ways to create the ultimate inviting entrance for your home appeared first on Checklists.

After spending the past year and a half in and out of lockdown, it’s no surprise home and garden DIY renovations are a popular way to pass the time. Now with restrictions lifting and summer in at its height, it’s time to give your outdoor space a revamp ready to greet your guests.

Here is a rundown of 10 styles to restyle your garden and make it truly stand out.

1. Japanese Garden

Coming top of Horticulture’s list this year are Japanese inspired gardens. PDC-Qualified Garden designer Elizabeth Waddington shared the following advice for creating a Japanese garden: “Japanese gardens are spaces which evoke a certain philosophy. They were designed to suggest an ancient, far-away natural landscape, and to express the fleeting and fragile nature of life. Achieving the feel of a Japanese garden means combining plants and other natural elements to achieve this feel.”

Waddington’s tips for creating an authentic Japanese inspired garden include winding pathways, a water feature or koi pond and a zen garden. Waddington also recommends a red painted bridge over the water feature. Bridges in Japanese gardens symbolise crossing into the spiritual world while the colour red represents wisdom. Key plant choices for this style of garden include acers, azaleas, bamboo, cypress, and cherry blossom.

2. Herb Garden

Not only a garden but also a worthwhile hobby, herb gardens are a good starting point for people looking to grow their own produce. The best part about creating your own herb garden is that you don’t actually need tonnes of space in order to create one. Herb gardens can be sprawling or no bigger than the size of a planter box.

The key to a successful herb garden is sun, your plants will need between six to eight hours of sunlight each day in order to grow happily. While established herbs can live in your garden all year round, new plants can be sown inside until they’re ready to love outside. Grown herb plants can go straight into the garden whereas seeds can be cheaper but harder work for a first-time plant grower. Another tip is to prepare the soil before planting the herbs, make sure your soil is well-drained with nutrient-rich soil. Good plant choices for your herb garden include Basil, Oregano, Chives, Mint, Sage, and Dill.

3. English Country Garden

You don’t need to live in a sprawling countryside cottage to create a dreamy fairy-tale garden. Cottage gardens have a quintessential, English country vibe and would be perfect for hosting garden parties in summer afternoons.

To create your perfect country paradise, look for a rainbow of soft pastel flowers, fragrant rose bushes, a vegetable patch, fruit trees and vintage cast iron garden furniture. When looking for the perfect country garden plants, RHS flowers recommend the following hardy geraniums, pinks (dianthus), delphiniums, honeysuckle, lavender, peonies, roses, hollyhocks, foxgloves, sweet peas. Honey scented phlox are particularly recommended by butterflies and other pollinators. To create an authentic feel, allow your plants to grow in a non-uniformed manner and including aerial climbers, such as Ivy, to decorate your fences and walls.

4. Rustic Garden

The rustic garden is probably the easiest and most laidback way to transform your outdoor space. A perfect style to recreate without breaking the bank, the key to creating a rustic garden is to make it look charming and inviting but without appearing too stylised.

Scour second-hand markets and websites to find retro plant pots to create an authentic look, without shelling out on stylised vintage furniture. Buying second-hand furniture and repurposing old unused things you already have will not only save you money but add to the rustic charm. Another method is to repurpose and recycle any existing furniture you already have, just make sure they’re appropriately weatherproof. Gardening etc runs through several ideas for how you can up-cycle old furniture to give it a rustic charm. One example is to give your old garden shed a new lease of life with a layer of bright or quirky paint.

5. Rock Garden

Rock gardens are a simple and uncomplicated way to add some character to your backyard. Also known as alpine gardens, they consist of piles of rocks, arranged to allow plants to grow out between the cracks. Choose stones which are differing in size to create a natural look and here possible, use the same type of stone (think cooler tones for contemporary houses and earthy tones for traditional houses, see gravel garden). Arrange the rocks in a manner which will keep the plants and the arrangement in place.

The most important factor when creating your rock garden is choosing the correct location, plants suitable for rock gardens thrive with lots of sunlight so making sure you choose somewhere with high exposure to sunlight and well-drained soil. Plants which are best for a rock garden are: Pasque flower (pulsatilla vulgaris), pinks (dianthus), thyme, houseleeks, succulents, candytuft, and dragons blood stonecrop.

6. Balcony Garden

Beautiful gardens are not only confined to people who have large, sprawling outside spaces, especially considering most city dwellers live in apartment buildings. If you utilise your space well, you can create an outside paradise on an urban balcony without it being overcluttered.

The key to your balcony haven is getting the size and height of your plants correct. Plant vertically, with climbing plants and plants which will dangle off balconies. Avoid plants which will grow too big and focus on what’s functional for the space. To create the illusion of extra space hang mirrors on the balcony walls, select furniture which doubles up as storage and compact appliances. Use light and bright colours and make the space feel more open and dangle fairy lights for a cosy atmosphere. Small gardens don’t have to be sterile.

7. Moroccan Garden

Feeling down about being unable to travel abroad this year? Instead transform your garden into something which resembles a warmer climate and bring your lost summer holiday home. Designs inspired by Moroccan gardens and architecture are a great way to liven up your garden in the summer and stand out from your neighbours. Perfect for re-styling a tired courtyard, Moroccan style gardens are inspired by their climate as well as French and Moorish designs. Key to perfecting a Moroccan garden is the use of colour, think cobalt blue, bright red, emerald as well as mustard yellows and pinks. Intricate mosaic tiles, water features, carved wooden furniture, lanterns and awnings will also add to the charm of a Moroccan garden. Just make sure your choices are weather appropriate.

Plant wise consider succulents, cacti, palms, aloes, aeoniums and foliage. As well as fragrant flowers and plants. The biggest obstacle for creating a Moroccan inspired garden is the climate, however you could use Terracotta pots for plants which will need to come inside for the winter.

8. Gravel Garden

Gravel gardens are an ideal low maintenance choice. Working out on average cheaper than turf, the gravel can come in a range of sizes and colours to complement the rest of your garden. Your gravels colour should also match the exterior of your home. Real Homes suggest earthy brown for homes built with traditional materials and cooler tones for more contemporary builds.

Climate consideration is also important. The key to a gravel garden is drought resistant plants. In order for drought resistant plants to thrive, they’ll need to be somewhere which can be well drained, its also worth noting some of these plants will struggle in persistently rainy weather. Decorative aggregates suggest using silver foliage plants to resemble a hotter climate. Lavender, Rock Rose, and Euphorbias are also good options. Alternatively, as a safer option, you can always use the gravel as a border around your plants if your back garden sees a lot of rain.

9. Tropical Garden

One of the harder styles to recreate due to temperature constraints but nonetheless rewarding is a tropical garden. Tropical plants came to the UK during the Victorian times, often found in botanical gardens, but you don’t need a giant greenhouse to recreate an exotic garden at home.

The hardest part of recreating a tropical garden at home is finding plants which are both tropical but also durable. House Beautiful lists a range of plants which fit the tropical vibe but will be able to survive in a colder climate. These include Chusan palms (popular for their fan-shaped leaves), Ginger Lily (bright orange), Arum Lilies and Fatsia plants. Other plant choices which appear tropical but will survive in colder climates are Dwarf fan palms, Cabbage palms and Lady Fern. Middle-sized garden recommends layering your tropical plants and using taller plants to create a ‘jungle canopy’ which will resemble naturally occurring jungle plants as well as doubling as a protective barrier in the winter. Alternatively, you can always plant all your weather sensitive plants in pots and bring them in for the winter.

10. Wildlife Garden

Perhaps the most natural and environmentally friendly choice, the goal of a wildlife inspired garden is to create a mini woodland on your doorstep.

As you’re creating a garden which has a naturally occurring appearance detailed planning is less important than other more stylised choices. Create a path which is winding dotted with moss and allow your flowers to grow in a more un-uniformed style. The central, and arguably most rewarding, part of creating your wildlife garden is to produce an environment in which nature will thrive. So, think garden ponds, insect-friendly spaces, pollinator plants and wildflowers in abundance. Country Living lists ideal plants for a wildlife garden as cornflower, corn marigold, poppies, daisies, and chamomile. Water features, birdbaths and bird boxes will also encourage more creatures to make your garden their home. Finish with some natural wooden furniture to sit and enjoy your new wildlife sanctuary from.

The post 10 unique ways to revamp your garden appeared first on Checklists.

Silvers and greys are slowly being replaced by golds and richer hues around the home, with this stunning mirror from Wilko the perfect example. With its distinguished, distressed gold-effect frame comprised of two layers of iron cups, it’ll create a focal point within any room. The surface has a hammered finish which adds to the texture and style of the piece, shimmering in the light for a truly luxurious look.

Find out more at wilko.com

2. Arran After The Rain Diffuser

The smell of your home is so important when it comes to making the right impression: no-one wants to be invited in to the scent of pets and other off-putting odours. After the Rain is Arran Sense of Scotland’s signature soothing scent. A fresh blend of rose petals, musk and floral citrus combined with the notes of Arran’s precious woods, this fragrance is inspired by the scent of a garden after a rain shower. Rose and sandalwood essential oils are also known for their soothing and stress-relieving properties – so why not update your home scent with this invigorating reed diffuser?

Find out more at arran.com

3. Winon Percale Duver Cover Set

Add a sense of real luxury to your boudoir with a rich-looking bedding set that you can’t wait to jump in to come bedtime. This Art Deco-inspired geometric jacquard duvet cover can be layered up with a co-ordinating boudoir cushions and a quilted throwover for the full luxurious effect. This beautiful bedding creates a modern look with a subtle metallic tonal thread running throughout.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

4. Always Sunday Blue Crystal Candle Holder

Everyone needs candles around the home for some much-needed ambient lighting. This blue candle holder is part of Always Sunday Store’s divine crystal collection, and will make a statement in any setting. Its shocking cobalt blue colour alongside the edgy geometric base is reminiscent of a children’s building block, bringing a sense of grown-up fun to your next social gathering. The bold piece is made all the more powerful by its piercing clarity and pure blue colour, and is perfect for dining tables and sideboards alike.

Find out more at alwayssunday.store

5. Matalan Abstract Circle Wall Art

Looking for something to add a splash of colour to an otherwise plain wall? This colourful but bargain-priced piece of art features a circular abstract print and comes presented in a gold-coloured frame that will beautifully complement any minimalist interior. Why not match it with other accessories from Matalan’s Scandi-inspired Copenhagen collection?

Find out more at matalan.co.uk

6. Sarah Jane Hemsley Waverley Cushion

Sail into summer with a Waverley print cushion from The Bulloch Collection by Sarah Jane Hemsley. Taking original artwork by Isle of Bute artist Lyn Bulloch, Sarah Jane has created a range of mid-century-feel fabrics and homewares which capture the spirit of the iconic steamer Waverley on the Firth of Clyde, with its distinctive red funnels reflected in its wake. The last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world, a donation of 10% from all Waverley sales go to the Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, towards ongoing maintenance to ensure future generations can continue to experience the magic of PS Waverley.

Find out more at sjhupholstery.com

7. Amara Newgate Skyscraper Alarm Clock

Bring a touch of Art Deco glam to your bedside table with this Newgate Clocks. Designed with a silent-sweep movement, it allows the hands to move in a constant motion and eliminates the usual ticking noise that can sometimes be a pain. In a choice of Moonstone Grey, Black or Linen Grey, its luxe gold coloured finish on all gives you a seriously stylish bedside companion to be woken to each morning.

Find out more at amara.com

8. Viners Titan Knife Block

Guaranteed to add a lustrous statement to any kitchen, this knife block has been crafted from the best quality materials to withstand regular use. The set features five high-quality knives with sharp, stainless steel blades in on-trend colours of gold and copper. With its stylish magnetic matt black block, this set is a real head-turner to accessorise any kitchen – plus it even comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Find out more at viners.co.uk

9. Getting Personal Doormat

Whether you’re welcoming your guests to the ‘Mad House’ or the ‘Prosecco Palace’, this personalised outdoor doormat is a fabulous way to spruce up your own doorstep. Simply add your name or phrase and with Getting Personal’s unique preview functionality, you can see what your doormat will look like before ordering! Designed to withstand weather wear, the doormat is also backed from recycled car tyre, making it super-durable all year round.

Find out more at gettingpersonal.co.uk

10. Inspirational Women of the World Babushka Nesting Dolls

Add some culture to any room with these beautiful Inspirational Women of the World Nesting Dolls. Depicting Frida Kahlo, Princess Di, Mother Theresa, Marie Curie and Aretha Franklin, they’re made from wood and are hand-painted with non-toxic, eco-friendly paints. Intended as decorative additions to your interior design, they’re the perfect way to get familiar with these amazing women. Your whole family will be reading through the included book, learning history, too.

Find out more at marmaladelion.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10 homeware and accessories buys to transform your home without you having to fork out a fortune appeared first on Checklists.