With longer days, warmer evenings, and holidays in full swing, summer is one of the most enjoyable times of year. But it’s also a period when home security risks increase, as empty properties and more outdoor activity can attract opportunistic criminals. Recent figures highlight the scale of the issue. There were around 180,000+ residential burglaries across England and Wales alone last year. That works out at roughly one every three minutes.  Seasonal trends remain consistent, too. July and August continue to see a spike in break-ins, often linked to homes left unattended during holidays. So what can you do to stay protected without overcomplicating things? Sara Best, Toucan Smart Home’s Sales and Marketing Director, shares her expert advice.

Make your home look occupied

A home that appears empty is far more likely to be targeted. “Simple habits can go a long way. Use timers on lights, leave a radio playing, or ask a neighbour to move bins or collect post.” Smart plugs and lighting systems are a low-effort way to automate this, creating the impression that someone is home even when you’re away.

Don’t overlook the basics

A large proportion of burglaries still involve unlocked entry points, so get in the habit of running through a checklist before heading out. Lock all doors and windows (including upstairs), secure garden gates and side access, and remove keys from visible areas. “Burglars try the easiest option first – a locked door can be enough to make them move on.” Upgrading to anti-snap locks and reinforcing potential entry points with video doorbells and cameras also provide an extra layer of protection.

Build a stronger neighbourhood network

Summer is the perfect time to strengthen local connections, which can play a big role in home security. “Communities that look out for each other tend to be much safer. Whether it’s joining a Neighbourhood Watch group, creating a WhatsApp chat, or simply exchanging numbers, having extra eyes on your street can make a real difference.” Even small actions, such as taking in parcels, or keeping an eye on unusual activity, can help prevent issues before they escalate.

Don’t be a social over-sharer

It’s tempting to post holiday snaps in real time, but doing so can unintentionally signal that your home is empty. Instead share photos after you return, avoid posting travel dates publicly, and check privacy settings on your accounts. “Social media can be an unexpected risk factor. A little caution really does go a long way.”

Secure your outdoor spaces

Gardens, sheds and garages are often overlooked, but can provide easy access to tools and even your home itself. Make sure to lock away bikes, tools and ladders, secure sheds with strong locks, and keep fences and gates in good condition. “Items left outside can sometimes be used to gain entry, so it’s all about reducing opportunities for thieves wherever possible.”

Final thoughts

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining simple habits with smart technology – especially tools that don’t lock you into ongoing fees – you can significantly reduce your risk. The goal is to make your home a harder target while giving yourself complete peace of mind. With the right setup, you can leave your home knowing everything is under control.

The post Taking a break? Here’s your home security checklist appeared first on Checklists.

Statement splash backs and accent tiles

Homeowners are choosing patterned splashbacks, elongated metro tiles, and geometric motifs. This trend has also matured with earthy colours: think warm mushroom, muted greens, and natural stone worktops. “People want a focal point, but not chaos,” says David. “Vertical and herringbone tiles create movement without noise, and full-height splashbacks frame a kitchen beautifully. You can also embrace the two-tone trend by pairing different tile shades. Ombre works well in grey, blue, pink or green, or create a striking striped effect with contrasting colours. For a modern twist, colour-block sections of open shelving for interest, bringing your kitchen up to date while keeping it harmonious.”

Art Deco revival

Kitchens are embracing Art Deco through geometric units and metallic finishes. Angular or curved shapes add interest, with gold or brass for a touch of glamour. In bedrooms, it’s expressed through dressing tables and furniture with luxurious textures, warm wood grains, and elegant curved silhouettes. Cognac oak and rich walnut tones are key choices, offering warmth while feeling fresh and modern, and beautiful alongside updated fluted glass and soft gold accents. “Art Deco is appealing because it blends nostalgia with refinement,” continues David. “Gold hardware is overtaking silver, and natural woods are the canvas for Deco warmth. It’s elegant, but very liveable.”

Colour drenching and mood layering

Colour drenching, walls, ceilings, and units in the same tonal family is growing rapidly, such as greens, mushroom, beige, clay, and soft neutrals. Grey kitchens are decreasing, but neutrals still reign supreme. Tone-on-tone designs create sophisticated continuity, important in open-plan layouts where dining and living merge. Bedrooms are also embracing this trend through layered textures: boucle chairs, stone-coloured wardrobes, linen, plush rugs and warm wood accents. “This works because it creates calm,” says David. “People want consistency. The biggest shift we’re seeing is warm neutrals and greens across multiple rooms, not just the kitchen.”

Sociable and flexible spaces

The desire for multifunctional living is now deeply embedded in design, with kitchens sociable hubs for entertaining. This means islands with integrated seating, worktops that double as workstations, and storage solutions that merge seamlessly into living areas. Slim shaker units are requested in city homes, striking a balance ideal for spaces that must perform multiple roles. “The kitchen is the modern living room,” David explains. “Customers want places where cooking, chatting, working, and relaxing happen in the same flow.” Bedrooms, meanwhile, see flexible reading nooks, modular desks, soft seating, and discreet storage to create rooms of relaxation and productivity.

Spliced compositions and bold contrasts

Designers and homeowners alike are moving toward contrast, also known as ‘spliced’. There are many ways to achieve this, from dual-tonal units, mixed wood-and-paint combinations, and islands with contrasting worktops, while in bedrooms the trend includes linen alongside velvet, patterned rugs with sleek furniture, or warm woods paired with muted decorative pieces. “People no longer want uniformity. They want combinations that tell a story, but with the warmth and subtlety we’re seeing dominate 2026. It’s less about maximalism and more about curated contrast.”

Biophilic design and natural textures

This is one of the most influential long-term trends and now evolves beyond statement greenery to embrace material-led wellbeing. Warm timber and wood-effect units, tactile natural finishes, and earthy colour palettes are now becoming dominant choices in both kitchens and bedrooms. Modern fluted glass also supports the mood, offering depth and gentle light diffusion. “People want homes that help them decompress. Linen, rattan, warm woods and soft greens instantly create that restorative feeling. The trend is really about emotional comfort,” says David.

Softened darkness and luxurious cocooning

Search interest in moody interiors continues to soar, but 2026’s dark palette is softer, warmer, and more textural. Deep greens, navy, charcoal, and black tones paired with matte finishes, gold highlights, and warm lighting create inviting rather than dramatic spaces. In kitchens, dark units are softened by natural stone or warm wood accents, while in bedrooms, think rich dark woods such as a black walnut matt finish. Plush textiles, layered throws, and dimmable lighting also create a retreat perfect for year-round sophistication. “Dark spaces have shifted from bold to soothing,” says David. “What people love now is a cocooning feeling: cosy, intimate, and incredibly luxurious.”

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Ninety per cent of Brits have had issues with a neighbour in the past 18 months, with the colder months bringing with it burst pipes, heating fires, and storm damage — turning minor disagreements into pricey repairs. Don’t let this cost you thousands — here are the costliest neighbour-related damages and how you could potentially avoid having to fork out for anything in the first place.

Fire damage

Fires originating from a neighbour’s property are more common in winter, when households rely on heaters, candles, and other temporary heating solutions. Such fires can cause extensive damage, with the average cost for fire damage restoration in the UK ranging from £8,000 to £18,000, and more severe cases potentially exceeding this. “It’s important to make sure your home insurance policy covers fire damage, including incidents that start in a neighbour’s property,” says Leoni. “Adding accidental damage cover can provide extra protection and peace of mind, especially if you live in attached homes or flats where a fire could easily spread from adjoining properties. If you’re unsure of what your policy does or doesn’t cover, check your contract or speak to your provider.”

Japanese knotweed

This invasive plant can cause significant structural damage to properties. Removal costs vary but can be substantial, especially if excavation is required. The cost of Japanese knotweed removal typically ranges from £7,000 to £15,000, depending on the extent of the infestation. “Japanese knotweed is a serious issue that can cause long-term structural problems if left untreated. Regularly check your garden and neighbouring areas for early signs, and act quickly if you spot it. Early detection can make removal far easier and less costly, and it can prevent disputes over damage between neighbours.”

Fallen trees

Neglected trees on a neighbour’s property can fall and cause damage to your home. The cost of removing a fallen tree can range from £700 to £2,500, depending on the tree’s size and location, so regularly inspect trees near property boundaries to mitigate potential risks. “Trees can look healthy but still pose a risk, especially during storms or high winds. Maintaining good communication with neighbours about tree maintenance is crucial. If a tree seems unsafe, consider getting a professional assessment to prevent it from falling and causing damage to your property or theirs.”

Water damage

Leaks from an upper flat can lead to ceiling water damage, with repair costs for such damages typically costing £2,000. It’s therefore advisable to maintain open communication with neighbours living above to address any plumbing issues promptly. “Water damage is one of the most common sources of neighbour disputes. Installing leak detectors in your home can catch problems early, and discussing plumbing or roof issues with neighbours can prevent minor leaks from becoming major repair jobs. Early action can save significant stress and expense.”

Shed damage

Outdoor fires, bonfires, and even faulty outdoor heaters can pose a risk to nearby fences, sheds, or garden structures, particularly during the colder months when people use them for warmth or seasonal gatherings. Repairing damage to a fence or outbuilding can cost up to £180 per metre, depending on the materials and extent of the damage. “Even in colder months, accidental fires from outdoor heaters, chimineas, or bonfires can cause unexpected damage. Always use these safely and well away from boundaries, and make sure you have the right home insurance in place to cover accidental fire damage to external structures like fences or sheds.”

Window damage

Accidental impacts, such as a neighbour’s football breaking a window, can obviously lead to money being spent. The average cost for window repairs in the UK typically ranges from £30 for minor fixes to £1,500 for more extensive damage, depending on the type and size of the window. “Even seemingly minor incidents like this can cause tension. Discuss potential risks with your neighbours, and consider practical solutions like installing protective barriers or agreeing on safe play areas. Small preventative steps can avoid accidents and costly claims.”

Steps to take if neighbour-caused damage occurs

Assess the damage
Document the situation thoroughly with detailed photographs and written notes. Include dates, times, and damage descriptions to create a clear and accurate record that can support any claim or discussion with your neighbour.

Communicate with your neighbour
Approach the conversation calmly and respectfully. Many disputes can be resolved amicably without involving insurers or legal action if both parties communicate openly and constructively.

Review your insurance policy
Check your home insurance carefully to understand what is covered, including accidental damage and neighbour-related incidents. Pay attention to any exclusions or limits that might apply.

File a claim
If the damage is covered, submit a claim with all supporting documentation, such as photographs, repair quotes, and neighbour correspondence. Clear evidence can speed up the process and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Seek legal advice
If your neighbour disputes liability or the damage is significant, consult a legal professional. Expert advice can clarify your rights, outline your options, and help you avoid unnecessary conflict.

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Music: Brighton

Brighton comes out on top for music lovers, with over 60 annual festivals and more venues per capita than anywhere in the country. Plus, with the highest density of record shops in the world and thousands of local gigs per year, the birthplace of Fatboy Slim, Royal Blood, and Rizzle Kicks is a haven for fans of all genres.

Food: London

London remains the top location for foodies, with the largest variety of cuisines and the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in the country. For those looking for casual dining, the capital boasts over 100 food markets and a host of food and drink events, including foodie favourites Taste of London, and Pub in the Park.

Wine: Kent

Home to over 50 vineyards, Kent is a wine-lover’s dream. Alongside a host of acclaimed producers, the local wine scene is supported by over 25 wine bars, with venues popping up regularly. And, with plenty of local varieties to taste, it’s no surprise the county hosts a packed calendar of tasters and festivals, with over 50 dedicated wine events a year, including the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration.

Sport: Manchester

Manchester is the ideal place for sports enthusiasts to live. With almost 60 community sports facilities, including 11 public pools and 28 health and fitness centres, the city has some of the best sporting infrastructure in the country. For those who prefer to spectate, Manchester has no shortage of professional sports teams, including Premier League football giants Manchester United and Manchester City.

The arts: Edinburgh

The world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh boasts a vibrant arts scene for lovers of theatre, music, comedy, literature, and art. In addition to the iconic Edinburgh Fringe festival, the city rivals other major UK centres for live performance with 26 dedicated theatre venues. The visual arts are well supported too, as the hometown of the National Museums Scotland and over 50 galleries.

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WINDOWS

Leaving a window open was a top error for Brits when nipping out of the house to run an errand, like popping to the shop or doing the school run.  Almost a third (29%) left the upstairs windows open – the most common for Gen X (33%), and female homeowners (32%). One in six homeowners (16%) also leave a downstairs window open, which could give burglars an easy route into their homes. Nearly a quarter of 25-34-year-olds (23%) report doing this, with women more likely to do so (18%).

As for location? Liverpudlians may be underestimating the will of an opportunistic burglar, as 40% say they leave an upstairs window open, while 24% say they don’t always shut them downstairs. But giving burglars free access to your home could mean making a valid insurance claim for theft much harder if there’s no sign of forced entry, which could result in being left footing the bill to replace what’s been taken.

DOORS

This isn’t the only risky behaviour identified in the survey, as one in five (20%) admit to not locking their front or back door when out, something both men and women are equally prone to doing, and is most common in 25-34-year-olds (24%). Homeowners living in the East of England are the most likely to do this, with 23% saying they forget to lock up. And those living in its biggest city, Norwich, are the most forgetful, with 35% admitting they don’t always lock up. 

While not locking your front or back door is less than ideal, leaving a key in the door can signal to burglars that they can enter without breaking in. More than 12% of Brits have admitted to this, and people living in Sheffield are the most likely to make burglars feel more welcome than they should (19%).

ALARMS

Having a burglar alarm can be a good deterrent, but depending on your policy terms, if you don’t use it and you’re burgled, this could make it trickier for a theft claim to be accepted. According to the survey, one in 10 don’t always put their alarm on. This response is most common among 25-34-year-olds (17%), while men (12%) showed a slightly higher propensity to leave the alarm off than women (10%). People living in Northern Ireland have the highest tendency to forgo their burglar alarm when out on an errand, particularly those living in Belfast (25%). This is closely followed by Liverpool (18%) and Sheffield (15%). 

“Opportunistic criminals will find the perfect moment to strike, and small lapses in security make it easier for them,” says David. “Unforced entry can have big consequences for your family’s safety. It could also mean it’s much harder for a claim to be accepted, because most home insurance policies state that there needs to be signs of forced entry to gain access to your home. With no evidence of entry, victims could be left unable to claim on their contents insurance, potentially resulting in them having to foot the bill. So, even if you’re just doing the school run or popping to the local shop, it pays to ensure your home is properly secured, and if you have a burglar alarm, it’s essential to put it on whenever the house is empty.”

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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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1. Ketchup

We’re not kidding – ketchup isn’t just for smothering over burgers, chips and more (or everything if you’ve kids). Depending on the brand – we say go for the one that begins with an H and ends with a Z; it’s ideal for removing rust as it’s made with concentrated tomato paste and distilled vinegar, creating a high acetic content. Simply apply a generous layer over the rust in question, leave for a few hours, then clean with warm soapy water and a wire brush.

2. Coke

A can of the good stuff (no, not beer), coke is also on our food and drink cleaning hacks for several reasons. It’s impressive stuff, kicking off by removing oil stains on your drive by letting it soak in for a few hours. What else? It’s for cleaning tile grout – this time letting it sit for just a few minutes before wiping clean. It’s also works well removing stains in your toilet bowl and can also get rid of baked-on grease from your pots and pans.

3. Walnuts

Nut allergy sufferers steer clear, but those who can handle walnuts will be surprised at how effective they are for cleaning. Where and how? They magic away scratches and marks on wood flooring or furniture thanks to their natural oils that get into the marks and make them less noticeable in the process. Just rub over the damage before using a finger to further penetrate the oil. Try it – you’ll be cross you’ve never tried it before.

4. Bananas

Yet another on our food and drink cleaning hacks list is the banana. It’s the peel we’re after here, used to clean your houseplant leaves with just a simple rub. Best for any waxy varieties, the peel’s also ideal as a natural fertiliser, soaking in water for a few days before using to hydrate your plants. Containing essential nutrients for plant growth, you’ll soon see a difference as it boosts roots, helps with shoot growth as well as promoting vitality.

5. Mayonnaise

Another of our favourite condiments is also great when it comes to cleaning your home. What can it do? A lot; starting with helping remove stubborn rust on bathroom porcelain. It gets smudges off stainless steel; lubricates noisy door hinges; adds shine to wooden surfaces and can even remove crayon marks on walls (thanks, kids). Just make sure to only use it on painted walls with semi-gloss or satin finishes, and not matte or flat finishes.

6. Onions

Then there’s the food staple in everyone’s home: the onion. But humble it isn’t when it comes to eliminating odours, soaking up unpleasant smells by absorbing it itself. Dirty grill? Chop one in half and watch as its acidity dissolves grime without you scrubbing away. It’s even a natural way to repel garden pests; with the sulphur found in onions creating a scent bugs detest. Just blend or crush and mix with water before spraying where bugs like to live.

7. Vodka

Stop: before you reach for that mixer you might want to think of the cleaning properties the spirit has. It freshens up fabrics, upholstery, and carpeting, and removes soap and scum. It also destroys garden weeds, cleans your mattress (yes, really), removes glue and also eradicates grease from pots and pans. You can even use it on glass: whether you choose to use it to clean your windows or watch it slowly disappear in your tumbler’s down to you. Hic. 

8. Potatoes

Last on our food and drink cleaning hacks is one we bake, airfry, oven or boil. And, while we eat potatoes pretty much every day (unless you’re a carb-o-phobe, which we’re not), try saving a couple to see how they clean. They scrub away stains with salt or baking soda; and remove rust from metal thanks to their oxalic acid content. You can even get mashing to add shine to copper or brass. If you’ve the willpower not to dig into the mash, that is.

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RULE 1

“Complement blues with metallic accents,” says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at home furnishing store Arighi Bianchi. “Rich and velvety, Dulux’s Slow Swing makes the perfect backdrop for a living space. Used across panelling or on a feature wall, it creates intimacy, especially when paired with tactile textures and accents in chrome, brass or gold. The key’s in the layering: think velvet sofas, bouclé cushions and wool throws, with ambient lighting to soften the colour’s depth. Or, for a more playful take, a corner sofa in a striking mid-blue, paired with warm wood floors and a textured rug, instantly energises the room. Let the blue sing, but balance with neutrals so it feels inviting rather than overwhelming.”

RULE 2

“Window dressings are an easy way to weave this trend into a room,” says Matt Thomas at Apollo Blinds. “Colour drenching in blue can be achieved by adding full length curtains against a dark blue wall to give an on-trend look. Add a roller blind in bright blue to create a contrasting striking feature against neutral walls, or, for a more luxurious finish, inky blue Roman blinds, combined with warm bronze or rust curtains, deliver real drama – perfect for formal living spaces or moody bedrooms. Just remember that lighter walls and warm accents prevent the shade from feeling too heavy, or go tonal with matching walls and blinds for a seamless, cocooning vibe. Blue blinds aren’t just practical – they change the whole mood of a room.”

RULE 3

“Blue gives an unexpected wow factor for floors,” says Ashif Kazee, Tile Trends Expert at ROCCIA. “Used well, blue tiles have the power to anchor a space, creating depth underfoot while introducing subtle layers of texture and pattern. A tile finish that catches the light adds movement and an almost organic quality that softens what could otherwise be a hard surface. There’s so much choice, from watery ripples, marbled swirls or tonal variations, while the spectrum’s wide, too – from serene powder blues that bring calm, to dramatic navies that ground a room with authority. It also depends on the room, with light, mid-blue, or deep navy porcelain tiles creating spa-like bathrooms, while geometric patterned tiles deliver graphic drama, ideal for a utility room where you want character with a luxe edge.”

RULE 4

“Bedrooms should feel like sanctuaries, and Mellow Flow is the perfect shade to achieve it,” says Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom. “This light, sky-like quality softens a space and helps you unwind at the end of the day. Try using the colour for fitted wardrobes for a soothing backdrop, or add darker blue doors alongside Mellow Flow walls. Alternatively, for a moodier room with a more cocooning feel, Slow Swing works beautifully when softened with lush greenery and tactile rugs. And then there’s vibrant shades like Free Groove; a fantastic way to have fun with colour. Whether used on cabinetry, panelling or fitted storage, it instantly energises the space and injects a sense of fun without feeling overpowering.”

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One of the main factors enabling us to source food sustainably and therefore eat ‘sustainably’ involves protecting the diversity of our flora, fauna (that’s plant and animal life if you’re not in the know) and their ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial to life on earth because it provides us with clean air, fresh water, good quality soil and crop pollination. Want to know more? We asked Birds Eye for their advice on helping to reverse biodiversity loss – and it’s easier than you think.

1 Keep it native

For a start, use plants that encourage a wide range of pollinating insects and other wildlife. Crocuses are great for spring to aid early pollination for bees; foxgloves are also ideal for bumblebees, honeybees and moths; while lavender not only smells amazing but is a great pollinator for honey bees, too.

2 Go wild

If you have a garden, allow a small area to grow wild, or leave a patch of fallen leaves where they are, as insects, birds and small mammals benefit from the cover and native plants. We also did a little digging (pun intended) and discovered wild spaces contribute to better water quality and help absorb carbon.

3 Tree planter

If you don’t have access to an outdoor space look out for a tree down your street – they often have soil at the base so you can grow wildflower seeds quite easily. Why wildflowers? Again they’re perfect for pollinators and hardly need looking after, waving goodbye to the need for fertilisers and pesticides.

4 Inspire the future

Get children involved in gardening so future generations love and respect wildlife and protect nature. There’s tons they’ll love, from growing veg, feeding the birds and digging your own pond to watch dragonflies, frogs, newts and more visit. Just make sure you teach them how to stay safe around it.

5 Know the source

When buying foods, take a look at what the manufacturers are doing to support sustainability. You can do this by looking at their website and many brands, who put the source of their foods on the back of the packaging to help us know that the food has been responsibly sourced and produced.

6 Keep it natural

Want to get rid of weeds? Do it via the no-dig method. Grab a fair amount of cardboard and place it firmly down over the weedy area with plenty of layers. It works well because the cardboard stops light and vital nutrients from reaching the weeds, meaning they can’t thrive.

7 Limit harsh chemicals

Avoid using pesticides, and let natural predators control your garden pests instead. Our tip? Surround your plants with a ring of wool pellets or grit. Put a thick layer around the base of your plants and the slugs will hopefully steer clear. It’s that simple – no need for anything nasty.

8 Feed wildlife

And don’t forget about the importance of feeding local wildlife. Foxes love to snack on raw meat, apples and pears; squirrels should be fed unshelled nuts like walnuts or almonds; while hedgehogs are partial to wet and dry cat food and unsalted peanuts. Keep out a bowl of topped up water, too.

The post 10 top tips to help preserve biodiversity in your garden appeared first on Checklists.

But with the positives that come with cool features, there are some negatives as well. Now, there’s no reason to worry about your smart home overpowering you with sentient artificial intelligence, yet. But, there are some things to consider, positive and negative, before you convert your home to a smart home.

Pros

Energy efficiency

With smart climate-control systems, you can change your home’s temperature with the help of an app, whether you’re in bed or on the go. This allows you to keep your home cooler while you’re away, and some of the new systems allow the smart climate-control systems to introduce even more efficiency with smart technologies. These systems can change your home temperature based on the weather forecast and other sensory technology.

Other smart technologies like smart bulbs can help increase your home’s efficiency as well. You can control lighting from an app and even dim lights and change their colour temperature to enhance certain activities.

Convenience for the elderly, young, or those with limited mobility

For most people, the reason to make their home a smart home is convenience. Smart homes can help take care of some of the more monotonous task in life.

But for some people, smart homes offer an opportunity to stay in their home, or more easily complete tasks that may otherwise be challenging. For example, for those with limited mobility, smart homes allow them to control their homes with the touch of an app or with voice control.

For kids, smart home features can provide a source of entertainment, or help restrict their screen time. They can also help you keep your family safer, with front-door cameras and the option to unlock the door when the babysitter comes by.

Ease of access

In general, smart home features make your household devices more accessible. You can control them with your voice while you’re home, or with your phone while at home or out-and-about. This can make your life much easier and save you plenty of time in the long run.

The benefits of this central control go beyond simply turning lights on and off from your phone. With the newest smart home technologies, you can schedule a cup of coffee each morning, check your fridge contents while you’re at the shop and adjust the temperatures in specific rooms – bring on the easy life!

Customisation

Your home should feel like it’s yours, and smart home features help make your house a home. With increased control of your devices, you can do much more with each of them.

Something as simple as changing the warmth or colour of your lights to help you wind down before bed or to help enhance your movies can better align your home with your personal preferences. Programming certain things to happen at certain times helps as well. For example, you could schedule your blinds to go down at night and up in the morning. You could also let the automated systems learn your habits and adjust accordingly. These examples are really what smart homes are meant for.

One of the newer, yet less technical trends populating homes lately are smart lighting panels. These can add a pop of colour to your bedroom, display images with the help of an app, and even react to the music playing from your speakers.

Minimise risks

Some smart home technologies aim to prevent damage to your home and health. These offer enhanced peace of mind for you, your loved ones, and your wallet.

Water pressure sensors and leak sensors can save you a big headache when it comes to water leaks and frozen pipes. They can send you a notification that something is wrong and adjust water pressure accordingly. It’s easy to see a future in which they could call the highest-rated plumber in your area and you could let them in while you’re away.

Monetary incentives

With increased energy efficiency and home safety features, smart homes end up being a win-win for a number of entities.

Government bodies like to promote green initiatives and sustainability. There are probably programmes or incentives from your local and national governments to help fund your smart home conversion. Many countries and counties are trying to limit their usage of water, electricity, and gas.

Insurance companies are also interested in smart homes, and will likely offer lower insurance premiums for specific features. They are most interested in enhanced security features like cameras and smart locks. They are also interested in damage-mitigation technologies like water leakage sensors.

Increased home value

With the pull to make life easier and save time and money, smart homes are becoming more and more valuable. Homes with integrated smart features can attract a pretty penny.

The main features that can increase a home’s value are energy savers like smart thermostats, home safety features like smart leak sensors and smart smoke sensors and other valuable technologies like premium smart appliances.

New features

One of the biggest benefits of smart homes is the range of gadgets and appliances you can get, and what they can – and will be able to – accomplish. Smart gadgets have the power to utilise wifi to communicate with apps or each other. Some can also automate tasks and use AI integration to make changes to automation schedules.

Some of the newer technologies include robot vacuums that can identify your pet’s waste, smart doorbells that can identify your friends and family, smart fridges that can tell you when your food expires, and smart ovens that can adjust cooking temperature if your food is overcooking, to name a few. It’s easy to see how these products could make your life easier.

The benefits of automation and AI-driven automation are also exciting and helpful. Walking around your home without touching any of the lights is pretty cool. Sprinkler systems that can adjust to the weather forecast to avoid overwatering are useful as well. The limits of machine learning have not been reached yet, and the practical applications are slowly being integrated.

Security

The ability to have cameras and motion sensors inside and outside of your home, as well as connecting to and receiving security alerts through an app on your phone can bring a hefty amount of peace to your worries, especially if you have kids or pets. One of the best luxuries is the ability to check up on your kids or make sure your door is locked after you leave. These features undeniably make your house more secure.

But the fact that smart homes are, by nature, connected to the internet and interconnected means that they could be hacked or monitored.

Cons

Security and privacy concerns

So, you want to furnish your home with the latest smart tech, and you want it to collect all the information possible so it can adjust itself to your habits and preferences?

Well, with all that information, there will be people looking to capitalise. The first concern would be if someone hacked into your main interface to control your key security systems like your doors, windows and alarm. If someone was able to control these systems, they could easily break in to your home.

On the other hand, privacy concerns in regards to big corporate entities and governments have been a hot-button issue since Edward Snowden blew the whistle on widespread monitoring programs. Basically everyone is vulnerable to these concerns due to the fact that smartphones exist. But, the level of tracking and amount of cameras and sensors in smart homes takes these concerns to another level. If you don’t want to be tracked, many smart home features won’t interest you.

Costs

While cost savings and energy efficiency are at the heart of smart home systems, the costs associated with installing these systems can be quite pricey. So, while they might save you money in the long run, the initial cost can be daunting.

One way to minimise the cost of installation is to focus on smart home technologies one step at a time. For example, you could begin with a smart camera system or a smart thermostat, and then work your way towards smart lighting, smart appliances and smart locks.

Another way to help minimise costs is to do the installation and configuration yourself. While some smart devices are easy to set up, some are quite complicated and may not work easily.

Internet issues

Because all of your smart devices, and your smart hub, need to be connected to the internet to do the ‘smart’ things that they do, wifi accessibility and strength throughout your home is essential. It’s definitely worth investing in a top-of-the-line wifi system. Another option is to buy a mesh router system to ensure that all of your devices have a strong connection.

But with heavy reliance on wifi, if any connection issues arise, it could cause some of your devices to lose their abilities. If everything in your home is smart, a power failure or network issue could leave you in a pickle.

However, many smart devices have backup control options. So, if there is an extended wifi outage, you can still complete tasks.

Compatibility issues

There are now a handful of brands in the smart device game. They all seem to want you to get their entire range of smart devices, or the ones that are compatible with their hubs. But this can get tricky if you prefer a specific product, even if it’s not compatible with your smart hub. For example, you might like some of the features of a certain TV, but if it’s not compatible with your Amazon hub, its smart features are rendered useless.

Now, there is a movement in the industry to alleviate this divide. Matter is shaping up to be the industry standard that allows all of the big players to play nicely. The goal is to allow your assistant or hub of choice to control any Matter-compatible device – and to eliminate hubs as a whole.

Matter is supposed to make smart devices easier to use and purchase. As long as you see ‘Matter’ on the product or in the description, it will be compatible with your system. But so far, Matter hasn’t covered all of the bases. Individual manufacturers can still set their own boundaries on how much you can control with their competitor’s assistant. This means you might not be able to tell Alexa to change very specific settings for your Apple product. Also, Matter doesn’t cover every type of product yet, as of October 2023, video cameras have not been integrated into Matter.

Complicated interfaces

Matter alleviates some of the complications surrounding device compatibility. But for less tech-savvy consumers, it could still be daunting and confusing to set up and manage your smart devices. Many people seek smart technology to help them automate the more mundane tasks in their life, like turning lights on and off, but some may find it challenging to make everything work in the way that they envision.

Furthermore, smart devices update their software regularly, which can sometimes cause your devices to get a bit buggy. Smart home systems are supposed to make life easier rather than harder; and this could frustrate some people.

With all of the options available and all of the benefits and drawbacks, it can be hard to decide whether a smart home is for you or not. However, the development of smart homes into the new norm will leave many behind if they don’t take the plunge. Smart homes seem to be a linear advance in the tech and housing industries, similar to the boom of AI and electric vehicles.

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

The post The pros and cons of smart homes appeared first on Checklists.