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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If you’ve been craving some greenery, here are some basic steps to take to make sure the plant life in your home thrives.

Evaluate your space and time

You might have grand plans for your spaces, you might even have specific plants already picked out, but it will be all for naught unless you can fit it all in your space and make it look aesthetically pleasing in the end.

Therefore, the first thing you should do is evaluate the spaces you intend to incorporate plants into. Perhaps the most important factor to pay attention to is natural lighting. Plants need water and sunlight to thrive. If there isn’t enough sunlight, your plants will have trouble surviving.

Check which direction your windows face. If you have south-facing windows (and live in the northern hemisphere), you’re in luck! West-facing and east-facing windows are also good for many plants. North-facing windows don’t cut it for most greenery, so if you have only north-facing windows, you might have to resort to getting a grow light.

It’s not enough to just have south-facing windows. It’s also important to have an idea of the space you have near windows and how much time you have to tend to your little green friends. These factors should influence which plants you decide to purchase, as many plants require different things, and should be combined with others in ways that please the eye.

Maximise your space

Most people have limited space for plants. You simply can’t just buy every plant you see and hope to fit them all in your home while still leaving space to breathe. However, if you have evaluated your space effectively, you should be able to maximise it to create a lovely smorgasbord of greenery.

The first thing you should consider is what your goal is for each space. This encompasses colour, sizing, grouping, depth, and height, as well as considering your lighting limitations.

Then, consider whether you want plants to sit on the floor, on a bench or table, or perhaps even hang from the ceiling. Once you have an idea what you want to do with each space, consider grouping plants together that enjoy the same kinds of conditions. Also, figure out which kinds of plants will complement each other, and how you can set them up to accentuate their features and the dynamics of the room.

Choose the right plants

While you can find plants in a wide range of stores, there are certainly places to buy from that are better than others. The most important thing to look for when buying a plant is health, because your goal should always be to help it grow. In general, saturated and deep colour is a indicator of good health, as well as evidence of new growth, such as shoots or buds.

This is why ‘Mom and Pop’ nurseries are the best place to buy from. In general, they take amazing care of their plants and are knowledgeable about post-purchase care. They can also help you with advice on your general plan and help you tweak it to suit your needs.

There are also garden centres in most large hardware shops, however, the plants at these shops might not be as healthy, and you might have trouble finding advice about your purchases.

Lately, there has been a trend towards purchasing plants or seeds online. But with a certified minefield of online plant retailers cropping up over the last decade, it’s best to play it safe and choose to get your plants from reputable companies that grow their own. The benefit of ordering online is that you have a wider variety of options and can find some real rare stunners, which helps if you already know exactly what you’re looking for. But keep in mind that, in general, the plants you buy online will be smaller and could take a while to be delivered.

Think outside the pot

Who says you have to pot plants in plain ceramic or terracotta? There are so many fun and unique ways to display your little green friends these days, so let your imagination run wild!

If you need some inspiration, there are many tried and true options that you can bring home. Something as simple as a ceramic pot with a unique design can really make a display pop. Terrariums can also bring a nice focal point to an otherwise dull room. Hanging pots are certainly trendy lately, and they can help maximise your space if you’re limited. Bird cages fit this mould effectively as well. The options at your disposal are virtually endless; if it can hold soil, it can probably host a little greenery. Don’t forget air plants as well.

One of the more interesting trends gaining popularity lately are living walls. Living walls can be a bit tricky to get going, but once they are thriving, they’re some of the boldest and most immersive ways to display plants in your home. There are a number of ways to take them a step further, for example, you could surround yours with a picture frame.

Monitor progress and be flexible

It’s almost guaranteed that you will encounter some issues with certain plants in your collection, if not most. Whether bugs have started attacking the leaves, diseases are latching on, or the leaves are simply starting to brown, there are usually simple solutions to common problems – if you act quickly.

Even better than swift action is thinking proactively about plant health. There are many ways to prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Insecticides are regularly recommended as a preventative measure to reduce the incidence of unwanted pests. Wiping dust off of leaves regularly can help prevent mould from growing. Keeping plants at optimal moisture levels according to their needs can help keep them green and happy.

But if issues occur, and they will, do your best to be flexible with your goals. You cannot force growth or health, so be patient with your green buddies and try them in different spots or different pots if they seem unhappy – as well as different watering techniques and fertilisers.

Not everyone can have the greenest of thumbs, but there are many easy steps to follow to do your best to create thriving plant life. Enjoy building your own little indoor sanctuary!

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

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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

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Whether we like it or not, technology is, little by little, taking over the smooth-running of our homes. Our devices can switch our lights on and off, give us the news headlines over our morning coffee, answer probing questions from the internet, sing us songs, or bark like dogs should we so ask them to. Alexa’s dulcet tones chime from smart speakers in around 78% of UK homes, while 36% of Brits prefer Google Assistant, and sales of smart speakers tend to spike around Black Friday, when retail giants slash their prices and the home assistant technology becomes immediately more attractive.

Home assistant technology is only going to become more intelligent and more omnipresent in 2022, and it may not only improve your household organisation but save you money on your energy bills. Apps such as Nest and Hive thermostats study your household energy usage and adapt it to suit your needs, allowing you to save energy and lower costs. You can configure heat and light settings from these apps, controlling your energy usage far more accurately than turning a dial or flicking a switch on a boiler. It also helps on cold nights when heading back from work, or if you are caught unexpectedly in the rain – you can have your house toasty and warm for your return by remotely adjusting your heating from your phone. Also, if you are prone to accidentally leaving the heating on when you leave the house, smart thermostats allow you to correct the error of your forgetfulness when you’re on the go.

Ai is also making strides in home security, and sales of networked cameras, video doorbells, and smart speakers are expected to boom in 2022. Apps such as Ringo and Eufy allow you to answer your doorbell remotely when it rings, meaning that no matter where you are in the world you can see who’s standing on your front doorstep and speak to them directly. This should bypass any ‘sorry we missed you’ Royal Mail or delivery cards, but also fend off any unwanted guests you’d rather not answer the door.

Linking smart devices will be huge in 2022, thanks in small part to the arrival of Matter. The big AI home assistant players such as Amazon, Google and Apple have agreed that Matter will be a connectivity standard that allows all smart home devices to communicate with each other. In layman’s terms, that means your Siri and Alexa can be friends, and your TV remote can talk to your thermostat. This groundbreaking development is a huge move towards the technological utopia of ‘The Internet of Things’ which will see homes have an interrelated system of objects – from the app that tracks the location of your cat to your bedside lamp – which share data and learn from your surroundings without the need for human intervention. And if that sounds like the robots are planning to overthrow us in 2022, it’s probably because they are.

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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There are so many ways to transform your home into a winter wonderland this Christmas, so we look at some of the loveliest decorations to light up your rooms.

1. Pom Pom Christmas Lights by Oliver Bonas

These unusual Pom Pom lights are great for Christmas, but don’t look out of place all year round. Drape them around a chair or wind them up the stairs. They could bring a sense of wonder to any part of the home.

The warm white LED lights give your rooms a gorgeous glow, and their unique pom pom shape sets them apart from regular Christmas tree decorations. There are 200 lights per box and they’re mains powered so you don’t have to worry about batteries.

Find out more at oliverbonas.com

2. Knitted Stegosaurus by Ian Snow

While practicing Christians may argue that the existence of the stegosaurus is in direct contradiction to religious history, families with dinosaur-mad kiddies will love the inclusion of this bright green, plastic-free decoration to hang on their tree.

This sustainable stegosaurus will last for many Christmas’, perfect for waste-conscious families, and looks adorable on the tree or to take your present wrapping to the next level.

Find out more at iansnow.com

3. Dew Drop Baubles by Nkuku 

These unique, stunning baubles are in beautiful jewel tones to set your Christmas decor off.

Made from recycled glass, they are made by washing and crushing waste glass and then are hand blown  or set in moulds to create brand new decorations. This means they are not just beautiful, but better for the environment.

Find out more at nkuku.com

4. Deer ornaments by The Range

Christmas trees are all very well and good, but what about a festive statue? This sitting deer with a cute wreath from The Range would make a great addition to your home, and will make the kids’ eyes light up with joy whenever they see it.

The deer has a dusting of glitter and wears a wreath of berries and pinecones, allowing her to blend in with the rest of the Christmas decor.

Find out more at therange.co.uk

5. Copper River Sequin Bauble by John Lewis

John Lewis & Partners really know how to do Christmas, beginning with their tear-jerking telly adverts and ending in their astonishingly beautiful home decorations.

Check out this copper river sequin band bauble – the captivating sequins, the mermaid style shimmer and the beautiful aquatic theme are the perfect complement to a colourful tree that breaks the usual tradition of reds and greens.

Find out more at johnlewis.com

6. White Felt Bear Lights By Paperchase

Another, extra-cute take on Christmas tree lighting is the white felt bear and tree lights from Paperchase . They emit a warm light to add a gorgeous glow to your tree, as well as looking absolutely adorable.

There’s two metres of cuteness to unravel in this Christmas set, and your little ones will have a great time helping you put polar bears on the tree.

Find out more at paperchase.com

7. Adorable Penguin by Arighi Bianchi

This cheeky chap is larger than you think, and sporting his little Nordic style scarf, makes a lovely Christmas decoration for any home. Made of the softest faux fur, he brightens up any space and brings with him a festive and frosty feel.

Place him at a door, in a hallway or on a fireplace hearth (away from the heat of course) to fully appreciate his adorable appearance throughout the 12 Days of Christmas.

Find out more at anthropologie.com

8.  Festive Wreaths by Bloom & Wild

They’re famed for their fabulous bouquets, but Bloom & Wild are also experts when it comes to stunning festive wreaths.

Red Canella berries, ivy and poppy heads make up this gorgeous, fresh-foliage door decoration which will make you the envy of all your neighbours. Make sure to check out the rest of their festive range to make your house the envy of the neighbourhood.

Find out more at bloomandwild.com

9. Dried Orange And Cinnamon Garland, Chickidee

Chickidee have just the decoration to fragrance and decorate your home with this season.

This gorgeous garland has interwoven lights, pinecones, orange slices and green foliage to make your mantlepiece stand out over the festive season. Drape this beautiful decoration over door frames, or arrange on coffee tables to give your rooms a lovely festive touch.

Find out more at chickidee.co.uk

10. Lemax Tannenbaum Christmas Shoppe

This gorgeous model Christmas shop is a fantastic porcelain collectable to brighten up any home. Whether you’re a model collector or just like the look of these cosy ornament buildings, the Lemax collection have quaint, unusual items that will make a beautiful addition to your festive display.

Why not explore the rest of their wonderful range for all your Christmas decorative needs? They’re great to slowly build up your collection and diorama over the years.

Find out more at lemaxcollection.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 Christmas decorations to brighten up your home appeared first on Checklists.

The pair were fan favourites on Interior Design Masters for their ingenuity and dash of levity they brought to the show.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Siobhan: Christmas Eve will be spent with my mum as it’s her birthday, so we always make a fuss of her – we go out for a fancy lunch and plenty of cocktails. Christmas Day is spent with Nick’s family. We have the traditional turkey with all the trimmings and we sing festive songs around the piano. I’m in charge of the entertainment so there’s usually a Christmas quiz and some fun games until the wee hours.

Paul: I will be spending Christmas with family and enjoying some well-earned downtime. And as most of our work is done in November and early December as interiors people, we do tend to get some free time for nights out with friends as Christmas week approaches. Although I say that now and I may end up on a last-minute design project.

If you had one tip for everyone for 2022 what would it be?

Siobhan: Enjoy it! Don’t sweat the small stuff …spending time together is what counts and after the last year I think that’s the most important thing.

Paul: Take every opportunity that comes your way – and say yes a lot more.

How has your life changed since Interior Design Masters?

Siobhan: My life has changed in so many ways, the show gave me the confidence and the push I needed to finally quit my NHS job and pursue a creative path! Since the show it’s been a non-stop rollercoaster ride and I’m enjoying every minute. I sometimes have to pinch myself when I think about the things I’m doing, writing a book, designing my own ranges and working with amazing brands like Amazon Handmade…it really is a dream come true.

Paul: In some ways it’s completely unrecognisable – with events, daily social media content creation and reaping the amazing rewards of having my own collections. But in other ways, I’m still me, working at the wallpaper business where I have always worked and enjoying helping people to turn their houses into homes.

Did either of you think you would be designing your own range when you entered the show?

Siobhan: It has always been a dream of mine to design my own products, when I was a child I wanted to be a fashion designer and spent every spare minute designing ball gowns and cocktail dresses. Now to see my soft furnishing ranges in people’s homes makes me so happy!

Paul: Absolutely not. It’s been on my mental vision board for a while, but even when we were still filming the show I never thought we would get this far this quickly.

What is Gemma Collins like as a work colleague?

Siobhan: Gemma was brilliant, we had such a giggle working together and she is really passionate about supporting small businesses so it was really nice to work on the Amazon handmade curation with her and Paul.

Paul: Gemma was funny and welcoming and very hardworking. I totally admire and respect her work ethic – she gets the job done and keeps a smile on her face throughout.

How were you introduced to Gemma Collins?

Siobhan: I’ve loved Gemma for years especially when I watched the Diva in Lockdown series, she likes to have fun and doesn’t take herself too seriously which are qualities I really like.

Paul: The Amazon Handmade team brought us together – it was lovely to feel the GC warmth!

What inspired you when designing this range?

Siobhan: When curating this range for Amazon handmade I chose things that I knew my friends and family would love and things that had meaning and thought behind them. I think because they are handmade and, in some cases, personalised, it shows that you have really thought about the person you are buying for which makes the gift of giving really special.

Paul: We really loved the handmade aspect to so many items in this range – each gift just seemed so very personal, and being able to customise gifts with names and messages made it that little bit more special.

What’s your favourite product from the collection?

Siobhan: My favourite product from our collection is the wooden LED star, it’s great for styling and looks fabulous wherever you put it. I’ve had it on the mantelpiece at home but I’m going to move it onto the table for Christmas Day and build my centrepiece around it with lots of foliage and candles.

Paul: My favourite is all of the pieces for the home. I do love a cushion so the personalised velvet and metallic cushion from Sunday’s Daughter is top of my list.

Do you have specific areas of expertise where you bow to one another’s opinion? Or is everything collaborative?

Siobhan: I’m always happy to listen to other designers’ opinions and come up with a collaborative design, that was also the case when I worked on the show, BBC Interior Design Masters. No designer ever wants to compromise their ideas, but I find in most cases two heads are better than one and as a team you can create some amazing things.

Paul: We’re both maximalists, so we both tend to agree that ‘more is more’, but Siobhan definitely adds a feminine edge to certain things, and she always defers to me on wallpaper!

How do you decorate your home leading up to Christmas?

Siobhan: I like to go over the top, lots of trees that are jam packed with delicious decorations, every mantle, table and surface us covered in candles, foliage, baubles in bowls and fairy lights! I have bowls of sweets, mince pies and sweet treats dotted around for guests and me. This year I’ve even gone extra on the outside of the house with a huge floral installation, when it comes to Christmas more is definitely more.

Paul: It’s pretty full-on. Last year I had 12 trees, but this year I am scaling back a little and have gone for a colourful theme.

What will you be working on next?

Siobhan: I’m currently writing an interiors book which will be out next October called “More is More Decor” I’m also mid-way through a couple of commercial interior design projects and looking forward to more TV work next year.

Paul: We have some exciting projects up our sleeves and I’m really excited for the year ahead. But first, Christmas dinner!

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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“Fragrance has the innate ability to enhance our mood as it travels to the limbic system, aka the emotional brain, where feelings, emotions and memory are processed,” explains Jo Kellett essential oils expert at Tisserand Aromatherapy.

When used within your home, scent can help separate work from play, day from night and ultimately boost your overall wellbeing.

Scent-scape for the new season

As we enter the new season and prepare to hunker down at home, it’s time to inject your space with a new mood in fragrance form.

Think calming woods to de-stress, peppermint to uplift, and lavender to help you drift off into a deep slumber. To tap into the trend, follow our expert guide below on how to use different aromas to support the needs and events of your day…

Try it out yourself by adding a couple of drops of each oil to a spa diffuser and let the fresh scent lightly layer your room while you go about your morning routine.

Fresh start

Morning calls for a hot cuppa and an uplifting scent that will invigorate the senses. Our recommendation? Peppermint, lemon and cardamom essential oil, combined together can refresh and energise a sleepy state of mind.

Spritz the citrusy scent around your workstation whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Top tip? Fabrics hold on to fragrance well so mist onto clothes and cushions for extra staying power.

Transition into evening

Whether you’re settling in for a night on the settee or are getting ready to host guests, set the mood with a soothing scent. Try a candle mixed with balancing geranium, uplifting orange and warming nutmeg – this new flame is a definite crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to turn your home into a cosy sanctuary.

Light your candle for 20-minutes prior to guests arriving so your living room or chosen space is full of fragrance. For an even burn, keep it lit for a minimum of two hours. 

Scent to sleep

If a busy mind keeps you up at night, try the Sleep Better range from Tisserand Aromatherapy. Checklist’s top picks? Try Sleep Better Diffuser Oil, and Sleep Better Massage & Body Oil, both of which are packed with soothing lavender, calming jasmine and creamy sandalwood.

Use after a shower or bath, massage the oil onto damp skin to lock in moisture and calm the mind.

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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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

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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.