Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna recently unveiled her new kitchen renovation, and there is one small detail that makes the space ooze rural charm – she’s used bunches of dried lavender to decorate, and I’m obsessed.

Rustic, country kitchens are one kitchen trend I’ll always be a fan of, and Clodagh’s newly redesigned space is a masterclass on how to nail the look. In fact, her herb decorating idea looks so good, I’m itching to try it out in my own kitchen.

But before I start stringing bunches of lavender together, I spoke to kitchen experts to get the lowdown on whether this is a good idea to use in your own kitchen. Spoiler alert: it is, and lavender is not the only plant suitable for this gorgeous decorating idea.

How to get the look

If you need rustic kitchen ideas, then you can’t miss out on seeing Clodagh’s new kitchen on Instagram. Featuring a large Belfast sink, rich dark wood finishes, a flagstone floor and open shelving, I couldn’t help but fall completely in love with it.

But hanging from the beams is my standout feature: the bunches of dried lavender. Opting for hanging her cookware from shelves and ceiling beams, Clodagh has spaced out each pot or pan with a bunch of the gorgeously scented Mediterranean plant. The finished result looks like something out of a fairytale.

‘Dried lavender can be used across the entire home, and we often see it hung up in places such as the bathroom or on doors. However, what most people don’t automatically think of is using it in the kitchen. If you have a rail above the worktop, or at the end of your cabinet or island, then lavender, along with other dried herbs, is great at adding scent as well as visual interest to the space,’ commented Ntola Obazee, creative director for Kutchenhaus.

‘It creates texture and provides a gentle scent, which is great for covering old food smells. It also has the added benefit of being a great low-maintenance alternative to flowers, which can be enjoyed for months to come.’

However, there are a few drawbacks to using lavender in your kitchen that you should be aware of before you hang your own sprigs. Kitchens are hot and humid, which are ideal conditions for mould to grow on natural material. And you should also bear in mind that lavender will lose its colour and scent over time.

‘The main concerns are exactly those you would expect in a kitchen environment. Dust, grease and moisture all affect dried flowers and herbs, and once something begins to look tired, it can detract from an otherwise beautifully designed room,’ says Caroline Montague, interior designer, author and owner of Tuscan retreat Villa Sartiano

‘I have used lavender in a stone urn in Italy, where it works well for a short period because the setting feels right and the arrangement is changed regularly. It is a lovely detail when it is fresh, but it does need attention.’

As Caroline points out, you will need to refresh your lavender semi-regularly if you want it to stay looking fresh. But if you’re looking for something lower-maintenance, she does recommend a few different herbs you can try.

‘I much prefer living herbs in a kitchen. A row of pots containing rosemary, thyme, basil or sage brings colour, texture and scent, but it also has a purpose. They are connected to cooking, which makes them feel natural in that setting,’ she says.

Ntola also points out you can hang dried herbs, too, if you want a similar look to Clodagh. Alternatively, you could even hang fake flowers as an even lower-maintenance look.

‘Sage, rosemary and thyme all dry beautifully. If you want to create a little more texture and personality in your kitchen, you could easily add in alternative bunches to give variation and interest to the space. They each give off their own unique scent, and the different leaves give variation to each bunch,’ she suggests.

While Clodagh’s lavender kitchen may require a little extra maintenance, it is truly beautiful and great inspo for a country kitchen.

If you were under the assumption that bean bags are just for children, you’d be wrong. And if you don’t believe me, let Habitat’s new Estelle Quilted Bean Bag (£120) convince you.

Last summer, I predicted that this living room seating idea would be one of the nineties trends having a comeback this year. And while I was right, I hadn’t quite anticipated that bean bags would have such a sleek, grown-up update.

As a home decor trend in 2026, Habitat’s Estelle bean bag is the perfect balance of cosy and sculptural design. It retains the original playfulness of a bean bag, whilst presenting itself as a serious seating idea.

Are bean bags cool again?

When I first saw the Habitat Estelle Quilted Bean Bag, it reminded me of Urban Outfitters’ Reema Velvet Two-Seater Floor Cushion (was £299, now £224) but at a more affordable price point. Like the Reema, Habitat’s version is large enough for you to stretch out and its low-slung shape is perfect for relaxation.

It’s said to be both light and durable, perfect for everyday use in a reading nook, bedroom or living room. And its gorgeous rust, velvet colourway gives it a seventies, retro look, which, as we know, has been a big trend this year. And it got me thinking: Are bean bags having a revival? And has Habitat just made them look grown-up and cool?

‘This particular design taps beautifully into the 1970s revival we’re seeing across interiors this year. It offers a more affordable way to capture the relaxed aesthetic of the iconic Ligne Roset Togo chair, which remains one of the most recognisable pieces of furniture design. It’s an easy way to introduce a touch of that laid-back seventies influence without the designer price tag,’ commented Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

As Habitat shows, bean bags can attain an almost designer look when done right and remain a comfy piece of furniture. But it is the makeover of the bean bag’s image that has allowed it to break free from the shackles of playroom ideas.

‘I think bean bags have shaken off their ‘just for kids’ reputation. The newer designs we’re seeing are much more considered, with quality fabrics, soft shapes and neutral colours that fit naturally into adult spaces. They’re no longer something you’d hide away in a playroom. In the right setting, they can look just as stylish as an accent chair,’ adds Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.

‘Comfort is a huge priority in interiors right now, which is why I think bean bags are making a comeback. People want homes that feel relaxed and easy to live in, and furniture that helps create that laid-back atmosphere is naturally becoming more popular. They’re a great example of how practical pieces can still feel design-led.’

How to style a bean bag

home decor trends effectively. For Victoria, this is all about leaning into the cosy connotations of a bean bag.

‘When styling a bean bag, I’d lean into that cosy, relaxed feel. Place it in a reading corner with a floor lamp and side table, or use it to soften a living room seating arrangement. Keeping it in a fabric and colour that complements the rest of the room helps it feel intentional, rather than looking like an extra seat that’s been added at the last minute,’ she says.

Natalie agrees, stating it’s best placed in a cosy corner near a record player or bookshelf. She even recommends pairing the rust colourway with teal for a playful yet stylish colour clash. And after spotting this stunning teal-patterned cushion at OKA (£65), I’m inclined to agree. And for the Habitat bean bag specifically, Natalie says it has staying power.

‘While it’s clearly influenced by current trends, its simple, sculptural shape gives it versatility beyond the latest fashion. Whether it becomes a long-term classic may depend on how Habitat develops the collection, particularly if they expand the range of colours and fabrics to suit changing interior trends,’ she says.

‘For anyone wanting to embrace the current seventies aesthetic without making a significant investment, it’s a stylish and accessible option that brings both comfort and character into the home.’

Have you been won over by bean bags? I know I have…