It’s the finishing touch every kitchen needs, that will not only protect your wall from the inevitable splashes of washing up, but will also add colour and pattern to your scheme. Follow our guide on how to tile a kitchen splashback and you’ll be armed with the knowledge and know-how to do it yourself, without having to fork out for professional labour costs.
There are plenty of kitchen tile ideas to inspire the look of your kitchen, and while we don’t necessarily advise you tackle the whole room if you’ve not tried tiling before, tiling your kitchen splashback is a good place to start, to gain practise.
Your splashback doesn’t have to be huge, just big enough to protect the wall behind your sink or oven plus inject some interest to the room.
For a simple yet stylish splashback, we’d recommend using metro tiles. Not only are they reasonably cheap, their simple shape means they are much easier to tesselate and there is less that can go wrong! That said, once you get more confident with your tiling technique, there is no reason why you can tackle a more exciting shape, like a hexagon, diamond or scalloped-fishtail shape.
How to tile a kitchen splashback
Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson
Kitchen splashbacks can be as low or as high as you like. Some are only the height of a single row of tiles, some take the tiles up to meet the bottom of kitchen cupboards and some continue the tiles right up to where the wall meets the ceiling. There is no right or wrong but it is personal choice and will be determined by the look you want to go for in your own kitchen.
While installing a kitchen splashback can sometimes be seen as an easier alternative, learning to tile one instead, will arm you with the skills to tile other areas of your home, such as your bathroom or ensuite. A tiled splashback is often cheaper too, as stainless steel or glass splashbacks can be pricey, especially if they have to be pre-cut to size.
Set aside a full day if you can, to leave time for prep, drying and the clean up, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed to complete your splashback in a certain time.
What you’ll need
Dust sheets or newspaper to protect your work surfaces
Tile adhesive
A notch trowel
A tile cutter
Tile spacers
A pencil
A measuring tape
A spirit level
Your chosen tiles
Your chosen grout
1. Prep your wall
After covering your work surface and sink with dust sheets or some newspaper, start by prepping your wall surface. Remove any dirt and dust with a damp cloth, and fill in any holes or dents to ensure a smooth, level finish. Give any rough areas a gentle sand then wipe with a damp cloth again to leave to dry.
2. Apply the adhesive
Next apply your tile adhesive to the wall, using a notch trowel. Start at the base of the wall, where it meets the countertop, and only apply what you need for the first layer of your tiles. Apply a generous amount but not so much that it starts to run off the wall and ensure it’s as even as possible. Use the notch trowel to create horizontal lines across your wall.
Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme
3. Start tiling!
Once you are happy with application of the adhesive, start by placing your first tile on the wall. Apply each tile with firm pressure to stick them to your adhesive and use tile spacers between each one to ensure perfect unity. You’ll need a tile spacer (or two if your metro tiles are quite wide) between each side of the tile, but with your first row you might want to butt them up against the top of the work surface. You can cover this join with mastic later.
Working from one side to the other, apply the next tile in the row, inserting the spacers as you go. Think about what formation you want your tiles in too. A simple linear brick formation is the easiest, but you could opt for the very popular brick bond, or a staggered brick bond, or even a herringbone pattern to add real interest.
Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme
4. Cut your tiles to size
Once you get to the end of your first row, you’ll probably find you need to cut a tile to fit into the remaining space. Use a measuring tape and mark on the tile with a pencil, where you need to cut it. Take the tile spacer into consideration then using a tile cutter, score a line along the tile and apply light pressure to break the tile along the score.
Once you’ve finished your first row, use a spirit level to check they are all perfectly horizontal, adjusting them slightly if not.
Then apply your adhesive above the row you have just finished, and start the process again, not forgetting the tile spacers!
5. Grout your tiles to finish
Once you have completed tiling your splashback, do a final check that they are all level, then remove all the spacers. Wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth, then mix up your grout. For a subtle look, choose a grout the same colour as your tiles, or for a contrasting look, opt for black or grey. Follow our handy guide on how to grout tiles to finish your tiling off perfectly.
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
Where do you start tiling a kitchen splashback?
Always start your tiling at the base of the wall, where it meets the work surface. Depending on while tile formation you choose, you could either start on the far left hand-side of the wall, working your way to the right (or vice versa) or you might want to start in the middle of the wall, working your way outwards. Think about where your eye would naturally be drawn to and if your tiles have a strong pattern, make sure they won’t get cut off at an awkward point in the room.
Is it easy to tile a kitchen splashback?
Yes, but it does depend on how much DIY experience you have. If you’re not feeling too confident, why not practise on a piece or left over MDF, tile board or plywood. Have a go at applying the adhesive with the notch trowel and the experiment with the layout of the tiles. Or alternatively, cut some pieces of paper or cardboard into tiles and experiment with these first.
How long does it take to tile a kitchen splashback?
Always allow yourself plenty of time, but depending on the size of your splashback, it could take as little as an afternoon. Preparation is key, so ensure you have all the correct tools and means to protect surfaces, before you begin. It’s worth investing in a tile cutter as it will be very hard to cut them by hand, so have a search on a second-hand site or ask friends and family if you can borrow one, before you get started.
For a super simple splashback that would only take a couple of hours, tile a single row of square tiles just the width of your kitchen sink. You don’t even have to leave gaps inbetween each tile if you don’t want to,
If you’re on the hunt for the best microwave, you’re in the right place. With the power to reheat and cook your food, these speedy countertop cookers are perfect for making light work of time-consuming tasks. Steaming veg and even cooking rice is quick and easy with a microwave, and they only take up a fraction of your counter space. In our best microwave guide we’ve included 10 of the top combi and solo microwave ovens on the market, as well as some built-in options that won’t even have to sit on your kitchen counters.
It’s very possible to pick up one of the best microwaves for under £100, and you can even find a few microwaves under £50 if you know where to look. With these budget-friendly and handy appliances, you can cut the amount of time it takes to cook a jacket spud in half. All you need to do is put it in for a quick spin in the microwave and then finish it in the oven for that classic crispy skin. And of course, when it comes to meal prepping, there’s nothing like a microwave for reheating your leftovers.
For more cooking essentials, take a look at the best air fryers
Most of the best microwaves in our guide come from brands like Sage, Swan, Beko, Russell Hobbs, and Panasonic. You can also pick up a couple of in-built microwaves that sit flush against your kitchen cabinets. They can be more tricky to install, but often come with added functions that will let you grill, air fry, and even steam cook all manner of meals in a larger and smarter model.
Best microwaves 2022
1. Swan Nordic Digital Microwave
Best microwave overall
Type: Digital Capacity: 20 litres Features: Defrost, express, auto cook, advance timer Reasons to buy:
• It looks the part
• Comes in a range of fun colours
• Far more multi-functional that it first appears
Reasons to avoid:
• The controls took some adjusting to
The Swan Nordic Digital Microwave can be spotted (by the eager-eyed among us) in the Great British Bake Off kitchen. It comes in this striking forest green, but there’s also white, blue, and grey to choose from. The nordic style works well with a range of other swan appliances and the dimensions are well suited for small kitchens.
The microwave has fully adjustable strength settings, which is done by adjusting the micro power button. The dial can be used to scroll through timings, up to one hour, and the soft-touch finish also matches the door handle. The front of the microwave is mirrored but did not attract smudges when testing.
With only 800 watts there are more powerful microwaves out there, but the Swan Nordic Digital Microwave is a top pick for those who have a little more than £100 to spend on a microwave that looks the part and performs well.
Type: Standalone Capacity: 17 litres Features: Three colour options, five power levels, defrost setting, mirror door finish, easy clean exterior Reasons to buy:
• It’s super affordable
• Six settings
• Non-slip feet
Reasons to avoid:
• Fingerprints leave marks
You can expect the best microwave for under £100 to be lacking in combination features, but we loved how easy to use the Russell Hobbs Inspire Microwave Oven was when we put it to the test. It has six settings: Low, Defrost, Medium Low, Medium, Medium High and High. It’s also surprisingly compact for a larger capacity option, with dimensions of 34.5 x 45.2 x 26.2 cm.
We did dock the Inspire Microwave half a star because the front leaves fingerprint marks which can mean more frequent cleaning, but found that its defrost and high power settings were brilliant for day-to-day use.
The timer goes up to half an hour which is convenient for the defrost mode especially, and the non-slip feet meant it stayed secure through testing. You can also pair this microwave with the Inspire toaster and kettle for some added coordination.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Hotpoint Curve MWH 1311
Best microwave for corners
Type: Corner, standalone Capacity: 13 litres Features: Space-saver, four cooking levels, memo button, safety lock Reasons to buy:
• A top compact pick
• Can fit into the corner of the kitchen
• Four power levels
Reasons to avoid:
• Its small internal capacity
This compact microwave (no combi grill or oven) has a curved back designed to fit into a corner, the front facing out in any direction. It’s a clever design because corners are the least useful bit of any kitchen worktop.
You can however put it anywhere: it’s a great space-saver full stop at just 39cm wide and 35cm deep (but pretty tall at 36cm because the brains are all under the cavity). Capacity is just 13 litres but it somehow manages to fit a 28cm glass turntable in there, so it can handle a dinner plate.
We loved its simplicity. You can microwave cook at four power levels (700W, 500W, 350W and 160W) or defrost by time or weight. Despite 700W being a bit low-powered, we found it could cook a respectable large jacket spud in 10 minutes.
Features are basic but include clock, kitchen timer and child-safety lock. Controls are self-explanatory. Press the plus and minus buttons to select cooking time or just press Start to cook on full power for multiples of 30 seconds. The memo button lets you save a favourite program.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ
Best freestanding combi microwave
Type: Freestanding, oven and grill Capacity: 23 litre Features: Pull-down door, wire grilling rack, metal crisper plate Reasons to buy:
• Multi-functional combi design
• Decent capacity
• Good at defrosting and cooking jacket spuds
Reasons to avoid:
• It has a large footprint
This freestanding, 23-litre, 1000W microwave combi thinks it’s an oven and it’s not wrong: it does a good job of oven and grill functions. So much so that by Christmas you’ll wonder how you ever survived without the extra cooking space.
It boasts an oven-style, pull-down door and a flatbed design rather than a turntable, so you get 30% more useable cooking space. It comes with a wire rack for grilling, a full-width enamel tray for oven cooking, and also a Panacrunch pan (metal crisper plate) which is heated by microwaves to quickly cook the underside of dishes – for example, pizzas no longer have a soggy bottom.
Controls are straightforward, plus there are seven automatic programs to cook popular foods by weight. A handy sticker in the door reminds you of them. Although if you read the instruction manual there are lots more recipes and tips. Features include a clock, a timer delay and a child safety lock.
Cooking results are both outstanding and precise. Defrosted bread was fresh, not soggy, while a large jacket potato cooked using microwave-grill combi was surprisingly crisp-skinned yet fluffy inside, cooking in just 13 minutes.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Sage Quick Touch Crisp
Best microwave for smart features
Type: Microwave-grill combi Capacity: 25 litre Features: Large capacity, smart menus, “A Bit More” button Reasons to buy:
• Very smart controls
• Useful shortcuts
• Good capacity
Reasons to avoid:
• An expensive microwave
The Quick Touch Crisp boasts impressive foodie menus and handy shortcuts. When the door’s closed, you have the usual controls for commanding microwave, defrost and grill cooking. Plus there are lots of smart menus for cooking various dishes and ingredients – the Sage’s large, detailed display makes them easy to navigate.
Ten buttons hidden inside the door offer popular shortcuts. And they’re not all junk food: there are buttons for caramel, melting chocolate, softening butter and more. This is a microwave that makes it quick and easy to be a foodie.
Features-wise, the Sage is a 1000W microwave-grill combi but not an oven. It has a 25 litre capacity and an 31cm turntable, big enough for even the grandest dinner plates.
The crisper plate has a clever design with three legs that fold up: use it high for grilling and low as a crisper. We used it up high for cheese on toast (a shortcut button) and were impressed: you can cook up to three slices at a time and the results are delicious. Last but not least, the “A Bit More” button is perfect for when a dish needs longer but you don’t want to have to set the program all over again.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
6. Whirlpool Fusion AMW 848/IXL
Best built-in microwave
Type: Integrated Capacity: 40 litres Features: Large capacity, auto-sense programs, built-in recipes Reasons to buy:
• Great for family kitchens
• Integrated design
• Comes with a wire rack and tray
Reasons to avoid:
• It needs to be built-in
If you’re designing a new kitchen, consider an integrated microwave. You get a bigger, better appliance while freeing up valuable worktop space.
This microwave, grill and oven combi genuinely serves as an oven – you get a 40 litres of extra cooking space, perfect for family meals.
It comes with wire grill rack, full-width oven tray, large plastic steamer, crisper plate and an oversized 36cm glass turntable for the microwave. Its programs, intelligent auto-sensing programs and 30 built-in recipes make good use of all these features. Or just touch the arrow on the right to zap at full power (900W) for 30-second bursts, perfect for heating up a cold cuppa.
Oven cooking is quick and precise. Grilling uses the round grill rack on the turntable for even cooking. And we loved the crisper plate – not just for stuff like pizzas, but also as a quick, fat-free way to cook oven chips, “fried” eggs, halloumi and more.
The controls are intuitive and easy to grasp. When you’re done, it beeps and offers the option to cook at the same power for longer. We found the glass a bit fingerprinty, but otherwise it’s impossible to fault. Very impressive and can be teamed with the AKZM 6692/IXL oven, designed to match not just its design but also its touch controls, menus and recipes.
Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
7. Swan SM22090
Best microwave under £100
Type: Small microwave Capacity: 20 litre Features: Five power levels, quirky look, matching appliances available Reasons to buy:
• Even cooking
• Matching accessories
• Very affordable
Reasons to avoid:
• The style won’t be for everyone
The copper hue of this 800W Swan microwave is easy on the eye and has a timeless appeal. The colour is interesting but subtle. The copper looks superb teamed with the mirror-finish glass door.
It’s compact and simple: microwave only, no combi. It has a relatively small 27cm turntable, so beware if you have large dinner plates.
It boasts five microwave power levels. You can cook or defrost by time or weight. There are eight programs for cooking popular foods, including popcorn, pizza, drinks and potatoes. You can also quick-start cook for multiples of 30 seconds.
The Swan isn’t just a pretty face: it cooks evenly and we thought the features impressive for an affordable microwave. It does more than the basics and the controls are straightforward. But most of all, it’s affordable but looks great.
Swan offers a range of co-ordinated copper electricals to match, including three styles of kettle, five toaster designs and kitchen scales. You can even buy accessories like a pan set and a knife block in the same copper finish.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
8. Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B
Best for contemporary looks
Type: Freestanding microwave Capacity: 23 litres Features: Fits large dishes, looks sleek, does the job Reasons to buy:
• Space-saving design
• Even cooking
Reasons to avoid:
• Low in power
Don’t buy an unbranded supermarket microwave when for a little more you can buy this. The Russell Hobbs “Solo” looks great and it cooks well, too. The design draws ideas from more expensive microwaves. For example, it has a flatbed interior rather than a turntable, which means you can make more effective use of its 23-litre capacity. You can therefore fit in square plates and oversized casserole dishes.
The purpose of turntables is to move food around, so cooking is more even. But the theory is that the Russell Hobbs’ bumpy walls – sorry, “diamond cavity” structure – reflect microwaves in various directions, which leads to more even cooking. We found that it cooked and defrosted evenly enough – and fast enough, despite only offering 800W of power. And cleaning is easier with a flatbed than a turntable.
The outside has a nice, modern design too, with a black, mirrored door, large handle and discrete digital controls. Cleverly, the display is behind the glass door but shines through it. Opening the door also reveals a list of the microwave’s eight built-in programs. Other features include kitchen timer and child safety lock.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
9. Bosch HMT75M451B
Best small microwave
Type: Freestanding microwave Capacity: 17 litres Features: Built-in programs, small size, five power settings Reasons to buy:
• A compact pick for small homes
• Includes a kitchen timer
Reasons to avoid:
• Basic offerings for the price
This has the smallest capacity (17 litres) and turntable (24.5cm) of the microwaves on test, but as a result it has a tiny footprint, just 46cm wide and 29cm deep.
What’s more, you can either sit it on the worktop or mount it on the underside of a kitchen wall cabinet to reclaim worktop space for food preparation. It’s therefore a good buy if space is at a premium.
It won’t fit a large dinner plate, but it does a fine job of the microwave basics. It has five power settings (800W, 600W, 360W, 180W and 90W) and there are separate buttons on the front for each one, so you can immediately select any power. You can cook by weight or time (up to 60 minutes) using the pop-out knob at the top.
Features include a small number of built-in programs, a memory button for your favourite setting and a kitchen timer.
We liked the Bosch’s space-saving design and also its simplicity. Some microwaves require you to read and memorise an instruction manual: this is straightforward. It’s basic but good quality, with a brushed stainless steel finish on the outside. Note that the inside is white though.
Ideal Home’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
10. Beko 32L Combination Microwave
Best combination microwave oven
Image credit: Beko
Type: Combination oven Capacity: 32 litres Features: Convection, grill, 5 power levels Reasons to buy:
• Immense capacity
• Very powerful
Reasons to avoid:
• It’s a pricey choice
The Beko 32L Combination Microwave is a top pick for those who want a microwave that can also act as a grill or even a convection oven when need be. It’s got a huge capacity of 32 litres, which translates into its somewhat bulky dimensions: 41 x 51.3 x 30.7 cm. As for power, it’s pretty much as powerful as a microwave can get, with 1000 watts of grill power, 900 watts of microwave power, and a massive 2300 watts of convection power.
There are six buttons, which makes it easy to choose a setting for your cooking, and with specific modes for defrosting, microwave grilling, and convection microwaving, you won’t get lots with fiddly or vague controls.
A buyer’s guide to microwaves
Before you make your final choice, make sure you’ve take these key features into account.
Image credit: Richard Gadsby
Do I want a combi?
If you have a small kitchen or you’re on a tight budget, a microwave-only model may be best. But otherwise a combi is well worth it. Your microwave doubles as a grill and/or oven, giving you extra cooking space (plan ahead for Christmas dinner) and the best of both worlds: cook a jacket potato quickly (microwaves) yet with a crispy skin (oven).
What’s a crisper plate?
The latest, high-end combis often come with extra accessories like grill rack, oven tray, steamer and something new called a crisper plate. Forget everything you were told about not putting metal in microwaves: these large, non-stick metal dishes are heated quickly by microwaves to become a hotplate. Cook stuff like pizza fast and with no fear of a soggy bottom. You can even “fry” stuff like eggs and bacon with no oil. We love them.
What if I don’t have room for a microwave?
New, small microwave-only models are surprisingly compact – there’s space in front of them for food prep. You can also get microwaves designed to be wall-mounted under a cabinet and ones with curved backs that fit neatly in the dead worktop space in a corner. Or if you have plenty of cupboard space but not much worktop, consider an integrated model.
How much should I spend on a microwave?
Budget £100 for a microwave that will serve you well. We think cheaper, supermarket own brand ones are a false economy. Budget up to £300 for a larger combi with all mod cons. And double that for integrated, but then you get much more cooking space and an appliance that genuinely doubles as a proper oven.
Microwave power – does it matter?
Image credit: Whirlpool
Microwave power is measured in watts – the higher the figure, the faster it should heat your food. The average is 800-900W. However, as microwave technology has improved, simply going for the most powerful model isn’t a guarantee of a better-performing oven.
What capacity microwave do I need?
Want to cook a whole chicken in there? You’ll need a decent capacity – anything over the 30-litre mark should take a family-sized bird. Smaller households will be better off with a model that takes up minimal space on the worktop, so exterior dimensions will be more important.
Most microwaves have turntables to ensure even cooking. But some newer designs have taken their lead from commercial kitchens and ditched them completely. These flatbed models use the latest technology to distribute the microwaves evenly without the need to turn the food. This frees up lots of space inside for big dishes, such as casseroles, and makes them easier to clean.
If your microwave does have a turntable, keep in mind that the given capacity in cubic litres may not account for the space it takes up. Measure from the turntable up before you buy to make sure your dishes will fit.
Some microwaves also have shelves that allow you to cook on two levels. You’ll need to increase the normal cooking time or move dishes around, but it’s handy for preparing large quantities of food simultaneously instead of in stages.
What auto programmes and presets do I need?
Not sure how long or at what power level you need to your penne or potatoes will need to cook? Don’t worry, your microwave will tell you if it’s got the relevant auto programmes. Most have them for the likes of popular dishes such as pasta, fish and vegetables. The cleverest can even weigh your food and work out the cooking times to the second.
Auto-defrost and reheat functions are also worth investing in, as are one-touch shortcut keys for melting butter or chocolate (saving you from using the hob) or a quick boost of power. Sage microwaves have presets for, among other things, porridge, soup, fish and baked beans. Ding, indeed!
Other features to consider
One big way newer models excel is with sensor technology. This measures the humidity inside the oven and then adjusts the cooking times to prevent food from over-baking and drying out.
For ultra-even heating and defrosting, look for a model with an inverter. It will control the power flow for consistent results – rather than pulsing high power on and off.
A clean machine is more efficient. However, how easy your microwave will be to keep clean will be affected by its interior finish. Stainless steel, enamel and acrylic are relatively easy to keep sparkling with a regular wipe down.
Pyrolytic cleaning functions (which incinerates mess completely at high temperatures) and low-hassle catalytic liners (which burn off any grease and food that’s on them) are usually only found on combination microwaves.
The colour experts at Lick have conducted some research into which colours give us the ick. Lick’s paint professionals have revealed that the worst mood killer is… brown.
A significant 56% of people (and 63% of women) said they would be put off if they found out a romantic partner opted for this earthy neutral in their bedroom colour scheme. Let’s take a look at the worst colours to paint the bedroom and those deemed more ‘attractive.’
Image credit: Lick
The colour not to paint your bedroom
The research showed that ick-inducing brown is the number one colour not to paint your bedroom. Brown is a grounding colour made by mixing primary colours red, yellow and blue. But it certainly wouldn’t be our first choice.
In the survey, it was closely followed by unpopular bedroom ideas, black and orange. Instead, people preferred a fresh and uplifting white bedroom, while others were tempted by the idea of a luxurious and sultry purple room that reminds us of our bedrooms of the 90s.
Love certainly isn’t blind when it comes to how we decorate our homes more generally, as 70% said a partner’s home decor could turn them off. 42% of people surveyed think that home decor is actually a better indicator of someone’s personality than how they dress.
Image credit: Annie Sloan
Natasha Bradley is the Head Colour Specialist at Lick. She is a colour psychologist with years of experience in interior design, helping clients to create spaces they love.
‘How we style the interiors of our homes and ourselves are really good indicators of who we are,’ comments Natasha. ‘So it makes a lot of sense that colours also play a part in the dating world.
‘Often, couples who have similar interior styles and attitudes to their home can find more harmony in their home life,’ Natasha adds.
Image credit: Lick
Other findings included that nearly a third of people (28%) admit to no longer wanting to date someone if they didn’t like their interiors. Over half also said that being house proud is an attractive trait.
Decorating our homes is about expressing ourselves and creating a space that makes us happy. If you love it, you can’t go wrong (but we’ll certainly steer clear of brown).
Image credit: SGD/ Garden by Oliver Bond MSGD, Bond Landscapes
We’ve had our first taste of sunshine already this year, filling us with hope of a great summer ahead. In recent years our gardens have become more important than ever, with more of us taking up gardening for wellbeing and sustainability. With the sunshine there’s the promise of plenty of time spent outdoors for the months ahead. Be prepared to enjoy that time in style as our experts, across all fields of garden expertise, share their predictions on the hottest new garden trends for 2022.
Make the most of your garden this year – whether you want to grow your own vegetables, dine alfresco or enjoy the many health and wellness benefits of spending time in the great outdoors.
Garden trends 2022
Gardens mean something different to everyone, because no outdoor space is the same. For some it’s a sanctuary to spend long balmy summer days relaxing, while others prefer pottering, planting and pruning at all times. To families it’s a place for dining alfresco and spend evenings round your best buy firepit. Whichever appeals to you it’s the same principle – our gardens are a space for fun, relaxation and enjoyment. Our vision for gardens of 2022 is all about getting the most from our outdoor spaces.
‘The overarching trend for 2022 is that good design does not have to cost the earth both in terms of budget and the environment’ says Society of Garden Designers Vice Chair Andrew Duff MSGD.
‘In 2022 we will see gardens with a strong underlying structure which allows for a wilder planting scheme. Although native planting will be at the forefront, the actual layout of the planting will follow those large drifts of contrasting colours and textures.’
‘We will be looking more to nature for inspiration, learning to embrace the seasons and celebrate them more. Winter gardens will be particularly dominant with designers embracing the simplicity of the skeletal shape of deciduous trees and the bareness of soil awaiting the wonders of spring.’
So without further ado, here we reveal the latest garden trends to inspire our outdoor spaces…
1. Wild gardens
Image credit: Society of Garden Designers/ Garden by Anna-Marie Powell MSGD
‘I’d say that the trend for this year is the immersive, natural, wildlife garden and, to be honest, this thrills me to the core!” says designer, broadcaster and author Ann-Marie Powell MSGD. She says her studio is receiving lots more enquiries from clients wanting natural, loose gardens. ‘People want gardens that look like they are ‘of nature’ rather than the more obviously designed spaces.’
Anne-Marie predicts that ’nature-scaping’ and ‘curated wildling’ will be the buzz words of 2022.
This theory is echoed by Ana Sanchez-Martin MSGD of The Garden Company who says, ‘I am hoping that more and more people will be jumping on the ‘Rewilding wagon’! One of the positive effects of the pandemic is that people now understand the therapeutic effects of gardening. They want to create a sense of sanctuary in their garden, to be surrounded by plants and to be enveloped by nature and to increase biodiversity.’
Wyevale Garden Centres’ senior buying team, combined with survey data from more than 27,000 British gardeners, identified wildlife garden ideas as a growing garden trend. ‘From environmentally conscious shoppers, to wildlife and the weather, today’s gardeners are much more aware of the changes that can be made towards a more sustainable future,’ explains Mark Sage, Head of Horticulture from Wyevale.
‘Nearly 70 per cent of British gardeners buy food for wildlife in their garden. Over 60 per cent make a conscious effort to grow plants that benefit wildlife.
2. Mantra for reuse, recycle and repurpose
Image credit: Future PLC
‘Recycling and up-cycling is a trend that is set to continue into 2022. Sustainability, whilst not new, is increasingly important not only to us, but to our clients too,’ say Ann-Marie Powell who is escalating the use of repurposed materials by crushing them, for paths, terraces or driveways.
Ann-marie is also championing more sustainable garden ideas path in hard landscaping by using less cement in the garden, and selecting materials that have the lowest carbon footprint.
Image credit: Society of Garden Designers/ Garden by Ana Sanchez-Martin MSGD
A fast growing garden trend right now is anything sustainable – including upcycling ideas. I love upcycling existing elements within a garden rather than adding to landfill, says Ana Sanchez-Martin.
‘Last year I managed to save a beautiful old Victorian greenhouse (above) working with a wonderful craftsman who helped me repurpose it and give it a new lease of life. It was a labour of love to clean and restore the old cast iron and design and make new fittings for it, but the result was beautiful to the eye and kind to nature.’
Jilayne Rickards agrees saying: ‘Using pre-owned furniture or ornamentation gives a garden automatic character and, even within a contemporary setting, something aged acting as a counterbalance is wonderful to see.’
3. Using the garden as the fifth room
Image credit: Future PLC/ Rei Moon
Blurring the lines between outside and in is still a huge growing trend, as homeowners look to expend living spaces. Whether that’s creating a kitchen garden, a wellness space or acting as an extension to a playroom – we’re looking to extend our lives to our outdoor spaces.
Gardens are fast becoming a space where we are spending more and more of our time with family and friends. Often more than not it needs to flex to meet several purposes – an oasis for quiet contemplation, a play area for children and an entertaining space for social get togethers.
Whether it’s a set of Bi-fold doors to a balcony, or simply an outdoor patio, your home probably has an ideal place to style as a fifth room. With a little imagination there’s an outdoor living room idea for all spaces.
‘I aim to incorporate ‘interior’ elements into my designs, and not just undercover but as part of the open garden” adds Oliver Bond MSGD. ‘This includes fireplaces and built-in outdoor kitchens, but we are also experimenting with entertainment features, such as TVs and sound systems.’
4. Low maintenance tapestry lawns
Image credit: Future plc
Even the grass is getting a new look for the new season. The latest trend for lawns sees the grass becoming more low maintenance – no doubt in a bid to encourage gardeners to stick with real grass rather than be lured to the appeal of no-mow artificial.
‘I would love to design and plant a ‘tapestry lawn’, as an alternative to the normal grass lawn’ says Ana Sanchez-Martin, who explains that they are created using a combination of many different mowing-tolerant plant species. ‘Like meadow lawns, they are low in maintenance and of higher ornamental and environmental value.’
‘The need to mow a tapestry lawn can be reduced by up to two thirds compared to a regular grass lawn and, as a consequence, a greater number of both plant and insect species are able to inhabit the lawn. In small urban gardens, meadow lawns are not usually very practical, but a tapestry lawn could be a great solution for city gardens.’
This remains at the forefront of the modern garden. Veganism is one of the fastest growing lifestyle movements with the number of Brits choosing a plant-based diet rising by more than 360 percent over the past decade. Coupled with rising food prices, shortages and a growing appreciation of organic produce, it’s no surprise the grow your own movement will continue to surge in 2022.
Dobbies’ resident garden expert Marcus Eyles puts the growing trend down to, ‘more and more of us looking to include additional vegetables in our diet and the number of people on exclusively plant-based diets increasing.’
He goes on to say, ‘Easy to grow vegetables, salads and herbs suitable for growing in small spaces such as wall planters and patio containers will rise.’
Image credit: Dobbies
Christopher Ray, Head of Outdoor at B&Q advises, ‘It’s important to find the right area in your garden to cultivate delicious, edible goods. You don’t need masses of space but do look for a level area with a good amount of sunlight exposure to build your bed. Mix and match different sizes of stackable raised beds to create a personalised growing area that suits your space. Finally, select your seeds and then you’re good to grow!’
If you’re serious about becoming more self-sufficient, a greenhouse can increase your yield of fresh fruit and veg all year round.
If space isn’t on your side, legumes (runner beans, broad beans, French beans and peas), squashes and pumpkins are a great option to make use of vertical space. Salad leaves, herbs and tomatoes grow well in boxes on balconies and patios. All costing a fraction of the supermarket price too.
6. Planting jewel colours
Image. credit: SGD
Experimenting with colour is one of the most exciting things about creating a new planting palette for any garden. When it comes to use of colour in our gardens for 2022 the brighter the better – create a vision of joy with your planting and furnishings. Use gardens as a celebration of colour, with sunshine shades of apricot orange and tropical greenery to create a garden getaway.
Fi Boyle is a big fan of grouping vibrant jewel colours together. She says; ‘I love to combine strong magenta reds like Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’ with moody purples, deep blues, and limes, adding in plants that have coloured stems and leaves such as Salvia ‘Caradonna’ with the dark purple stem or Sedum ‘Karfunelstein and Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ for a stunning effect.’
The last word on colour goes to Jilayne Rickards who thinks that colour schemes could be on their way out to be replaced with planting schemes that support pollinators. ‘I think people would rather see wildlife than colour schemes right now’, she says.
Embrace bold colour says Christopher Ray, Head of Outdoor at B&Q. Saying, ‘your garden should reflect your personal taste, just as much as any other part of your home does. This summer is set to see the return of bold blooms full of riotous colour! Pick shades that complement one another and group complementary colours together: reds, yellows and oranges, whites and blues, and purples and pinks.’
Christopher suggests, ‘To ensure you keep the vibrancy without creating chaos, consider keeping the colour to set areas. For extra impact all year round, use outdoor paint to give exterior walls a pop of colour.’
7. Befriending bees
Image credit: Wyewale Garden centres
2022 is set to see an increased demand for plants that attract bees and butterflies to our gardens to aid the ecosystem. Such as Buddleja Berries and Cream, packed full of cone-shaped clusters of flowers, these are a real magnet for bees and butterflies.
For Ann-Marie Powell it’s always about bold, exciting colour with purpose. She says: ‘I have a penchant for acid yellow mixed with warm oranges and deep blue-purples right now.’
Image credit: SGD/ Garden by Oliver Bond MSGD, Bond Landscapes
The purple and yellow colour combination is something that excites designer Oliver Bond too. ‘It is a fantastic colour scheme to bring bees into gardens,’ he says. ‘And it creates a vibrant blend that stands proud against a cascade of green foliage.’
8. Natural pools and luxe touches
Image credit: SGD/ Garden by Fi Boyle MSGD
By far the best Grand Designs build of any series ever was the one with the natural swimming pool, it was utterly awe-inspiring. The stuff of dreams…garden dreams apparently.
With more people holidaying at home in the UK, Fi Boyle MSGD has found that the focus has turned to having the luxuries that you might ordinarily go away to enjoy, incorporated into your garden instead. “Pools, particularly natural swimming ponds, are definitely one of these luxuries, she says.
Ben Chandler MSGD of Farlam & Chandler agrees. ‘With possible further restrictions on travel, our gardens will continue to be personal sanctuaries and a kind of modern-day pleasure garden’ he says.
Ana Sanchez-Martin MSGD is seeing a growing trend for what she calls the ‘boutique hotel syndrome’. “We are finding that more of our clients are asking for elements they would usually enjoy on holidays,’ says Ana.
‘We have seen a marked increase in people requesting swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, outdoor heaters and lighting.’ But she adds a note of caution: “Some of these can have a detrimental effect on the environment, which people don’t always realise, so discussing this with our clients is very important’ she says.
9. Laying patchwork pathways
Image credit: SGD/ Garden by Garden Club London
Designer Filippo Dester says: ‘I’m looking forward to trying out new ideas and materials for permeable surfacing. I’m planning on using Oak setts more, as an alternative to clay pavers, and experimenting with different ways of recycling existing stone paving combined with aggregates and low planting to create sustainable and ecological surfaces.”
Ana Sanchez-Martin is on the same track, saying she will be adding texture and interest to the garden by planting low mat-forming species in-between stepping-stones or as a path edging. “I want to experiment with plants such as Pratia pedunculata (blue star creeper) , Carex divulsa (grey sedge) or Sesleria caerulea (blue moor grass) instead of the more familiar Alchemilla, Thyme or Stipa,” she says.
10. Urban gardening
Image credit: Dobbies
Urban Gardening will continue to be a key trend in 2021. Showcasing that everyone, no matter how small their outdoor space, can experience the satisfaction and enjoyment of growing their own food.
From Microgreens on windowsills to home grown potatoes in sacks and dwarf apple trees in patio containers, we show how all age groups can benefit from growing vegetables, fruit and herbs in containers of all shapes and sizes. All without the need to plant in the ground.
11. Climate change gardening
Image credit: SGD/ Gardens by Farlam & Chandler
Gardening for a changing climate is set to continue to be a key trend going forward. Designer Sue Townsend MSGD says she is creating more ecological gardens to cope with the extreme weather conditions experienced in the UK in recent years. Her advice is to plant the right plants for the conditions of each garden. And store water and to allow excess water to be collected then dissipated through the soil.
For Ann-Marie Powell, using even more plants in order to lock carbon into the soil is a top priority. ‘It negates the requirement for extra imported hard landscaping, looks beautiful and attracts beneficial insects too, so it’s a win-win” she says. “I would love to find more suppliers who grow their plants peat-free too.’
Image credit: Future PLC/ Annaick Guitteny
When it comes to planting, Ana Sanchez-Martin is trialling alternative growing mediums and substrates in difficult soils, such as heavy clay. She says, ‘Instead of importing tons of organic matter or man-made topsoils, as recommended for decades, new research shows that growing plants in 30cm of coarse sand or on crushed concrete and brick with just with 50mm topsoil, in combination with appropriate plant selection, can yield great results. It’s a very exciting approach which feels both sustainable and practical.”
Echoing this planting style, Filippo Dester says “I think the trend we’ll keep seeing will be a focus on Mediterranean and drought- tolerant planting. We are experimenting with new plants that are indigenous of warmer climates to create alternative planting palettes, whilst constantly re-imagining how the already tried-and-tested species can be mixed with more traditional choices to create innovative, interesting schemes.”
12. Low carbon hard landscaping
Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Ben Chandler believes the rising cost of importing goods and the increased awareness of carbon footprint means there will be an emphasis on locally sourced materials, plants and products. ‘I hope that means more support for smaller specialist plant nurseries and brings opportunities to local makers and craftspeople when it comes to sourcing furniture and accessories for the garden,’ he says.
When it comes to hard landscaping, Oliver Bond says he is always looking for more efficient ecologically-friendly and less impactful ways of creating his designs. Whether through sustainable materials, greener logistics or less intrusive methods of installation.
‘We have been looking into a universal pedestal system to replace mortar beds beneath garden patios’ he says. ‘It reduces the amount of construction materials required, decreases the impact to the garden and improves storm water management too.’
Ana Sanchez-Martin agrees, saying she foresees an increased use of permeable bedding mortars as well as highly permeable paving systems. Such as Trailflex, and the continued use of ground screws for deck or timber structures instead of using concrete footings.
13. Interior decor outdoors
Image credit: Dobbies
Making an outdoor space an extension of the indoors with grassless garden ideas is a huge garden trend. As we see sofas, rugs and cushions dressing our patios in the same way they would our living rooms. Garden expert Joe Perkins MSGD is seeing this trend emerging particularly amongst younger generations. These budding garden enthusiasts are looking to style their outside space as they would their interiors. As a result of this new trend he predicts a stark rise in bright coloured accessories and furniture outdoors.
With less of us moving home as often as we once did, we are looking for ways to adapt our homes to meet our changing needs. ‘Taking the ‘don’t move, improve’ approach’ explains Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies Garden Centres. ‘Gardens are being thought of more as an extension of our indoor space, the fifth room some may say.’
14. Garden zoning
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
Zoning, both indoors and out, makes the best use of an open space. Make more of any garden space available by following the popular garden trend for zoning. CreatE dedicated zones, suitable for each outdoor activity.
Christopher Ray, Category Manager for Outdoor at B&Q shares his tips on how best to zone the modern garden.
Create a storage zone: ‘It’s important to have the right tools and accessories to cultivate and tend to your garden, and a safe place to store them at the end of the day. Try discreet and secure storage solutions such as garden boxes, that come in a range of materials so that they can easily blend into your space. Look for currently unused spaces, such as alongside your garden shed, and turn it into a storage area to keep the mess at bay!’
Provide an outdoor playroom: ‘If you’ve got children, building a zone for some outside fun will serve hours of entertainment throughout the Summer. Providing an area that the kids can call their own, gives children a space they can learn to keep tidy after a day of outdoor fun. Playful favourites such as slides, swings and sandpits are all family friendly.’
Find your zen with a chill out space: ‘Nature has a way of relaxing us, so carve out a space in your garden for quality ‘me time’ where you can unwind. To keep chill-out vibes to a maximum, stick to comfy outdoor furniture such as big padded chairs and hammocks.’
Zone your own: ‘Having a patch to grow your own can be extremely satisfying.
Garden party: ‘In the Spring and Summer months, there’s nothing better than an outdoor soiree, so having a dedicated outdoor entertaining area is a must. Position this within easy access of the barbecue or kitchen – you’ll spend less time heading in and out of the house and more time enjoying the Summer sun.’
15. Creating fun for all
Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young
‘It’s a case of ‘your garden, your rules’!’ says Christopher Ray at B&Q. ‘This year’s outdoor season will see outdoor family fun ramping up as grown ups get creative with exciting new ways to engage their little ones with the great outdoors.’ From mud gardens to sandpits it’s about creating outdoor fun for little ones.
Children’s gardening ranges offer everything you need to introduce kids to the world of ‘grow-your-own’. Making it simple to tend to your beloved fruit, veg and herbs whether you’re a young novice or an experienced green-fingered gardener.
16. Wild and perennial meadow gardens
Image credit: SGD/ Gardens by Farlam & Chandler
There’s a surge to take gardens back to a more natural state. This is a continuing trend, after lots of garden designers experimented with wildflower and perennial meadows last year. The good news is you don’t need a large plot to incorporate one into your garden.
As a result Louise Harrison-Holland MSGD tells us she expects planting to have a looser, less clipped feel. She says, ‘This wilder style has been helped along by the increasing use of instant wildflower meadows. I see designers trying to recreate this look with a mix of herbaceous perennials and grasses that have a more permanent structure, helped by the increasing use of shrubs in planting borders.’
Louise also predicts designers will be working with a greater number of varieties creating a much looser style of planting, in place of mass block planting of a small number of plant types.
17. Outdoor entertaining
Image request: John Lewis & Partners
Despite the unpredictable British weather, the nation is embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle as a key garden trend. With sales of garden furniture, barbecues and accessories expected to grow substantially in 2022.
Outdoor entertaining and kitchen areas will be a key trend for modern gardens. Perfect for those of us who lack space in our kitchens or dining rooms, as we can move entertaining friends and family outside.
Create a dedicated area with comfy furniture and mood lighting, like this outdoor fairy light idea, complete with a sunken fire pit, BBQ or pizza oven, and don’t forget to include garden shade ideas to keep everyone cool on sunny days.
Continuing garden trends from last year
18. Escape to the country
Image credit: Dobbies
Blame lockdown, but the trend for moving to the country has never been greater. While the dream is to move out of the city, into the green parishes beyond there’s a lot to be said for creating the country feel in an urban setting. And homeowners are adopting an ‘improve before you move’ mentality. Fill gardens and balconies with rustic potted plants and accessories to create the sense of country living.
Being in the garden can feel like escaping to the country, helping us to slow down, reduce stress levels and connect with the natural world on our very doorstep. Your garden can be a full sensory experience, from the sound of running water, the smell of flowers to the taste of homegrown produce.
19. Multi-sensory spaces
This year’s garden trends for planting schemes continues to be focused on innovative displays of colour, fragrance and texture to create a fully immersive space.
‘Beautiful beds and blossoms form the backdrop to your outdoor space and every gardener needs a place to show them off,’ explains Christopher Ray, Category Manager for Outdoor at B&Q. ‘Plants and flowers add depth and texture to your garden. Select a mix of flowering plants such as busy lizzies and pollinators, like lavender, as they can also benefit the wildlife in your garden.’
‘Lavender, a beautifully fragrant pollinator, attracts bees and butterflies, breathing life into your garden. Make sure your growing space has a plentiful supply of sunlight – south facing areas are always a good sun spot for blooming buds. If your garden is shaded, perennials such as hydrangeas, can add subtle colour to darker spaces.’
20. Freshening up front of house
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
Garden trends are not just for the back garden! This year it’s as much about the front garden as it is the back garden. In a bid to stand out on the street and boost property value, house-proud Brits are making stylish front garden ideas more of a priority. More than merely a ‘welcome mat’ to our homes, it’s a great space to show a touch of personality.
21. Health and wellbeing
Image credit: Dobbie
From air purifying plants to plant protein, Wyevale has seen a sharp rise for all things wellness related. For 2022 this garden trend will largely extended to our outdoor living spaces. This growing trend is spurred by the desire to garden for both physical and mental health benefits.
Which of these garden trends will you be incorporating into your outdoor space?
The Society of Garden Designers has been championing excellence in garden design for over 35 years. It’s the only professional association for garden designers in the UK. Counting some of the UK’s leading garden and landscape designers among its growing members.
