After being cooped up inside for the last few months, the arrival of spring means alfresco living is back on cards. And we are here for it! No matter what size your outdoor space, whether a tiny terrace, bijou balcony or little lawn, our budget small garden ideas will transform your space without having to break the bank.

With the cost of living on the up (and up and up and up!) we all want to save as many pennies as we can, so budget garden ideas are a great place to start. But if your ‘garden’ is more postage stamp than football pitch in size, you might be wondering what can be done to gives your a refresh.

But fear not, as we’ve pulled together our top nine budget small garden ideas to get you set for summer.

Budget small garden ideas

1. Think vertically

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

Your outdoor space might be lacking a large footprint but you can always make the most of a vertical space instead. Living vertical walls are big business for both residential and commercial properties across the country and look super-smart too. To create yours, use an old wooden pallet and make a simple, rectangular box planter. Fill with soil and then plant up a mixture of trailing plants, grasses and  hardy succulents. Attach to a wall or fence, or lean on a ledge in a vertical position.

2. Create a lush look for a balcony

Image credit: B&Q

Traditionally balcony gardeners would plant up pots and troughs to make their space look appealing from the outside. But instead of hanging planters to face away from you, turn them towards you and plant up with trailing plants that will cascade down your balcony rails. This way you will save on plants that other people will enjoy more than you will!

Potted plants look fab arranged in small huddles of three, five or seven and playing with the heights and sizes or them will create a jungle-vibe too.

Buy now: Apolima table and chairs Bistro set, £240, B&Q

3. Combine planters with seating

Image credit: Dobbies

Save money and space by investing in furniture that will work harder for you. A dining set that also incorporates space to plant up herbs and grasses, or hold drinks for guests in an ice-filled trough is a great solution. This set from Dobbies will slid into even the smallest of spaces, and could even work as an alfresco WFH spot.

If your outdoor space doesn’t get great light or you’re just not green-fingered, fill a planter with a collection of faux plants instead, to cheat the look.

Buy now: Freya balcony set, £229, Dobbies 

4. Squeeze in a mini-greenhouse

Image credit: Dobbies

No matter how wee your space, don’t let it stop you from growing an array of fruit and veg. Mini greenhouses are great for keeping plants warm, but can also double up as mini sheds too. If you’re going to be storing all your gardening paraphernalia inside too, think about adding some frosted or fluted film to the glass to blurb out any clutter you’re storing.

While you can find mini greenhouse options to buy at DIY stores and garden centres, you could also have a go at making you own, using old windows sourced from a scrap yard.

Buy now: Wooden growhouse, £169.99, Dobbies

5. Make your own private bar

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

Having a bar area outside will create your own little entertaining zone, and this clever bar is made from just a couple of pallets. Cut the top section from the pallet to use as the flip down section and attach using two strong hinges and lengths of chain. Finish with a piece of wood to act as your serving board. Attach to the wall and enjoy sundowners with friends whenever the mood takes you.

6. Cheat more space with a mirror

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

A well-placed garden mirror can do wonders to enhance any outdoor space, and will make your garden look bigger than it really is by tricking the eye into thinking it goes on and on. Create your own by using an old gate or some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board and hang on the wall, or prop up by a shed.

7. Double up on window boxes

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

If you’re lacking on flower beds a great way to introduce more colour and greenery is with window boxes. Traditionally they would with hang below a window, or sit along a sill, but throw tradition out the door and go for two hung on top of each other for maximum impact.

Try filling the top box with pretty, colourful flowers while the bottom one would be reserved for larger, lusher plants, and even a few trailing plants too.

Make the boxes from leftover wood planks or pallet boards to keep costs to a minimum.

8. Build ladder shelving for herbs

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

Make the most of the space along fencing and build some simple ladder shelving. Use pieces of leftover wood from a previous project, or an old pallet board cut up into lengths. Attach to your fencing and paint in the same colour so it seamlessly blends into the background.

Terracotta pots are inexpensive and can be picked up for very little at charity shops, car boot sales and from second-hand websites too.

9. Upcycle old tins and jars as planters

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

Just about any vessel can be used to plant up flowers, herbs and succulents, so think outside the box. Old tin cans, glass jars, jugs, tea cups and even pots and pans can all be used, they just need a couple of drainage holes punched in the bottom. With glass jars, line the bottom with gravel or small stones and fill the sides with moss to hide them.

Arrange your planted vessels in trios around your outside space and watch them grow into an oasis.

How do you make a small garden look nice on a budget?

There are plenty of ways to make a small garden look great on a budget, it’s just about thinking smartly! First and foremost, utilise what you already have, to avoid having to part with your cash. Walls and fences can benefit from a lick of paint, furniture given a good clean and a varnish and dead leaves can be cleared to reveal a tidier space. Pulling up weeds and removing moss from pathways will both help to make any garden space look nicer.

Bark and wood chippings are cheap and will fill a space much more cost effectively than expensive plants will. Gravel is also a cheaper way to line the edge of a lawn and old bricks can be used to create a winding pathway.

Outdoor rugs are great for hiding tired patios and decking areas while cushions dragged from the house can be piled up high for a relaxing sun-bathing spot.

How do I make a nice small garden?

Have a little think about elements you want to include in your garden, being realistic about size restrictions. For smaller gardens, scrapping the lawn might actually give more space. Paved patios or decking areas can be utilised more efficiently and provide a space to relax, entertain and play.

Containers and planters filled with flowers and plants will give create an instant transformation, but they can be pricey. Try asking friends and family for clippings or surplus seeds and build your dream space slowly. Garden lighting is another way to make a small garden space feel nice, so be sure to include plenty of this so you can use your space after dark too.

The post 9 budget small garden ideas to give your outside space a refresh appeared first on Ideal Home.

Drum roll please, as we can reveal the winners of the Ideal Home Kitchen Awards 2022. With categories covering everything you could possibly need for your kitchen makeover – large or small – the entries included a wealth of brilliant kitchen ideas from some of our favourite kitchen brands.  stay tuned to find out the brands that should firmly be on your radar for 2021.

This year’s awards was judged by a panel of Ideal Home’s expert editors – Heather Young, Ideal Home Editor, Thea Babington-Stitt, Content Editor and Millie Fender, Ecommerce Editor. Ideal Home’s resident renovation expert and architectural designer Charlie Luxton also stepped up as guest judge for the One Small Step Award for Sustainable, given his expert knowledge and interest in sustainability in homes.

The Ideal Home Kitchen Award Winners 2022

Our panel of expert judges picked the deserving winners from a host of amazing entries in 12 categories, from worktop ideas to small appliances, kitchen storage ideas to best taps. The wealth of entries really showcases the best of the best when it comes to all things kitchen. Read on to find out what’s hot in kitchens for 2022.

Award: Ideal Home’s Kitchen of the Year
Winner: Magnet

Image credit: Magnet

The top award went to the Nordic Nature kitchen from Magnet. The design feels fresh and modern, with an appealing warmth. Nordic Nature’s sustainably sourced oak-veneer frontals in smooth and fluted designs are inspired by Nordic mid-century modern walnut furniture. They add an architectural edge to this kitchen, and the natural wood tones ground the space. 

‘We loved the rich wooden texture, and Nordic Nature’s fluted finish feels brilliantly modern with the linear design and pared-back look,’ says Heather Young.

Highly commended: Chilcomb in Navy and Pebble, Howdens 

Award: Best Classic Kitchen
Winner: Howdens

Image credit: Howdens

Channel your inner Bridgerton character, and embrace a more stately kitchen scheme, with the Elmbridge kitchen in Dove Grey from Howdens. The classic Shaker design has been given a glow up with decorative beading and intricate design elements.

‘The brushed handles are a lovely shape, and the wood finish inside the glazed units is a truly chic feature that caught the judge’s attention,’ says Heather.

Highly commended: Infinity Plus Georgian Ermine, Wren Kitchens. Shaker, Olive & Barr

Award: Best Modern Kitchen
Winner: Second Nature

Image credit: Second Nature

The Porter Portal kitchen with its integrated handles from Second Nature is one good-looking design! It’s pared-back and smart, and offers the look of a bespoke kitchen at an affordable price.

‘This is a great colour for a kitchen and the contrasting recessed handles add a contemporary touch that makes this kitchen stand out,’ says Thea Babington-Stitt, Ideal Home Content Editor.

Highly commended: Roux Kitchens Collection

The One Small Step Award for Sustainability – judged by Charlie Luxton
Winner: Zwilling

Image credit: Zwilling

Millie Fender, our Ecommerce Editor and one of the judging panel has tried out the Fresh & Save vacuum sealing system from Zwilling and was impressed! And guest judge Charlie Luxton agreed that when it comes to sustainability in the kitchen this is a great product.

‘This collection or vacuum boxes and bags keeps food fresh and meaningfully tackle waste, which is a huge issue in all our kitchens,’ says architectural designer Charlie Luxton.

Highly commended: Cosentino

Award: Best Use of Colour
Winner: Pluck Kitchens

Image credit: Pluck Kitchens

A new category for 2022 to celebrate ways to bring colour into the kitchen, the judges loved this kitchen project by Pluck Kitchens. Using two of their brilliant finishes – Ritzy and Brockwell Moss – this kitchen feels fun and modern, and gave all the judges some great feelgood vibes.

‘Pluck really are the champions of colourful kitchens,’ says Thea Babington-Stitt. ‘Good on them for leading the way when it comes to kitchen colour!’

Highly commended: Optiplan Kitchens

Award:Best Large Appliance
Winner: Bora

Image credit: Bora

The S Pure cooktop with integrated extractor from Bora cleverly combines a kitchen hob and extractor in one unit. The integrated extractor means there’s no need for one above the hob, which really opens up your options when looking at how to plan a kitchen layout.

‘This is just what the Ideal Home reader would want for their dream kitchen,’ says Millie Fender, Ecommerce Editor. ‘Measuring just 60cm wide (perfect for standard units), this smart, ultra-compact cooktop would fit into the smallest of kitchens.’

Award: Best Small Appliance
Winner: Zwilling

Image credit: Zwilling

The C2 Enfinigy Power Blender from Zwilling not only looks the part (it can live on our kitchen worktops anyday!), but it was a big hit with our judge Millie Fender – the queen of small appliances – when she tried it out at home!

‘An awesome blender with a light-up control panel that makes it easy to scroll to pre-set and manual settings,’ says Millie.

Highly commended: Cook In, Cuisinart. Carbonator 3, Aarke

Award: Best Kitchen Tap
Winner: Grohe

Image credit: Grohe

We’re all about getting our recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day. And the Blue Home filtered water kitchen tap from Grohe will make it easier to achieve, as well as cutting down on single-use plastic water bottles.

‘Still, medium or sparkling from the same tap = genius!’ says Mille. ‘You can also activate it from your phone which is brilliant for busy, hardworking kitchens.’

Highly commended: Instant Hot Water Tap, Wodar

Award: Best Kitchen Surface
Winner: Tile Giant

Image credit: Tile Giant

What’s not to love about Tile Giant‘s Alexa Hex kitchen wall tiles? The Ideal Home judges were smitten with the pink and loved how these tiles will create such a look-at-me focal point for a modern kitchen idea.

‘These tiles tick the box when it comes to on-trend colour and bringing fab pattern to kitchen walls,’ says Heather Young.

Highly commended: Alloy Splashbacks, Bushboard

Award: Best Kitchen Worktop
Winner: Cosentino

Image credit: Cosentino

We love a worktop that’s up to the challenge of daily life, and Dekton by Cosentino does just that. No more fears about red wine stains, or hot pan scorch marks – Dekton is designed to withstand all these kitchen challenges. 

‘Good looks and practicality in one hit!’ says Thea Babington-Stitt. ‘The new Dekton surface features high resistance to scratches, stains, heat and UV rays, making it a perfect worktop for hardworking and busy family kitchens.’

Award: Genius Kitchen Innovation
Winner: Smeg

Image credit: Smeg

Anything that makes life easier is a hit with us, and that’s why the Galileo technology from Smeg was the judge’s favourite. The range’s flagship Omnichef model has managed to reduce cooking times by up to 70%. You can roast a chicken in just 30 minutes, or bake a potato in 20.

‘This revolutionary new cooking technology uses steam, microwave and traditional cooking all together for the ultimate cooking performance,’ says Heather Young, Ideal Home Editor.

Highly commended: K7000 Refrigeration Collection, Miele

Award: Best Kitchen Lighting
Winner: Dowsing & Reynolds

Image credit: Dowsing & Reynolds

Choosing the perfect kitchen lighting ideas can make or break your kitchen scheme. The Michael O’Hare porcelain light from Dowsing & Reynolds is perfect for any style of kitchen.

‘This porcelain pendant, handcrafted as part of a creative collaboration between Dowsing & Reynolds and Michelin-starred chef Michael O’Hare is guaranteed to add a design edge to any kitchen,’ says Heather Young. ‘Hung in a row of three above a statement island, these lights would add the wow factor.’

What will you be incorporating into your kitchen renovation plans this year?

The post Ideal Home Kitchen Award Winners 2022 – what we’re loving for kitchens this year appeared first on Ideal Home.

When you don’t have much room to work with but you want your bathroom to make an impact, small bathroom tile ideas are the perfect solution. There’s a huge array of shapes, styles and colours to choose from to add interest to your small bathroom, and clever use of tiles can even help to create the illusion of space.

The important thing to remember when considering tiling is that you want the final finish to be eye-catching, but not overwhelming. Especially important when the space in question is on the small size.

Small bathroom tile ideas

Whether you prefer large format tiles or small, intricate designs, there’s a style to suit you, and we’ve compiled 10 of our most inspirational small bathroom tile ideas to help you choose the perfect option.

1. Stick with a neutral palette

Image credit: Bathroom Mountain

A go-to decorating trick in any small room, opting for a neutral colour palette will make a room feel bigger than it is. Stick to white bathroom tile ideas, and keep the rest of the room neutral too. That’s not to say that your options are limited though. Neutral needn’t be boring, as this bathroom, tiled all over with large-format marble-effect tiles demonstrates.

2. Make a statement with a feature wall

Image credit: Tile Mountain

If all-neutral-everything isn’t for you, then fear not, as you can add colour by way of a feature wall. An accent wall will draw your eye to one part of the room – ideally the back wall to give your bathroom added depth.

You might also choose to emphasise the emptier part of the room, as this will draw attention to the most spacious-looking area. Create a feeling of space throughout any small bathroom layout.

3. Go half and half to create the illusion of height

Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

If your bathroom has a low ceiling, then tiling the lower half of the wall and painting the upper half will create the impression of a taller room. This will also make it easier to hang artwork, shelves and mirrors.

The half-and-half tiled wall effect lends itself well to both traditional and contemporary bathrooms. Strike the perfect balance between the two with a traditional clawfoot tub contrasted against contemporary patterned flooring.

4. Choose large format tiles for an uncluttered look

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

It’s a common misconception that small bathrooms can only be decorated with small tiles. In fact, the labyrinth of grout lines between small-format tiles can in fact make a small space feel cluttered. Large format tiles have the opposite effect, with fewer grout lines helping to make the room feel more streamlined and spacious.

5. Go for glossy tiles for bouncing light

Image credit: Angel Gloss pink metro tiles, £20.95 per sq m, Walls and floors

When your bathroom is on the small side, the key is to inject as much light into the room as possible to brighten it up and make it feel larger than it is. The reflective quality of glossy tiles means that they work wonders in bouncing light around the room. Patrick Stoner from the Trimline Group says that this is one of their top tips for decorating small bathrooms: ‘A polished tile will help to reflect light and give the room a brighter look.’

And you needn’t stick to white. This en-suite idea demonstrates how glossy pink tiles can have the same reflective effect. In this small bathroom, the glossy tiles are used in moderation – behind the vanity unit. If you do choose coloured tiles try keeping the rest of the room painted neutral to keep the space feeling light and bright.

6. Use small-format mosaic tiles in moderation

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Too many grout lines can make a small bathroom feel cluttered, but that’s not to say that small-format mosaic tiles can’t be used in moderation! Pick a small area – perhaps a border, an alcove, the wall behind your vanity unit or an area in the shower – and make this the focal point.

Whether you choose to use small squares, rectangles or hexagons, this cloakroom tile idea is a surefire way to add impact to the room.

7. Be bold with patterned floor tiles

Image credit: Future PLC

One trick to make your small bathroom feel bigger is to cover your floor with patterned tiles, like the Victorian-style tiles used in this bathroom. If you choose a patterned floor tile, then opt for simple white wall tiles to create the perfect balance and to avoid overwhelming the space.

8. Use tiles to create zones

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Another trick to make a small bathroom feel bigger is using tiles and to create zones. Tile behind your toilet or vanity unit, in an alcove, or in your shower. This small bathroom is proof that less isn’t always more, with a decorative tiled shower enclosure and floor working together harmoniously in a way that is fun and playful without overwhelming the space.

9. Create an optical illusion

Image credit: Sanctuary Bathrooms

This bathroom may be small, but it certainly packs a punch! Pretty pink and white geometric tiles are taken from the floor up on to the wall, creating an optical illusion by giving the impression that the floor continues far beyond where it really ends.

This same effect also works in a bathroom where the bath is directly opposite the door – try running your floor tiles up the side of the bath to lengthen the room.

10. Play with interesting shapes for visual appeal

Image credit: Drench

Using tiles in interesting shapes is a great way to add visual interest to the room, especially if you don’t want to experiment with colour. The white chevron tiles in this bathroom are visually striking, and their pattern also elongates the walls and adds a sense of height and space.

The neutral colour of the tiles works beautifully alongside the natural wooden furniture and the large mirror, with the whole look coming together in a way that feels light, bright and airy.

What colour tiles are best for small bathrooms?

In general, lighter coloured tiles are best in small bathrooms as they help to brighten the room and make the space feel bigger. That said, bright and dark colours can certainly be used in moderation, such as on a feature wall, as an accent or even on the floor.

Patrick Stoner from the Trimline Group agrees, saying that ‘we generally recommend using lighter pastel colour tiles for small bathrooms, and you can then add bolder colours in the form of accessories, like towels and bath mats’.

What size tiles should be used in a small bathroom?

Contrary to what you might think, large format tiles are generally better suited to small bathrooms, as larger tiles mean fewer grout lines. Too many busy grout lines can make your bathroom feel cluttered. That’s not to say that small tiles can’t be used too, they should just be used in moderation.

Which way should you lay tiles in a small bathroom?

In a small bathroom how you lay tiles is as an important factor as the design aesthetic. ‘The best way to lay tiles in a small bathroom is horizontally, as this will help to elongate the room,’ says Patrick. ‘A vertical tile, on the other hand, will make the room look taller.’

The post Small bathroom tile ideas: 10 stylish and effective ways to tile small spaces appeared first on Ideal Home.

This former Victorian farmhouse stands proud in a Nottinghamshire Village and is the most viewed property on Rightmove in March. Accepting offers in above £750,000, and we must admit we can see why it has made it onto Rightmove’s current hotlist.

This time of year is estates agents’ busy period, as spring is the best time to sell a house. People have recovered from Christmas, the new year creates motivation and as the weather improves warmer climates and natural sunlight helps homes look their best.

With house prices soaring it’s no wonder this charming six-bedroom house has stood out. Its value is almost double that of one of the most viewed properties in January, the charming Halfton Cottage, on the banks of Loch Lomond.

West View Farm House

West View Farm House, is located within rolling green fields on the outskirts of the small village on Besthorpe in North-East Nottinghamshire. The double-fronted house offers exquisite period features set within a modern living room arrangement. We can see why it’s an attractive package.

‘The house is a beautiful Victorian farmhouse and is believed to have been built around 1890 and used to be the main residence for the farm next door. It has a colourful history of many different uses including as a vet’s practice!’ say the current owners.

Exterior

Image credit: Rightmove

The Victorian former farmhouse, with a decorative brick facade, is set back from a practical main road that leads directly to the picturesque village of Collingham on the banks of the River Trent.

Hence its name, the property is nestled within an acre of stunning grounds and provides glorious views of the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside.

Retaining historical charm on the outside, the inside has been completely remodelled and refurbished inside, while remaining sympathetic to its era.

Kitchen

Image credit: Rightmove

On the ground floor, the entire west wing is dedicated to a large kitchen with a modern island, a walk-in store and a spacious dining area.

Cream shaker-style cabinets allow the large range cooker set within a disused fireplace. The focal point with a blue-tiled backdrop makes an ideal rustic kitchen idea.

Living room

Image credit: Rightmove

Across the tiled entrance hall, the huge triple aspect living room retains all its original characteristics that make the house a historical gem. It includes not one but two working fireplaces, high ceilings with dado rails, sash windows and beautiful ceiling roses.

Bathrooms

On the ground floor, the cloakroom is decorated authentically with a tasteful Victorian style tiled statement floor and grey wood panelling. A practical walk-in shower adds a contemporary touch and makes the most of a small bathroom layout.

Image credit: Rightmove

Upstairs the main bathroom boasts a curvaceous stand-alone bath set beneath a cream-framed window, offering far-reaching views of farmland to the horizon.

Bedrooms

Image credit: Rightmove

With three floors, another advantage point to West View Farm House is the fact that it provides six double bedrooms, four of which house feature fireplaces.

Image credit: Rightmove

Two huge bedrooms on the 2nd floor are flooded with natural light from attractive arched windows and functional skylights. The large quiet spaces make them ideal to use as a quiet home office, craft room or second reception room.

Garden

Outside the property is surrounded by approximately 1 acre of land that includes a pretty courtyard that’s perfect for alfresco dining. Further on along a shingle path, the carefully planned traditional garden is a delightful surprise.

Image credit: Rightmove

‘We also created the beautiful formal, Victorian-inspired garden at the rear of the property – when we moved in it was simply an overgrown paddock! We have also planted a selection of apple and pear trees within the quadrants formed by the decorative pathways,’ explain the current owners.

The property also comes with its own separate summerhouse (ideal for entertaining) and potting shed.

With extensive structural and cosmetic updates, we can understand why this property has caught so many admirers’ clicks on Rightmove.

You certainly get a lot for its value!

The post This grand Victorian farmhouse is one of Rightmove’s most viewed properties in March appeared first on Ideal Home.