She Made Plain Linen Napkins Look Like Vintage Grain Sacks Without Sewing

Sourced content from: https://www.homedit.com/she-made-plain-linen-napkins-look-like-vintage-grain-sacks-without-sewing/

Vintage grain sacks are known for their simple stripes set against coarse linen or canvas, a combination that also fits fall tables filled with natural textures and muted seasonal colors. Homedit contributor Brittney Smart recreated the look on plain linen napkins, turning a basic table staple into something suited to fall gatherings and Thanksgiving dinner.

She Made Plain Linen Napkins Look Like Vintage Grain Sacks Without Sewing

Instead of sewing stripes into the fabric, Smart used a fabric marker and metal ruler to create the pattern. Blue gives her version its vintage grain-sack look, while red, brown, or deep orange can tie the napkins to pumpkins, pinecones, autumn leaves, and other fall table decor.

Plain linen provides the grain-sack base

Plain linen provides the grain-sack base

Natural linen already has much of the texture associated with old grain sacks, so the napkin does not need another fabric treatment. Its beige color and visible weave provide the background, while the existing fold lines can help locate the stripe pattern.

Scrap cardboard sits beneath the napkin before marking. Besides creating a firm work surface, it protects the table if the fabric marker passes through the linen.

Tape keeps the fabric from shifting

Tape keeps the fabric from shifting

Painter’s tape secures the edges to the cardboard, keeping the napkin square while the stripes are drawn. The fabric needs to stay in place since even a small shift can throw off a line running from one edge to the other.

Keeping the napkin attached to the backing also makes it easier to work across the full width without holding one side with a free hand.

Flattening the linen matters before marking it

Flattening the linen matters before marking it

Wrinkles and loose fabric can catch the marker tip and interrupt a straight stripe. Here, the linen is smoothed against the cardboard before the ruler goes down.

Ironing is not required for this version. In fact, the original project keeps the fold lines visible because they provide reference points for positioning the grain-sack stripes.

Start the stripe pattern from the center

Start the stripe pattern from the center

A long metal ruler becomes both the measuring tool and straightedge. Rather than drawing from one side toward the other, the project places the first stripe in the center and builds the pattern outward.

The marker runs against the ruler while the linen remains taut underneath. Starting at the center also makes it easier to keep multiple stripes balanced across the napkin.

Lift the ruler instead of sliding it

Lift the ruler instead of sliding it

Fresh fabric-marker ink can collect along the ruler’s edge. Sliding the ruler across the linen risks transferring that ink onto an area meant to remain untouched.

Lifting it straight from the fabric avoids dragging the wet edge across the napkin. The ruler can then be wiped before it returns to the linen.

Space the second stripe beside the center line

Space the second stripe beside the center line

The second line begins to create the recognizable grain-sack pattern. Its narrow spacing from the first stripe matters more than covering a large section of fabric, since traditional grain-sack designs often rely on restrained linear markings.

Blue also stands out against the natural linen without covering its weave. Most of the original material remains visible, which keeps the finished napkin from looking painted.

Clean the ruler between every stripe

Clean the ruler between every stripe

Marker residue on the metal edge can create unwanted streaks when the ruler is repositioned. Wiping it after each pass keeps the next stripe confined to its intended location.

With only a few lines forming the entire design, stray marks would be far more noticeable than they would be in a dense painted pattern.

Let the marker set before using the napkins

Let the marker set before using the napkins

Once the final stripe is complete, the marker needs time to dry. The original instructions call for leaving the napkin for 24 hours before washing or using it.

That waiting period finishes a project that otherwise requires little alteration to the linen itself. No hems are opened, fabric panels added, or decorative trim sewn into place.

Stripe color can change the table setting

Stripe color can change the table setting

Blue gives the linen a familiar vintage textile look, but the same method works with other colors. The original project suggests red, brown, and deep orange, all of which can shift the napkins toward a different fall palette.

Changing the marker also makes it possible to coordinate the napkins with dishes, tablecloths, or seasonal centerpiece colors without changing the construction.

Three narrow stripes complete the grain-sack effect

Three narrow stripes complete the grain-sack effect

The finished version uses three parallel blue stripes against the natural linen. Their narrow width leaves enough untouched fabric for the weave and beige tone to remain part of the design.

Three equal lines are not the only option. Thin-thick-thin arrangements, two wider stripes, or one broad stripe can produce different versions of the same grain-sack reference.

Folded beside white plates, silver flatware, pumpkins, and pinecones, the striped linen reads as part of the fall table rather than a separate craft project. The surprising part is how little of the original napkin had to change to get there.

The post She Made Plain Linen Napkins Look Like Vintage Grain Sacks Without Sewing appeared first on Homedit.

51 Unique End Tables That Add The Perfect Living Room Finish

Sourced content from: https://www.home-designing.com/unique-side-and-end-tables-for-sale

In front of the couch lies the coffee table; to the side the end table. Small, handy and often overlooked, the end table can add a point of interest or finishing touch to your living room’s interior. Have a lounge full of travel souvenirs? Place your latest read on an Arc de Triomphe table to relive your trip to France. Can’t be bothered reaching for your coffee or tea? Bring the tabletop closer to you with a convenient C-shaped design. Feel your living room furniture is a bit on the dull side? Spice it up with a small side table sculpted to look like an elegant peacock. Take a gander at our top 51.

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These Rooms Look Ready for Fall Without a Pumpkin or Autumn Leaf in Sight

Sourced content from: https://www.homedit.com/these-rooms-look-ready-for-fall-without-a-pumpkin-or-autumn-leaf-in-sight/

Fall decorating does not have to begin with pumpkins, leaf garlands, or a box of seasonal decorations pulled from storage. Some rooms already contain the colors and materials associated with the season through furniture, textiles, wood, and paint.

These Rooms Look Ready for Fall Without a Pumpkin or Autumn Leaf in Sight

Burnt orange, olive green, mustard, brown, walnut, and amber appear throughout these spaces, often against darker walls. Instead of adding fall objects to every surface, the seasonal connection comes from combinations that can remain in the room long after October.

Mustard and Olive Meet Against a Rust-Colored Backdrop

Mustard and Olive Meet Against a Rust-Colored Backdrop

Mustard upholstery fills the foreground, while an olive green sofa sits across the room against a large rust-brown wall panel. Those three colors create a fall palette before a single seasonal accessory enters the space.

Dark walnut strengthens the combination through the large tray table and shelving behind the green sofa. Black seating, gray upholstery, and a muted rug keep the mustard and olive from taking over the entire room.

Burnt Orange Covers the Wall Instead of the Accessories

Burnt Orange Covers the Wall Instead of the Accessories

Burnt orange occupies the lower half of the bedroom wall, giving the room a large block of autumn color without relying on small decorations. Dark green flooring and furniture beside the bed push the palette toward deeper earth tones.

Blue and teal keep the scheme from becoming an orange-and-brown fall setup. The upholstered headboard mixes teal foliage with orange botanical forms, while Bird of Paradise flowers repeat both the orange and green already present around the bed.

Mustard Works as a Small Accent Against Blue-Green

Mustard Works as a Small Accent Against Blue-Green

Deep blue-green walls surround a bed built from pale wood, gray bedding, and muted blue textiles. Mustard appears on a single pillow near the headboard rather than across the whole room.

That small amount is enough because the color sits against several cooler shades. Pale wood adds another natural tone, while the wall lights bring a soft amber glow around the bed without introducing another decorative object.

Walnut Makes a Gray Media Wall Feel Less Cold

Walnut Makes a Gray Media Wall Feel Less Cold

Gray walls and black cabinet frames could push this media room toward a cooler palette, but broad walnut fronts change the balance. The grain runs across the long base cabinet, floating wall unit, and tall storage cabinet at the right.

Light built into the cabinetry adds a golden tone beneath the shelf and inside the glass-fronted section. Wood, gray, and soft amber light create a restrained fall combination without changing the furniture for the season.

Rust Upholstery Takes Over a Dark Room

Rust Upholstery Takes Over a Dark Room

Rust-colored seating becomes the main source of color in this room, set against charcoal and near-black walls. The contrast makes the upholstery read closer to burnt orange than red, especially beside the brown, stone, and muted cream accents.

Bare branches in the large planter reinforce the late-season look without using artificial fall leaves. Brass wall lights spread pools of amber light across the dark wall, adding another warm element above the seating.

Olive Green Can Carry a Fall Palette Without Orange

Olive Green Can Carry a Fall Palette Without Orange

Olive upholstery anchors this seating area against a deep green wall, proving that a fall palette does not need orange in every room. Brown, cream, gray, and green cover most of the furniture and floor, with brass legs bringing in a muted metallic accent.

The oversized wall covering introduces layered gray, beige, and brown shapes behind the sofa. Marble tables and a patterned rug keep the darker greens from making the room feel heavy, while the green glass vessel repeats the sofa and wall colors on a much smaller scale.

Caramel Velvet Does Most of the Seasonal Work

Caramel Velvet Does Most of the Seasonal Work

Caramel-colored velvet wraps the curved sofa and returns on the pillows across the cream sofa opposite it. The color has enough visual weight to establish the palette even though the walls, rug, curtains, and larger upholstered pieces remain pale.

Amber glass vessels on the dark console pick up the same brown-gold range without matching the sofa. Black tables and furniture frames sharpen the contrast, while white flowers keep the arrangement from becoming a collection of expected fall colors.

Gold accents on the table

These rooms offer another route into fall decorating: work with colors already associated with the season instead of adding objects that have to come down a few weeks later. At Homedit, we have covered interior design ideas since 2008, and combinations such as olive with mustard, rust with charcoal, or walnut with gray show how seasonal influence can come from the room itself.

The post These Rooms Look Ready for Fall Without a Pumpkin or Autumn Leaf in Sight appeared first on Homedit.

51 Chaise Lounge Chairs That You And Your Decor Will Love

Sourced content from: https://www.home-designing.com/buy-indoor-outdoor-chaise-lounge-chairs-for-sale-online

In need of a little relaxation? Then again, who isn’t?! Chaise lounge chairs can help you get the rest you deserve while infusing your decor with the style it craves. Homes both big and small can benefit from the unmatched style that one of these chairs can bring. Whether you want to add a pop of color with a bold red lounge chair, refresh your exterior with pool chaise lounge chairs, or carve out a quiet reading nook with small chaise lounge chairs, we have you covered. Our collection doesn’t only have a chair for every room and every style, but every budget too. So, say goodbye to outdated furniture and say hello to modern lounging!

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Gardeners urged to perform vital check when cutting hedges back this September – or risk breaking the law

Sourced content from: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/garden-advice/check-hedges-in-september-before-cutting

Most gardeners will be well aware that between 1 March and 31 August you should never cut back your hedges, as it is bird nesting season in the UK. However, garden and wildlife experts want you to delay picking up the strimmer a little longer in September and perform this vital check.

Anyone who wants to attract birds to a garden should be aware of how the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects them. Under this act, it is illegal to deliberately damage or remove a bird’s nest in your garden, with the offender sometimes facing an unlimited fine or even prison. This is why you should always avoid cutting your hedge during nesting season.

While nesting season technically comes to an end on 1 September, it is also the moulting season for birds, and during this period they may take refuge in your hedges. So, before you start cutting, experts want you to make this check first.

Why should I check my hedge in September?

Even the best hedging materials for a garden need cutting back, and this is especially true if you’ve chosen fast-growing hedging for quick privacy. But if a bird has taken a fancy to your garden, you should always check for nests before completing any work.

Wooden garden furniture nestled against a green hedge.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rene Stoeltie)

‘You should still check hedges for birds after August because some late-breeding bird species may still be raising their chicks. The breeding season can extend later into the summer for some birds, with individual pairs still having eggs, nestlings or dependent fledglings in and around hedgerows,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert at Vine House Farm.

‘More birds may shelter in hedgerows during moulting season because they are more vulnerable to predators at this time, as growing new feathers uses large amounts of energy and can affect their ability to fly.

‘Hedges provide moulting birds with a hiding place where they can remain until they finish shedding and replacing old feathers. It is also important to note that birds are much quieter during the moulting season, as they stop singing or calling to avoid attracting attention to themselves. This may make it less obvious that they are hiding in garden hedges.’

When checking to see if birds are nesting in your hedges, watch to see if birds repeatedly fly in and out of the same spot, are carrying nesting materials into your hedge like twigs or moss and lastly, listen out for chirping birds from inside the hedgerow. If you spot these features, birds are likely nesting in your hedge, and any work should be postponed.

winter berry-bearing with bird

(Image credit: Alamy)

What to do if birds are nesting in your hedge

‘If you spot an active nest in your hedge, simply do not cut the hedge. Postpone your trimming work until the nest is empty and the birds have fledged,’ says Melissa Quinney, gardening expert at Cabin Master.

‘It’s better to be safe and wait a few weeks than to risk causing harm or facing severe legal penalties. A little patience and a careful check are all it takes to keep your garden thriving and our feathered friends safe.’

Instead, monitor your hedge from a distance, and when there are no signs of birds nesting, check again and proceed from there.

Shop nesting boxes

If you want to provide somewhere safe in your garden for birds to make a home, consider investing in a nesting box.

Swift & Swallow 300 Nesting Box With Adaptable Entrance & Sig® Slate Roof

The Hutch Company
Swift & Swallow 300 Nesting Box With Adaptable Entrance & Sig® Slate Roof

12pcs Wild Bird Nesting Boxes, 21.5 X 12 X 11.5cm, Natural-Look Birdhouse, Durable Build With Ventilation, Easy Install

SOL
12pcs Wild Bird Nesting Boxes, 21.5 X 12 X 11.5cm

Fallen Fruits Ltd Great Tit Nest Box Fsc 100%, 22, Brown

Esschert
Fallen Fruits Ltd Great Tit Nest Box Fsc 100%, 22, Brown

While cutting hedges keeps your garden tidy and neighbours happy, make sure you are keeping your garden birds safe and happy, too.

Before & After: This D.C. Row House Unlocked Three New Rooms Without Adding Any Square Footage

Sourced content from: https://www.domino.com/renovation/washington-dc-row-house-renovation-zoe-feldman-demi/

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In this 1917 Italian Renaissance Revival rowhouse in Washington, D.C., there wasn’t necessarily anything wrong with the second floor. It just wasn’t doing very much. A guest bedroom sat largely unused, the family room felt cramped, and storage was in short supply. For the young family living there, valuable square footage had essentially become a pass-through on the way to somewhere else.

So when they tapped designer Zoë Feldman to rethink the level, they didn’t necessarily want to expand; it was more important to make every inch count. “They wanted a true primary suite, substantially better storage, and a family room the household would actually use,” says Feldman, who was enlisted for her DEMI service, which targets smaller, full-room projects rather than heavy construction. Working alongside BarnesVanze Architects, who had renovated the first floor the year prior, and Falcon Construction, Feldman transformed the former guest room into that much-wished-for configuration, including a library-inspired hangout, an expansive primary ensuite, and an enviable walk-in closet. She even managed to squeeze in a laundry room.

The result is a lesson in getting more from the space you already have. “Start planning a design by considering behavior, not square footage,” says Feldman. “Be honest about why a room is not being used, then design it in a way that will make your life easier.” Here’s exactly how she made that happen.

Your Built-Ins Can Do More Than One Job

white bedroom pre-renovation
The guest quarters, before. Courtesy of Zoë Feldman Design
primary suite with purple walls
Cola Wall Paint, Farrow & Ball; Quietly Violet Millwork Paint, Benjamin Moore; Elude Wall Sconce, Riloh; Baldwin Nightstand, Faithful Roots; Artwork, Locke Contemporary; Sphere Brass Knobs, Lo & Co.

The former guest quarters had one major thing going for it: access to a balcony. What it didn’t have was the storage necessary to function as the couple’s primary bedroom. Feldman wrapped the room in custom millwork, adding dedicated organizational space for clothing and shoes without blocking circulation or access to the outdoors. But hidden among all those cabinets is something you won’t find in the average wardrobe: a coffee and wine bar.

purple bedroom with purple millwork
Cola Wall Paint, Farrow & Ball; Quietly Violet Millwork Paint, Benjamin Moore; Sphere Brass Knobs, Lo & Co.
primary ensuite dressing area and tub
Au Lait Wall Paint, Farrow & Ball; Anders Pendant Light, Pinch; Lamis Handwoven Wool Rug, Lulu and Georgia; Garret Footstool, Soho Home; Umi End Table, Four Hands; Eleanor Knobs, Schoolhouse.

“The couple really wanted to make the bedroom a retreat where they could do more than just go to sleep at the end of the day,” says Feldman. She carved out a section for a beverage station, allowing them to make coffee in the morning or pour a glass of wine at night without heading downstairs. Close the doors and the whole thing disappears, which is a key feature throughout the floor. 

Give an Awkward Feature a Promotion

workout room, pre-renovation
The multipurpose room, before. Courtesy of Zoë Feldman Design
large ensuite with fireplace and soaking tub
Lattice 6 Floor Tile, Zia Tile; Artwork by Claude Lawrence, Locke Contemporary; Castle 02 Wall Sconces by Jason Miller, Roll & Hill; Ludlow Plumbing Fixtures, Waterworks; Maui Freestanding Bathtub, Concretti; Capa Pendant Light, L’aviva Home; Mesa Verde Window Treatments, The Shade Store; Amara Stool, Neue Maison; Cats & Jasmine Candlesticks, Lolo Interiors.
ensuite with wood vanity and marble top
Lattice 6 Floor Tile, Zia Tile; Castle 02 Wall Sconces by Jason Miller, Roll & Hill; Maui Freestanding Bathtub, Concretti.

The adjoining bathroom presented a different puzzle: a long footprint with an existing fireplace right in the middle of it. “Rather than treating it as an obstacle, we used it as the focal point,” says Feldman. A new limestone mantel gives it more presence, while matching custom walnut vanities on either side solved the once-awkward placement. Earthy, tactile materials like handmade zellige tile, tadelakt walls, and honed marble, complement a sculptural concrete soaking tub. There’s a lot happening texturally, but a tight palette of warm neutrals and burnt-sugar tones keeps the mix from feeling busy. The common denominator, Feldman says, is that the finishes all have a “warm, mineral quality and a deliberately imperfect surface.”

primary ensuite with glassed in shower
Lattice 6 Floor Tile, Zia Tile; Castle 02 Wall Sconces by Jason Miller, Roll & Hill; Ludlow Plumbing Fixtures, Waterworks; Cats & Jasmine Candlesticks, Lolo Interiors.

Add Color Somewhere Unexpected

family room pre-renovation
The family room, before. Courtesy of Zoë Feldman Design
family room with shelves and blue sofa
Au Lait and India Yellow Paint, Farrow & Ball; Sofa, Maiden Home; Androgyne Lounge Table, Audo Copenhagen; Mazarine Hang Small Chandelier, The Urban Electric Co; Hulot Console Table, vanCollier; Vintage Danish Lounge Chair by N.A. Jørgensen, 1stDibs; Cabinet Maker’s Picture Lights, McGee & Co; Handwoven Wool Rug, Akara Rugs.

Across the hall is where everyone wants to spend time. The clients imagined themselves reading, working, hanging out, and living among their books and objects there, which led Feldman to old-school libraries for inspiration.

Custom open shelving provides space for their collection, whereas concealed cabinetry hides the less display-worthy stuff. The built-ins were fabricated by local maker Griffin Feeney; they soften the room’s corners and improve the path through the compact space.

Aaglass partition and transom-like details defines the entrance without blocking sunlight from the hall. With that much walnut, however, Feldman knew drenching the walls in another saturated shade could make the small room feel heavy. Instead, she kept the walls light and moved the big color moment overhead. “The yellow ceiling was a leap,” Feldman says. But concentrating the saffron shade above eye level lends the warmth and surprise of an all-over paint treatment without the walls closing in.

Steal Square Footage From a Room That Can Spare It

blue tiled shower
Borrowed Light Paint, Farrow & Ball; Skylight Shower Wall Tile, Portuguese Blue and Skylight Floor Tile, Zia Tile; Ludlow Plumbing Fixtures, Waterworks; Varina Oval Mirror, Uttermost; Somerset Knobs, Schoolhouse.

One of the biggest changes to the family’s routine came from one of the smallest spaces in the renovation. Rather than finding an entirely new place for laundry, Feldman and the team reconfigured the existing guest bathroom (seen here) off the family room and borrowed a sliver of its footprint. The utility space contains the machines, storage, and fold-away drying racks in a compact footprint. When the racks aren’t being used, they disappear, allowing the tiny area to “function fully and then recede,” says Feldman. Moving laundry onto the same floor as the bedrooms eliminated the schlep that comes with, say, a basement setup. “Often, the answer is not a larger addition,” says Feldman. A few highly-specific interventions can make all the difference.

The post Before & After: This D.C. Row House Unlocked Three New Rooms Without Adding Any Square Footage appeared first on domino.

I have a tiny one-bed flat, and these are the 6 clever home buys I’ve spotted in the Argos sale that will make my space more stylish and orderly

Sourced content from: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/all-rooms/argos-big-red-event-small-home-picks

Argos is hosting a huge sale right now, and if you have a small home, it’s great news for you, as I’ve spotted so many clever bargains that promise to make your tiny space tidy, functional and stylish.

Whether you’re looking for clever clutter-busters, the latest home decor trends, the best cleaning products, or kitchen appliances, Argos is genuinely one of the best places to look – especially when you have the option of delivery or free in-store pickup.

Right now, the Argos Big Red Event is offering hundreds of home essentials at discounted prices, from the best air fryers to the best mops. However, I’ve dug up the best home buys for a small space so you don’t have to worry about skimping on style or sacrificing space.

Habitat Harriet Coffee Table with tucked-in accompanying pouffes with a diamond-pattern rug in the background

The Habitat Harriet Coffee Table is currently half price and is my top pick. (Image credit: Argos)

As a certified member of the tiny homes club (I live in a small one-bed flat with my partner), I’m always looking for furniture that has two functions. So, when I spotted the Habitat Harriet Coffee Table and Pouffes – Natural (was £210, now £105 at Argos), was half price, I knew it was just the sort of thing I was looking for.

The clever Harriet coffee table has pull-out stools that create extra seating in your living room. I love hosting friends and family but frequently find I never have enough seating. Something like this is perfect for those who find themselves in similar situations. You can use the coffee table every day, and the stools stay tucked underneath until you need them. It also helps that this table and stool set looks incredibly stylish, too.

Here are a few more clever home buys of a similar vein that you can shop in Argos’ latest huge sale event.

Habitat Harriet Coffee Table and Pouffes - Natural

Habitat
Habitat Harriet Coffee Table and Pouffes – Natural

My top pick from the sale due to it’s double function, I can’t believe this clever coffee table is half price right. If you love hosting, but lack space, these pull out stools are perfect for you.

Habitat Lorelei Rail With Shelves - Red

Habitat
Habitat Lorelei Rail With Shelves – Red

I’ve found that ditching a wardrobe for a clother rail has actually saved me a great deal of space in my small room. I love the bold red of this rail, which is perfect for adding a pop of colour to your room.

Argos Home Dish Rack - Black

Argos Home
Argos Home Dish Rack – Black

I’ve previously raved about this brilliant Argos dish drainer, because it’s elevated feet and run-off pipe makes it more hygeneic. When you lack space, it’s even more important to maintain a clean kitchen at all times.

Argos Home Underbed Storage Bag - Natural

Argos Home
Argos Home Underbed Storage Bag – Natural

I store my winter clothes and bedding under the bed to save on space. I’ve previously used suitcases, but these underbed storage bags are a smoother experience.

Argos Home 2 Tier Over Door Storage Organiser - Black

Argos Home
Argos Home 2 Tier Over Door Storage Organiser – Black

I have barely any kitchen cupboard space, so having extra storage organisers come in really handy when keeping cleaning products tidy and ordered.

Argos Home 21m 3 Tier Heated Airer

Argos Home
Argos Home 21m 3 Tier Heated Airer

We’re getting into best heated airer season, so snap yours up while it’s on sale. These dry your washing fast and then can be tucked away out of sight afterwards – rather than getting in your way for days at a time, as with a standard airer.

Small homes can look just as stunning and stylish as a larger space – you just need to get a little creative when it comes to clutter and storage.

Lakeland just dropped a £17 storage solution that’ll tidy up your under-the-sink cupboard in seconds – it’s a game-changer for curbing clutter

Sourced content from: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/storage-organisation-decluttering/lakeland-2-tier-undersink-storage-caddy

I don’t know about you, but opening my under-the-sink cupboard requires at least three full days of mental preparation. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and I can guarantee the exact cleaning product I need will be right at the back. That’s why I was over the moon when I spotted Lakeland’s new 2-Tier Undersink Storage Caddy (£16.99 at Lakeland).

Yes, only last week I wrote about the things I need to organise after recently moving house, and my under-the-sink cupboard is one of the messiest of the lot. And while I know I need to invest in some proper storage if I want to be like the people with consistently tidy under-the-sink cupboards, I’ve yet to bite the bullet as my budget is pretty much non-existent right now.

The fact that Lakeland’s new storage solution will curb the clutter AND keep my purse happy at the same time is a massive tick in my book. And as I didn’t want to gatekeep, I thought I’d share this £17 bargain with you, too.

Lakeland 2-Tier Undersink Storage Caddy

Lakeland
Lakeland 2-Tier Undersink Storage Caddy

This caddy will slot under your sink and help you organise all of your cleaning essentials.

This new two-tier storage system is specifically designed for those awkward under-the-sink areas, and the clever setup means that the smaller top tier can easily fit around any pipes or plumbing you have under there.

But the size difference also helps you distinguish between the best cleaning products and tools. You can pop your larger bottles on the bottom tier and your smaller tools, like scrubbers, sponges, and cleaning cloths, on the top tier.

And my favourite bit? Instead of knocking everything over to get the item you need from the back of the cupboard, you can simply pull out the bottom drawer and grab your bottle of white vinegar without making a bigger mess. This should also make it easier to see what you have, so you don’t waste money on any duplicates.

White painted kitchen with yellow cabinets and white worktop

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bee Holmes)

Plus, I’ve already seen how transformative these pull-out drawers can be in a clutter zone like the under-the-sink cupboard. Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather, went on her own clutter-busting mission last year and bought very similar caddies to organise her cleaning essentials.

The exact pull-out organisers Heather used are sadly no longer available to buy, but I’d actually go as far as to say that Lakeland’s version is better anyway (sorry, Heather!).

That’s because Heather’s pull-out drawers don’t account for the inevitable wet drips that form when you pop your cleaning products and tools back in the cupboard when you’re finished with them.

Cupboard under a belfast sink with doors open showing various storage solutions including pull-out rack, lazy susan and stacked drawers to store cleaning products

Heather paired her pull-out caddy with a Lazy Susan from Amazon and some door-mounted caddies. (Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

In Heather’s trays, wet drips will settle in the trays and lead to mould and musty smells – and this will just get worse if you don’t tackle it immediately.

Lakeland’s caddies, however, are made from wire mesh so the moisture can fall through to the cupboard below. You should then be able to spot it and clean it right away.

And for less than £20, what more could you really want? I’m going to snap up some for my kitchen cupboards too, as I think they’ll be perfect for my spices, packets and sauces.

Alternatives to shop

Purkeep 2 Pack Under Sink Storage, 2 Tier Kitchen Storage and Organisation

PurKeep
Purkeep 2 Pack Under Sink Storage

If you’re on a tighter budget, you can buy two similar caddies on Amazon for less right now. There’s even a bigger option if you have a bigger cupboard.

Joseph Joseph Cupboardstore 2-Tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy

Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph CupboardStore 2-Tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy

Ideal Home‘s Managing Editor, Thea, uses this under-the-sink caddy in her cupboard, and she can’t stop raving about it.

Addis Under Sink Storage for Organisation, White

Addis
Addis Under Sink Storage for Organisation

If the pull-out design doesn’t quite float your boat, this storage solution creates extra shelves for you to make use of.

Well, I’m definitely ready to curb the clutter in my under-the-sink cupboard now!

Feng Shui experts say this is the best place to put a scented candle to bring positive energy into your space – plus, the best scents for a harmonious home

Sourced content from: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/all-rooms/where-to-position-candles-according-to-feng-shui

Personally, whenever I get home from a long, busy day, I like to light my favourite scented candle and put my feet up. But what I hadn’t realised is that, according to the principles of Feng Shui, where you position your candles in the home is important and can affect the energy of your space.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that consists of arranging spaces in order to harmonise with the natural world. It literally translates to wind-water. And if you’ve been wondering whether your best candles may have an impact on your home’s harmony, you’d be right.

Reflective of the fire element, candles are a great way to awaken stagnant spaces and encourage high energy and clarity in your home. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where to position a candle according to Feng Shui

When considering where to position a candle according to Feng Shui, you should avoid areas of clutter and try to place your candle as central to the room as possible.

A living room with a rustic wooden coffee table styled with coffee table books, a vase of flowers and a scented candle from Pott with matching matchsticks

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)

‘Firstly, avoiding areas of clutter can help create a sense of calm and prevent spaces from feeling stagnant. Disorganised spaces can clutter the mind, so I’d recommend choosing calm, uncluttered areas as a starting point,’ explains ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s in-house Fragrance Expert, Robin Fisher.

‘In terms of specific locations within the home, placing candles in a position in the centre of a room is a preferable option. South, southwest and northeast areas can also be good locations if the centre isn’t possible.’

Robin also points out the importance of using candles safely. As it is an open flame, you should keep it out of reach of kids and pets, away from curtains and never leave it unattended. You should also trim your wick before use to help stop your candle from tunnelling.

Why are candles important for Feng Shui?

Within the principles of Feng Shui, there are five elements to be aware of: earth, metal, wind, water and fire. You should try to balance each of these elements in your home to achieve harmony, and unsurprisingly, candles are one of the best ways to represent the fire element.

An earthy living room with a striped accent chair and a round glass and wood coffee table displaying a vase of dried flowers with a scented candle

(Image credit: Future PLC/Richard Kiely)

‘The fire element is associated with transformation, high energy and clarity of intention, making candles a simple way to awaken stagnant spaces, bring warmth and shift energy flows within the home,’ says Robin.

Robin also explains that scent can affect the energy of your space. There are scents to help calm you, scents to energise you, and scents to make you happier, and all of these can be used as part of your Feng Shui process to improve your home’s energy.

‘For inspiring calm and rest in the bedroom, I’d recommend choosing soothing scents such as chamomile or lavender to help promote deep sleep,’ recommends Robin.

‘To bring a sense of clarity and energy to work spaces and home offices, bergamot and grapefruit are great choices. Their fresh, uplifting character can help create an atmosphere designed to boost focus and productivity.

‘To refresh areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, citrus scents such as orange and lemon, or sharp peppermint, can help to refresh these areas and create a clean and invigorating atmosphere.

‘Finally, to promote harmony in living areas, scents such as sandalwood and vanilla can help nurture a warm, welcoming environment.’

Scents we lov

Bed Ceramic Candle

M&S
Bed Ceramic Candle

Trust me, M&S’s Bed Candle smells so cosy and comforting. Gentle and slightly fruity, it has a fresh, clean scent making it great for relaxing.

Moments Pear Blossom Candle

Moments Pear Blossom Candle

I currently have this candle on my coffee table and it smells gorgeous. It’s fresh, pear scent makes my living room smell like a summer orchard.

Soft Focus Candle

Buhn
Soft Focus Candle

Described as smelling like ‘golden hour’ this is my favourite fragrance to scent my bedroom. It’s warm and cosy, blending tonka bean, amber and jasmine.

Now if you excuse we, I’m off to ensure my candles are all well-positioned to bring clarity and harmony to my home.

Couple Turned One Blank TV Wall Into Custom Built-Ins

Sourced content from: https://www.homedit.com/couple-turned-one-blank-tv-wall-into-custom-built-ins/

Most TV walls stop with a media console pushed against the drywall. Reddit user u/Blazer127 had the same basic setup: a television mounted on a large blank wall with little storage around it.

Couple Turned One Blank TV Wall Into Custom Built-Ins
u/Blazer127

Instead of replacing the console with another piece of furniture, the project used the entire wall. Base cabinets established the lower section, tall shelving filled both sides, and new construction framed the television in the center. Drawers, closed cabinets, open shelves, vertical paneling, and lighting followed as the wall took shape.

The television never needed to move. The bigger change came from turning the unused space around it into storage, display space, and cabinetry that stretches across almost the entire wall.

Blank Wall Left Most of the Space Unused

He Turned One Blank TV Wall Into Custom Built-Ins

The original living room centered the television on a small white media console with wide sections of empty wall on both sides. Aside from a potted plant, almost nothing occupied the surrounding space.

Most of the wall contributed little beyond supporting the television, leaving storage, display space, and architectural detail missing from one of the room’s largest surfaces.

Paper Sketch Established the Entire Layout

Paper Sketch Established the Entire Layout
u/Blazer127

Every cabinet, drawer, shelf, and opening appeared in the first drawing before plywood was cut. The plan balanced tall shelving on both sides with lower cabinets stretching beneath the television.

Dimensions also determined shelf spacing, drawer locations, and cabinet widths, allowing every section to work together as one continuous installation.

Individual Cabinet Boxes Formed the Foundation

Individual Cabinet Boxes Formed the Foundation
u/Blazer127

Each cabinet started as a separate plywood box assembled with square corners before becoming part of the larger wall.

Building modular sections simplified construction and made installation easier once everything moved into the living room.

Base Cabinets Created One Continuous Wall

Base Cabinets Created One Continuous Wall
u/Blazer127

The lower cabinet boxes replaced the small media console with storage spanning nearly the entire wall. Open center compartments reserved space for electronics while wider cabinets filled the remaining length.

Instead of scattered furniture pieces, the room gained one uninterrupted built-in base.

Countertop Unified Every Cabinet

Countertop Unified Every Cabinet
u/Blazer127

After the cabinet boxes were installed, a continuous top connected every section into one piece of furniture.

The uninterrupted surface visually ties the storage together while creating space beneath the television for decorative objects or everyday items.

Open Shelves Changed the Entire Wall

Tall Shelves Framed the Television
u/Blazer127

Floor-to-ceiling shelving transformed the empty sides of the television into display space without reducing the open feel of the room.

The matching height on both sides gives the television a permanent architectural frame instead of leaving it floating on the wall.

Built-Ins Changed the Entire Living Room

Built-Ins Changed the Entire Living Room
u/Blazer127

With the shelving installed, the living room already looked completely different even before paint, doors, or trim entered the project.

Storage, display, and the television now read as one built-in composition rather than separate furniture pieces.

Vertical Paneling Added Depth Behind the TV

Vertical Paneling Added Depth Behind the TV
u/Blazer127

Shiplap panels covered the center section behind the television while keeping the surrounding shelving smooth.

The vertical lines separate the television area from the rest of the built-in and give the lighting another surface to highlight.

Paint Turned Separate Pieces Into One Installation

Paint Turned Separate Pieces Into One Installation
u/Blazer127

Plastic sheeting protected the room while every visible cabinet surface received paint.

Once finished, the cabinetry, paneling, trim, and shelving enclosure read as one built-in installation instead of assembled plywood boxes.

Cabinet Construction Focused on Storage

Cabinet Construction Focused on Storage
u/Blazer127

Each cabinet box included adjustable shelving or drawer openings sized for everyday storage before doors covered the interiors.

Electronics, blankets, games, and household items all received dedicated space without changing the room’s footprint.

Wood Shelves Broke Up the White Cabinetry

Wood Shelves Broke Up the White Cabinetry
u/Blazer127

Natural wood shelves contrast with the painted cabinets while repeating the warm tone inside the cabinet interiors.

Leaving the shelves unfinished introduces another layer of material without making the wall feel busy.

Painted Doors Completed the Built-In Look

Painted Doors Completed the Built-In Look
u/Blazer127

Shaker doors and drawer fronts received paint before installation, giving every cabinet the same finish across the wall.

Simple black pulls add contrast without competing with the shelving or television.

Finished Wall Combines Display and Hidden Storage

Finished Wall Combines Display and Hidden Storage
u/Blazer127

Open shelving displays books, artwork, pottery, framed photos, and decorative objects while the lower cabinets conceal everyday clutter.

Each section performs a different function, making the wall work harder than a traditional media console ever could.

Drawers and Cabinets Keep Storage Flexible

Drawers and Cabinets Keep Storage Flexible
u/Blazer127

Deep drawers hold larger household items while adjustable cabinet shelves accommodate electronics, baskets, or board games.

The combination offers more flexibility than filling every opening with identical shelves.

Before and After Shows How Much One Wall Can Change

Before and After Shows How Much One Wall Can Change
u/Blazer127

The television stayed in nearly the same position, yet everything around it changed. Empty drywall became shelving, cabinetry, paneling, lighting, and hidden storage extending from one side of the room to the other.

Instead of relying on a single media console, the entire wall now functions as furniture while looking like it belonged there from the beginning.

All credits go to Reddit user u/Blazer127

The post Couple Turned One Blank TV Wall Into Custom Built-Ins appeared first on Homedit.