Homes

Homes

Practical advice, real-life reviews and design inspiration to help you create the home you’ve always wanted

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Pink sweet pea flowers under the bright sun in a garden
Gardens

When should I plant sweet pea seeds?

Wondering when to plant sweet pea seeds? We know the best times of year, and have tips on how to protect from frost and help germination.

Eccentric and irresistible - The Portobello Hotel, Notting Hill
Interior Design

Boutique hotel bedrooms: Ideas and key buys to help you get the look

Boutique hotels are a treasure trove of luxury bedroom design inspiration. The Exceptional Homes team shares high street picks for getting the look.

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen talking at he Ideal Home Show
Home Improvement

Closed: Win one of 2,500 pairs of tickets for the Ideal Home Show

Enjoy a great day out and find inspiration for your next home project with our Ideal Home Show 2023 tickets giveaway.

Robin on garden post
Gardens

The quick window safety tip that could save millions of British birds

FaceTime app running on an iPad and iPhone
Tablets

How to make a FaceTime video call on your iPad

FaceTime video calls are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family around the country, and the world. We'll show you how to do it.

Restful bed
Interior Design

Calming bedroom ideas: designing a restful room for better sleep 

Creating a calm, relaxing bedroom will improve our quality of sleep. The Exceptional Homes Team shows you how to create a restful oasis.

Google Nest Mini sitting on a side in a home.
Editors Choice
Smart Home

Nest Mini review

Google’s smallest and cheapest smart speaker is packed with great functionality, and has better sound than you might expect.

HomePod Mini
Recommended
Smart Home

Apple HomePod Mini review

HomePod Mini offers iPhone and iPad owners a more affordable smart speaker option with pleasing sound and stylish design.

a man watering his plants with a watering can in his garden and the plants are growing in a raised bed
Gardens

Raised bed garden ideas for easy access to plants

Our raised bed garden ideas can transform tight spaces, soften courtyards and break up sprawling lawns, making plants easier to access and care for.

couple sat on floor looking through tile and paint samples
Interior Design

Paint visualiser apps – do they really work?

Thinking about a paint refresh but not sure which colour will work? We try out some paint visualiser apps to see if tech can be your new decorating friend.