If you’re after design ideas for a decorating project, a fashion forecast and inspiration, how we dress the home defines the mood for the year ahead – and essentially sets the tone for how we want to feel and live.
“Based on insights from the 2026 Houzz UK Emerging Trends Report, homeowners are looking to make their spaces work harder, while also feeling more personal and atmospheric,” says Kiya Kelly-Paine, design expert at home and design platform, Houzz.
“With searches up for flexible kitchen layouts, reading retreats and tactile, moody interiors, this year’s trends point to a growing appetite for homes that feel both highly functional and deeply expressive.”
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Focusing on what’s capturing our imagination, Kelly-Paine, who specialises in design trends and how people are improving their homes, shares what’s set to shape the year ahead…
1. Smart kitchen zoning & layouts
People are rethinking how their kitchens are laid out and used day-to-day, highlights Kelly-Paine.
A flexible kitchen layout pairs a generous island with calm, concealed storage, showing how zoning can help a busy kitchen feel both practical and beautifully organised (Studio BN/PA)
“Searches for ‘moveable kitchen island’ have risen more than ninefold, while ‘freestanding kitchen’ is also up significantly, suggesting growing interest in kitchens that feel more flexible and less fixed.”
She says they’re also seeing searches rise for ‘kitchen bar’ and ‘coffee bar’, pointing to more defined zones for hosting, drinks and everyday routines.
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Storage remains a major focus too, with increased interest in ‘appliance garage’ and ‘walk-in pantry’, as we look for ways to keep hardworking kitchens feeling calm and clutter-free.
Moreover, working with a professional using tools such as a 3D floor plan can help you visualise how these features will work together, before committing to a layout.
Midcentury modern kitchen and dining room interior design with black cabinets, white cabinets, white quartz and walnut accents (Alamy/PA)
Gema Broch, who leads Studio BN, with more than 15 years experience in high-end residential projects, says: “Flexible kitchens and movable islands are becoming increasingly important in the way we live today.
“Kitchens are no longer purely functional rooms; they are social spaces, workspaces and family hubs, so adaptability is key.”
A movable or freestanding island gives clients the freedom to reconfigure the space depending on how they live, outlines Broch. “This flexibility is especially valuable in open-plan homes and smaller kitchens, where maintaining a sense of flow is essential.
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These are kitchens with ability to evolve, allowing pieces to adapt both within the space, and even from home to home, notes Broch. “From a design perspective, movable islands also help kitchens feel less rigid and more layered.
“Mixing fitted cabinetry with freestanding elements creates warmth, character and a more timeless feel, avoiding the overly built-in look that can date quickly,” she adds.
2. Reading retreats
There’s also a swing towards quiet, dedicated spaces for reading and switching off, says Kelly-Paine, with searches for ‘alcove bookcase’ rising sharply.
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While ‘small library’, ‘cosy snug’, and ‘reading nook’ are also on the up.
A built-in bookcase and relaxed seating area turn this living space into an inviting reading retreat, creating a quiet spot to switch off (Alex Find
She says they’re also seeing this reflected in the kinds of photos people are saving, with built-in shelving, layered lighting and intimate seating areas proving popular.
“The data suggests homeowners aren’t necessarily looking for large libraries, but rather thoughtful pockets of space that feel personal, calm and separate from busier areas of the home.”
For anyone looking to create a reading nook, she says this space should feel one of the most relaxing areas. “It’s a place to unwind, a quiet corner with good natural lighting, and a lamp for reading into the evening.”
Alex Findlater of Alex Findlater, who’s been delivering full construction projects for the past 25 years, says: “Comfortable seating, nearby bookshelves, and a few plants would really give the space the warm, inviting feel it needs.
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“Alcoves can be awkward spaces, and every property has alcoves of different shapes and sizes… our bespoke joinery allows these unused areas to become beautifully integrated, functional features that feel seamless within the room.”
3. Modern organic and tactile textures
Minimalism is becoming more moderate as we gravitate towards interiors that feel warm, natural and tactile, highlights Kelly-Paine.
A warm mix of natural textures, soft neutrals and exposed timber brings depth to this living space, reflecting the modern organic look in a calm, understated way Souq.Studio | Anna Stathaki Photography
“Searches for ‘modern organic’ are up, alongside strong growth for materials and finishes such as ‘stone wall’, ‘limewash’, ‘natural stone’ and ‘Venetian plaster’.
“These elements bring depth and texture to neutral spaces, creating interiors that feel grounded rather than stark.
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“With designs featuring layered neutrals, raw materials and subtle surface variation, rather than flat or highly polished finishes.”
For anyone who’s unsure how these finishes will work together, Kelly-Paine says mood boards can help bring the palette, materials and textures into one clear visual direction.
Roxi Zeeman, founder of Souq.Studio, who has specialised in interior design for nearly 20 years, says: “There’s a clear move away from anything that looks too perfect… clients want surfaces that feel lived in – limewashed walls, plaster, honed stone and raw timber.
“It’s a softer, more tactile luxury that elevates everyday lifestyles,” she explains. “These materials bring depth and quiet character to a space, making even the most pared-back interiors feel warm, personal and considered.”
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4. Dark and moody spaces
A deep colour palette, rich timber and layered lighting give this games room a cocooning feel, showing how darker tones can bring warmth, character and atmosphere to a space (Carol Crowe Interior Design/PA)
While some of us are embracing soft, natural textures, others are leaning into deeper, more dramatic interiors, suggests Kelly-Paine.
Indeed, she says searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘forest green’ have more than doubled, while ‘black bedroom’, ‘dark green bedroom’, ‘dark ceiling’ and ‘dark wood’ are also gaining traction.
Carol Crowe, founder of Carole Crowe Interior Design, a BIID Associate member (British Institute of Interior Design), with five years of experience running her own design practice, says: “I think the growing interest in darker, moodier interiors reflects a wider desire for homes that feel more grounded, cocooning and emotionally restorative.
“Darker tones, when used thoughtfully, can create depth, intimacy and a real sense of calm.
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“It’s less about making a room feel dramatic for the sake of it, and more about using colour, light, texture and contrast to create a space that feels rich, personal and deeply comfortable to live in.”
5. Spatial optimism
We’re finding clever ways to make every inch count, underlines Kelly-Paine, “with a surge in interest for ‘under stairs pantry’, ‘hidden utility’, and ‘under stairs bar’.
“There’s also a continued interest in ‘broken plan’, which points to a desire for layouts that create distinct areas without losing light or flow.”
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A walk-in pantry and breakfast station sit neatly behind a wall of cabinetry, showing how smart storage can help every inch of a kitchen work harder (Herringbone Kitchens/PA)
Murphy beds and container home are also proving popular, and there’s a trend for flexible solutions beyond the main living areas, says Kelly-Paine. “Whether that’s a guest room which serves more than one purpose, or a separate standalone space.”
William Durrant, director and designer of Herringbone House, with more than a decade in the cabinet and furniture manufacturing industry, says: “Everyone is looking to utilise their space the best they can.
“Under-stairs cabinetry is a great way to incorporate more storage, and we’ve used this space to create bars, shoe storage, pantries, wardrobes and wine storage,” he says confidently.
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The front of the premises was smashed into with a stolen telehandler
A cash machine has been stolen from a supermarket in a ram raid. Cambridgeshire Police were called to Asda in Ness Road, Burwell just before 5am today (Wednesday, June 17).
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Officers received reports that a stolen telehandler, along with two other vehicles, were used to remove a cash machine from the front of the premises.
Detective Inspector Jim Donington said: “We understand incidents like this are concerning for local residents, particularly given this is the second ram raid in the county in two days.
“Dedicated patrols are in place and we are actively investigating both incidents. We would urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, or who knows of vehicles that may have been stolen or are being used in unusual circumstances, to report this to us. Information from the public is vital in helping us prevent further offences and identify those responsible.”
Officers are appealing for information, dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could assist police. Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote incident 51 of June 17.
It was a decision that stunned the world’s best referees.
France forward Kylian Mbappe was on the attack in the 58th minute against Senegal when he went down inside the box after a challenge by Sadio Mane.
With the game goalless at the New York New Jersey Stadium, referee Alireza Faghani was sent to the pitchside monitor to look at the challenge again.
He returned to the pitch and appeared to point to the penalty spot, much to the delight of the thousands of France fans inside the ground.
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However, their joy was short-lived as Faghani had actually signalled for a goal-kick, before he explained that Mbappe had initiated the contact.
Speaking on BBC One, Darren Cann – the 2010 World Cup final assistant referee – said: “My phone has blown up with messages from several of the world’s best referees who also can’t understand why a penalty wasn’t given.”
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, labelled it a “rubbish decision”.
“Utter nonsense,” added Nevin.
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“No chance at all. How can he [Mbappe] have initiated the contact? The most nonsensical line I have ever heard.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer, at the game for BBC One, said it was a “bizarre” decision not to award a penalty.
“I don’t get it,” added Shearer. “You can see the lunge from Mane and his left leg catches Mbappe.
“How can Mbappe initiate contact if he is in front of him? It’s bizarre, it really is.”
“Juice carton knocked over on the back seat, muddy footprints after a wet school run. This wet and dry vacuum plugs into your 12V socket and tackles both the crumbs and the spills without needing a mains plug.”
10:17, 17 Jun 2026Updated 10:24, 17 Jun 2026
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Maintaining a clean car interior can prove challenging, particularly for families with young children or those whose vehicles see constant use, such as driving instructors or taxi drivers. Regular interior car valets can quickly become expensive, so investing in a portable handheld vacuum for on-the-go cleaning offers a sensible solution.
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner provides a practical and budget-friendly option compared to frequent professional interior car washes, allowing you to keep your vehicle clean whenever it requires a quick refresh. It’s perfect for dealing with everything from crumbs to liquid spills while you’re out and about.
The Hilka 12V Corded Vacuum Cleaneris praised for its adaptability across both wet and dry surfaces, which numerous Argos customers highlight as an especially useful feature.
This wet and dry vacuum plugs directly into a 12V in-car socket, meaning it’s ready to use without the need for charging or a mains power supply.
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It has a 2.8m cable for flexible reach and comes with a crevice tool, upholstery brush and narrow nozzle, making light work of tight gaps, seats and door pockets.
The Hilka vacuum cleanerfeatures a 500ml dustbin, 120W of power and an easy-clean filter, designed to handle both wet and dry messes while staying compact and lightweight at under 1kg for easy one-handed use and storage in the boot.
Back at Argos, the Hilka 12V Corded Wet and Dry Car Vacuum Cleanerhas attracted a string of impressive reviews. One satisfied customer noted: “Excellent cleaner. Bought few weeks ago for my husband as he’s a driving instructor and his car gets messy easily, the product is that good that we’ve even recommended some instructors and they are happy with it.”
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The Argos product listing describes it as follows: “Juice carton knocked over on the back seat, muddy footprints after a wet school run. This wet and dry vacuum plugs into your 12V socket and tackles both the crumbs and the spills without needing a mains plug.”
Another reviewer commented: “Brilliant little hoover, with all the extensions/accessories it picks up very well indeed! Great price, great design and we’re pleased indeed! So; if you’re looking for a very reasonably priced hoover, that works brilliantly…. then this is the right one for you.”
A third person noted: “Excellent tool and worked very well. Thoroughly recommend.”
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However, one customer expressed concerns: “Whilst this is a handy sized unit and the long cord means you can reach the parcel shelf and boot fairly easily, I found it to be underpowered.”
But many shoppers praised the Hilka vacuum cleaner, with another saying: “I was suspicious about how good this would be but it turned out to be really good. Quite powerful and the tools are useful. Great product for the price.”
How to secure the £20 Hilka 12V Corded Wet and Dry Car Vacuum Cleaner for 33p through TopCashback:
Search for Argoson the site, click through and buy the item normally.
Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more on an item.
The cashback will track to the TopCashback ‘Earnings page’ within seven days of your purchase.
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Kalidou Koulibaly has publicly criticised the VISA situation in the USA which has meant that a number of countries, Senegal included, are without the bulk of their fans who are unable to enter the country
10:18, 17 Jun 2026Updated 10:18, 17 Jun 2026
Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly has called out the continue VISA issues that have hampered people getting into the US as he claimed “Africa cannot have their people”.
Senegal began their tournament against France on Tuesday night, losing 3-1 in New York, but a number of people from their country were unable to attend with Senegalese nationals facing a travel ban in America.
In December, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation which imposed partial travel bans on Senegal. The other World Cup participants to suffer similar fates were Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti.
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The proclamation suspended entry into the U.S. for immigrants and non-immigrants, including those travelling under business and tourism category, which is what they would tick in order to attend the World Cup.
Koulibaly, formerly of Chelsea and now playing in Saudi Arabia, told the Athletic: “The federation did the work for us to have parents or our close family with us, but it’s true that some supporters couldn’t fly to America.
“I think that every team can have their people, so I don’t understand why people from Africa cannot have their people. I don’t want to speak about politics or something like this. I just want to speak about football, enjoy football, and I think football is for everybody. I just want to tell this and I hope that the situation will be OK, but for me the most important is that we have to play for our people.”
The travel bans that were brought in before the World Cup include exemptions for athletes, support staff and immediate relatives of those who are playing at the tournament – but not for travelling fans.
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Koulibaly was keen to pay tribute to the fans who were present at the MetLife Stadium. Central Harlem in New York City has a strong community of people with ties to Senegal and the game against France was only a short trip across the Hudson River.
Visa issues have marred the World Cup and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who put in a heroic performance as his country claimed a point against Spain, explained that his mother was not present for the game as she had issues entering the US.
“I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there,” he said. “They passed away a few years ago. My mum could not be here either for a visa issue, and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time.”
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Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
The BBC’s State Department correspondent Tom Bateman looks at US President Donald Trump’s unusually sharp criticism of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israeli strikes on Beirut.
Trump described the strikes as “vicious,” questioned Israel’s use of force, and even suggested Syria could handle Hezbollah with fewer civilian casualties.
The schedule has been shaken up this week, including tonight (June 17) so you might wonder when you can tune in to watch the drama unfold.
Here’s what we know about the changes and which episodes the TV schedule shake-up affects.
Are Emmerdale and Coronation Street on tonight?
There will be no Emmerdale or Coronation Street episodes tonight because ITV will broadcast two football matches back-to-back.
Tonight, the World Cup matches available to watch on ITV1 are England v Croatia with coverage starting at 8pm and kick-off at 9pm.
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Football fans can also watch the Ghana v Panama match from 11.40pm with kick-off 20 minutes later at 12am.
Soap fans will miss out on an episode on Thursday too, however, the longer episodes on Monday and Tuesday made up for the missing slots.
Do you remember these emotional Coronation Street plots?
After a week of disruption, Emmerdale and Corrie are back to their usual 30-minute slots on Friday, June 19 at 8pm and 8.30pm respectively.
EastEnders has also seen some schedule changes throughout the week due to the BBC’s World Cup coverage.
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Tonight, it will air an hour later than usual (at 8.30pm) as it follows BBC coverage of the Portugal v DR Congo match which kicks off at 6pm.
Have you noticed ITV’s new scheduling this year?
From January 2026, the broadcaster introduced a “soaps power hour” on weekdays with 30-minute Emmerdale episodes at 8pm and 30-minute Coronation Street episodes at 8.30pm.
Coronation Street previously aired three hour-long episodes a week, while Emmerdale aired four 30-minute episodes and one hour-long instalment.
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Have you watched the soaps this week? Tell us what you thought of the new episodes in the comments below.
Educators who participate in the charity’s Youth Conversations Hub have consistently raised concerns about school pupils vaping and, more recently, using nicotine pouches during school time.
ASH Scotland is encouraging people who work with children and young people in Lanarkshire to access the charity’s new free e-learning module to increase awareness about the health risks associated with nicotine pouches.
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Educators who participate in ASH Scotland’s Youth Conversations Hub have consistently raised concerns about school pupils vaping and, more recently, using nicotine pouches during school time.
A report on Behaviour in Schools from the teachers union NASUWT shows 46 per cent of teachers in Scotland say pupils are using nicotine pouches during school time.
The new ‘Nicotine Pouches’ e-learning module produced by the charity aims to help teachers and youth workers to understand how nicotine pouches can impact on children and young people’s health, as their popularity grows.
Nicotine addiction can have a greater impact on young people, affecting their brain development and mental health.
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The flavours and colours of these products, combined with marketing tactics such as sponsorship of Formula One races and promotions at concerts and sporting events appeal to under 18s.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Our new e-learning module is designed to provide a resource for educators in Lanarkshire to learn about the negative impacts that nicotine use can have on the lives of children and young people.
“Following the upsurge in youth vaping, a new generation is being attracted into using other addictive and health harming products such as nicotine pouches.
“Drawing in new customers produces huge profits for the tobacco industry, but at a cost to the health and wellbeing of our young people and disruption in the classroom.
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“We trust that our new ‘Nicotine Pouches’ e-learning module will help teachers and youth workers in Lanarkshire to build their knowledge and confidence to start discussions with children and help them make informed choices about protecting their health and wellbeing.”
Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official for Scotland, added: “Teachers know that nicotine pouches are being consumed within schools by pupils and have expressed serious concern that national regulation of nicotine products has failed to keep pace with innovation by the companies selling them.
“The recently published guidance for schools on how to address substance abuse among pupils was welcomed but this is only a first step.
“We need a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention at all ages to stop children and young people from being drawn in to nicotine pouch use.
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“NASUWT has, therefore, welcomed the e-learning materials from ASH Scotland as one part of a wider systemic response needed to tackle substance misuse in schools.”
As concerns escalate, teachers are urged to equip themselves with the knowledge available free at www.ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk
If you work with young people in Scotland and want to join the Youth Conversations Hub, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/hub
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
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A report highlighted there were 286 casualties in total during 2025, down from 378 in 2024 which is a reduction of 24 per cent.
Road casualties have fallen by nearly a quarter across South Lanarkshire in 2025.
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Councillors on the Roads Safety forum this morning (June 16) heard that there’s been a significant reduction in road accident casualties, with new provisional figures revealing that 92 fewer people were injured on the area’s roads in 2025 compared to the previous year.
A report highlighted there were 286 casualties in total during 2025, down from 378 in 2024 which is a reduction of 24 per cent.
The figures, which remain provisional until final publication by the Scottish Government later this year, also show improvements across several key categories.
Fatalities fell from eight in 2023 to six in 2025, while serious injuries decreased from 134 to 107. Slight injuries also saw a notable decline, dropping from 236 to 173.
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The reduction marks a positive step forward after two consecutive years in which overall casualty numbers had returned closer to 400 following the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Councillor Robert Brown (Rutherglen South), welcomed the report, and said: “I’d just like to make a comment on how good the figures actually are in terms of the general downward trend.”
Council officials said the latest figures demonstrate progress but stressed that further work is required to meet ambitious national road safety targets.
South Lanarkshire continues to contribute to Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030, which aims to halve the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads before ultimately achieving a vision of no deaths or serious injuries by 2050.
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There have been no child fatalities for the seventh consecutive year.
Councillor Julia Marrs (Clydesdale North), said: “Thank you for the report, the fact we have no child fatalities is something that should be valued.”
However, serious injuries among children rose slightly from eight to 11 during 2025, with most involving pedestrians aged between 11 and 15.
The report also highlights that driver behaviour remains the biggest contributing factor in road collisions. The most common causes were failing to look properly, careless or reckless driving, loss of control and failing to judge another road user’s speed or path.
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The council said it will continue working with partners including Police Scotland, the NHS, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to improve road safety.
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