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Today, modern ovens and central heating have replaced the need for an inefficient open fire, yet it is still one of the most sought-after features in period properties, evoking a romantic image of a time gone by and providing a cozy focal point. While many homeowners are lucky enough to find original fireplaces still intact, some have been removed or replaced with living room ideas that have inauthentic designs by previous occupants....

The USDA’s Hardiness Zone Map has helped gardeners and plant growers for years by identifying which plants are most likely to thrive and grow well in the climate where they live. Knowledge of the US hardiness zones is invaluable to any gardener when they are planning their garden. More particularly, it can help them to identify the best plants to include as part of their flower bed ideas that are suited to growing in their region, or crops that are most likely to produce a healthy harvest for vegetable garden ideas....

While using something as simple and as natural as ice may seem like an ineffective way to tackle harsh grime, it is, in fact, one of the most powerful ways to clean a kitchen sink that you can try. Here’s everything you need to know about this simple but effective kitchen cleaning tip. Using ice to clean your garbage disposal – expert-approved steps to success ‘If you have a garbage disposal and you notice an unpleasant smell around your sink, you may need to clean your garbage disposal,’ says Jake Romano, the Manager at John the Plumber (opens in new tab)....

If you’re looking for how to get rid of weeds, salt may seem like the inevitable and accessible choice. But experts would suggest otherwise. So, if you’re thinking of using salt to kill weeds, take note. This expert advice could save your garden in the long run – even if you do need to search for an effective new method. Should you use salt to kill weeds? Is it a good idea to use salt to kill weeds?...

If you’re looking for front door color ideas that do more than create a good impression, it may be time to consider the spiritual power of your chosen hues. And while you may know how to make your front door more attractive in terms of design, the world of well-being may seem slightly less explored. So, what color is good luck for a front door? Experts are turning to these hues for good fortune....

Here designers, color psychologists and experts reveal how to approach choosing colors that don’t cause anxiety to create home decor ideas that are relaxing, rejuvenating and beautiful. What colors cause anxiety? During this turbulent time, so many of us have sought comfort in the surroundings of our homes, but could the colors in your space be causing you anxiety? Color is a powerful and proactive tool, and one that we often take for granted when thinking about our health and wellbeing....

Often part of a festive tablescape, mantelpiece, or windowsill display, a poinsettia’s placement is key to it staying healthy, though it’s not the only consideration when looking after a poinsettia to ensure it lasts until the 25th (and far beyond) without yellowing leaves. So if you’ve bought or been gifted a poinsettia for Christmas, and its leaves are already yellowing, it’s probably caused by incorrect watering, the wrong light levels, a change in temperature that it doesn’t like or fertilizing incorrectly....

From its size-enhancing abilities to its ability to make us feel happier, the benefits of light are indisputable – so you would be forgiven for designing your bedroom, and specifically your bedroom window ideas, so that they boost light levels as much as is possible. However, interior designers are warning that some of the most beautiful window treatment ideas simply aren’t suited to bedrooms. In fact, they warn, they may be hindering your sleep schedule....

The home is positioned on a Regency terrace on the coveted Sion Hill Place, which has been named by The Times newspaper as one of the six best streets to live on in the UK. As well as an architectural history that would be envied by some of the world’s best homes, the house extends over five storeys and boasts 4,000 sqft of space. The Bathonian painter William Hayes took out a lease on this plot – formerly named Lower Crannells – back in 1809....

The result is a bright, clean and slick reimagining that injects personality by embracing the owners’ love of art, and taking more than a few cues from across the pond. From the sprawling marble villas of Italy to the pared back elegance of Scandi design, this home has made Europe its muse. ‘We wanted to infuse modern into it with a casual elegance,’ said the team. ‘Modern furniture, carefully curated antiques and sculptural forms were paired together to keep things fresh and simple, but warm’....

Because of their built-in fans, toaster ovens often use the same technology that you’ll find in convection ovens. This fan keeps hot air circulating for quicker cooking times and more evenly crisped surfaces on your roasted vegetables or even a simple oven pizza. Best of all, they often feature dedicated settings to cook a wide variety of meals, including dehydrating slices of fruit (ideal for homemade summer garnishes) or broiling the top of your mac and cheese for a bubbly brown top....

Sharing his interior design tips via his blog (opens in new tab), Bobby discussed the art of mixing materials – particularly wood – and how creating a contrast with tones will transform your space. But how does this impact your nightstand? Here, the designer explains all. ‘I always recommend mixing up materials when pairing your bedroom furniture,’ Bobby shared when asked if wooden nightstands need to match. 1. Mix and match your nightstands He expanded on the common nightstand design mistake, sharing that a ‘mix and match approach will feel a lot more unique (and interesting) than a matching bedroom set....

The property – that overlooks the Santa Monica Mountains – pays homage to traditional SoCal style through its chalet-style features and rustic interiors. With its prestigious postcode, Pacific views, and chic decor combined, Brooke Shields’ estate is one of the most fashionable estates in California – and one of the world’s best homes. Brooke Shields discovered critical acclaim at age 12 for her role in Louis Malle’s film Pretty Baby....

Of course, home theaters are also highly desirable in their own right, even if you’re not selling yet. One luxury home designer* is reporting that over 80% of its high-end homes now feature a home theater. Home theaters clearly are how high-net-worth home owners have solved the problem of being unable to go to the movies because of the pandemic. But is adding a home theater a cost-effective move when it comes to selling?...

We’ve spotted some of the biggest savings ever on the best Dyson vacuums in the very last days of the year— and I don’t say that lightly —as well as across their whole Dyson range, including the best air purifiers and hair care. Explore our roundup of Dyson’s latest deals below for some quality buys at discounted prices. If you’re curious about what other after-Christmas sale happenings are going on, we’ve been watching those too....

GARDEN PICNIC IDEAS One of the best things about summer is the chance to spend quality time in your garden. Whether it’s breakfast in the sun, a lazy afternoon with a book, a barbecue for the family or an alfresco meal with friends. So create an idyllic outdoor space this year by blurring the boundaries between inside and out, and extending your living space into your garden. 1. DINE ALFRESCO May is one of my favourite times of year....

See: Gardens – from inspiring spaces to plant know-how So rare in fact that they were recently classed as vulnerable to extinction - so it’s never been so important to help them. According to the Wildlife Trusts (opens in new tab) there were 1.5 million hedgehogs in 1995 while today it is believed that there are fewer than 500,000. The sharp decline in numbers is due to myriad factors, from loss of habitat due to urbanization and deforestation, as well as a loss of food because of the increased use of pesticides both in commercial farming and in domestic gardens....

Whether it’s planting flower beds, installing hardscaping, or getting a handle on the weeds in the garden, it seems we all want to make the most of out backyard landscaping ideas. While some projects are DIY friendly, others will require the help of a pro. ‘DIY lawn care is feasible, but it depends on the type of lawn you have. Cutting your own grass, racking any rocks in the yard, and even seeding certain areas is probably doable for a homeowner,’ says Gabe Pinchev, CEO and founder of FieldPulse (opens in new tab), a software that helps field service professionals, like landscapers, manage their businesses....

Many stand mixers come with removable attachments that can go through the dishwasher, but if you’re making a multi-layered cake that requires you to make a sponge cake and frosting one after the other, knowing how to clean a stand mixer by hand will make sure you can get back to baking in a jiffy. Well, with reviewing stand mixers comes a whole lot of cleaning, so we have all the experience needed to teach you exactly how to clean a stand mixer bowl and attachments....

Potatoes are also best grown in containers due to their propensity to spread into all the soil available to their tuberous roots. They are also difficult to harvest in raised beds or borders, often leaving behind unwanted ‘volunteers’ that will start their own unwanted potato plant the following year. Therefore, knowing how to grow potatoes in a bag offers one of the best options for growing your own, both in terms of ease of harvest and versatility....