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‘When we bought the house we wanted a home that would see our children, now eight and six, through their teenage years to the end of their schooling,’ says the owner. Living room Central to the couple’s ambitions were not only a reconfigured layout but also a more thoughtfully curated solution to displaying their large collection of artwork. ‘I’ve always been surrounded by art and I buy it in the same way other people buy shoes....

If you’re still waiting for a glorious display of trumpet-like blooms, it’s likely due to the condition of your soil, says BBC’s Gardener’s World host Monty Don. See: Flower bed ideas – beautiful ways to create floral displays in your garden During a recent episode of the show, Monty Don begins the pleasant task of filling four large pots at the center of his Jewel Garden. Using rich compost, he pots a mixture of plants which will eventually make for a colorful focal point....

The family-owned fabric house has revealed their new collection stems entirely from natural materials – constructed from a combination of co-viscose and an eco-polyamide made from extracts of castor beans. Yes, really. These ornate fabrics started life as a bean, and needless to say, we’re very excited about their elevation from a humble plant. Who knew such beauty could come from such simple things? Rubelli’s collection is rewriting interior design trends worldwide, as their five eco-fabrics share the same prestige as fabrics made from man-fibers – from their luxe texture to their unrivaled quality....

The Strawberry Hill Gothic façade was a major attraction for the homeowners, Jane and Richard Stark. ‘We were looking for an extra bedroom and a garden,’ says Jane. ‘This was much bigger than we intended but it had character and was slightly quirky. It had a warm, cosy feel and felt like our forever family home.’ See: Cottage decorating ideas – charming ways to get a characterful look The house had begun life as a cottage and then was extended over some 100 years until in the 1800s the Strawberry Hill Gothic facade was added....

When it comes to entryway ideas, the color specialist and founder of the eponymous paint label Edward Bulmer (opens in new tab)urges you to go neutral. And his argument is rooted in century-old traditions that stand the test of time. Why you should use neutral colors in a hallway – according to Edward Bulmer In an interview with H&G, Edward explains how your entryway will benefit from more neutral paint ideas....

While it may feel like a hassle, paring back your belongings is essential when organizing a bedroom, particularly if it’s ‘bijoux’. According to the experts, clutter and relaxation are not good bedfellows (excuse the pun), so if it’s a good night’s sleep you’re after, a thorough declutter is well worth the effort. To make a small bedroom look bigger, ’the minimalist approach is a winner every time,’ says Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft (opens in new tab)....

Accentuating the best of your entryway is therefore essential to selling your home, but where do the experts recommend starting? These realtor-approved entryway ideas are the best place to begin. 5 entryway staging tricks – favored by real estate agents From decluttering, to the right hallway lighting ideas – this is how to make a memorable first impression – for all the right reasons. 1. Decluttering According to Carolyn Gagnon, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Compass (opens in new tab) in NYC, the first step to staging an entryway is decluttering....

As a rule, caring for succulents is straightforward making them one of the best indoor plants you can choose to cultivate, but even these easy-to-grow plants can show the signs that mean something needs to change. Here, we’ve put together a guide to the five ways your plant care practices might have to be revised so you can make dying succulents thrive again and keep them that way. 5 ways to make dying succulents thrive again Fascinatingly intricate and available in a host of different colors, shapes and sizes, succulents are a broad group of plants, well worth getting to know....

That is why I complete a big pre-Christmas decluttering session at the beginning of December each year. A pre-Christmas clear-out harnesses many of the same decluttering techniques you might use throughout the year, only at this time of year to make space for new, festive treats. With Christmas just weeks away, these are my self-imposed rules to get my house ready for an influx of guests, gifts, and goodies....

When the homeowners, a retired couple, approached Intimate Living Interiors to redesign their home. It was in dire shape and needed emergency renovation. ‘We worked to restore the property to its original state, which included a complete kitchen remodel and interior architectural and furniture update,’ say the designers.This neutral palette is the perfect companion of a lifestyle of peace and joy. THE PROPERTY The owners wanted to stay true to the original architecture and construction of their home, which was built by Holcombe Homes....

A fire pit is key to outdoor living room ideas, providing warmth and atmosphere that invites you to linger longer. The range of designs available keeps increasing. But as well as a great burner to make the most of your garden, backyard fire pit ideas should take in where to position the flames – as a focal point to look at, or a fire to gather around. You’ll want to think about the furniture you want around it, and the accessories that make this backyard a destination to be enjoyed, too....

We’ve rounded up the best garden storage ideas to help you hide away your tools, old toys, outdoor furniture – and pots and planters – with ease. Backyard storage ideas Does your garden, shed or front yard frequently turn into the family dumping ground? Then there’s no time like the present to get neat, tidy and organized with these practical – and stylish – backyard storage ideas. 1. Invest in a garden room Architects say there’s been an increased appetite to build garden rooms in backyards that are used for storage, and even doubling up as entertaining spaces....

Considering the weather conditions, such as the amount of sunlight the balcony gets how windy it can be, and of course, how much space you have, will help when deciding which flowers to purchase or grow. And, if you’re not sure where to start and need some fresh garden ideas to inspire you, we’ve asked the experts to share their balcony garden knowledge with us – just for you....

Fortunately, there are plenty of kitchen ideas you can incorporate into and combine with your barn conversion ideas to make it functional without detracting from the original features that you like so much about your property. Barn conversion kitchen ideas The main benefit is often the size of the room you have to work with, as Rohan Blacker, Founder of Pooky explains. ‘If you’re lucky enough to have a barn conversion, it’s likely you have plenty of space for a kitchen island, which will quite possibly become one of the most important areas of your home....

Bathroom paneling is the perfect partner for a whole host of bathroom ideas, from traditional and high-end, to rustic, vintage or even beach themed decor. Go full height and embrace period charm, or opt for the paneling at wainscotting height –up to the dado rail – and pair with patterned wallpaper for a more contemporary edge. ‘Adding wood paneling to a bathroom is a great way of adding texture and color, which in turn can add a warmth to what otherwise can be quite a clinical and cold room,’ explains Barrie Cutchie, designer at BC Designs (opens in new tab)....

Being one of the smaller rooms in the home, and serving a practical purpose, bathrooms can get overlooked when it comes to decorating and can run the risk of being cold and clinical, but adding wallpaper is a wonderful bathroom idea that will instantly bring life and character to the space. As well as being functional, bathrooms are private spaces where we take time to ourselves, so it makes sense for them to really reflect our unique style....

The best pillows come in a variety of sizes, fillings, and casings. Many are designed for specific sleeping positions, and there even are a few adjustable fill options on the market if you have very specific requirements for how lofty you like your pillow. The best places to buy pillows on our list cater to all pillow requirements. Some are large retailers with literally thousands of choices. Others are smaller companies with a well-curated choice of a few impeccably executed options....

Bringing in water to an outdoor space is a powerful way to make a statement and add a cooling and relaxing element. We have long known about the calming effects of water and adding it in our backyard can entirely change the atmosphere of the space. Garden pond ideas and water features are also great for welcoming in wildlife. They are part of a garden ecosystem which will help to create balance....

A stylish and unique option for your ceiling ideas, wallpaper allows for you to incorporate your favorite colors, prints and artistic designs into a space, adding a unique focal point and enhanced level of visual interest in a room. Using wallpaper on the ceiling isn’t for everyone, but this unconventional design technique can be a great way to uplift and freshen up a space with style and intrigue - encouraging you to look up as well as look around when you step into a room....

Whatever our unconscious choices, color psychology hints that some colors are better than others at boosting mood, however. ‘Colors can generate physiological changes such as increasing our heart rate and impacting our hormone levels,’ explains color therapist, Lee Chambers (opens in new tab), ‘and colors can make a difference in how relaxed and at ease we feel.’ So which should you choose if you want happy room ideas? And which to avoid, according to color therapy?...