Sam Wylie-Harris

Barbecue expert Jon Finch advises cleaning grills regularly to improve food safety and extend their lifespan. He recommends removing food debris while the grill is hot, performing deeper cleaning after it cools, working from the grates downward, and keeping moisture away from internal components. Finch cautions against using chemicals on food-contact surfaces, suggesting heat, scraping and brushing instead, with only purpose-designed grill cleaners used when necessary.

Home security expert Caroline Mills advises holidaymakers to secure windows and doors with strong frames, high-security locks, multi-point locking systems and laminated security glass. She also recommends hiding valuable-item packaging, managing deliveries and flyers, asking a trusted neighbour to monitor the property, and storing ladders, bins and garden furniture so they cannot help burglars access windows.

A selection of eight scented candles and diffusers is highlighted for their ability to enhance indoor spaces with fragrances ranging from Mediterranean fruits and herbs to spring florals and exotic blossoms. Brands including Oliver Bonas, NEOM, Habitat, Floris London, Baobab Collection, Jo Loves and Anatomē are featured, each offering distinctive aromatic profiles designed to elevate mood, evoke nature and create a calming, sensory atmosphere at home.

Suggestions for incorporating Mediterranean style into home interiors include using lemon-themed accessories, ceramic tableware, mosaic tiles, rattan furniture, coastal-inspired artwork and patterned bench pads. The featured products draw influence from Italian, Spanish, French, Greek and Moroccan aesthetics, emphasizing relaxed, summery and coastal design elements.

Scandi Modern design is presented as a lifestyle rooted in care, calm and intention, with emphasis on light, texture, natural materials and purposeful placement. Designers Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon offer practical guidance for creating conversational layouts, allowing furniture to breathe, balancing objects on tables, and layering lighting. Their approach encourages creating living spaces that feel open, warm and thoughtfully composed, supported by examples from their new book and specific Scandinavian-style furniture pieces.

Bathroom spaces are increasingly being treated as personal wellness retreats, with expert Emma Freeman highlighting design approaches that promote calm and relaxation. Soft lighting, muted colour palettes, warm metallic finishes and decluttered layouts support a soothing environment, while evolving water features and thoughtful fixtures elevate daily routines into restorative rituals. Growing interest in double basins, gentle water experiences and integrated design shows a shift toward spaces that offer comfort, freedom and intentionality.

A selection of pink-themed home decor pieces is highlighted, ranging from tableware and faux flowers to furniture, lighting, and art prints. Each item is presented as a way to add playful, colorful accents to interior spaces, emphasizing bold hues, floral motifs, and vibrant design elements to enhance seasonal styling.

Advice from home expert Lynsey Crombie emphasizes focusing on visible, high-use areas when preparing for summer guests. Key tasks include cleaning and refreshing the bathroom, creating space in the fridge, emptying indoor and outdoor bins, and ensuring a tidy, welcoming entrance. Outdoor areas should be quickly refreshed by clearing dead plants, cleaning furniture, sweeping patios, and preparing barbecues and dining essentials in advance. Small touches such as fresh air, scented oils, citronella candles, and a final walkthrough help create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for entertaining.

Design guidance emphasises a shift toward brighter, multifunctional kitchens that serve as social hubs. Warm minimalism, inspired by Italian design, uses warm neutrals, woodgrains, natural stone and soft lighting. Budget-friendly updates include new worktops, warm-toned cabinet fronts, wood flooring and decluttering. Finishing touches such as warm metallics, matte black hardware and layered lighting help elevate the look. Storage innovations like pantries, coffee nooks and alternative shelving improve practicality and support a cohesive, calming aesthetic.

A curated selection of nine Father’s Day gift ideas highlights stylish home décor items ranging from cookware and coffee machines to lighting, furniture, glassware, art prints and luxury fragrance accessories. Each product is positioned as a thoughtful option for fathers with an eye for design, offering a variety of aesthetic styles and practical uses.

Selecting a reliable builder improves the likelihood of completing a renovation on schedule and within budget. Searching locally helps ensure availability and regional knowledge, while recommendations from tradespeople and professionals provide further assurance. Checking a builder’s experience, insurance and past work helps verify suitability before seeking quotes. Using the same detailed brief for all quotes allows accurate comparison, and establishing a formal contract clarifies scope, cost and responsibilities.

Guidance is provided on selecting a reliable builder by prioritising local contractors, seeking recommendations from tradespeople and industry professionals, and conducting thorough checks on insurance, references and memberships. Prospective clients are advised to verify suitability, assess availability and team structure, and compare quotes using consistent documentation. The importance of effective project management and a formal contract is emphasised as essential to maintaining communication, resolving issues and ensuring clarity. A structured selection process is presented as key to avoiding delays, unexpected costs and renovation problems.

Three simple weekend DIY projects are highlighted, including repainting a front door, installing decorative tiling or a splashback, and updating cupboard hardware. Practical steps, tools required, and tips from UltraTile’s Josh Jinks outline how each task can refresh and modernise a living space with minimal effort.

A range of colourful homeware ideas highlights how vibrant accessories, patterned stoneware, decorative lighting, bold wallpaper and brightly finished furniture can refresh interiors. Various brands offer items such as statement tables, gemstone-look glassware, reversible garden cushions, artisanal stoneware and a brightly coloured locker, all aimed at adding playful, uplifting elements to living spaces.

Government initiatives under the Warm Homes Plan aim to upgrade three million UK homes by 2030 through free energy‑efficiency improvements for low‑income households and incentives for homeowners, including increased heat‑pump grants and upcoming low‑cost loan schemes. A shift toward technology such as solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps complements limited continued use of insulation. New standards require all homes built from 2027 to be net‑zero ready, and rental properties must reach EPC rating C by 2030. Homeowners are encouraged to explore retrofit options and financing, while tenants should review their EPC ratings and engage landlords about upgrade plans.

Highlights nine bedding sets suited for warm weather, focusing on materials such as linen, cotton, bamboo and Tencel, with designs ranging from coastal stripes and florals to vibrant patterns and scalloped detailing. Each set is described in terms of style, feel and seasonal suitability, with pricing noted as accurate at press time.

Common bathroom issues such as leaking taps, loose toilet seats, running toilets and inconsistent shower temperatures can often be fixed inexpensively by replacing small components rather than entire fixtures. Expert guidance highlights simple checks and part swaps that can reduce water waste and avoid costly replacements, offering substantial savings on both repairs and utility bills.

A selection of outdoor furniture, tableware and décor is highlighted for enhancing garden entertaining, featuring floral dinnerware, versatile sofa sets, bar carts, teak lounge furniture, themed stoneware, colourful sling chairs, fold‑down wall bars, contemporary dining sets and solar lanterns, all presented as stylish options for summer gatherings.

A selection of seven barbecues is recommended for summer entertaining, ranging from compact electric models to high‑performance gas and charcoal grills. Each option is highlighted for features suited to different outdoor spaces and cooking styles, including large‑capacity gas grills, modular outdoor‑kitchen systems, ceramic charcoal cookers and premium griddles endorsed by a celebrity chef. Prices and key capabilities such as multiple burners, modular accessories, digital displays and ease‑of‑cleaning systems are outlined to help buyers choose the best fit for their hosting needs.

Guidance is offered on designing a laundry room that is both functional and aesthetically appealing, emphasizing organized layouts, built‑in storage, lighting, calm colour schemes and thoughtful design features. Expert advice highlights the importance of intuitive planning, clutter reduction, versatile storage solutions and design elements that enhance usability and create a welcoming atmosphere.

A selection of nine home office items is highlighted, including planners, desks, chairs, storage solutions and accessories, each chosen for combining function with style. The products range from ergonomic sit-stand desks to scalloped-edge furniture, velvet office chairs, pastel accessories and mood boards designed to improve comfort, productivity and workspace aesthetics.

Kelly Hoppen outlines her approach to relaxed and stylish summer entertaining, emphasising comfort, thoughtful seating arrangements and mixing old and new tableware. She highlights her preference for neutral and green colour palettes and recommends creative, informal touches such as luggage-tag place cards or using unexpected vessels for flowers and custard. The discussion showcases her new Marks & Spencer home collection, featuring white and sage stoneware, glassware and serveware designed to evoke a sense of quiet luxury. She encourages mixing styles, using what you have and keeping table decorations low to balance food and flowers for a welcoming setting.

Guidance from home improvement expert Anthony Threlfall outlines how to create a cohesive and welcoming entrance by coordinating materials, lighting, flooring, storage, and greenery. Emphasizing kerb appeal, thoughtful lighting, seamless interior transitions, and biophilic touches, the recommendations focus on combining functionality with aesthetic detail to achieve a polished and inviting porch.

Suggestions for quickly refreshing a kitchen for summer include adding plants and fresh herbs, decluttering winter cookware, incorporating seasonal fruits, switching to lighter summer scents, and updating tea towels, oven gloves, cushions, and seat pads. Affordable accessories and small decorative changes are highlighted as effective ways to create a brighter, more functional seasonal space.

Guidance is provided on planning and building a home extension during the summer, detailing permission requirements for different types of extensions and offering cost‑management strategies such as maintaining a contingency budget. Expert advice highlights valuable finishing touches including kitchen islands, bi‑fold doors and quality flooring, along with practical considerations for noise, heating and airflow. Emphasis is placed on thorough planning, budgeting and communication to ensure a successful project.

A series of decorative products and accessories is highlighted to help create a New England–inspired coastal interior look, featuring blue and neutral tones, nautical motifs and natural materials, with options ranging from tableware and art prints to lighting, outdoor furniture and scented candles.

Tile flooring issues such as looseness, hollow sounds and cracking are often caused by subfloor movement or deteriorating adhesive rather than damage to the tiles themselves. Modern injection adhesives can repair gaps beneath intact tiles without removal, restoring stability and preventing future damage. Replacing tiles is frequently more disruptive, costly and difficult due to matching issues, and is only necessary when the tiles or subfloor are severely compromised. Proper repairs can be long lasting and maintain heating efficiency when underfloor systems are present.

Designers highlight a growing move toward creating outdoor spaces that function as relaxing, luxurious extensions of the home. Plush seating, modular sofas, handwoven materials and natural tones shape current furniture trends, while lighting plays a crucial role in establishing ambiance and reinforcing indoor‑outdoor continuity. Curved silhouettes, textured finishes and layered illumination help craft inviting environments suited to lounging, dining and slow outdoor living.

Experts highlight common kitchen layout mistakes and offer solutions focused on circulation, proper island sizing, workflow zoning, storage planning and early lighting design. Functional layout choices, including adequate spacing, task‑specific zones and integrated storage, are emphasised as essential for efficient daily use. Tools such as 3D floor plans can help homeowners visualise changes, and thoughtful lighting design is noted as critical to overall functionality.

A red hay fever alert across much of the UK accompanies forecasts of very high pollen levels, prompting advice on reducing indoor allergens. Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie recommends damp dusting, regular vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing soft furnishings, decluttering, steam cleaning, and maintaining clean bedding to limit dust mites, mould and pet dander. She also advises keeping windows closed during high pollen periods, showering after being outdoors, and using air purifiers to reduce indoor pollen exposure.

Designer India Holmes’ north London home is presented as an example of layered interior style defined by bold colour, mixed patterns and collected objects. Benjamin Reynaert highlights her reuse of materials, preference for secondhand pieces and instinctive approach to pattern‑mixing. Decorative details, personalised artwork and repurposed textiles create expressive rooms that balance whimsy with cohesion. The piece concludes with guidance that choosing patterns based on personal joy helps them integrate within an eclectic space.

Several UK countryside estates are highlighted as ideal spring walking destinations, featuring seasonal blooms, historic gardens, coastal scenery and woodland trails across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, each offering varied natural landscapes and visitor activities.

Seasonal interior trends highlight layered window treatments, with tonal combinations, textured materials and versatile blinds and curtains creating depth and cohesion. Sage green and saturated blues emerge as key colours, influenced by fashion and cultural touchpoints such as Regency-era aesthetics. Neo-deco styling revives 1920s-inspired luxury through gold accents and geometric elements, while coffee-toned neutrals offer a warm, adaptable modern base for varied decor styles.

Interior designer Briony Ace describes the growing trend of modern urban country decor, which blends the warmth and textures of traditional country style with a cleaner, less cluttered urban aesthetic. She highlights earthy colours, mixed materials, vintage pieces and layered textures as key elements for creating inviting interiors. Ace also discusses her design approach and upcoming presentations at the Ideal Home Show in London.

Guidance from Caroline Mills outlines practical ways to reduce pollen indoors during high-allergen seasons, including managing window use, cleaning window frames, maintaining soft furnishings, washing bedding frequently and preventing outdoor pollen from spreading inside through clothing, shoes and pets.

A selection of spring-inspired home decor pieces is highlighted, with floral patterns, botanical motifs, and pastel tones featured across rugs, jugs, blinds, armchairs, candles, artwork, throws, wallpaper, and bedding. Several collaborations, including those with fashion and botanical institutions, emphasize seasonal freshness and garden influences, presenting each product as a stylish option for refreshing interior spaces.

Guidance from designer Alysha Alli highlights spring home refresh trends focused on sustainable materials, multifunctional furniture, reflective and translucent accents, bold colour use, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration, emphasising eco-friendly choices, adaptable layouts, and vibrant design elements to create bright, functional living spaces.

Amanda Holden discusses the bold, Los Angeles-inspired aesthetic of her Surrey home and her preference for vibrant colours over neutral interiors. She describes how different rooms reflect varying styles, from colourful shared spaces to a softer, neutral bedroom. Holden introduces her newly launched DFS furniture collection, explaining how its three themes—Luvvie, Olivier and Showstopper—reflect different design moods and personal uses. She highlights her love of textured fabrics, statement pieces and luxurious finishes, noting that each sofa suits different personalities and home setups.

A selection of ten decorative ideas highlights seasonal wreaths, table linens, glass egg ornaments, garlands and playful Easter-themed accessories designed to enhance spring gatherings. Brands including Sophie Allport, The White Company, B&M Home and others feature items such as floral tablecloths, daisy plates, pre-lit garlands and themed plaques to create festive tablescapes and welcoming home displays.

Green is highlighted as a calming, versatile interior‑design colour that connects spaces to nature. Dulux colour expert Marianne Shillingford explains its popularity, noting that shades such as sage and khaki create soothing, sophisticated environments. Green pairs well with natural materials and contrasts effectively with pink and red tones. Its adaptability across light and deep variations contributes to its growing use in home design.

A curated selection of nine Mother’s Day gifts highlights decorative, practical and indulgent options across homeware, fragrances, tableware and textiles. Featured items include statement vases, luxury scented collections, novelty mugs, lighting fixtures, mirrors, candles, glassware, wicker storage baskets and a quilted throw, each presented as stylish, thoughtful choices suitable for various tastes and budgets.

Spring cleaning is described as emotionally grounding, mentally calming and physically invigorating, with Lynsey Crombie highlighting how decluttering reduces stress, offers a sense of control and creates a fresh start. She stresses that cleaning can feel therapeutic, supports wellbeing and provides natural physical activity, while urging people to avoid perfectionism and focus on small, manageable steps that make homes feel calmer and more supportive.

Annie Sloan introduces her Colour Palette of the Year 2026 in response to widespread disappointment with Pantone’s selection, presenting a trio of existing shades—Tyrian Plum, Primer Red and Napoleonic Blue—each tied to a theme of creativity, community and wellbeing. She describes strong public resonance with the palette and notes similar colour trends emerging across industries. Sloan discusses her upcoming appearances at the Ideal Home Show and reflects on the growing visibility and energy of older women in creative fields. She explains the inspiration and practical appeal of each colour, highlighting their versatility and emotional impact.

Julia Kendell outlines how thoughtful design can make small homes feel more spacious and luxurious, emphasizing ceiling height, maximizing natural light, incorporating layered lighting, prioritizing built‑in storage, and using a limited palette of high‑quality materials. She notes a cultural shift toward creating homes that feel secure and functional rather than simply large, and encourages homeowners to focus on intentional, cohesive design details that enhance comfort and perceived value.

A selection of nine rustic-themed home decor items is highlighted, showcasing earthy tones, natural textures and vintage-inspired accents suited to creating a country-style interior. Featured pieces range from ceramic tableware and brick tiles to posters, vases, clocks and rugs, each chosen to complement warm, nature‑influenced decor and evoke a relaxed rural aesthetic.

Katie McCrory draws on her experience leading IKEA’s Life at Home research to explain how rituals can make living spaces feel more personal and supportive. She emphasises defining clear purposes for rituals, turning everyday routines into meaningful practices, and creating dedicated environments that reinforce these habits. Practical suggestions include zoning spaces, minimising distractions, and incorporating sensory elements to support wellness. Her book, Where The Heart Is, expands on these tools for building a sense of home and self‑nurturing.

Experts highlight the growing interest in reading nooks as part of a broader shift toward analogue living and digital detoxing, recommending built‑in or freestanding book displays, cohesive colour palettes, comfortable seating and warm lighting to create calming spaces that encourage reading and wellbeing. Brands and designers emphasize integrating natural materials, layered lighting and curated décor to maximise comfort and support mindful, screen‑free habits.

Design experts highlight how the FunHaus trend blends bold colours, sculptural shapes and circus-inspired motifs to create playful yet sophisticated interiors. Recommendations include starting with statement headboards, layering patterns within a controlled palette, using curved furniture forms, incorporating unexpected accents and experimenting with paint techniques such as stripes and scalloped borders. Balanced application of colour, texture and form is presented as key to achieving a cohesive, lively aesthetic suitable for bedrooms and living spaces.

Recommendations for incorporating moss green into home decor highlight its calming, natural aesthetic through accessories, wall treatments, textiles and decorative items across several retailers, emphasizing simple updates that enhance ambiance and comfort.

A curated selection of decorative items is presented to help create a romantic atmosphere at home for Valentine’s, including themed tableware, lighting, cushions, wall art, bedding, glassware, and scented products. Recommendations emphasize soft colors, vintage aesthetics, cosy textures, and mood-enhancing accessories to elevate interior spaces with a romantic, whimsical feel.

Interior designer Lara Clarke outlines practical ways to personalise living spaces, emphasising layered lighting, balanced shelving arrangements, high‑quality cushions for visual impact, and using larger rugs to define areas and enhance room size. The guidance focuses on creating expressive, functional interiors tailored to individual lifestyles.

A curated selection of colourful home furnishings highlights bright furniture, lamps, textiles and decorative accents as easy ways to refresh interiors, featuring bold designs and vibrant colour palettes across a range of brands and styles.

Homeowners are gravitating toward kitchens that prioritise warmth and comfort, featuring muted tones, soft furnishings and modernised traditional design elements. Painted kitchens in warm shades, natural materials such as wicker and ceramics, and open shelving that displays personal items contribute to the cosy aesthetic. Softer lighting, comfortable seating and cohesive colour palettes further enhance the inviting atmosphere, emphasising emotional connection and livability over stark or high-gloss finishes.

A selection of furnishings and accessories in dark, moody tones is highlighted for creating cosy, contemporary interiors. Items include shelving, dining furniture, seating, storage, lighting, bedding and paint, each chosen to enhance atmosphere, add texture and offer practical style in black, brown and charcoal palettes.

Suggestions for creating a chalet-inspired interior include incorporating warm textiles, rustic accessories, retro-inspired prints, and cosy decorative pieces from various homeware brands to evoke an Alpine atmosphere.

Layering window treatments enhances control over light, privacy and insulation while adding depth and character to a room. Starting with a practical base such as blinds provides functionality, while curtains introduce softness, height and style. Sheer panels offer diffused light and versatile layering options, and combining textures, patterns and tonal colours allows for personalized design effects. Pairings like neutral curtains with voile or bold pattern‑on‑pattern styles showcase different aesthetic approaches, and dual treatments can also improve thermal efficiency throughout the year.

Design professionals highlight key interior trends for 2026, including heritage maximalism blending bold patterns with modern elements, hidden functional spaces for a streamlined look, expanded use of 3D visualisation tools, and soft simplicity driven by warm neutrals and organic materials. Dark wood finishes are returning as homeowners seek depth in interiors, while rising demand for transparency in renovation projects is encouraging wider adoption of real‑time communication platforms. Statement lighting is increasingly used as both a functional and artistic feature in home design.

Key considerations for a loft conversion include checking whether planning permission is required, establishing a clear budget, consulting multiple builders, and making design choices that maximise space and natural light. Compliance with building regulations for safety and structure is essential. Loft conversions can significantly increase property value, though homeowners are advised to compare similar properties and consult local estate agents to gauge potential returns.

Guidance is offered on creating a refined Christmas tablescape through layered elements such as quality linens, foliage garlands, candlelight, festive ceramics and personalised place settings. Emphasis is placed on texture, cohesive colour choices and small thoughtful details to produce a warm, luxurious and memorable holiday dining atmosphere.

Expert advice from sleep specialists outlines how to stay warm and comfortable in cold weather by choosing winter-appropriate bedding, using smart temperature-regulating materials, and incorporating heated blankets or hot water bottles. Additional tips include warming pyjamas, insulating rooms, using breathable layers, trapping body heat, and keeping feet warm to maintain a cosy sleep environment without overheating.

Highlights nine home storage products designed to improve organisation and enhance interior style, including drawer organisers, shelves, lockers, baskets and caddies, with emphasis on practicality, versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is highlighted as a soft, versatile white that promotes calm and modern minimalism. Colour expert Jane Boddy describes its gentle warmth, adaptability and suitability for layered textures, rounded forms and a variety of interior styles. The shade works as both a subtle backdrop and a bold focal point, pairing effectively with neutrals, pastels, black and metallics. Emphasizing longevity and broad design compatibility, Cloud Dancer is presented as a grounding, serene option for interiors, fashion and digital design.

Tips from cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie focus on restoring order after Christmas by organising decorations, deep cleaning floors and furnishings, decluttering kitchens, refreshing fridges and bathrooms, and reintroducing a sense of calm with small touches like fresh air and scented candles.

A selection of ten green-themed home decor and lifestyle items highlights ways to enhance festive interiors, featuring scented candles, cookware, tableware, lighting, textiles and decorative art, all chosen for their nature-inspired tones and seasonal appeal.

Reena Simon emphasizes creating simple systems and organized zones to keep household laundry manageable, recommending breaking tasks into smaller routines and using vertical space for winter drying. Coordinated and aesthetically consistent laundry accessories are suggested to elevate even small areas into functional and stylish spaces, with space‑saving racks, hooks, and baskets offering practical support.

A selection of Christmas decorations is highlighted, showcasing shimmery, festive and colourful baubles, bows, ornaments and lights from multiple retailers. Each item is presented for creating elegant, playful or cosy seasonal themes, ranging from velvet bows and lantern baubles to LED houses, tinsel trees and novelty designs.

A selection of six festive scented candles is highlighted for their seasonal designs and distinctive fragrances, ranging from pine and herbal winter blends to fruity, floral and spiced holiday aromas, with each option positioned as a way to enhance ambience and elevate holiday decor.

A seasoned traveller describes how to plan an ideal Maldives holiday, highlighting the value of combining two resorts—one accessible by speedboat and another by seaplane—to experience contrasting atmospheres and amenities. Velassaru is celebrated for its dining options, relaxed beachfront atmosphere and vibrant island events, while Kandolhu offers intimate luxury, exceptional snorkelling, diverse cuisine and strong all‑inclusive value. Enhanced food and beverage offerings, improved package deals and a growing range of activities illustrate how the Maldives has evolved into a destination appealing beyond traditional honeymoon trips. Travel packages from Kuoni provide outlined price points for both single‑resort and twin‑centre stays.

A selection of artificial Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands is highlighted, showcasing designs ranging from snowy alpine styles to rustic Scandi arrangements and glitzy decorative pieces. The list includes pre-lit trees, coordinated wreath-and-garland sets, tabletop accents and themed novelty options, with items sourced from various home décor retailers offering a mix of traditional, minimalist and luxurious festive aesthetics.

Lynsey Crombie offers twelve practical cleaning tips to prepare homes for the Christmas season, including methods for polishing silverware, sharpening scissors, freshening carpets and garlands, cleaning ovens, removing wax, and improving the appearance of artificial trees. Additional advice includes using a cleaning caddy for quick tidy-ups and deodorising the fridge, and her book The 15-Minute Clean is promoted as a resource for efficient home maintenance.