Every year paint manufacturer Dulux gathers a team of design experts to predict colour trends for the year ahead. ‘The common thread coming through for 2016 was yellow – and gold in particular. We drew inspiration from all the different tones of this colour, including bold metallic hues and earthy shades, bringing them all together … Read more
Whether you want a sanctuary or a wow factor space, these essential bathroom design ideas will set you on the right track. HOW TO START BURLINGTON BATHROOM EDWARDIAN SUITE, £1343, PURE BATHROOM COLLECTION Draw up a wish list of all the things you want from your space. Use online resources to see what’s new and … Read more
Choosing the right material for patio flooring can be tricky. From decking, bricks, paving or gravel – which is the best option for your garden? TERRIFIC TIMBER GETTY Decking is great for many situations such as uneven surfaces, slightly sloping sites and sunny areas. But in a shady spot the porous nature of wood means that rainwater may make the deck slippery. And … Read more
It’s possible to get a tropical style garden without having to swathe your plants in bubble wrap every winter! These are the top tropical plants for a colder climate. 1. Chusan palm/Trachycarpus fortunei A really lovely palm (above) with fan-shaped leaves. This is a hardy plant and while it is incredibly robust in very cold winters it’s a … Read more
A tree will bring year-round interest and colour into even the smallest garden – but consider how big it will eventually become. WHICH TREE TO CHOOSE If you’d prefer a tree that doesn’t need any pruning, and grows to no more than about 3m tall, look at varieties that cross over between trees and shrubs. … Read more
With spring finally here, it’s time to start a new DIY gardening project at home. Tomatoes are the perfect vegetables (or fruit if you want to be technical) to plant yourself, and there’s a super simple way to do it. All you need is another tomato and you’re ready to go. As demonstrated by YouTube … Read more
Devolo is best known for its range of Powerline Homeplug networking products, so it was a surprise to see the German company launch a range of smart home kit. The core Home Control Starter Kit contains a control hub, a door sensor and a plug adaptor for controlling electrical devices such as lamps. Other optional … Read more
The original AirRam first came out in 2013 when cordless vacuum cleaners weren’t as fully established as they are today. It was lightweight, compact and, in many ways, a big improvement over more conventional cleaners. However, unlike Dyson’s popular handheld cleaners, for instance, the AirRam kept things simple with its traditional upright design. The new … Read more
Fill your rooms with glorious home fragrance and make it last longer with top tips from Victoria Davies, scents buyer at John Lewis. Don’t save scented candles for special occasions because over time the fragrance becomes weaker. When storing them, find somewhere that’s an even temperature – not too hot or cold. To maximise your candle’s burn time, allow it to … Read more
It’s essential to select the correct paint type and finish for the surface you want to cover. WHICH PAINT TO PICK? Melanie Adams, Director, Designerpaint.com reveals the secrets of paint formulas. Water-based emulsion works well on walls and ceilings. Eggshell and acrylic can also be water based but they’re tougher than emulsion. Some products are durable … Read more