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
Use delicate shades of buttercup yellow, pinky coral and pale celadon green for the freshest spring decorating ideas. MODERN MIX TIM YOUNG Create depth and character by contrasting pared – back, contemporary pieces with classic styles from different eras. Toning shades of yellow unify the scheme (above). Alcoves papered in Wild Flowers New Contemporary Two Collection, 69/11143, … Read more
The List, our online directory of design professionals, is now live. Whether you’re searching for an interior designer, architect, garden designer, curtain maker or lighting specialist, look no further than The List. If you provide a bespoke service, we would love to hear from you… CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE LIST Lighting may well … Read more
As residents of the northern hemisphere, we’ve been conditioned to welcome as much sunlight as possible into our homes, and that includes the use of pale colours to illuminate a room. So it’s hard to put that to one side and consider a dark colour scheme, let alone the darkest one of all: bold, moody, … Read more
1. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES Begin with a checklist of the room’s strong points, perhaps the fireplace, French windows or simply a sunny aspect. Plan your scheme to highlight these key features. Then think about the elements you don’t like and work on removing them, or changing them to minimise their impact on the space. … Read more