Lifestyle

Botanical elements can definitely add appeal before you open your door to buyers. With everything you need freely available from garden centres, DIY stores and even your humble supermarket, what’s stopping you?

There’s a saying in estate agency that goes ‘kitchens and bathrooms sell homes’ and we tend to agree. We’re often asked by prospective sellers what they should do to make their kitchen ultra-appealing and many ask if it’s possible to add value too. Our answers to the most commonly-asked questions should help inform your kitchen plans.

Burning wood is the most primitive way to keep warm but fashionable log burners have elevated the humble fire into a home must-have. Their cosy credentials coupled with an impressive heat output has prompted a rise in wood burner sales but the downside – increased air pollution – has sparked a flurry of new rules and regulations.

There are times when even interior purists tire of a blank canvas, with prints and patterns the only way to add interest. It can, however, be a little frightening to find yourself in a world of colour, shape and swirling geometric form. Here’s our advice for those taking the plunge into 2023’s most fashionable prints and patterns.

The Dulux Colour of the Year 2023 is Wild Wonder and this golden beige is going to be big news in the coming 12 months. While the shade has been released by a paint manufacturer, it is set to influence how we accessorise our homes.

Everything we know about the energy market is almost irrelevant today, with the unpredictable world of gas and electricity having a dramatic impact on our monthly bills. In this guide, we bust six current – and most common – energy myths and offer advice to those struggling to understand the current energy situation.

The option of buying second hand, scanning Gumtree or Facebay for free items and upcycling what you already own are the most sustainable approaches to home styling but sometimes purchasing new is the preferred option.

‘Self-care’ is a concept that’s gained momentum in the last two years, especially as we look to rebalance our lives after the pandemic. Although what may immediately spring to mind is a walk in the countryside or an hour-long aromatherapy massage, the self-care trend has crossed over into our homes.

How you display your books depends on the aesthetic you’re aiming for but there is a style to suit everyone, from maximalist tightly-packed shelves to the minimalist art of arranging a single novel.

Whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your property to make it more appealing to buyers or you’re a design-driven tenant who can’t make permanent changes to their pad, sometimes it makes sense to pursue moveable home improvements. 

With the threat of rising gas and electricity prices, it’s no surprise that people are increasingly concerned about  energy efficiency. Heating your home and staying cosy once warmth is generated is very much a hot topic…

After last year’s dual grey/yellow combination, the colour masters at Pantone have reverted to a single shade for 2022’s Colour of the Year. Introducing Very Peri – an uplifting shade of purple that was created especially for the year ahead.