Interior design expert Celena Browning shares her top tips for enhancing the look of your home with simple yet effective decor choices. From incorporating pops of color to investing in high-quality materials, she reveals the secrets to transforming your living spaces into stylish havens.
Introducing the exclusive MacKenzie-Childs x Paper & Pencil Co. Ceramic Capsule Collection, a collaboration between American-heritage home décor brand MacKenzie-Childs and renowned Southern lifestyle tastemaker Gen Sohr. Handcrafted in New York, the collection boasts bold patterns, fresh colors, and unique silhouettes designed to inspire entertaining and bring cheer to any table. Versatile pieces like berry bowls, teacups, plates, and a decorative cake stand in a captivating palette of blue, green, teal, and white seamlessly mix with MacKenzie-Childs classic designs, offering timeless treasures for the home.
MacKenzie-Childs, known for its distinctive hand-painted ceramics and home décor, has collaborated with Gen Sohr, founder of lifestyle brand Pencil & Paper Co., to create a limited-edition ceramic capsule collection. The collection features whimsical and cheerful designs that bring a pop of color and joy to any table setting.
The arrival of spring brings a burst of color and beauty with the blooming of tulips. These beloved flowers are not only a vibrant addition to gardens but also make for exceptional home décor. Whether adorning a dining table or adding a touch of elegance to a kitchen, tulips have the versatility to enhance any space.
Inspired by travels and a desire for escapism, Brits are turning to foreign countries for home décor ideas. Sweden, Italy, and Japan lead the way, with France, Denmark, and Norway also popular. Over a third would alter their homes to reflect their favorite destinations, but many lack the expertise. Sensory design expert Pippa Jameson emphasizes the role of the senses in creating spaces that evoke memories and emotions. British homes often blend styles from multiple countries, with the average home paying tribute to two different nations. Inspiration comes from interior design websites, retail stores, and Pinterest. Many also display souvenirs from their travels, and some incorporate aspects of foreign lifestyles into their own. DFS experts offer tips for creating vacation-inspired spaces at home, including using essential oils, transforming into a luxurious sanctuary, creating a travel-inspired room, embracing coastal chic, layering rugs and throws, and bringing the outdoors in.
Create a sophisticated and spacious ambiance by painting an entire room the same color. This technique eliminates the need for painter’s tape, saves time, and tricks the eye into perceiving a larger space. Read on for tips on choosing the right paint, preparing the room, and executing the perfect paint job.
Taylor Swift’s recent Arts and Crafts revival has sparked a new wave of interest in handmade goods and unique décor. This trend is not just about following a fad but about creating timeless pieces that reflect our personal style and traditions. From painting candles to crocheting Granny Square tiles, there are endless ways to incorporate the Arts and Crafts aesthetic into your home. As trend forecaster Valerie Ott predicts, 2024 will be a year of unique crafting opportunities, so get ready to unleash your creativity and give your home a personal touch.
Hermès showcased its home collection for 2024 at Milan Design Week, drawing inspiration from the brand’s equestrian heritage and the natural textures of raw materials. Featuring timeless objects and evocative motifs, the collection celebrates craftsmanship and pays homage to Hermès tropes. From ethereal equestrian lamps to opulent tableware, each piece exemplifies the brand’s excellence and attention to detail.
A couple has purchased a bargain caravan for £500 on Facebook Marketplace and is transforming it into their tiny dream home. Hayley Rubery, 33, and her partner, Ben, 40, had long dreamt of van life but could not afford the hefty price tag of £30,000 for a traditional van renovation. They stumbled upon a 30-year-old caravan on Facebook and negotiated the price down to £500 due to damp issues. With a limited budget of just £500 for the renovation, they have already spent £300 removing damp wood and revamping the kitchen. They plan to complete the transformation themselves through a process of trial and error. Hayley, a full-time influencer residing in Norfolk, shared their motivation: “We’ve always loved the idea of van life, but it’s an expensive dream.” She further explained, “This caravan, despite its age and dampness, will give us the van life experience for a fraction of the cost.” The couple, who are also renovating their house, found the opportunity to purchase the caravan while searching for an affordable vacation home. Hayley discovered the listing on Facebook in February 2024 for £1.5k, but after learning about the damp issue, she negotiated a £500 deal. They allocated £500 for the renovation, focusing on addressing the dampness first. They replaced damaged wood using plywood purchased for £5 per piece from a timber yard. Hayley applied her creative skills to upcycle the kitchen for around £60, utilizing budget-friendly hacks like stick-on tiles and leftover paint. The couple sourced decorations from budget-friendly stores like The Range and Matalan. Hayley noted, “We’ve tried to preserve as much as possible and only replace what’s necessary.” The bathroom is next on their to-do list, where they intend to use waterproof adhesive for decoration. Hayley is excited about the progress they’ve made, stating, “I’ve just been winging it, but the results are surprising.” They aim to complete the project before their summer road trip to Scotland in August. Upon completion, the couple plans to equip the caravan with a mini projector and other home comforts. Despite the initial dampness, Hayley believes the caravan is a worthwhile investment: “Caravans can be a bit underrated. We’re hoping to get several summers of enjoyment out of this one.”
A recent survey involving 2,000 cat and dog owners in the UK has revealed that nearly half (48%) have designated special rooms or areas in their gardens specifically for their furry companions. Over half (55%) prioritize creating dedicated relaxation zones for their pets, while 34% focus on maximizing comfort. Interestingly, 30% of pet owners opt for organized storage solutions to keep pet belongings tidy. Despite these efforts, 18% admit that their primary motivation for pet-friendly spaces is to prevent clutter in the rest of the house.
