The hardest working room in the house loves to look spanking new for summer, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Clear the clutter and create the perfect kitchen space for entertaining (Beach House Art/PA) If sunshine and blue skies have you thinking about a simple spruce-up and introducing a breath of fresh air, it could be time for a kitchen makeover. Especially with longer, warmer days, and promise of throwing open the windows to embrace indoor-outdoor living… and getting organised ahe

These lasting floral patterns, decorative prints and blossomy motifs will put your space in bloom, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Flowery features will beautify any room (Graham & Brown/PA) If you’re in the mood for some old-school country charm, love the colourful contrast of ditsy florals with pretty blooms and botanical prints, there’s always a modern take on this timeless design. And with springtime and Mother Nature opening its arms to this natural wonder, these prized picks bri

The new go-to, green is having a moment in the home, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Bring the outdoors in with Mother Nature’s favourite colour (Dulux/PA) Some might say some shades come and go… making headlines one season, gone the next. Today, spin the colour wheel and the result is far from random… the arrow is firmly pointing towards green. “Green is one of the most naturally comforting colours we can bring into our homes because it connects us instantly to the world outside,” hi

The colour expert and creator of Chalk Paint discusses Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 – and her colour palette of the year. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Time to embrace bold, uplifting hues for a sense of wellbeing (Annie Sloan/PA) Fearless when it comes to colour, and a leading authority on decorative painting, it’s 36 years since Annie Sloan revolutionised the way we paint furniture with her Chalk Paint™. One of the most important designers of her generation, and author of 27 book

The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey are redefining handmade furniture with premium, handcrafted pieces designed to fit homes of every shape and size. The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey hand made furniture. South Wales is home to two sister furniture brands making big waves with hand-crafted, premium pieces, The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey. Both began with a passion for quality craftsmanship and have grown into distinct brands, each offering a unique approach to modern livin

From paint finishes to furnishings, be moved by muted greens, says Sam Wylie-Harris. A mid-green at one with nature, cue this feel-good hue (Annie Sloan/PA) Calm, comforting and versatile, moss green has a natural, grounding aesthetic – and a go-to thanks to its tranquil energy as we transition into spring. Moreover, these leafy shades have a positive effect on the senses, and are a brilliant way to boost your wellbeing with the growing ubiquity of mindfulness and self-care i

Time to nail the Alpine lodge look, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Ski lodge style to amp up your space (Desenio/PA) Got that cosy slopeside chalet vibe? Thinking a fireside fondue, glühwein or mug of cocoa, and a sheepskin rug to sink your toes into? With icy temperatures and a wintry cold snap stirring thoughts of après ski, now’s the time to snug up your space with earthy tones, natural materials and a good measure of rustic charm. Here’s how to reinvent your décor with mountainsi

Heating and energy efficiency experts tell Lisa Salmon how to keep homes warm at a low cost when the temperatures drop again. Simple ways to keep your home toasty during the cold winter weather (Alamy/PA) Although the cold snap has eased, there’s a possibility of further icy conditions over the next few weeks – this is the British winter, after all. The Met Office says there’s a chance of some colder spells, with the potential for associated winter hazards, later in January a

Relaxed and inviting, cosy is the new luxury. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Today’s kitchen aspires to be a social, stylish and welcoming space (The Used Kitchen Company/PA) If you’re looking at your kitchen in a whole new light, and thinking about a different theme or concept, there’s a growing movement towards spaces that prioritise comfort and warmth. “Think muted tones, soft furnishings, and a modern take on traditional design,” says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen C

Styling the table is a joyous way to elevate your festive fare, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Laying the table to an art form to showcase your festive flair (B&M Home/PA) Celebrating the holiday season and rallying your friends for aperitifs, followed by a jubilant lunch or dinner, calls for a seating plan – and your cue to dial up the drama with the art of tablescaping. “When it comes to Christmas entertaining, the table is so much more than just a place to eat… it’s where memories

From glitzy baubles and beautiful bows to snowflakes sparkling with seasonal joy. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Make it a magical Christmas with this joyous collection of decorations (Rockett St George/PA) With the festive fervour gathering momentum and Christmas decor stealing the limelight, now’s the time to focus on those finishing touches. Especially if you’re inspired by the celebratory Chrimbo light switch-on events, can’t wait to put the tree up, or looking for that something l

Chutneys, scented pouches and decorations can all be sourced from your plot. Home-made gifts have more meaning behind them (Alamy/PA) Home-made gifts spell love, effort and thought – and it’s easy to extend that to garden-inspired festive presents. Whether you create a beautifully scented herb drawer pouch or a jar of delicious home-made chutney or jam, it will mean more to the recipient than something you’ve bought in haste from a retailer. “There’s so much to be gained from

From gleaming cutlery to fresh-smelling garlands, these quick wins from the Queen of Clean are a lifesaver. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Sparkle, shine and save time with these savvy shortcuts (Alamy/PA) Can you feel it? The Christmas lights are on, window displays have been given the wow factor, and magical displays are drawing us closer to the big day – with feel-good festive fixes topping the to-do list. Especially if you’re setting the stage for holiday hosting, decking the halls

From chic abodes to cottagecore, these decorative items will elevate the everyday, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Christmas is the perfect time to tuck a home gift under the tree (Alamy/PA) Some of the best buys are for sprucing up your space, and gifting is the perfect opportunity to style up the season with something for the home. Especially if you’re not sure what to buy a loved one; but you’re confident a interiors-based gift will give great aesthetic pleasure if it channels comf

From ‘nonna holiday’ to nutcrackercore and gothmas, here’s what’s shaping the holiday season. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Deck the halls and showcase your festive flair with these seasonal schemes (Meri Meri/PA) One of the wonders of Christmas is putting up the decorations… and foraging for those sentimental trinkets, glitzy trimmings, garlands and twinkling lights galore. But what if you’re rethinking your Christmas aesthetic; fancy a shift in style and theme, and have your heart s

It’s not too soon to start thinking about entertaining on the big day, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Kit out your kitchen with these quickie makeovers and festive finishing touches (Alamy/PA) With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to get your skates on if a stylish kitchen refresh is on the cards. Especially if you’re hosting, and entertaining family and friends over the holidays – with a focus on seating everyone comfortably and choosing decor as twinkly as the tree. N

After-dark decor to crown fright night celebrations and spooky soirées. By Sam Wylie-Harris. These Halloween-themed decorations and homewares look spooktacular (Matalan/PA) It’s one of the most anticipated dates in the fancy dress diary, and if you’re into dressing up, Halloween celebrations (October 31) are a real scream. And for a dose of devilish decorative drama, a flurry of eerie furnishings, thrilling tablescapes and themed feature walls make frighteningly good backdrop

Wreaths, pots and pumpkins can make a difference. Celebrate autumn with festive decor (British Garden Centres/PA) If your front door area looks lacklustre, it’s time to warm it up with some welcoming autumn colours in rich burnt oranges, deep red accents, soft seedheads and textured foliage. “The trick is choosing plants that provide colour, texture and structure, all while celebrating the richness of the season,” says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Cent

From gallery walls geared to the countryside, to snuggly soft furnishings, it’s all about feel-good vibes, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Cosy finds for the cooler months (Direct.asda/PA) With a nip in the air, dappled sunlight, and leaves starting to turn a brilliant burnt orange, crimson and gold, it’s Mother Nature’s way of telling us it’s time to cosy up. And what better way to start prepping your space for pumpkin spice lattes on the sofa, autumnal tablescapes and comfort food t

These easy upgrades can channel a five-star vibe, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Relaxation is the order of the day (Barker And Stonehouse/PA) There’s something special about a luxurious hotel bedroom… fresh bed linen, stylish decorative accents, a calming atmosphere, and peace of mind knowing every detail has been carefully considered. So is it any wonder we dream of the same sense of indulgence and comforting aesthetic at home? With thoughts turning to a fantasy turn-down service…