Sam Wylie-Harris delves inside a new interiors book with pro tips on styling foundations and furnishings for Scandinavian décor. The timeless appeal of Scandi decor blends beauty with simplicity (Benjamin Edwards/PA) Our interiors are the ultimate canvas and considering visual elements such as shape, balance, and pale hues, Scandinavian décor is one of our favourite design aesthetics. But when it comes to a minimalist approach to decorating, it’s as inspiring as it is attract

Summery updates call for shades of roses, berries and pretty pastels, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Blooming beautiful ideas for a perky mix of pink (Poster Store/PA) It’s the time of year when you’re wishing for everything to come up roses. Peak blooms such as peonies and sweet peas are at their most luscious, and tablescapes are teeming with fresh greenery, summer salads and glass or two of rosé to wash down with poached salmon. And for design enthusiasts, must-have accents echo t

Combat the heatwave with these quick tips and tricks. Surviving a UK heatwave doesn’t require AC (Alamy/PA) As temperatures soar across the UK this week, you might have spent the weekend frantically rummaging through your attic in search of a fan. Heatwaves tend to trigger a sense of panic for many Brits, with concerns about how to keep cool, avoid restless nights, and stay comfortable while working can feel all consuming. While maintaining a cool indoor environment can be ch

Whether it’s accessorising his man cave or gifting on Father’s Day, make it something lasting, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From little luxuries to handy homewares, gifting ideas for Father’s Day (Smeg/PA) Whatever the age demographic of your dad, there’s a perfect present out there to suit his taste in decorative detail. From art and design options that fuse function with flair, or if you simply hope to bring a smile to his face by presenting him with a gift he’s been hankering af

From bespoke architectural interiors to handcrafted outdoor furniture, The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey create statement pieces that bring craftsmanship, character and durability to modern living. Handmade furniture from The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey Designed and handmade in South Wales, each project combines solid timber, precision steelwork and over 20 years of craftsmanship experience, creating furniture and interiors built not only to look exceptional, but to last

Embrace the warmer weather by styling up your scheme with dreamy duvet sets. By Sam Wylie-Harris. With a heatwave on the cards, time to refresh your bedding (Secret Linen Store/PA) With summer hotting up and promise of warmer weather, it only takes the first heatwave to put the focus on fresh bed linen – and making everything look and feel cool, crisp and charming. And whether you favour white, pastels, or feel fearless with colour by mixing and matching prints and florals, t

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