These Halloween-themed homewares and gothic accents lean into a moody, mysterious aesthetic, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Sinister ways to style your space for fright night celebrations (Wallsource/PA) Spooky season is a highlight on the holiday calendar, and with Halloween falling on a Saturday, trick-or-treaters can really take advantage of ghoulish goodies galore. Think costume dramas, ghostly decos, and prepping pumpkins for Jack-o-lanterns, with the promise of more downtime to

A palette of oranges, greens, rich browns and earthy hues is perfect for the mellow season, says Sam Wylie-Harris. A warm, earthy colour palette sets the scene for relaxed evenings as the nights draw in (Poltronsofà/PA) With warm, dappled sunlight, the beautiful golden glow autumn gifts us, and trees shedding their leaves, chances are you’re ready for a reshuffle with your interiors – to mimick the great outdoors. “What we’re seeing is a real shift to those natural, earthy to

Bringing vacation-inspired vibes into your home is easier than you think, says Sam Wylie-Harris. How to bring holiday-inspired style into your home (Bleu Canard Design/Houzz Pro/PA) A sunseeker’s dream, recreating your heavenly escape in your own living space has its rewards, especially from a wellbeing angle – holidays make us happy! But the reality can be a bit daunting when trying to nail the right aesthetic; sometimes the temptation is to overthink it, and end up getting

A blue and white colour palette, natural textures and sun-kissed hues evoke a sense of the riviera, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From lemon motifs to coastal prints, here’s how to infuse the spirit of the Med into your home (Desenio/PA) There’s nothing like the prospect of an endless summer, soaring temperatures and azure-blue skies to put you in a sunny frame of mind. And with a Mediterranean climate on our doorstep, all the more reason to soak up indoor-outdoor living. Think Moro

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

Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde

Keep on top of things as summer continues. There is still work to do in the garden in July (Alamy/PA) July may seem the month where all your hard work pays off and you can finally sit and admire your garden. Flowers will be in full bloom, some fruit and veg are ready to harvest and patios will be looking their best. But don’t let things slide – because some jobs just won’t wait. 1. Keep watering (Alamy/PA) July is often dry, so it’s important to keep on top of watering. If yo

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

Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde