Ideal Home

Someone recently pointed out in a Zoom meeting how most of the backdrops on show featured neutral walls. It gave me pause for thought when I spend so much time advocating the use of colour. So, while I write this at my desk at home, three of my off

Things we love about the season: lighter evenings and dining alfresco (even if a cardi is still required). Bring an Easter lunch to life by filling clear glass vases with fresh spring blooms and create a simple centrepiece with mini egg decorations h

The renowned interior designer, famous for her use of colour and texture, has teamed up with Secret Linen Store. The cotton linen mix and 100% linen bedding in rich shades of chocolate brown, ochre and spruce are combined with the lived-in patina of

Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend... ■

The island provides plenty of worksurface, with a concealed downdraught extractor that pops up when needed. Three pendant lights add a touch of shine against the matt finishes. Bespoke kitchen units, around £25,000, PZ Refurbishment. Units spray-pain

● WEST ELM Modern furniture, especially glass and metal designs with a glamorous, urban edge. ● JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Great for good-quality accessories and contemporary, statement lighting. ● HOMESENSE An ever-changing selection for brilliant barg

Start with a palette of pale green, blue and coral. Pick one to be your lead colour; small touches of the other two will lift it as accents. You can keep the light-boosting properties of white walls, but still enjoy a shot of colour. Paint above the

Transform plain shelving with a dramatic colour choice. Painting the wall and shelving in the same colour will create a seamless finish, allowing the shelves to almost disappear, while the contrast to the surrounding wall colour creates an interestin

This space is upstairs on the first floor. ‘I bought the sitting room rug and cushions from a Moroccan seller at Etsy. The bank of sofas is very grey, so the space needed colour.’ For similar corner sofa, try the Denver in Jet cord, £2,099, Swoon. Fo

● HK LIVING This Dutch brand has great products inspired by the past but given a raw, edgy feel. ● LA REDOUTE A great source for rugs, from shaggy Berbers and modern brights to gorgeous vintage-style weaves. ● MADE High-end original design at affor

A corner is all you need for a reading nook. A hanging bamboo chair keeps the floor and sightlines clear for a feeling of space. Highlight the area with clusters of pots that contain foliage at varying heights and scales. Extend your kitchen capacit

Give a pair of ready-made curtains a personal touch by adding rows of pretty tassel trim. Remove the curtains from the pole and press flat. Mark where you’d like the tape of the trim to sit, measuring up from the bottom of the curtains at intervals.

Soft blues, yellows and natural textures make the dining area inviting. Long panelling at one end of the room makes the low ceiling appear taller than it really is. Stay Safe Keep Your Distance print, £19, by Stephen Kenny, The Printer’s Devil Prim

■ ‘Sand is a crucial element of any beach scene, so that’s an ideal starting point when looking for accent colours. From calm and serene hues to storm shades, blues and teals will add contrast,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ■ ‘It’s

‘I must admit the new earthy colour scheme makes me feel good every day,’ says Gertjan. ‘The apartment was completely white when I bought it.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar extendable dining table, try Eichholtz in Black, £1,650, Swanky Interiors

● PEOPLE OF THE SUN Works with artisans in Malawi making hand-woven pieces. ● MARKET SET Creative lighting ranges from chic industrial to natural materials like rattan. ● DIVINE SAVAGES For wallpaper that’s like art on a roll, inspired by art deco

Sand the furniture and wipe away the dust. Measure the drawers (including edges) and mark out corresponding measurements on the wallpaper. Cut out the sections using a craft knife. Lay the pieces out in the order of the design. Brush PVA glue onto th

Refresh a tired colour scheme for spring. Swap plain cushions for cheery patterns in a mix of leafy greens and sunny yellows. Update a throw by sewing on bright pom-poms. While you’re not using it over summer, fill your fireplace with painted logs f

The art of window dressing… so many things to think about and yet interior designers seem to effortlessly get it right. But where do you start? Whether you are looking at blinds, curtains or shutters, we asked three experts – an interior designer, a

‘Faced with a house that needed work in every room, we weren’t at all deterred when we bought it back in 2004. Not even the kitchen, which was filled with battered cabinetry, put us off. Instead, we relocated it to the back, and had an orangery-style

SIT IN STYLE WITH SMART AND SLEEK BAR STOOLS Stone-wash bar stool, £294, Sweetpea & Willow Portela bar stool in Grey, £119, Dwell

This renovation project has been a real labour of love. I’m passionate about gardening and entertaining so I couldn’t wait to get going on the garden,’ says Beth. ‘I hadn’t worked with a garden designer before but when I came across Taylored Gardens

1. OUTDOOR RUG Samode Graphite/Ivoryindoor/outdoor rug, £59, Darlings of Chelsea 2. LANTERN Rattan solar-powered lantern in Black, from £45, John Lewis & Partners 3. COFFEE TABLE Domkapa Copacabana coffee table, £690, Sweetpea & Willow 4. PLANT PO

1 THERE’S MORE TO CHOOSE FROM THAN JUST RED BRICK Units come in numerous colours and finishes. It’s even possible to specify your own RAL-coloured glazed brick. 2 CHOOSE A SHAPE THAT FITS Bricks come in a variety of sizes. Using a long-format brick

The products you need to organise your back-room kit for a smooth-running and orderly utility space Open shelves give easy access to laundry essentials but having everything out on show can look untidy. Corral smaller odds and ends like washing table

Clever Closet allows you to use the empty area under the stairs to its full potential, with drawers and cupboards to suit your space. Stow everything within reach while keeping your hallway clutter-free. Perfect for shoes and bags, and even the ironi

SERVES 6 READY IN 45 mins INGREDIENTS • 2 pitta breads • 6tbsp olive oil • 1tbsp dried oregano • 2 red onions, cut into wedges • 6 tomatoes, halved • 200g mixed cherry tomatoes • 100g pitted Kalamata olives • 1 pack halloumi, thickly sliced FOR THE

SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING FOR THE CAKE • 100g cocoa powder • 240g self-raising flour • 1½tsp baking powder • ¼tsp bicarbonate of soda • 240g butter, softened • 400g caster sugar • 1tsp vanilla extract • 4 eggs at room temperature

Cast adrift in protected coral waters in the Bristol Channel, Lundy is a blissful reef of granite and heathland. They don’t call it ‘Britain’s Galapagos’ for nothing: the wildlife here includes puffins, rabbits, seals, guillemots, deer, feral goats a

“Surrounding yourself with  patterns inspire and bring you joy can never be a bad thing in my eyes. Tying designs together with a similar palette is the key to success – just have fun! It is important to create balance, so with patterns on upholstery