Portia Carroll
Portia Carroll is an interior stylist, writer, and design consultant. With a background in interior architecture and design, she has a plethora of creative experience in the industry working with high end interior brands to capture beautiful spaces and products and enhance their qualities.
Latest articles by Portia Carroll
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Want to Know How to Dress Your Bed With Green Walls? Designers Share How to Create a Calming Sleep Space
From shades of soothing sage to deep forest hues, it can be tricky to work out complementary bedding colors for green walls. So, we asked the experts for you
By Portia Carroll Published
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10 Types of Pillows — The Fillings You Need to Know, and How to Pick the Right One for You
Finding the perfect pillow can be a gamechanger for improving your sleep. Read on to explore our breakdown of the best suggestions — all in the name of a good night’s rest
By Portia Carroll Published
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Satin vs Semi-Gloss Paint — What's the Difference? Our Quick Guide on Which to Choose for DIY
Is there a difference between these paint finishes? Explore the key contrasts between satin paint and semi-gloss to ensure you choose wisely, plus advice on how to make the most of each finish
By Portia Carroll Published
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4 Outdated Ways to Decorate Entryways That Designers Say You Should Stop — And What to Do Instead
Keeping away from these outdated trends will ensure your entryway has timeless appeal
By Portia Carroll Published
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How to Design a Kid-Friendly Bathroom — 6 Tips to Make Bedtime Routines Easy and Practical
Creating a bathroom that’s both fun and functional for the little ones requires some clever thinking. Read on to ensure a safe and stylish bathroom environment for your kids that grows alongside them
By Portia Carroll Published
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"Trough Sinks" Are the Big Bathroom Trend for Elevated Spaces — But Are They Practical? Designers Decide
Minimalist, sleek and generously sized, trough sinks are a stunning addition to a bathroom, but is it a case of form over function? We asked interior designers to explain what you need to know
By Portia Carroll Published
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How to Choose the Right Color for an Entryway — Tips From Designers to Set the Tone Right
When arriving home, the entryway is the first area you enter, so what a great space to give a first impression from. Create your ideal ambiance through color suggested by the experts
By Portia Carroll Published
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6 Dated Bathroom Design Elements That are Making a Comeback in 2024
Bathrooms deserve just as much style and soul as any other room in the home. Here are the once outdated design elements we're seeing everywhere again
By Portia Carroll Published
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What's the Best Color for Sleep? 5 Shades to Paint Bedroom Walls, According to Sleep Specialists
If you’re dreaming of a new bedroom color, look no further than this round up of the best colors to keep you calm, and content to help you sleep the full night through
By Portia Carroll Published
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5 Reasons Designers Say You Shouldn't Paint Your Ceiling White — And What to Do Instead
Ceilings are often thought of as white - no questions asked. But why? Our designers are giving us their reasons as to why a ceiling should be anything but, and we’re here for that.
By Portia Carroll Published
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Satin Vs Flat Paint — Which Finish to Use Where, and Which Decorating Experts Prefer
At a glance, there might not be feel like a huge difference between satin and matte paint, but when used in the right ways, you'll notice the effects
By Portia Carroll Published
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4 Positive Colors for a Bedroom — Include These Hues for an Effortlessly Uplifting Space
Choose these colors that will give your bedroom the right energy and have you waking up full of life
By Portia Carroll Published
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Carpet vs Wood Floor, Which Is Better? — "Make the Choice Based on Style, Comfort and Ease of Maintenance"
Choosing between carpet and wood floors can be a tough call so we asked experts to lay down their pros and cons. Take a look
By Portia Carroll Published
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How to Use Paint Samples Properly When Redecorating — These Tips Will Stop You Making Color Mistakes
The go-to method for most people testing paint samples is usually painting a rough patch on our existing walls, but there's more to it than just that. Learn to test new colors properly to understand and benefit from the full effect to ensure the best result.
By Portia Carroll Published
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5 Renter-Friendly Ways to do Wall Decor — Add Personality to Your Home, Without Ruining the Walls
When rentals only allow temporary decor, there’s no need to hold back on adding your individual touch. There are plenty of ways to pack a punch, take a browse through the professionals' non-permanent ideas below
By Portia Carroll Published
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Should I Pick Curtains or Blinds? The Easy Way Designers Decide What's Right for a Room
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to curtains vs blinds — style, cost, durability are just some of the factors. We’ve taken on the professionals' perspectives to aim for the best outcome whatever room you're dressing
By Portia Carroll Published
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Carpet or Rug? Designers Explain How Their Preference to Bring Softness to Your Home Right Now
Choosing between wall-to-wall carpet and a rug to offer a much needed softening touch can be a tricky task. We asked experts for the pros and cons to find out which best suits your space
By Portia Carroll Published
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Should Dining Chairs Have Armrests? An Answer to This Question Before You Buy Your Next Set
To have or not to have armrests, that is the question. It’s a matter of ergonomics, comfort and sociability. What's your preference?
By Portia Carroll Published
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Linen vs Velvet Sofas — Which is the Best Choice for Your New Couch?
Warming, plush velvet or cool, crisp linen — which do you gravitate towards? If you’re struggling to decide between the two, we’ve got you covered
By Portia Carroll Published
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What to Never Tackle First When Decluttering — 'Avoid These Tasks First to Help Your Organizing Projects Succeed'
Decluttering is never an easy task to take on, but it’s even harder when you start with the biggest and most complicated jobs first. Find out what to avoid doing at the beginning and how to hold your focus
By Portia Carroll Published
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Paint vs Wallpaper — Which of These Two Wallcoverings Is Really Best for a Stylish and Practical Home?
From a quick lick of paint to a fully wallpapered room, or a combination of both — what’s the best update for your space and why?
By Portia Carroll Published
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Linen Vs Cotton Sheets — Which Are Actually Best for Sleep, Comfort and Style?
Both natural materials, but what are the key differences and which will help to achieve the best night's sleep? We ask the experts
By Portia Carroll Published
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5 Things to do to Your Yard That Will Actually Help Sell Your Home, According to Stagers
Elevating your yard doesn't need to be a big job right before you move on somewhere else, but according to the professionals, these additions are bound to get people excited about buying your home for themselves
By Portia Carroll Published
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6 Easy Living Room Staging Tips That Will Actually Sell Your Home, According to Experts
Take control of your living room and inspire potential buyers with how you stage the space — you may end up completing that sale sooner than you think
By Portia Carroll Published