It turns out that there's much more to choosing a color palette than meets the eye. The most knowledgeable designers and experts on all things hues don't just pay attention to color theory, contrast, or balancing warm and cool.

To get the most out of your interiors, you need to be paying attention to Light Reflectance Value, says Rob Abrahams, founder of paint brand COAT Paints. "I’m a self-proclaimed color geek, and while most people know at least a little bit about sheen, I’m also obsessed with LRVs, how they interact with sheen and how they can both be harnessed to create rooms with either soft glows or bright, sunny interiors," he says.

Perhaps most interestingly, he adds, they can be used to help shape the emotional response you get from your home. Intrigued? We asked Rob to break down the term — and decode the difference between LRVs and that other paint-choosing talking point, sheen.

What are LRVs?

LRV stands for light reflecting value, and every single color has one and is scored on a scale of zero to 100. Dark colors have very low LRVs, meaning that they absorb light, while a pure brilliant white has an LRV of 100, not absorbing any light at all. The LRV has an effect on how much light there is in any room — the lower the LRV, the less light there is to play with.

How Are LRVs Different From Sheen?

Sheen affects the behavior of the light, rather than the amount of light. It’s also graded on a scale of zero to 100, but thought about in terms of percentages. A really matte paint finish or surface has a sheen of 0%, while a high gloss finish could go up to 80%. I would always think about the LRV first — how light you want the room to be — and the sheen, or what you want to do with that light, second.

How Can I Harness the Power of LRVs?

LRVs can be used to change the feel and shape of a room. If you have very high ceilings, a color with a lower LRV than what you have on the walls will help to bring them in a little and make the room a little cozier. For smaller spaces, colors with higher LRVs will open them up a little.

That said, I don’t believe that all small spaces should be filled with high LRV shades. Little rooms with both low LRVs and low sheen are really soft — you can see the edges a little less clearly, so they end up seeming more cocooning than claustrophobic.

Can I Change the Color Temperature of a Scheme Using LRVs?

Most of us want our homes to have very warm glows, and if you understand LRVs, you can use them to create one. Colors such as burned oranges and reds, which tend to have LRVs of around 20 to 25, work well with artificial light to help you get the glow.

The trick is to keep the light source very close to the color itself — so a wall-mounted light with a shade that reflects the bulb back onto the wall will create the right effect.

How Can I Make Sure I'm Picking the Right Sheen?

I just love mixing sheens a lot, and while the classic example seems to be a matte on the walls and a high-gloss paint on the woodwork, there are so many more things you can do.

A high sheen will make a space seem more dramatic, so if you go for a low LRV and a high sheen, you’ll have a really impactful scheme — this approach works well in a powder room, for example. That said, for a British home, I would never recommend anything higher than a 30% sheen for your walls. Most of the housing stock in the UK is imperfect, and a really gloss paint will make the light bounce off every bump, lump, and imperfection.

What About the Effect of the Direction a Room Faces?

If you have a large south-facing room then the natural light will be a little more yellow and sunny — this means you can afford to go higher on the LRV scale as the colors will get knocked back by that sunshine.

North-facing rooms get a bad rep but actually they’re the most stable and the colors in them change the least, which can make them easier to decorate. Here, go for warmer colors with lower LRVs that will balance that cool light, and then go for a low sheen, which will make it seem cozier even despite its cool natural light.

What Materials — Apart From Paint — Affect the LRV of a Room?

Every color has an LRV value, whether it’s a paint or not. But for design, the focus should be on surface interplay. Decorating with tiles, either in materials like a matte terracotta or a shiny ceramic, can vastly change not just how much light there is in a room but how it behaves, as can the choice of flooring and even mixing metals.

Chrome is back in a big way at the moment, and of course it’s great for sheen, reflecting the light around the space. Pair metallic fixtures, fittings, and furniture with colors that have a high LRV, and the space will feel light and bright.

If you find you have paint colors that feel flat and dull in your home, there are ways to fix them, as these experts explain.

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Hydrangeas are known to be a part of summer gardens. Even on screen, the iconic Cousins beach house in The Summer I Turned Pretty, the gardens on Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane, and the idyllic Dragonfly Inn from Gilmore Girls feature thriving bushes of these beloved blossoms. But I hate to say, this is not as close to reality as I'd like.

In fact, planting hydrangeas front and center is a summer garden design mistake many landscape designers avoid. Purely because these flowers tend to lose water quickly, and the leaves are prone to scorching. So, what you're left with are sad, droopy blooms.

Which is why designers recommend going for a less traditional and more heat-friendly alternative in the form of verbena. These dainty purple flowers offer texture, height, and color. Plus, they are especially summer-friendly. Here's why designers recommend it instead.

Why Is Verbena the Best Alternative to Hydrangeas?

"If you love the idea of a hydrangea's color but not the upkeep, verbena is a brilliant swap for a low-maintenance garden in the summer. It's remarkably drought-tolerant once established and is happy in full sun and even quite poor soil, so there's no need to fuss over watering," says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.

"Where hydrangeas give you that dense, rounded mophead look, verbena offers something much lighter and more dynamic. Slender stems rise and hold clusters of small purple-violet flowers, creating a delicate, see-through layer of colour above everything else. It adds height and movement without blocking the view, which makes it brilliant for layering in front of or behind other plants."

Jo also recommends verbena as it flowers from early summer right through to the first frosts. "So you get far more longevity than most hydrangea varieties," she adds. "And it's one of the best plants for wildlife, especially popular with bees and butterflies, making it a lovely choice if you're gardening with fauna in mind."

Also, hydrangeas are famously garden plants that lack scent. In contrast, verbena boasts a fresh, zesty fragrance that feels just right for summer. This Verbena Bonariensis from Sarah Raven and this Verbena Hastata 'Rose' from Crocus are two of my favorite options.

More Alternatives to Planting Hydrangeas Outdoors

"Vitex agnus castum, also known as chaste tree, is a hydrangea alternative that offers beautiful periwinkle spires of flowers on silvery foliage," says landscape designer Kat Aul Cervoni. "It looks like a butterfly bush and Russian sage had a baby." This Vitex Agnus-Castus 'Delta Blues' from Thompson & Morgan is a pretty option if you favor blues in your garden color palette.

Speaking of Russian sage, Kat tells me something like Perovskia 'Blue Spire' from Crocus is another beautiful addition to summer backyards. "It's incredibly tough and tolerant of heat, cold, drought, poor soil, and whatever else you throw at it as long as it's full sun," she notes.

"I also recommend planting crepe myrtle for its vibrant flowers, fragrance, and unique bark. Or water-savvy caryopteris for its gorgeous blue flowers that add cool late summer color amidst the more common yellows of the season."

This Lagerstroemia 'Pink Velour' from Thompson & Morgan is ideal if you want a tall flowering tree with a pop of color. Or, you can plant this Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection from Crocus for a more understated, space-conscious flowering feature.

Stylish Outdoor Planters

Another beautiful way to inject your garden with some summer personality? The potted citrus trend? It's too good to pass up. And for more ideas to dress up your outdoor space, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

While warm air wafting through windows and sunshine streaking into your home can feel like some beautiful signs of summer, this shift in season can also make some things in your home smell slightly stale.

Think paper clutter, indoor textiles like rugs, cushions, and curtains, pet beds, laundry baskets, and your air conditioner's filters and fan's blades. While they might not be typical summer scenting mistakes, it's important to pay attention to these things so your home's ambiance can remain bright and pleasant.

There's nothing like a musty indoor atmosphere to lend a bad first impression and tank the most stylish interiors. So, here's how to quickly fix the way your home smells.

1. Paper Clutter

"Paper products, including magazines, newspapers, cardboard boxes, etc., may cause a stale odor within your home when humidity rises," says cleaning specialist and cofounder of Elite Maids, Iryna Balaban.

"Paper naturally absorbs moisture from the air and can develop a damp or stale odor that will spread through the space. I recommend getting rid of your paper clutter and storing necessary documents in sealed containers rather than allowing them to sit out in the open."

2. Unrefreshed Indoor Textiles

According to Iryna, the biggest thing making your home smell stale during the summer is likely your indoor textiles like rugs and window treatments. "The warm weather along with high humidity allows the dust, oils from our bodies, dander from animals, and moisture to enter deeply into these fibers," she says.

"This creates odors that even frequent vacuuming cannot eliminate. So, I recommend cleaning your carpets and your rugs. And acting quickly when stains or spills occur. When cleaning your window treatments, remember to machine wash them periodically and have heavy drapery cleaned by a professional."

3. Pet Beds

The 'barkitecture' in your home is another hotspot for stale smells in the summer. "Pet beds are especially prone to this due to their ability to absorb animal hair, oils, saliva, and dirt from the outside every day," she says.

"I recommend that you clean removable bedding covers weekly and follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning inner cushion material. Grooming your pet and cleaning their feet outside your home will also reduce malodors."

4. Laundry Baskets

Even after taking care of these items, if you find yourself asking, "Why does my house smell musty?", your laundry basket is the next place to look. Letting your laundry basket overflow and leaving your wet clothes in the washer are two key causes of stale smells.

"So the quick fix is to get the laundry in the dryer or hang it up as soon as possible," says Ilya Ornatov, cleaning expert and founder of NW Maids. "And you can also clean your laundry machine by running it with just hot water and a splash of vinegar about once a month."

5. Air Con Filters and Fans

"If your AC filter is dirty, then the whole house will likely have a stale, dusty odor," says Ilya. "So, if you can't remember the last time you cleaned your air conditioner's filters, I recommend replacing them. I also suggest wiping all of the vent covers around your home at this point."

Another subtle cause for a less-than-pleasant indoor scent can be attributed to dusty fan blades. Whether you have a ceiling, standing, or even a desk fan, take some time to properly clean off the blades to make your home smell clean.

Summer Home Fragrance to Shop

Now that your living spaces are clean and clutter-free, you can move on to a more fun task — making your home smell like summer. It's my favorite finishing step to a true summer reset.

And to keep up with more scenting tips and the best fragrance launches, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Japan’s climate spans extremes, from punishing summer sun and monsoon humidity to some of the heaviest snowfalls on earth. These conditions demanded a sophisticated relationship with light long before modern glazing. Enter hikari (光).

In Japanese design, hikari (光) refers to natural light. Be it sunlight, directional, or the light of the world. But there is a second word, akari (明かり), for the warm, intimate glow of a lantern or candle.

Where English distinguishes natural from artificial light, Japanese draws a deeper line: between the light that connects us to the world outside and the light we create within. Hikari is the first of these, and in Japanese aesthetics, it's inseparable from shadow. Here's why it's one of the tenets that rule my design story.

What Is Hikari?

In Northern Europe, natural light is limited by high latitude. Traditionally, houses had small windows to retain heat, further restricting daylight. But with advances in insulation and glazing came a shift toward larger openings and more glass — assuming more is always better.

The Japanese tradition takes a different view. Rather than flooding rooms with brightness, homes are designed to receive light indirectly, filter it, and allow shadow to give a space depth.

This begins with Japanese gardens. Traditional houses are oriented around the garden first. It is the primary source of light, not just a view. Deep eaves and engawa (veranda) soften sunlight before it reaches the room. Inside, shoji screens, translucent washi paper on timber frames, diffuse it further, transforming harsh sun into a soft luminosity that shifts with the hours and seasons.

In the chashitsu (tea room), a space considered the highest expression of Japanese architecture, where every material, proportion, and gesture is distilled to its essence — windows are deliberately small. Not to darken the room, but to heighten presence.

Clay plaster walls bounce light gently. Lacquered objects catch a shimmer visible only in indirect light. Japanese has an everyday word, komorebi (木漏れ日), for dappled light filtering through a tree canopy, showing how finely this culture attends to light.

What Makes Hikari a Staple in Japanese Design?

Essentially, light that changes is light that connects us to the world outside. A room where the quality of light shifts between morning and afternoon, summer and winter, keeps its inhabitants attuned to time and season.

Shadow is not a problem to solve — it is a quality to orchestrate. The tokonoma (alcove), where a single scroll or ikebana is displayed, gains its depth precisely because of the shadows around it. Remove them, and the alcove reverts to mere void.

This matters more now than ever. Now, light and shadow are embraced as dynamic characters. After years of artificial perfection, people crave what is real, and real light moves and casts shadows. It is time to pay attention to hikari for wellbeing.

How to Design a Home Around Hikari

I start with orientation and the garden. Where will morning light fall? Where will evening shadow gather? These decisions come first as they shape the entire experience of a home.

I embrace darkness where it serves. Dark bedrooms transform sleep quality, while early morning light that bounced around a white room now stays as a subtle stream, not a disturbance. Dark hallways create drama and welcome, while transition spaces benefit from bold, enveloping finishes.

I choose materials that respond to light. Think plaster, natural timber, stone. These surfaces shift character through the day, unlike reflective finishes that look identical at noon and midnight.

And when it comes to windows, bigger is not always better. Size, proportion, and orientation need careful consideration. A well-placed opening that frames a view and controls how light enters does more than an oversized window that floods it indiscriminately. This is where hikari meets nagame (眺め), our principle of the framed view — light and view designed together.

Decor to Compliment Hikari

Light is the first thing we experience in a space. Hikari teaches us to treat it not as a commodity to maximize but as a presence to be shaped — one that, like the seasons, should be allowed to change.

If your home is particularly devoid of windows, learning how to maximize natural light through artificial lighting will do your interiors a world of good. And for more design ideas to make your house feel more in tune, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

It may not be the most glamorous aspect of your design, but your kitchen flooring does a lot of heavy lifting. It is, quite literally, the foundation of your space, setting the tone for everything that rests upon it. The right flooring color can bring your room to life, establishing a basis of character to build the rest of your design on. But choose the wrong flooring color, and designing the rest of your kitchen will be a never-ending uphill battle.

Although it's unlikely to be the decision that sits at the forefront of your mind when designing a kitchen, overshadowed by materials and colors for your countertops and cabinets, your kitchen flooring plays a highly significant role in the overall design of your space, not just from an aesthetic standpoint, but from a practical one, too. Your kitchen flooring color will have a huge role to play in how low-maintenance your space is; it's the surface that will bear the brunt of the majority of spills and splashes that will happen in your kitchen, so choosing a finish that's more forgiving will go a long way.

Plus, unlike the color of your cabinetry, changing up your kitchen flooring is far from a quick job, so you'll want to make sure you make the right decision the first time around, so you don't come to regret it later. To help you with that, these are the colors our experts recommend you avoid at all costs, as well as what they'd suggest using instead.

1. Flat Grays

Just ten years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find a chic, modern kitchen that didn't have this flooring color, but in 2026, it's a shade most experts will warn you away from.

You'll be familiar with the look we're talking about, "That slightly blue, concrete-ish gray that once felt like the practical answer to everything," as Grazzie Wilson from Ca'Pietra so aptly describes it.

Once loved for its neutral finish, today, the shade feels overly stark and fails to bring any of the warmth and personality we crave in our interiors. "In a kitchen, it can be a bit of a mood-hoover. It takes the warmth out of timber, makes painted cabinetry look colder than it needs to, and can leave the whole room feeling more like a utility zone than the place everyone naturally ends up leaning against the kitchen island with a glass of something," Grazzie says.

And it's not just Grazzie that feels this way; Fiona Ginnett, from Holte, also lists this shade as one of the ones she'd be quick to recommend against, saying, "I tend to avoid stark, cool-toned flooring, as it can feel a little cold and clinical, particularly in kitchens with limited natural light." It goes against the essence of what we want our kitchens to be nowadays. "As the heart of the home, a kitchen should feel warm, welcoming, and full of character, so I generally gravitate towards flooring that adds depth and a sense of timelessness to the space," she explains.

But it's not just aesthetic reasons that keep the experts from using this material; it's also notoriously hard to care for, and will make your whole kitchen feel far higher-maintenance than it needs to, despite what you may believe. "The funny thing is that people often choose it because they think it will be easy to live with, but a very flat gray can show every crumb, paw print, and splash with surprising enthusiasm," says Grazzie. And in the kitchen, where spills and messes are practically inevitable, the last thing you want is a floor you have to be precious about.

2. Monochromatic Designs

As chic as a monochromatic look can be, when it comes to your kitchen, a full color-drenching moment isn't always the best way to go.

"I would probably swerve anything too matchy-matchy with the kitchen units. You know the sort of thing: navy kitchen cabinets, navy floor; sage cupboards, sage floor; suddenly the whole kitchen looks like it has joined a club and forgotten to invite any other colors," says Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder at Baked Tiles.

There's an obvious appeal behind this design choice. In theory, a one-color finish feels very striking and modern, but in practice, it can often end up falling slightly flat.

The key to this type of design is a degree of restraint, and once you bring in matching floors, that goes out the window. As Lesley explains, "Floors cover a huge amount of space, so once you have committed to that much of one shade, the room can start to feel a bit heavy, a bit flat, and very hard to change your mind about."

It also leaves you with very little room for the space to evolve. Painting over your cabinets after the next kitchen cabinet trend is one thing, but ripping up your flooring every time you're in need of a change is quite another, and you may come to regret choosing such an un-versatile shade.

3. Dark, Stained Woods

Although dark wood kitchens have been one of the most popular trends of the past year, according to experts, this style works better on your kitchen cabinets than for your flooring.

According to Darwyn Ker, from Woodpecker Flooring, as beautiful as dark wood floors can look at first, over time, you'll likely grow to regret this choice, "because kitchens are hardworking spaces, darker tones can make dust, crumbs, scratches, and everyday marks slightly more visible."

On top of this, a dark floor can often make a space feel narrower and more compact, which is particularly problematic for small kitchens. They also work better in rooms with plenty of natural light, or else you run the risk of ending up with a room that feels dingy and uninviting.

Unlike the other shades, though, this is not a color that experts feel should be avoided at all costs; it's more about ensuring it's suitable for your space before committing to it. As Darywn says, "It is not that dark wood should never be used, but it needs to be a conscious design decision. A kitchen floor has to work with real life, so it is worth choosing a tone and finish that suits the way the room will be used every day."

4. Bright Whites

While all-white kitchens were once seen as the height of sophistication and style, nowadays, experts tend to favor slightly warmer, softer colors, moving away from the sterility you so often find with a flat white finish.

Not just limited to the early 2000's, this style persists today, although the experts seemingly would rather it didn't. It's a style Damla Turgut, founder of Otto Tiles, is far more familiar with than she'd like, saying, "I live in Miami now, and a lot of condos and apartments use very large format white porcelain tiles throughout. They're often chosen because they feel luxurious and sleek and are seen as a versatile foundation for a scheme, but I just find they can feel really impersonal and lacking in character."

A common feature in new builds and characterless renovations, these sleek white tiles bring a sterile harshness that is difficult to mitigate, no matter how many warm tones and natural materials you bring in. It can also create a harsh contrast when paired with an earthy color palette, looking awkwardly out of place and forcing you to follow suit with more cool, bright finishes.

They also couldn't be less practical, showing every last spill and scuff. "Kitchens are such high-traffic spaces and probably require more regular cleaning than any other room in the home. Depending on the material, white floors can show everything from dirt and stains to watermarks and mop marks," says Damla. To make matters worse, if you opt for a porous, natural stone, like marble, the marks won't just show up more prominently, but they'll likely create stains that are impossible to remove.

5. Pure, Jet Black

Another past-favorite, often found in super modern, industrial kitchens and swanky bachelor pad design, a pure black floor has since dropped in popularity, losing the appeal it once held.

Much like with a bright white, this harsh, intense shade can often come off as overly clinical and uninviting in kitchens, missing all the character and personality we tend to crave in a room that's typically designed as a communal, gathering space.

But, while white promises the ability to open up a space, making it feel brighter and more expansive, the darkness of black flooring will have the opposite effect, making a narrow kitchen feel even more suffocating.

While you may think black would be a more forgiving shade, hiding any muddy footprints and tomato pasta splashes, you'll quickly find that this is not the case. In fact, the darkness can actually serve to highlight any mess, making it even more obvious.

Now we've covered all the colors to avoid, it's time to explore the ones the experts are loving at the moment instead; these three kitchen flooring colors are set to be the most popular choices for 2026.

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There's no space quite like our own bed. As the place we retreat to for comfort after a long day, there’s no room for compromise when it comes to creating your sleep sanctuary — and yet, space isn’t always on our side. So, how do you choose the right bed size for your room?

Of course, there’s practicality to consider. If you share a bed, a single-sized mattress isn’t going to cut it, but that’s not the only factor at play. A bed should always feel proportional to the room — a single bed tucked into the corner of an expansive space, for example, will always look slightly off-kilter. You should also consider your sleep style — whether you like to stretch out, move around, or cocoon yourself in a cozy corner — your bed size should work with the way you rest. The bottom line? Bed size matters more than you think.

Unsure what size to opt for in your modern bedroom? Fear not. We asked experts how to choose the perfect bed size for your space, so that you can buy a bed for a perfectly proportioned sleep sanctuary that delivers both style and ultimate comfort. Here’s what they had to say.

How Do You Choose the Right Bed Size?

Before you begin to think about buying a bedframe or choosing a mattress, you need to decide on the right bed size for your space. The most suitable one will depend on your sleep style, room type, and whether it's just for you or if you're sharing.

"When choosing a bed, we generally advise choosing as big a bed as your bedroom allows to ensure ample space and support throughout the night," explains Clare Schifano, global marketing director at Vispring. "Your ideal mattress and bed size depend on factors such as your height, weight, lifestyle, sleeping environment, and sleeping partner(s), so you need to weigh up all these options before making your decision."

Chris Cooke, head of design at King Living, suggests starting with how you sleep, then looking at the room. "A single sleeper may be comfortable in a double or king, but for two people, width becomes much more important," he explains. "If one person moves around a lot, sleeps hot, or if children or pets regularly end up in the bed, going larger can make a real difference."

You then have space to consider. "You need enough clearance to walk around the bed, open wardrobes and drawers, and fit bedside tables without everything feeling squeezed in," Chris explains. At Vispring, Clare and the team generally recommended a minimum clearance of 60 cm between the bed and the wall.

The bottom line? The right bed should feel generous, but proportionate. "If it dominates the room, blocks movement, or leaves no space for storage, it may not be the right size, even if it feels comfortable to sleep in," Chris says.

Bed Sizes Guide

Before you settle on the perfect bed, it’s worth understanding exactly what each size offers. From compact singles to spacious super kings, every option comes with its own benefits — and the right choice will depend on your room dimensions, layout, and how you like to sleep. Here’s our guide to the most common bed sizes and what to consider before you buy.

Single Bed

A standard single bed, also known as a twin bed in the US, measures 90 x 190cm. If you have a very small bedroom, it will likely be the only option available. "It's the most space-efficient option for solo sleepers in smaller bedrooms of at least 2.1 x 2.7 meters," says Clare. "This is also a good option for those looking to create a small guest bedroom to accommodate occasional sleepers."

While it may be the smallest option, a well-designed single bed can still feel like a considered choice — especially when paired with clever storage solutions, a streamlined frame, or a statement headboard to give the room a more elevated feel. It’s also a practical choice for children’s bedrooms, teenagers, or anyone who prefers a cozy, cocooning sleep setup.

Double Bed

Double beds are the most common choice for a room. Measuring a comfortable 135 x 190cm, they're well-suited to the average-sized bedroom while also being large enough to accommodate two sleepers.

"It's a better option for couples, solo sleepers wanting more space, or for more regularly utilized guest bedrooms," Clare says. "We recommend this for bedrooms measuring at least 2.7 x 3 meters for a comfortable fit."

King Bed

Looking for reasons not to choose a double bed? If you prefer added warmth at night, you’re a fidgety sleeper, or you simply want a little extra luxury, that’s reason enough. It’s also a great choice for couples who have different sleep styles, offering extra space to move without disturbing your partner.

"Comfortably bigger than a double, a standard king measures 150 x 200cm, making it a size-efficient option for slightly larger bedrooms," says Clare. "They comfortably accommodate taller sleepers and provides more personal space for couples sharing a bed." She recommends them for rooms measuring at least 3 x 3.5 meters as a minimum requirement.

Super King

Want to add hotel-level luxury to your modern bedroom? Choose a super king. At 180 x 200cm, it's a more indulgent option for bedrooms with a generous footprint.

"For bedrooms measuring at least 3.5 x 4m, super king beds are ideal for couples who might be more sensitive sleepers, as the extra room reduces the risk of sleep disturbance," says Clare. She notes they can also work well for families with young children, as the larger mattress size allows enough space for little ones who might occasionally share the bed.

Emperor Bed

If you're fortunate enough to have room for one, an emperor bed is the absolute pinnacle of sleep space luxury. At a generous 200 x 200cm, it offers ample space to stretch out, move freely, and create an indulgent, hotel-style feel in your bedroom. Perfect for couples who value extra room (or anyone who simply enjoys a little more space), an emperor bed will turn a large bedroom into a true retreat.

Clare calls these beds the “ultimate luxury for hotel-level comfort at home”. “We recommend this for rooms at least 4 x 4m big,” she says. While the size requires careful consideration when it comes to layout, an emperor bed can become a striking centerpiece, creating a sense of grandeur and balance in a larger bedroom. Pair with oversized bedding, layered textures, and a statement headboard for a truly luxurious finish.

FAQs

How Do You Know if You Need a Bigger Bed?

If you've ever felt as though the visual balance of your bedroom was off, your bed size could be to blame. You might need to downsize for a smaller room and, vice versa, scale up if your space is on the larger size.

The second factor to consider is comfort. "Your bed should feel spacious enough to comfortably change positions throughout the night, and allow space to do so without being disturbed by, or disturbing, your partner for those who share a bed," notes Clare. "If you or your partner ever feels cramped or claustrophobic, those are good indicators that it's time to invest in a bigger bed."

Equally, if you regularly wake up close to the edge, it's a sign that the bed is too small. "For couples, moving from a double to a king is often the most noticeable step up," he says. "A super king is worth considering if the room allows, especially for taller sleepers, restless sleepers, or anyone sharing the bed with children or pets."

Choosing the right bed size is about more than simply finding a mattress that fits — it’s about creating a bedroom that feels balanced, comfortable, and designed for you. From the proportions of your space to your personal sleep style, the perfect bed should work effortlessly with both your room and your routine.

Whether you’re making the most of a compact bedroom or creating a luxurious primary suite, the right size can transform how your space looks and feels. And now that you know the bed size that will work for your space, these 'bed recipes' will help you dress it for an expensive-looking bedscape.

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If you’re starting a new bathroom reno — and don’t have a huge budget — where do you start when it comes to tiles? You want a tile that looks luxe (ideally without the luxe price tag) but also fits in with your overall design. Crucially, you want bathroom tiles that you love not just today, but in the future, too. Because, as well all know, once a tile is fitted, it’s not budging for a good long while.

"Remember that bathrooms can’t always be easily pulled out and remodelled with minimal disruption as tiles are fixed using strong adhesives," says Joel Fry, designer at West One Bathrooms. "Try to make decisions based on the fact that you have to love this space for years to come." Luckily, you don’t need a huge tiling budget to create a bathroom that looks expensive. "An expensive-looking bathroom is rarely about choosing the most expensive tile," says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. "It’s about choosing the right tile, using it well, and giving the whole scheme a sense of ease."

You won’t be short on choice when you're seeking out the perfect bathroom tiles. And today’s vast selection of colors, shapes, and finishes has never been so exciting — if not a little overwhelming. "If there’s one secret to making a bathroom look expensive without spending a fortune, it’s understanding that luxury is far more about thoughtful design than costly materials," says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs. So, how to pick the right tile to make your bathroom look more expensive without breaking the bank? Let our expert tips and tricks show you how.

1. Choose Large Format Tiles

Choosing larger tiles is a foolproof design trick to make your bathroom look more expensive without necessarily spending more.

"Large format tiles instantly feel more premium because they reduce grout lines and create a calmer, more seamless finish," explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors. "Even an affordable porcelain tile can look incredibly sophisticated when specified in a larger size."

And don’t be put off by using a larger tile, even in small bathrooms.

"Here’s the bit that surprises people: large format tiles don’t shrink a small space, they expand it," says Lisa Hensby, founder and creative director of Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio. "So if budget allows, using 120cm square tiles on the floor — and on the walls, if you can stretch to it — will make any bathroom feel bigger and more considered."

To enhance the luxe look, go for porcelain tiles in natural stone effects, neutral colors, and a matte or honed surface.

"Look for tiles with natural variation, subtle veining or tactile textures that mimic stone or handmade ceramics," adds Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. "These nuanced finishes bring depth, character, and a sense of craftsmanship to a scheme that will stand the test of time."

2. Consider Zellige Tiles for an Artisan Look

Handmade tiles or tiles with a handmade effect will instantly elevate your bathroom say the experts. And in 2026, it is traditional Moroccan zellige tile bathrooms that designers are coming back to time and time again.

"Zellige has become such a useful way to make a bathroom feel more expensive because it brings movement and light to a surface without needing a complicated layout," says Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder of Baked Tiles. "Real zellige is beautiful because each tile has its own irregularity, which gives a bathroom that handmade quality people often associate with more expensive schemes."

But if you don’t have the budget for the real thing, a zellige-effect ceramic tile can create a very similar look.

"While they don’t have the same variation as zellige, the slight differences in texture, their hand painted effect finish and ceramic glaze reflection create movement across a wall," says Damla Turgut, founder and creative director at Otto Tiles & Design. "And this immediately gives a bathroom scheme more depth than a perfectly flat surface."

"The important thing is to choose a tile that has enough tonal shift to avoid looking flat, then keep the installation simple so the surface does the work," adds Lesley.

3. Pick a Neutral Palette

Bathroom tiles are a long-term commitment. You can’t simply swap out the color or size if you fancy a quick change, as you can with a cushion or rug. So you need to get them right first time — and color choice is important.

"Overly busy patterns, stark contrasts, or excessive grout lines can make a bathroom feel visually restless," says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. "And trend-driven choices that lack warmth or tactility can date quickly."

That’s why experts recommend neutral color schemes and natural palettes for an expensive tiling look that doesn’t require a ton of cash. Think natural stones and rustic handmade tiles like terracotta or ceramics in rich tones and earthy neutrals.

"The key is to avoid anything too busy or overly glossy," says Abbas Youssefi of Porcelain Superstore. "Soft neutrals, warm stone shades, and gentle textures look much more sophisticated than tiles trying too hard to make a statement."

That’s not to say you can’t get creative with your bathroom tiles, and the designers love using rich, earthy green, inky blue, or feature tiling zones for added personality.

"We still find year after year that most clients are seeking classic, lasting designs in their main bathroom, and then go wild for color in the downstairs WC or in the shower area of the main bathroom," says Joel at West One Bathrooms. "By sticking to something classic, it not only looks expensive, but you could also avoid breaking the bank."

So as a rule, neutral bathroom tiles win out every time.

"Choosing a soft, neutral palette and a matte surface will always elevate a scheme, giving you that calm, spa-like feel that never dates," adds Isabel Fernandez, director at Quorn Stone.

4. Use Feature Tiles Intentionally

If you fall in love with a tile but it’s pricey, think about where you could use it in a small area, such as behind a basin, inside a shower recess, or as a framed feature panel.

"You can then pair it with a more affordable tile in a complementary single color to balance the cost while still achieving the look that you desire," says Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House.

The same idea goes for a decorative accent, such as a vintage-style Delft tile or mother-of-pearl mosaics.

"Scattering Delft tiles throughout a bathroom can create a bespoke feel, as though the bathroom has evolved over time rather than being installed all at once," says Jamie Robb, owner and creative director at Marlborough Tiles. "The result is a layered, collective aesthetic that feels considered and luxurious, and shows that thoughtful design choices often have a greater impact than simply increasing the budget."

5. Pay Attention to the Details

Details count when it comes to making your bathroom look luxe on a budget. So pay close attention to your choice of grout, how the tiles are laid, and tile edges.

"Matching grout closely to the tile, taking tiles up to full height where possible, and keeping the palette tight will instantly make a bathroom feel more refined, even when the tile itself sits at a very accessible price point," says Grazzie Wilson at Ca’Pietra.

"A grout that sits close to the tile tone will keep the finish feeling neat, rather than busy," agrees Lesley. "It’s a good example of where you do not have to spend at the top end to create a bathroom that feels personal and far more expensive than it was."

Many designers recommend using the same tile across walls and floors for a more seamless, elevated, and expensive feel.

"We often underestimate the power of restraint," adds Damla. "Rather than introducing multiple materials and finishes, using one tile consistently across walls or built-in details can create a much more elevated result."

And don’t forget installation tricks too.

"Avoid tile trims that break the seamless finish," says Gemma Luteijn, interior designer at Project London. "There are always solutions: plastering in flush with the wall, mitred edges, pencil tiles, or panelling up to the tile edge."

"Pay attention to installation too," adds Kunal. "A simple stacked layout often feels more contemporary and high-end than complicated patterns."

If you love the look of natural stone but don't have the budget for the real thing, many designers can't shout loudly enough about the merits of porcelain tiles. "Advances in porcelain printing mean that you can now achieve the look of an Italian marble with beautiful veining and depth, but with the added benefit of easy maintenance and no sealing required," says Isabel at Quorn Stone.

The key is to look at your design scheme, budget, and lifestyle as a whole, rather than individually. That way, you can choose the best bathroom tiles that you'll love now and for years to come. As always, we recommend doing your research and asking advice from a tile specialist, bathroom expert, or interior designer who can look at your space with fresh eyes.

For more ideas on choosing the best bathroom tiles for your space, our guide to tile shapes will help you find a look with real design edge. And for the rest of your design inspiration, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

The idea that hardware is the jewellery of the home has taken off lately, and for good reason. The perfect finishing touch; the right hardware can instantly elevate your entire kitchen, bringing the right amount of tactility and shine to the space. Equally, though, the wrong hardware can have the opposite effect, ruining all the hard work you've done with your design, leaving you with an underwhelming, and dare I say, cheap-looking kitchen.

While it's easy to get distracted by kitchen hardware trends, eye-catching styles, and sparkling finishes, the biggest mistake people make when choosing their hardware actually has nothing to do with that, experts tell me. In fact, this surprising slip-up revolves around the one aspect you may not have even stopped to consider: scale.

That's right, apparently, the biggest error people make is a lack of consideration for the dimensions of their handles and pulls, and how they relate to the rest of the space. It's easy to assume hardware comes in as one-size-fits-all, but beware: an awkwardly oversized or undersized handle can be the very thing that takes your kitchen from chic to cheap. Below, experts reveal more, along with how to get your kitchen hardware right.

Why Size Matters With Kitchen Hardware

What exactly are we referring to when we talk about the scale of your kitchen hardware? Is there a particular size we should all be choosing? And why are so many of us making the same mistake?

Well, as Gareth Hull from Hendel & Hendel explains, this issue most commonly results from a lack of forethought and improper planning. Too many of us leave hardware until last, focusing instead on decisions like the kitchen worktops and materials. "I understand why it happens," says Gareth, "because layout, cabinetry, worktops, and kitchen appliances tend to take up most of the headspace, but handles and knobs are the pieces you touch every single day, so they need more thought than that."

As the most tactile element of the room, kitchen handles will dictate not just how your space looks but your experience of using it, too. "The effect is that a kitchen can feel slightly off, even when the bigger decisions are strong," Gareth explains. "A handle might be too small for a pantry door, a knob might feel awkward on a wide drawer, or a finish might sit uncomfortably against the cabinetry, and those details become very noticeable because you interact with them all the time."

This problem can go either way, too. "Handles that are too small can feel lost on larger drawers, while oversized pieces may overwhelm more delicate cabinetry," says Richard McGrail, CEO of Armac Martin.

When the hardware you choose doesn't work in harmony with your kitchen cabinets, it can make your entire design feel incongruous, and ultimately, cheaper. "Kitchen hardware should always act in conversation with the surrounding elements of the home, complementing the wider scheme without dominating or fading into the background," he says.

It's all about taking a wider lens to your design, viewing no element in isolation, but as part of one, continuous whole. This considered, holistic approach is the key to achieving a striking, modern kitchen.

How to Choose the Right Size Kitchen Hardware

Luckily, this is an easy mistake to fix (or avoid). Ideally, it's best to start thinking about hardware at the beginning of your kitchen renovation timeline. Take some time to consider how you will use the space and what will feel most natural.

"Think about where your hand naturally falls, how a drawer feels when it opens, whether the handle has enough weight for the door or drawer it is fitted to, and how the finish works against the cabinet color, worktop, and light in the room," says Gareth. It's all about choosing hardware in connection with the other elements of your design and understanding how they will interact with one another.

Explore different options, testing them against one another to hone in on what works best. "Always test samples on the actual cabinet door, look at them in natural light and, most importantly, hold them in your hand, because good hardware should feel as good to use as it looks," says Gareth. Seeing how your hardware looks against your cabinetry before you commit is one of the easiest ways to ensure you aren't opting for a handle that's the wrong size.

Although this may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of your kitchen design, it's the finishing touch that will dictate just how seamless and balanced your kitchen looks. As Richard notes, "The smallest design details can deliver great impact, so it’s important to carefully consider proportion and scale in relation to your cabinetry to achieve a cohesive aesthetic."

Shop Kitchen Hardware

Hardware has gone through quite the transformation in the last few years, from what was once a boring, functional detail into what can now be the highlight of the space. Take the coloful cabinet pull trend, for example, where brighter, bolder, and contrasting hues add a spark of life into a kitchen.

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In the middle of this heatwave, we're all looking for small ways to make our homes feel cooler. And it turns out that there is a Japanese scenting trick that uses crisp notes to quietly help living spaces in the heat.

Think of it as decor to make a room feel cooler. "It usually sits within a centuries-old Japanese cultural tradition called ryo wo toru (涼をとる)," says Gini Lin, founder of Airy Fragrances. "This translates to 'the practice of seeking or capturing coolness' through sensory means. And the specific fragrance leading the way? Mint.

But first, let's talk about how this subtle fragrance trick works. And how to channel this practice in your home this summer.

Japanese Cooling Scenting Trick

"Long before electricity and modern air conditioning, Japanese people used every sense available to lower their perceived temperature during brutal summer humidity," says Gini Lin, founder of Airy Fragrances. "Today, using hakka oil (Japanese mint oil) is the modern aromatic evolution of this instinct."

Gini tells me it's often referred to as ryokan aroma (涼感アロマ), meaning cooling aromatherapy. "It is a traditional Japanese wellness practice that beautifully uses olfactory psychology to make heavy summer air feel immediately light and breathable," she says.

"While it does not lower the room's physical temperature, it lowers your brain's perception of heat. And at the heart of it is hakka, a Japanese mint cultivated in Hokkaido since the late 19^th century. It contains a significantly higher concentration of natural L-menthol than regular peppermint, which is what makes it so powerful."

And there are a few reasons why something like this Japanese Peppermint Oil from Amazon is one of the things to buy before a heatwave.

Why Is Mint the Best Scent for Summer?

Gini explains that the main reason Japanese hakka is distinct from Western peppermint is that its menthol concentration is significantly higher, making its cooling effect sharper, crisper, and more immediate.

"Menthol binds directly to the TRPM8 receptors in the skin and nasal passages, the specific receptors the brain uses to detect cold. When you inhale it, your brain receives a genuine cold signal even though nothing around you has changed," says Gini, referring to a study by Shiseido.

"Multiple studies in Japan found that simply inhaling mint can lower perceived body temperature by up to 4° C. The room does not get cooler, you do. It is a neurological trick, and it works very well."

So, how do you use it? "Consider a few drops wiped onto window screens so every incoming breeze carries the cooling effect into the room, or clipped to fan frames so the scent circulates through the whole space," she suggests.

"You can even apply this Japanese scent to your bedding before sleep on humid nights. It is also antibacterial and insect-repelling, which makes it genuinely practical for summer rather than just sensory. No other botanical does all of this at once."

And of course, you can go the classic route and add it to a diffuser. This Electric Aroma Diffuser is a best seller on MUJI.

What Other Scents Can You Use to Make a Home Feel Cool?

Since mint isn't everyone's favorite refreshing fragrance, Gini also recommends eucalyptus as a close second to hakka when making your home smell like summer. "It does not trigger cold receptors the way menthol does, but it opens the airways and creates a strong association with cool, clean air, making breathing feel easier in humid heat," she notes.

"Japanese homes and hotels often combine hakka and eucalyptus precisely for this reason. The menthol provides neurological cooling, and the eucalyptus adds a sense of breathable space."

She also recommends summer scents like yuzu, green tea, and hinoki cypress. So, introducing this Hinoki Essential Oil or this Yuzu Essential Oil from MUJI is a nice way to refresh your interior atmosphere. Or, if you prefer something lighter, this Pure Green Tea Oil from Amazon is a soothing choice.

Home Fragrance to Enhance the Effect

Aside from using mint to cool your home, I also recommend fixing any summer scenting mistakes that might be adding to the heaviness of your home. And for more tips to make your home feel comfortable for the season, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Every kitchen needs a backsplash to protect walls from cooking spills around the hob and water splashes in the sink zone.

So yes, kitchen backsplash ideas need to be functional, but the right one also injects serious style into your space. And as someone who has written about kitchens for a very long time, it's cool to see how the humble backsplash has become an important design detail of every kitchen. Of course, like every element of your interior, kitchen backsplash trends do shift over time.

"A backsplash used to be treated as the bit you dealt with once the kitchen was almost finished," says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, "but that approach is starting to feel dated. For 2026, the strongest kitchens are taking the surface behind the hob or sink much more seriously, using it to connect the worktop, cabinetry, and wall color rather than letting it sit there as a separate strip."

That’s not to say kitchen trends in backsplashes change quickly — far from it. But it’s useful to know what designs and materials the experts are choosing to stop your kitchen from looking dated.

"Backsplash trends don’t disappear overnight, but in 2026 there are several styles that we are using less often because clients are favoring quieter, more integrated kitchens," explains interior designer Juliette Byrne.

So whether you’re at the start of a new kitchen reno – or if you fancy a mini upgrade – here are 5 kitchen backsplash ideas the experts are avoiding in 2026 and what to do instead.

1. Busy Mosaic Tiles

Panels of teeny-tiny mosaics were once our go to for adding texture and color behind the kitchen counter. But in 2026 a mosaic backsplash looks busy and dated, say the experts.

"For years, glass and stone mosaics were very popular," says interior designer Juliette Byrne. "They were often used to add visual interest to otherwise simple kitchens. Why they’re falling out of favor is because they can make a kitchen feel visually cluttered."

Numerous grout lines can also be notoriously difficult to keep clean.

"Instead opt for slab splashbacks in the same material as the countertop," adds Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley kitchens, "which creates a more seamless elevated look with fewer visual interruptions."

Otherwise, choose an understated stone for the counters and introduce a more distinctive or statement stone on the backsplash. Consider the latest kitchen marble trends.

"This contrast can bring added character and visual interest to the kitchen," explains Chelsea Tallentire, sales designer at Makers. "For longer runs, bookmatching the stone is worth considering and creates a striking focal point that highlights the natural veining and pattern of the material."

2. Short Upstands and Tiled Panels Behind the Hob

Small areas of tiles — either a short upstand or a tiled panel behind the cooker — made sense for keeping costs down, saving time on installation or bringing in a modest amount of color without committing to a bigger area.

But in 2026, a small backsplash is starting to look tired and unfinished — it feels more like ticking a box than a considered design choice.

"A backsplash set only behind the cooker or sink can feel fragmented," says Collette Black of Inglis Hall. "We like to carry the stone worktop up the wall so the material runs uninterrupted from surface to surface. The result is clean, considered, and sophisticated."

"A small panel often draws attention to its own limits," agrees Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder of Baked Tiles. "Instead of feeling like a proper part of the kitchen, it can look like a practical patch added to protect the wall, which immediately makes the tiles feel secondary. It also tends to interrupt the eye, particularly when it sits alone behind the hob with a painted wall around it."

Stretching your backsplash might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a design shift that will instantly transform your space from dated to seriously chic.

"A small strip of matching kitchen worktop behind the counter can look unfinished," agrees Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors. "A full-height backsplash is becoming the preferred choice for a more luxurious feel."

The key is to commit to your chosen tiles or stone and cover larger areas of the cooking run — even the entire wall.

"A small upstand or a token row of tiles can make a kitchen feel broken up," says Grazzie at Ca’Pietra, "whereas taking the same material higher, choosing a slab with movement or using tiles in a way that feels properly built into the room gives the whole space far more ease."

3. Shiny Finishes

Shiny glass and mirrored backsplashes have become outdated kitchen trends, and for good reason, according to the experts.

"Mirror and glass had their day — it was a gorgeous trend, but it’s now waning," says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens. "Against today’s warmer, more tactile kitchens, that high-shine look is starting to feel a little cold."

"Shiny brick tiles as a backsplash have had such a long run in kitchens, but that very familiarity is what is making them feel tired for 2026," adds Grazzie at Ca’Pietra. "The issue is not the brick shape itself so much as the gloss: that hard, reflective surface can make a kitchen feel colder and flatter, particularly when paired with a sharp grout line or very uniform finish."

So instead of the crisp and clinical high-shine look, the experts recommend warmer, more natural materials for the backsplash. Forget shiny finishes that bounce light around the room; instead, try materials that absorb light. Or subtle glazes that allow the light to ripple across the backsplash.

“We’re seeing clients move toward stone slabs and textured, handmade tiles instead,” adds Jayne at Naked Kitchens, “surfaces that feel enduring rather than of the moment.”

4. Overly Patterned Tiles

Tiles are a great way to inject some wow into a kitchen, but using overly decorative tiles for a backsplash can often be a bad choice.

"Too many colors or patterns can date quickly — they can dominate and feel too much," says Helen Parker creative director at Devol Kitchens. "Instead, go for a low-key tile or pattern but use it in an inspirational way."

"Heavily patterned feature backsplashes used purely as a decorative statement are feeling quite dated now," agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of K’Arte Design. "Homeowners are increasingly choosing calmer, more integrated surfaces that create a sense of longevity."

Swap highly decorative styles for an interesting tile shape (such as a scallop) or a feel-good texture — whether that’s a velvet-smooth stone backsplash or a beautifully glazed tile with a handmade quality.

"When it comes to tiles, I recommend irregular Zellige tiles," says Chelsea at Makers. "They continue to be a favorite for a kitchen backsplash, for their rich texture, subtle variation, and handcrafted character."

"Customers are looking to natural stones and hand-painted tiles to bring an organic and artisanal feel to the space," agrees Claire Birkbeck, kitchen designer at Neptune.

5. Wall-to-Wall White

The all-white kitchen backsplash has definitely gone out of style for 2026 say the experts – whether that’s standard subway tiles or bright white stone with grey veining.

"The problem is not the material itself," says Simon Mayhew, founder and interior designer at TXTURED, "the issue is that this particular look has been replicated so many times across so many price points that it no longer communicates anything about the space."

"Many designers are moving away from the highly predictable white subway tile with contrasting grout," adds interior designer Juliette Byrne. "It’s losing momentum because it became overused. Brick now looks very familiar too."

When the rest of the kitchen scheme is quiet, a backsplash with genuine character – say a dark natural stone or handmade tile with movement – can anchor the room without overwhelming the space

"White with grey veining can’t do that anymore — it has been used so much that it has lost its voice entirely," adds Simon at TXTURED.

Kitchen backsplash trends evolve slowly over time and it's important to choose a material and style with longevity that reflects the design story of your kitchen. Get in touch with a local tile specialist, a kitchen showroom or interior designer who can help figure out what colour and design will work best for your overall kitchen (in terms of style and practicalities) now and in ten years' time.

"Many designers now treat the backsplash as an extension of the architecture rather than a decorative accent," adds Juliette Byrne.

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We're all aware of the calming effects that being near water has on us. Whether we're observing its millpond stillness, gentle ripples or listening to the trickling droplets of a fountain, the sights and sounds of water soothe the soul.

This is just one of many reasons for the boom in water garden ideas. From fountains and bowls to in-ground ponds and rills, no modern garden is complete without a water feature.

However, where your water feature is positioned can make a big difference to your enjoyment of it. In the right location, it will enhance your garden. In the wrong spot, it could create unnecessary work and potential problems.

Discover the five places landscape designers warn never to put a water feature and how to choose the best spot.

1. Directly Under Trees

It may look lovely, but placing a pond or water feature directly under deciduous trees is a big no-no for landscape gardeners. The obvious reason is dropped leaves. By fall, the surface will be littered with them — and you'll need to scoop them off to keep it clean.

Yet, evergreens aren't ideal either – as it's not just leaves that may be a concern.

"The location and aspect are important when installing water features," says landscape gardener Manoj Malde. "We avoid positioning a water feature under or near trees. Firstly, the roots can damage the liners and pumps.

"Secondly, leaves can also clog up the filtration system, which can cause further issues with the quality of the water. And finally, some trees (like walnut) release chemicals that can be toxic to aquatic plants."

2. In a Shady North-Facing Location

Dark, shady spots in the garden often require cheering up, which we can do with plants suited to less sunshine. However, these areas can often lack the interest and color of other sunnier parts and it can be tempting to place a water feature here. Yet, this would not be advisable.

"Shaded north-facing spots are also problematic for water features," explains Manoj. "Still water with no sun promotes blanket weed and algae in the water. And aquatic plants will struggle to thrive without at least some sunlight.

"Aim for at least partial sun (4-6 hours daily) for aquatic plants to do well. Overly sunny areas can also be a problem causing excessive water evaporation however this can be rectified with an automatic top-up."

3. Exposed Windy Positions

Too much shade isn't good for a water feature or a pond, due to the reasons outlined above, but neither is too much wind. Walk around your garden and observe which way the wind tends to blow and how strongly.

In an exposed but otherwise good location, you could create a tree windbreak nearby to slow down the speed of the wind and provide some protection.

"Exposed, windy positions can also be a problem when considering the position of a water feature," says Manoj. "Wind causes excessive evaporation. You do not want water blowing out of the feature either, especially if you have fountains or jets of water."

Landscape designer Harry Holding agrees and adds that a formal, architectural reflective pool relies on stillness. "An exposed, windy position destroys it," says Harry.

"Wind also drives up evaporation and top-up demand, chills the water, and blows in leaves and debris, leaving you with a feature that never quite delivers the calm, mirror-like effect it was designed for."

4. A Sun Trap

A sun trap in your modern garden may seem like a good location for a cooling water feature. Yet, not when there's little respite from blazing rays in the height of summer, according to landscape designers, who advise that there needs to be some shade too.

"Natural ponds and water features placed in a suntrap can be beautiful, bringing a cooling, calming quality to a garden; however, they do need some shade to regulate their temperature," explains Harry.

"Without shade, temperature swings and warmer water encourage algae growth and poorer water quality. Always design your water feature with some shade."

5. Where It Can't Be Seen and Enjoyed

There are numerous places to avoid locating a water feature for practical reasons, but aesthetics obviously come into it too. Whilst selecting the best site to prevent algal bloom, leaf drop, and root disturbance, do ensure your water feature is in pride of place and not tucked away out of sight.

"A beautifully designed water feature should never be hidden away in an overlooked corner of the garden," says Sophie Bertrand, head of design at Rosebank Landscaping.

"It deserves a prominent position where it becomes an elegant focal point, drawing the eye and creating a lasting sense of calm every time you look outside."

Carefully consider the views from inside your home as well as from your favourite outdoor seating and entertaining spaces.

"A beautifully placed water feature transforms an outdoor space into a private sanctuary, adding elegance, movement and timeless appeal that you, your family and your guests will appreciate every single day.”

Water features can be as simple as a planter with a pump, or as elaborate as a wall fountain or rill. Whichever type you decide on, its position should enhance its impact in your outdoor space and your enjoyment of it.

"The sweet spot is generally an open, level area with partial sun (4–6 hours), away from trees, structures, and utilities," says Manoj. "Also position the feature so that it is visible from the house. That way you can enjoy it all year round."

Whilst hydrating regularly might bring us relief, houseplants are typically fussier. Add the complication of a serious heatwave into the mix, and things get even trickier: too much water, and they'll turn yellow, too little, and they'll shrivel, turn brown, and maybe even die.

Setting a fixed watering schedule helps track when and how often to water houseplants. When temperatures peak, though, you'll need to adjust, says Monique Kemperman, a horticulture expert at Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland. "Prioritize watering according to a plant’s needs," she adds. "Plants often need extra water during hot weather, but daily watering is not always necessary."

Without proper care, they’re at risk of sunburns, overwatering, and wilting — and none of that looks good. So, to prevent the dreaded droop, here are Monique's six top tips for keeping your plants looking good during a heatwave.

1. Water Early in the Morning

Just as breakfast is our most important meal of the day, the same goes for plants. "Watering early allows plants to absorb moisture before the hottest part of the day, when heat increases water loss from both the soil and the leaves," says Monique. "Plants that start the day well hydrated are better equipped to cope with high temperatures."

But, contrary to our own habits, plants don’t need a top-up of water when the heat has peaked. "Watering during the hottest hours can be less effective because moisture evaporates more quickly," says Monique. "Plants may still become stressed later in the day, even if they have been watered."

Watering later in the evening is the next best option, according to Monique. “However, avoid leaving plants sitting in water overnight, as consistently soggy roots can encourage root rot," she adds.

To stop you from forgetting to water your houseplants before you head out in the morning, keep your gardening accessories, like a watering can or plant straws, somewhere nearby. And sometimes, even throwing a few ice cubes on the soil can be better, slowly watering your plants as it melts, rather than drenching them.

2. Check the Soil

You’ve probably got rooms that feel hotter than others. That makes a difference in whether or not your plant needs more water. “Indoor conditions vary significantly,” says Monique. “Air-conditioned rooms, shaded rooms, and larger pots may retain moisture for much longer than expected.”

So how do we know if our houseplants are ready for another dose of water? Start by checking the soil. “Soil moisture is a more reliable indicator than the calendar,” says Monique. “Check below the surface rather than relying solely on how the top layer looks. The soil surface can dry quickly while the root zone remains adequately moist. Lifting the pot can also help — dry pots are noticeably lighter than freshly watered ones.”

If you’re not careful, you could overwater your plants. “Overwatering can deprive roots of oxygen, leading to yellowing leaves, root rot, fungus gnats, and weakened growth,” says Monique. “In many cases, overwatering causes symptoms that are mistaken for drought stress, leading people to add even more water.”

Want to make your houseplant feel extra lush during the heat? There are plenty of soil covers that not only look good but also help retain moisture and prevent rotting when overwatered.

3. Know the Signs

If you know the signs of heat stress, you'll be able to respond more promptly to your plants. If they're starting to wilt, they might be feeling tired of the heat. That won't always be the case for succulents and cacti though, but even sun-loving plants have their limits.

“High temperatures can overwhelm a plant's ability to regulate moisture, particularly if combined with strong sunlight,” says Monique. “Prolonged heat stress can lead to scorched leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, and slower recovery once temperatures return to normal.”

To prevent this, “moving stressed plants to a cooler location reduces the demand on the plant while it recovers,” she says. A spot of pruning also helps your plants stay standing. “Removing dead or badly damaged foliage helps the plant redirect energy to healthy growth. However, avoid heavy pruning during a heatwave, as plants need as much healthy leaf surface as possible to produce energy,” she says.

4. Increase Humidity Around Tropical Plants

While you might not love it, tropical houseplants thrive in humidity. “Many popular houseplants, such as monsteras, calatheas, and ferns, struggle more with dry air than with heat itself," says Monique. So, "Grouping plants or placing them on a pebble tray [like this one from Etsy] with water nearby can help raise local humidity levels.”

And on days that are particularly dry, make sure to watch out for “brown leaf edges, crispy tips, and curling leaves,” she warns — these are the first indications of dry air.

5. Move Plants Away From Windows

While there are plenty of indoor plants that create shade and look beautiful in front of a window, during a heatwave, you want to watch out for “bleached patches, brown scorch marks, or leaves that suddenly wilt despite moist soil,” says Monique.

“A plant that thrives in a sunny window during spring may find the same position too intense during a heatwave,” she adds. “Glass can magnify heat and create temperatures much higher than the surrounding room.”

That's not to say you have to shut them in a dark room, but a spot that still provides indirect light but isn’t directly facing the sun is ideal. In fact, if you want to go one better, move your houseplants to a well ventilated bathroom. Modern bathrooms tend to not have too much sunlight blazing into them anyway, and the moisture and humidity from any showers you will take will create a better environment for your plant.

6. Avoid Fertilizer

Huge, luscious leaves that grow in abundance are every plant owner's dream. That said, during a heatwave is not the time to fertilize a houseplant — it adds too much extra workload when the plant may already be struggling in the heat.

“Heat-stressed plants are focused on survival rather than growth, and fertiliser can place additional demands on roots and may increase stress,” says Monique. “Wait until temperatures return to normal and plants show signs of active growth again.”

Depending on the plants you've decorated your house with, the needs will ultimately be unique. “Different plants have different needs, so monitor them more closely during hot weather," says Monique. "Smaller pots dry out faster, while leafy tropical plants generally require more moisture than succulents.”

And sometimes, the heat will get the better of our houseplants despite our best efforts to keep them cool. If that happens, some experts say Aspirin can help plants in the heat, but only as a last resort.

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In the age of decorating our outdoor spaces with the same stylish gusto as our interiors, it's easy to get caught up in the fun of finding fabulous pieces and forget why the functional staples still matter. What am I talking about? Well, in my hunt for stylish garden lighting ideas, I realized I was completely overlooking the subtle genius that is the outdoor sconce light.

Often seen as a subtler, more functional piece, "Outdoor sconces are actually the perfect indirect light source for adding character to an outdoor space," says Tatjana Köbler, Westwing's creative director of interior design. "They instantly make an area feel more inviting by creating soft light and adding subtle accents to walls and architectural details." Outdoor sconce lights are a much-needed part of a layered outdoor lighting scheme.

So while floor lamps or design-y solar lights may turn more heads, outdoor sconce lights have a specific and irreplaceable purpose. Whether it's a classic, creative, vintage, or functional style, here's everything you need to incorporate an outdoor sconce light in your garden. Plus, a few shoppable favorites, of course!

When, Where, and How to Use Outdoor Scone Lights

I always imagine outdoor sconce lights framing a front door or illuminating a dark exterior wall, and while these are classic spots for the style, the nuance of a sconce light lies in how you pair it with material, color, and space.

For instance, don't go solely for function — a random, boring sconce mounted on the wall is the kind of outdoor lighting that will make your garden look cheap rather than elevated. There is room to be as creative and intentional with your sconces as you would with, say, an outdoor table lamp.

Tatjana Köbler recommends a statement sconce light with a sculptural shape or striking light effect, while keeping the surroundings simple. "Let the light itself work its magic!" she says. Not only will the fixture itself make a blank wall look more interesting, but the light it casts will bring a garden to life in the evening.

For this reason, "Outdoor sconce lights work especially well on textured surfaces such as stone, concrete, brick, or timber," Tatjana adds — exterior surfaces where the light has room to roam.

As for placement, Tatjana recommends hanging them at around 1.7 — 1.9 meters high, depending on the fixture. The key is making sure they never create glare. So, look out for windows and other materials that might cause this outdoor lighting mistake.

And, "Avoid placing them too close together, otherwise the effect gets lost," Tatjana adds. "On a smaller balcony, one statement light is enough; in larger spaces, place them roughly every 1.6 meters, ideally centred between windows or doors."

You need to decide whether you want larger, more decorative sconces or sconces that act as ambient light within a larger scheme. Decorative fixtures shine as the statement piece, while more minimalist lighting can easily be layered in.

Ultimately, a garden without a few good sconce lights is a garden that hasn't reached its full potential. And there is no shortage of stylish options across all the best garden lighting brands. Below are a few of my favorites, in an assortment of styles, shapes, and budgets.

Don't mind me, just adding outdoor sconce lighting to my list of favorite garden lighting trends. It's an addition that's as timeless as it is interesting.

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I'm a bit scared to admit that I don't actually have a dedicated coffee nook in my flat. Regularly testing coffee machines means I don't always have the counter space to make things so personalized and streamlined. But having dreamed of a dedicated setup for so long, I have very strong feelings about the things every coffee nook should have.

Making coffee at home has become way more mainstream over the last few years, and as such, so have some coffee bar ideas. Sure, we all want a tasty cup of joe to help us wake up in the morning, but the routine is almost just as important. Smelling the freshly ground beans, practicing your latte art, and taking a moment to pause, sit, and sip before the day begins.

Which is why serious coffee connoisseurs should have a dedicated coffee nook at home (myself included), a carved-out corner fit with all the best coffee machine accessories. And what are they, you ask? Here are six things I think no modern coffee nook is complete without.

1. A Quality (and Preferably Stylish Looking) Coffee Machine

First and foremost, every coffee nook needs a stellar espresso machine or coffee maker. Duh. It's an obvious first step, but finding the best espresso machine for your space can be a journey. Start by considering where you'll keep your coffee maker in your kitchen and what you really want from your machine.

Do you want something totally hands-off for an ultra-convenient cup of coffee? Or do you want to practice milk frothing techniques and grind your own beans? You can go automatic or fully manual, or somewhere in between.

"For most coffee lovers, a semi-automatic machine is the most practical choice, as it combines ease of operation with the ability to influence key parameters, resulting in high-quality results without excessive effort," Leo Yuffa, owner of Colorado-based Dazbog Coffee, tells me.

However, each type typically comes in a range of options that fit your counterspace size and price range. For me, I like a blend of form and function with a bit of hands-on interface — the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic or the Smeg Cold Brew and Espresso Machine have become two of my favorites.

2. A Grinder and Milk Frother

Next up, every coffee nook should have a quality coffee grinder or milk frothing equipment. As you will quickly find when searching for a coffee maker, grinders and milk steaming wands aren't built into every machine. While this may seem inconvenient at first, it's actually a great opportunity to invest in appliances that yield top-of-the-line results. Plus, most coffee-related appliances have a more stylish look to them than other kitchen gear — trust me, it all becomes part of the coffee nook design.

If space allows, I'd go big or go home with these inclusions; you'll always get better results when you invest in quality. Plus, practicing your latte art and grinding fresh beans (even if you don't do either every day) not only makes the coffee-making ritual more enjoyable but also makes your coffee machine work better and taste better.

3. Elevated Drinkware and Accessories

Okay, now it's time to get into the fun things every coffee nook needs. Once you have the technical bits sorted, you can start playing with how you want to personalize your coffee nook and how it will blend with the rest of your home's design scheme. A lot of the visual heavy-lifting here starts with the drinkware and accessories — aspects just as important as the appliances, but a little more niche and aesthetic.

I'll be the first to argue that the mug you choose affects the way your coffee tastes (and, actually, it's scientifically proven). But mostly, it's simply important to have a few go-to mugs that look just as beautiful when not in use (perhaps while sitting in your coffee station mug organizer?)

And don't feel limited to only picking your favorite mugs, a set of chrome espresso cups and saucers, or a few characterful glasses for iced coffee would elevate your shelves and make your coffee nook look cafe-ready.

Beyond drinkware, a coffee nook should also have a few other coffee machine accessories, too. Knock boxes, puck-suckers, tapping mats, bean storage containers — all of these things have their place, but it's up to you to pick what's necessary for your ideal coffee nook.

4. A Cozy Seating Area (If Space Allows)

Coffee nooks can be a small space that lives on the countertop or a fully realized breakfast nook idea. So, if you have the space, then a cozy spot to sit and sip is essential. No more tech early in the morning, we are practicing healthy analogue habits in 2026!

And interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein, agrees. "A small table with comfortable chairs or a cushioned bench can turn your coffee nook into a serene spot for relaxation," she says.

For those with more room to work with, I'd go for a full banquette seating look. However, I am also loving the idea of a couple of pouffe seats around a bistro table, if you are an apartment-dweller like me. Your home cafe is yours to create. Just make sure the seats are cozy, elevated, and preferably match the rest of your nook's design and color scheme.

5. Streamlined (and Stylish) Storage

Now, absolutely no coffee nook is complete without proper and stylish storage ideas — too many bits can easily become visual clutter. But don't worry, there are so many ways to store your appliances and accessories and display your favorite decor.

Coffee nook storage ranges everything from shelving ideas to hiding your coffee machine behind a pocket door breakfast station. I'd say that the storage you choose to include depends on how visual or minimalist you want your nook to look. Do you want your mugs out for everyone to admire? Or do you want to keep a cleverly hidden space?

Antony Joseph, creative director and co-founder of Joseph Joseph, agrees that organization is key. "Store your coffee beans or grounds in sleek, airtight containers to ensure maximum freshness," he says. "You can also elevate your coffee station by displaying your creamer, syrups, and sugar in smaller containers or stacking sets, and collect any utensils in easily accessible utensil pots." Again, the world is your...coffee nook...or something like that.

6. Personalized Details to Bring it to Life

Lastly, a few personalized details and memorabilia will bring your coffee nook well and truly to life. Think of it as the chocolate powder on top of your cappuccino. And the best part of this step is that it can be really whatever helps make your nook feel like a harmonious part of your home.

A vase of flowers or a bit of greenery would mesh well with a naturalistic aesthetic or frame your favorite photos or print to gaze at while you sip your espresso shot — think of what you want surrounding you in this space. My only advice is to keep the coffee-making station clear of unnecessary clutter to avoid any unwanted coffee-making mishaps.

While I love the habit of taking time in the morning to partake in a stylized and intentional coffee-making routine, the right coffee nook for you depends on what details will create a seamless morning routine.

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Color has long played an important role in how we experience our homes, influencing how we feel, behave, and connect within our spaces. Yet our relationship with color doesn't stop at the back door. As we increasingly look to our gardens as extensions of our living spaces, color has an equally important role to play outdoors.

What makes gardens unique is that they allow us to experience living color. Alongside the more fixed colors found in painted walls, furniture, and planters, gardens introduce something else entirely: color that grows, changes, and evolves over time.

Inside the home, color is relatively fixed, but garden color is alive. It appears, disappears, and moves, fading only to return as plants grow, flower, mature, and change through the seasons. This is how it shapes your outdoor space, according to color psychology.

Gardens As Living Color Experiences

This is something I experience in my own garden every day. Colors shift not only from season to season, but throughout the day and with changing weather conditions. A border that catches the morning sun can feel completely different by late afternoon, while overcast skies can soften colors that appeared vibrant only hours earlier.

Garden designer Lee Burkhill, also known as Garden Ninja and seen on BBC1's Garden Rescue, is known for creating planting schemes that evolve throughout the seasons. When I asked him how color, planting, and seasonal change work together to shape the experience of a garden, he said, "Color in a garden is never static to me. It's about the changes in colors across seasons. I design with that rhythm in mind, layering bulbs, perennials, and shrubs so something is always transitioning: a drift of pale spring blossom giving way to hot riotous summer colors, then the burnished golds and muted greens of autumn."

What Lee's approach highlights is that the color experience within a garden unfolds over time. The yellows of daffodils, fresh greens of emerging foliage, and clouds of blue forget-me-nots in spring gradually give way to summer color, from soft pink roses and lavender to the richer pinks, purples, and oranges of salvias, echinacea, and dahlias. Then autumn arrives with its rich mix of burnished golds, russets, ochers, and olive greens, before winter introduces strong contrasts through bright red berries, colored stems, dark evergreen foliage, and the sculptural forms of seed heads and grasses.

While the experience of color outdoors is very different, some of the principles may feel familiar. The walls of a room often provide a more permanent color backdrop, while cushions, artwork, and accessories allow us to introduce seasonal updates and new color combinations. Gardens work in a similar way. Walls, fences, pathways, and evergreen planting create a more enduring framework of color, while seasonal planting provides the changing layer.

Designing Spaces to Live in With Color

A garden isn’t a singular experience either, much like a home isn't. Different areas can support different functions and behaviors depending on how we want to use them. One space may be designed for gathering friends around an outdoor dining table on a summer evening, while another offers somewhere to sit with a morning coffee, read a book, or spend a little time alone at the end of the day.

Hedges, planting, pathways, pergolas, and changes in level can all be used to create zones within a garden, helping define areas for different activities and ways of spending time.

Garden designer and RHS ambassador & judge Manoj Malde is known for his confident and joyful use of color. In his book Your Outdoor Room (available on Amazon), he explores the idea of gardens as a series of distinct spaces designed for living.

“Whether consciously or not, many of us already make these distinctions inside our homes. We create spaces for gathering, relaxing, working, or retreating. Gardens offer the same opportunity. Through color, planting, materials, and layout, different areas can be designed to support different activities, behaviors, and experiences, allowing the garden to function as a true extension of the home.”

Thinking of the garden as part of the home has also led to a growing desire to create a stronger visual connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

This doesn't necessarily mean matching everything perfectly, but rather creating a sense of continuity. Colors used inside the home can often be echoed outdoors through planting, painted walls, furniture, pots, or textiles, helping the transition between inside and outside feel more seamless and intentional.

Bringing more color outside doesn't always require redesigning an entire garden. Sometimes a small, focused change can shift how a space feels, whether that’s drawing attention to an overlooked corner, giving a seating area more presence, or helping a previously disconnected part of the garden feel more considered.

Even smaller outdoor spaces, such as balconies, courtyards, or narrow side returns, can be transformed through thoughtful use of color, planting, and layering. The size of the space is often less important than how effectively it supports the way you want to use it.

How Color Shapes the Experience of a Garden

Color in a garden doesn't only come from planting. It can come from painted walls and fences, furniture, pots, containers, and decorative features, too. The colors used throughout a garden influence not only what we see, but also the overall experience the space creates.

From a color psychology perspective, different colors can encourage very different feelings and behaviors outdoors.

Here's how different colors can shape the experience of a garden.

Yellow: Yellow can bring a welcome sense of optimism and cheerfulness to a garden, even on cold, gray days. A yellow chair catching the morning sun or a drift of yellow flowers beside a favorite seating area can feel like being greeted with a cheerful hello each time you step outside.

From soft butter, primrose, and straw yellows through to brighter sunflower, golden, and citrus yellows, yellow retains its sunny nature and can help make outdoor spaces feel more welcoming and uplifting.

Red and Orange: Red and orange are the colors that get the party started. Used together, they can help create a party zone within the garden, the sort of space where the music gets turned up, laughter fills the air, and people start to let their hair down.

From vibrant tangerine and marigold orange to fiery reds, these colors bring the riot of color Lee describes earlier in the article. Fun, playful, and full of energy, they can help create outdoor spaces where sitting still is the last thing on anyone's mind.

Blue and Purple: Blue and purple can create a more reflective experience within a garden. A seating area surrounded by lavender, salvia, nepeta, and agapanthus, or accented with soft blue and purple details, can feel like somewhere to relax with a book, a coffee, or simply a few moments to yourself.

From gentle sky blues and cornflower through to periwinkle, lavender, and lilac, these colors can help create spaces that feel more mentally calming and contemplative.

Green: From soft sage and moss greens through to deeper olive and forest greens, green can help create a sense of balance and reassurance. A garden filled with layers of green can feel restorative and comforting, offering a welcome respite from the pace and demands of everyday life.

Black and Charcoal: Black and charcoal work particularly well in more minimalist, pared-back gardens. A black fence or charcoal wall can complement a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic, drawing attention to a striking sculpture, specimen tree, or carefully chosen planting scheme, allowing a few key elements to take center stage.

Another way black and charcoal can be used is to create the illusion of depth. When applied to a fence or wall behind heavy, dense planting, the darker surface can appear to recede into the background, making the boundary itself less noticeable.

It's not simply about being surrounded by plants or flowers. Over time, gardens become part of the rhythm of everyday life. As the seasons change, we begin to notice what is emerging, flowering, fading, or returning, often without consciously realising it.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons gardens can feel so restorative. Not simply because we are outside, but because they reconnect us to the natural cycles of growth, change, and renewal that play out throughout the year.

Beyond the back door, colour takes on a life of its own, becoming part of how we experience the spaces around us. Just as we don't think of colour in our homes as simply decorative, the same can be true of our gardens. Colour plays a role in how we feel, behave, connect, and live, both inside and out.

And as the latest garden color trends show, color is taking a much more design-led approach in 2026.

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If there's one thing you don't want when dining outdoors in the summertime, it's to be joined by a throng of pesky bugs. After perfecting your tablescape and menu, the unwanted visitors can detract from all your hard work, making your al fresco experience frustrating and unpleasant.

But fear not. I've found a simple, cost-effective solution that's not only natural but also incredibly attractive — basil. "Basil not only smells wonderful with a pleasant aroma but also acts as a natural pest repellent because it naturally contains compounds that hinder a bug’s ability to detect its target," explains plant expert Sandi Liang of Dandi Plants. "Specifically, lime basil and holy basil strongly repel mosquitoes, a common nuisance in gardens and to humans."

The humble supermarket herb is one of the best pest control plants to include on your outdoor dining table, not only to repel bugs but to add a pop of color and a handy garnish for drinks and food, too. And if it's not available at your local supermarket, you can find items like this Set of Three Live Basil Herb Plants on Amazon, which will be delivered right to you — here's why the experts think this culinary herb works so well.

Basil Insect Repellent — How Does It Work?

"The basil plant is tasty in many culinary dishes but also serves as an effective natural repellent against mosquitoes," says Sandi Liang of Dandi Plants. "This plant contains essential oils that are known to deter these pests, making it a valuable addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.

"Understanding the mechanisms and methods of using basil for mosquito control can enhance your gardening experience while promoting a more pleasant outdoor environment. Certain compounds found in basil, such as eugenol, linalool, and camphor, possess insect-repelling properties," Sandi explains.

And it's these essential oils that give basil its distinct aroma, and the compounds of which "disrupt the scent receptors of insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and even aphids, making it harder for them to locate food or breeding sites," says gardening expert Tony O'Neill.

"Its strong scent forms an aromatic shield, especially when the leaves are brushed or lightly disturbed, which increases the release of its essential oils," he explains. So giving your tabletop basil plants a little zhush now and again as you're dining outdoors will help to repel those pesky bugs for longer.

How to Use Basil in Your Outdoor Space to Repel Bugs

Basil responds well to being grown in containers, which is particularly helpful with its pest-repelling properties, as you can easily move your pots of basil around your modern garden to wherever you need it most.

"Basil is one of my favorite additions to an outdoor table," says Nikki Greengrass, founder of Rosie Dalia. "It's beautifully fragrant, looks wonderfully natural in a simple pot or jar, and as a bonus, works hard to keep bugs at bay. I like to add it as a centerpiece in pots down the table, or even tucked into napkins for a fresh, vibrant touch. A small detail that makes al fresco dining feel that bit more special!"

Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, agrees, saying that "A potted basil plant is one of the easiest ways to make a dining table feel fresher and more inviting. It brings a lovely green look and a light, fresh scent that makes meals feel more relaxed and welcoming, with that easy Mediterranean touch for summer outdoor dining."

What makes basil even more appealing is that there is a wellbeing side to the plant, too. "Its scent is calming and is used in aromatherapy to help you relax and reduce stress, so it makes your home feel a bit more settled," Julian explains.

Better yet, it's a beginner-friendly plant, so you won't need to worry about lots of maintenance if you add a collection of basil plants to your outdoor area. "All it needs is a sunny spot, regular watering, and a bit of pinching back to keep it forgiving and rewarding," assures Julian.

Below are five top tips Tony has shared for making the most of basil plants in your outdoor space, so your garden parties can proceed without distraction and nuisance this summer.

1. Use multiple small pots — "Instead of just one basil plant, scatter a few smaller pots around the table or seating area to create a perimeter of scent."

2. Give it sunlight — "Basil thrives in full sun, which also enhances its aroma-producing oils. A sunny table spot doubles its pest-repelling power."

3. Water correctly — "Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A stressed basil plant is less aromatic and less effective."

4. Pinch leaves often — "Regularly pinching or harvesting leaves not only promotes bushy growth but also releases more of the scent that keeps bugs away."

5. Combine with other herbs — "Pair basil with rosemary, mint, or lemon balm for a multi-herb barrier. Each adds its own repelling properties to the mix."

This Pepin Terracotta Olla on Amazon is a great way to manage your basil plant's watering needs, and this 12 x Plug Plant Pack of Mixed Herbs, also on Amazon, includes basil, mint, parsley, and tarragon to create your "multi-herb barrier".

I also have my eye on these Spear & Jackson Japanese Niwaki Pruning Scissors on Amazon for delicately harvesting basil leaves.

Planters to Pair With Your Basil

There's nothing quite like a natural pest remedy that's super cost-effective, attractive, and multi-purpose, too. If you also want to grow your own basil to heady heights indoors, then this interior designer's simple tips turn supermarket basil into bushy delights.

And for more ideas for your garden and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

If you're thinking of hosting an outdoor pizza party, there are some key considerations to factor in ahead of time to ensure a smooth and successful soirée — in style, of course, too. From the core practical elements to the small details that help create ambience, you can transform your outdoor space into a pizza hosting oasis with some thoughtful pre-planning.

“The rise of pizza ovens reflects a wider shift in how we use our outdoor spaces," says Sophie Bertrand, head of design at Rosebank Landscaping. "Gardens are increasingly being designed as extensions of the home, with outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas becoming central features. Pizza ovens have evolved from purely functional appliances into lifestyle-led design statements, creating a natural gathering point where cooking becomes part of the entertainment."

Making homemade pizzas is a weekly occurrence for my family and me, and has been for the past four years; however, we don't often host outdoors — for many reasons, namely the UK weather (the current heatwave is certainly not the norm) and the fact that we currently need some new furniture to make outdoor hosting possible. So I reached out to experts for some advice, and combined with my years of experience in preparing and cooking pizzas at home, consider this your ultimate guide to hosting the perfect outdoor pizza party.

1. Preparation

When it comes to hosting of any kind, preparation is key — but it is absolutely essential when making pizzas, particularly if you are cooking for a big crowd.

As acclaimed chef Matthew Ryle explains, "The great lie of the pizza-at-home party is that it sounds social but actually isn’t. You’re trapped at the oven, sweating, while everyone else is having a drink and enjoying the pizzas as they come." But no more, since he adopted the preparation method used by Spring Street pizzeria after doing a pop-up with the London restaurant's Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble.

"The new Spring Street setup has a rack that holds five pizzas at once. You can cook them ahead and flash them to order. Suddenly you’re not a pizza hostage; you’re at the party, and arguably now the pizza is better too," Matthew explains.

"I’ve adopted their method for getting ahead and use a rack too — something like this Pizza Pan Rack on Amazon. So when everyone arrives for pizza, there isn't a long queue, and everyone can eat together. Even just me, my wife, and son, it helps everything come up at the same time."

Ideally, you would have a proper prep station, too. As Nate Fox, lead designer at Foxterra Design, explains, "Pizza making is hands-on and spread-out, so give yourself — and your guests — enough room to work. A little organization goes a long way when you're feeding a crowd. The outdoor kitchens we design always prioritize real counter space and proper storage alongside the oven, because when the prep area is dialed in, the whole hosting experience flows."

If you don't have a dedicated outdoor kitchen, even something like this eucalyptus wood Outdoor Kitchen Trolley on Wayfair is ideal for adding extra counter space and storage.

Also, if you're cooking for a very large number of people and the amount of dough-making is alarming you, you can always opt for frozen dough balls to save time. I highly rate The Northern Dough Co's Neapolitan Pizza Dough Balls on Amazon — these come in a pack of 15 and will make your pizza night simple and easy.

2. Tools

With preparation plans underway, having the right pizza oven accessories will ensure the actual cooking process runs smoothly, too.

I've tried a whole host of pizza oven tools over the years, and while there are many you can do without, there are a few that you can't. These are the key pieces to add to your collection, if you don't already have them:

• A placement peel — For easily and efficiently launching and retrieving your pizzas out of the pizza oven. My personal favorite is Ooni's Signature Placement Peel, but you can get wooden options that double as serving boards if you prefer. This Chef Pomodoro Bamboo Pizza Peel on Amazon is lightweight and has a tapered edge to make launching easier.
• A turning peel — A must for turning the pizzas in the oven. You can opt for something like Chef Pomodoro's Pizza Turning Peel with Detachable Handle on Amazon, or Ooni's Pizza Turning Peel.
• An infrared thermometer — If your pizza oven doesn't have a built-in temperature gauge, you definitely need one of these to ensure your pizza stone reaches the desired temperature for the perfect bake. I like both Gozney and Ooni's infrared thermometers, but you can also get something like ERICKHILL's Compact Infrared Thermometer on Amazon.
• Mini scales — For smaller batches of pizza, you may only require a very small amount of yeast, which might be too small to be picked up by a standard set of scales, which often don't reliably measure until 5+ grams. Salter's Digital Precision Scale on Amazon is ideal, but if you're an Ooni fan and like everything to match, Ooni has a set of Dual Platform Digital Scales you can add to your collection.
• A pizza cutter — When you're trying to cook and serve multiple pizzas in quick succession, quick, clean cuts are what you need; my favorite is Ooni's Stainless Steel Rocker Blade, currently available at John Lewis. If you prefer a regular pizza cutter style, I like Gozney's version on Amazon, or you can get other premium designs, such as BOSKA's Pizza Cutter on Amazon, or the incredibly chic ALESSI Taio Pizza Cutter on Selfridges.
• Semolina — Do not miss this step! You need to ensure your pizza bases are lightly dusted in semolina flour so that they don't stick to the peel when launching them into the pizza oven — it also helps give them that desired crispiness. Il Molino's Premium Italian Semolina Flour on Amazon will do the job.

You can probably get away without the mini scales if you only make larger quantities of pizzas or you already have a fancy set of scales that measures mini amounts, too — but as for the rest, I really do recommend them for a smooth cooking process.

3. Flow

This outdoor area, designed by Foxterra Design, is what dreams are made of, but the principles of making your garden flow for the perfect pizza soirée remain the same for any style or size of outdoor space — notably careful zoning and being intentional with your pizza oven placement and outdoor seating.

"The best pizza nights are the ones where guests are part of the process — it becomes the entertainment, not just the meal," explains Nate, the designer of the space above. "That energy is also why placement matters: when the oven lives within the main entertaining zone rather than off to the side, the cook stays in the conversation, and the oven becomes a natural gathering point for the whole group."

Nate's advice is to cook in rounds, have a spot nearby where guests can settle "in between pies", and to keep the drinks flowing. "When the lounge, the fire, and the kitchen are all within the same connected zone, people move naturally between them — and that's when a dinner party turns into a night nobody wants to end," says Nate.

4. Tablescape

"A great outdoor pizza soirée is less about perfection and more about creating a relaxed, generous atmosphere," says Nikki Greengrass, founder of Rosie Dalia. "Layer the table with beautiful linens as your foundation, then bring in natural textures like rattan to add warmth and that easy, al fresco energy."

Also, ensure you have enough space on the table if you're planning to serve your pizzas on boards, and leave room for snack bowls and extra toppings for your guests to have free rein with their pizzas.

"For the toppings, set everything out in small bowls and dishes so guests can build their own. It makes the table feel interactive and gets everyone stuck in together."

Nikki also suggests incorporating scent into your tablescape. "Scent is a brilliant way to elevate the evening, too. Fresh herbs scattered near the toppings or tucked into napkins bring the whole table to life."

Top tip: basil is a natural pest repellent, so pop a few basil plants in stylish pots on your table to keep pesky bugs at bay — this will also add color to your table and be a handy extra garnish for your pizzas! You can buy a Pack of 6 Medium Plug Basil Plants on Amazon.

5. Lighting

Not just for practical purposes, garden lighting is key to creating ambience and, when thoughtfully curated, a lived-in, relaxed feel in your outdoor space that will make guests feel right at home.

"As the sun goes down, soft candlelight is what carries the atmosphere from cooking to lingering at the table long after the pizzas are gone," says Nikki.

The right portable table lamps can work just as well to create that elegant glow, too — and with a layered outdoor lighting scheme, your soirée can continue long into the night.

6. Shade or Shelter

It's important to remember that the weather isn't always going to play ball — best-laid plans and all that. So when planning a pizza party outdoors, you will need to ensure you have a covered area for your pizza oven and for your seating.

And not only that, even when the weather is glorious, you will need to consider garden screening for shade from the sun — if you're anything like me, I absolutely hate eating a meal in full sunshine, and your guests might feel the same.

Whether you opt for a more permanent structure or something that can be popped up on the day, ensure you have a plan — even if that's reverting to eating indoors, though that would be sad.

Don’t Already Have a Pizza Oven?

If you've got this far and don't actually have a pizza oven, I strongly suggest that you change that. I don't order pizzas anymore when I go out to restaurants now that I have a pizza oven at home — I prefer my own. And it's a wonderful, interactive meal to enjoy with your family and friends.

"Improvements in design and accessibility also mean pizza ovens can now be successfully incorporated into gardens of almost any size,” says Sophie.

So if you're wondering, 'Is a pizza oven worth it?' I can confidently say that they are — if you really love pizza, that is. But you're on this page, so I'm guessing you do!

Now that you know everything you need to host the ultimate outdoor pizza party, all that's left is for you to relax and enjoy it. Plus, if you have an Ooni pizza oven from the Koda 2 range, you could opt for the rotating stone to make outdoor hosting even easier.

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Those of us who live in places with unpredictable summers recognize the importance of a garden structure, particularly if we want to enjoy our outside spaces for longer.

Whether you want to beat a retreat from the blazing sun or shelter from a brief rain shower, a garden structure allows you to continue reclining or dining outside without decamping indoors altogether. But what type to choose?

Pergolas are more regularly seen in gardens, but gazebos are popular too. In truth, the terms are often used interchangeably, yet there are slight differences, which may determine whether one suits you better than the other.

In general, a gazebo is your better option if you have a larger garden and want to make a destination that feels like an outdoor room. For more versatility, a less visually imposing structure, and a more budget-friendly choice, a pergola is your pick.

Here, landscape designers offer their view on when to choose which structure for your garden and how to decide what's best.

What to Consider

Of the numerous garden screening ideas, pergolas and gazebos are popular choices, offering both privacy and shade. Both structures are open on all sides; however, pergolas generally have a flat, slatted roof, while gazebos have a solid, pitched roof. So their purposes differ.

However, mechanized pergola models with retractable roofs can provide the best of each option, allowing both filtered light and shelter when required. And of course, there are temporary canvas gazebos too.

If you're handy with a hammer, this self-assembly Outsunny pergola from B&Q has a sleek aluminium frame and, at just under 9 square meters would comfortably cover a seating or dining area. It has an adjustable louvred roof, so you can alter the amount of shade required.

"From a garden designer's perspective, the choice between a gazebo and a pergola usually comes down to what the client wants the structure to do, rather than which structure they happen to prefer aesthetically," says Nick Woodhouse, creative director of gardens at Woodhouse & Law.

"I would typically ask how they envisage using the space, how much protection from sun and rain they want, whether the structure is intended as a destination within the garden or simply as a way of defining an area, as well as how it relates to the style of both the house and the wider landscape."

When to Choose a Gazebo - the Pros and Cons

As with any design decision, knowing what you want the structure to do in your garden is key. Once that's established, you can determine its location and then consider the size and style.

"A gazebo is a freestanding structure with a solid, fully enclosed roof, so it gives real protection from rain and strong sun," says garden designer Manoj Malde. "It tends to read as a destination in the garden, a separate little room you walk to."

"If you want shelter from rain so that you can use the space in changeable weather, or you want privacy and shade for something like a hot tub or outdoor dining set that needs protecting, a gazebo is the better fit."

Nick agrees, saying a gazebo is generally the most appropriate when the aim is to create an outdoor room. "Because it has a solid roof and a stronger sense of enclosure, it offers meaningful protection from rain and sun and can extend the amount of time a space is usable throughout the year," says Nick.

"Gazebos work particularly well as destinations within larger gardens, as settings for outdoor dining and entertaining, or wherever a client wants to spend time outdoors, regardless of the weather.

"Their disadvantages are that they are typically more expensive, more visually dominant, and can feel rather heavy-handed in smaller gardens if not carefully integrated into the design."

For this reason, it's essential to ensure that your garden can comfortably accommodate a gazebo, with a suitable spot for the structure. Manoj explains that a gazebo works best where it can stand on its own, away from the house.

"Often at the end of a path or in a corner of the garden is a good spot," says Manoj. "This is partly because that's what makes it feel like a destination.

"Also for practical reasons: a gazebo needs a flat, well-drained base (such as a deck or paved pad), clearance from overhanging trees so debris doesn't collect on the roof, and enough distance from boundary fences both for airflow and because many local planning rules set minimum distances from boundaries for structures over a certain height.

"It also benefits from at least partial shelter from prevailing wind, since the solid roof can act like a sail in storms, if it's not anchored well."

This wooden gazebo from Wayfair has a cedar frame and powder-coated steel roof, so it can stand up to the weather throughout the year. Alternatively, this gazebo from B&Q has a metal frame and a metal roof. Both are self-assembly and come with outdoor curtains for additional privacy.

When to Choose a Pergola

Pergolas (aside from the newer models with retractable roofs) generally provide patio shade rather than shelter. With their flat, slatted roofs, supported on posts, these simple structures are visually more refined and less cumbersome than gazebos. This means they are suitable for patios and terraces, as well as other parts of the garden.

"A pergola is usually positioned attached to the house, over a patio, deck, or seating area right outside a back door, because its job is to extend the usable living space outward and create a shaded transition rather than a separate room," says Manoj.

"It filters light rather than blocking it, and works more as a transition zone, like a covered walkway or a softening of the boundary between house and garden, than as a destination in its own right. Climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines are frequently trained over them, which integrates them beautifully into the garden."

This Dunster House wooden pergola from Wayfair is made from slow-grown spruce and would make a great frame for climbing vines over a deck.

Pergolas can be freestanding too, often running along a path or to frame an entrance. However, wherever you choose to place it, orientation matters, particularly on traditional models without adjustable roofs.

"If shade is the priority, the slats or rafters should run roughly east-west across the strongest midday sun for a given path of the sun," explains Manoj. "A pergola meant to let in low morning or evening light, but block the harsh midday sun might be oriented north-south, depending on your hemisphere and the specific angle of the sun where you live."

When it comes to choice, as a general guideline, Nick states that a pergola is usually the better option when the objective is to organize and enrich an outdoor space without enclosing it.

"Pergolas excel at defining terraces and seating areas," says Nick. "As well as creating transitions between different parts of a garden, framing views, and supporting climbers such as roses, wisteria, or jasmine.

"Pergolas tend to feel lighter and more connected to the surrounding landscape than gazebos — and are often cheaper to build. Their main limitation is that they provide little protection from rain and only limited shade unless heavily planted or fitted with additional screening."

Knowing exactly how you want use your garden and the structure within it will guide you to the best choice for your outdoor space and your lifestyle.

"Gazebos and pergolas solve different problems," says Manoj. "The right choice usually comes down to what you want the structure to do, rather than which one looks nicer in isolation."

For more advice on how to design your landscaping, why not sign up for the Livingetc newsletter?

"'Can we have a Japanese bathroom in the UK?' is one of the most common questions I hear from Japanese people living here," says interior designer Yoko Kloeden. "And it tells you everything about how central the ofuro is to daily life."

As one of the most relaxing Japanese wellness rituals, ofuro literally translates to bathtub; however, its meaning goes far deeper than just a bathroom feature. It's a moment to unwind, centered around a traditional soaking tub that offers natural aromatherapy.

Rather than a function-driven space to cleanse, immersing yourself in an ofuro is designed to offer pure relaxation. And here's what makes it so special.

What Is Ofuro?

"An ofuro is a deep soaking tub shorter than a Western bath but much deeper. This element of Japanese design in bathrooms allows you to sit immersed up to the shoulders in hot water, typically around 40° to 43° C (104° to 109° F)," says Yoko.

"Crucially, the ofuro is not for washing. You soap, scrub, and rinse at a separate shower area before entering the tub, so the water stays clean. Families often share the same bathwater in the evening, each person soaking in turn. The tub is for one thing only — restoration."

She explains that Japan's bathing culture is rooted in the country's geography — an island nation sitting on active volcanoes, blessed with thousands of natural hot springs. "But it is also deeply spiritual," she adds.

"In Shintō, the nature-based religion in Japan, water purification is a ritual act. Bathing cleanses body and mind, and the careful washing before entering the tub extends that belief into daily domestic life."

How Can You Create an Ofuro-Inspired Bathroom at Home?

Yoko finds that authentically imbuing the ritual of ofuro into your routine changes how you design a spa bathroom. "When the bath is understood as a ritual rather than a function, it demands proper space," she notes.

"Think a separate wet area for washing, waterproofed surfaces, good ventilation, and natural scented materials — hinoki cypress, stone, wood — that engage the senses. Even the layout matters."

She recommends separating the WC from the bathing area, as every Japanese home does. "It keeps the space calm and focused. The bathroom stops being the most neglected room in the house and becomes, arguably, the most important one."

What is a Japanese Soaking Tub?

Now, coming to the principal element in a Japanese wellness bathroom — the literal ofuro. "People love the beautiful modern aesthetic of a hand-crafted, warm, natural wood tub," explains Ken Larson, general manager at Zen Bathworks, a brand crafting Japanese soaking tubs.

"The simple beauty and traditional design combined with unusual depth offer the bather a bit of luxury that is easy to use. Traditional, organic wooden ofuros offer a silent steaming refuge from the artificial pressures of society."

Typically designed from hinoki wood, Ken explains that the natural notes of lemon and ginger from this material offer aromatherapy at its finest. "Also, most ofuros afford customers two things that typical mass-produced bathtub options do not," he adds. "One, customizations, and two, the beautiful aesthetic appeals that only wood can offer."

So, if you're weighing up freestanding vs built-in tubs, I recommend opting for the former and considering this Japanese wellness ritual.

What Are the Benefits of Ofuro?

"A full-body soak in hot water relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure. It is widely understood in Japan that an evening bath warms you from within, and leads to deeper sleep — research supports this," says Yoko.

"But the impact of this part of a wind-down routine goes beyond the physical. The act of washing slowly, then sitting in silence in hot water, creates a meditative pause at the end of the day. For many Japanese people, it is the single most restorative moment in their routine."

As far as home wellness trends go, ofuro is one of the more intentional rituals that elevate a soak and truly make for a cocooning space. And with Japanese design growing in appreciation, this is yet another aesthetic element I yearn for in my own space.

FAQs

Is Ofuro the Same as a Hot Tub?

No, an ofuro is not the same as a hot tub. These traditional Japanese soaking tubs are typically crafted out of natural woods to introduce aromatherapy into the wellness ritual. Additionally, tying into a more organic experience, it usually lacks the advanced features of a hot tub, such as jets and colorful lights.

How Hot Is an Ofuro Bath?

An ofuro is often kept between 40° and 43° C (104° to 109° F) to offer deep muscle relaxation, soothing the tension in your body. This is why it's important to acclimatize by finishing your shower in hot water and gently immersing yourself in the tub after.

How Long Do People Stay in an Ofuro?

Since the ofuro wellness ritual involves a hotter temperature than typical Western soaks, it's advisable to enjoy the warmth for around 15 to 20 minutes. This is considered an optimal time to relax your muscles and unwind in the tub without overheating or pruning.

If you're drawn to Japanese-inspired spaces, this urban London apartment with a communal soaking tub is an album of inspiration. And for more design ideas from across the globe, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Houseplants can be fussy regularly, but the peak of summer might be when most gardeners (beginner and otherwise) feel overwhelmed by the troubles indoor gardens face in high temperatures — and how bad they look when they start to droop and dry out. In response to said issues, some experts are actually prescribing plants with aspirin.

Yes, an aspirin, just like the one you might take to relieve a headache. It's not the first thing you should do when caring for your plants to survive a heatwave. But it's also not as simple as dissolving an aspirin into your indoor garden's water supply.

Here's what you need to know before treating your plants to this medication, and why and when to do it.

Why Do Some Gardeners Use Aspirin on Heat-Stressed Plants?

When you use aspirin with your houseplants, gardening expert Lucie Bradley explains that you don’t use them for quick results but rather to help your plants build up a tolerance to heat so they are less stressed when temperatures increase.

"Plants have a natural defense mechanism to heat when they are stressed, producing salicylic acid, which acts as a trigger for the plant to put into action its internal defense system," she explains. "This not only protects photosynthesis during extreme heat, but it also helps plants maintain their cellular water pressure, which in turn helps prevent dehydration."

"Whilst plants produce tiny amounts of salicylic acid when suffering heat stress, you can use aspirin to mimic this salicylic acid to trigger your garden's natural defense system into action," she adds. "This will ensure your houseplants survive a heatwave."

How Does the Aspirin Trick for Houseplants Work?

"Ideally, you would start using an aspirin solution a few weeks before when temperatures are predicted to increase," recommends Lucie Bradley. "Although you can create a solution to use in a mister, I prefer to use it for watering around the base of the plant to avoid any possible damage to foliage."

To make an aspirin solution, crush a regular 325 mg tablet of uncoated aspirin into a powder and dissolve it into one gallon of lukewarm water, Lucie says, adding, "You should then use this to water your houseplants early in the morning."

According to Lucie, it's best to use this solution every 14 to 21 days, whilst using plain water the rest of the time to keep your plant hydrated. She warns against overfeeding your indoor garden with aspirin, as it can cause toxicity, scorching foliage, and slow growth. Balance is key!

What to Do Before You Rely on the Aspirin Trick for Houseplants?

"While there is truth to the aspirin trick, I wouldn't look at it as a magic fix for a plant that's already struggling," says plant expert Adrian Aviles. "There may be some benefit to aspirin, but it's not the first thing I'd reach for."

He says the first step to decorating with plants is to consider their environment. "I'd spend more time changing where the plant sits than changing what's in the water," he adds. "Next, monitor moisture levels more often, keep plants away from sunny windows, and make sure they aren't drying out too quickly."

Further, he recommends avoiding major changes during heat waves. "Repotting or heavy fertilizing is too risky," he adds. "Remember that aspirin might help around the edges, but it won't save a plant sitting in the wrong spot during a heat wave."

Looking for a more natural way to help your houseplants stay hydrated in the heat? Consider soil cover — you can also add to the aesthetic appeal of your plants this way.

And keep up with the Livingetc newsletter for more design tips for your indoor garden and beyond, including hot weather houseplant myths to avoid.

Kitchens have corners — that’s a fact. But not many of us know what to do with these awkward spaces other than install a corner cabinet, chuck in some kitchen bits and pray you’ll be able to find them when you need them. But the experts have a whole host of clever design tips to overcome tricky kitchen corners. Sometimes that might mean eliminating corner cabinets altogether with an alternative layout.

But if corner cabinets are necessary (as they often are in small kitchens), our design bods also have cool ways to organize a corner cabinet so it works hard. "Corners in kitchens are a fact of life; it’s just a case of how you deal with them," says Jayne Everett, creative director of Naked Kitchens. "Some avoid them by opting for a galley layout or a single run of units with a parallel island, while others — particularly those working with a smaller footprint — embrace them to make full use of the space."

The key, say the experts, is finding the best way to create usable, well-organized corners, rather than simply sticking with a standard corner cabinet that seriously underperforms. "Corner cabinets earned a reputation for awkward, hard-to-access storage because older kitchen designs often used them poorly," explains interior designer Juliette Byrne. "Examples include deep dead corners, tiny doors leading to huge, inaccessible spaces, and Lazy Susans that waste vertical space. In those situations, the corner cabinet became the least useful storage in the kitchen." So it’s time to turn the dreaded corner cabinet into a super useful part of your kitchen; here’s how the experts do it — no cutting corners involved.

1. Eliminate corners with a galley kitchen

A galley kitchen layout consisting of two parallel banks of units is one way to avoid corners altogether, say the experts.

"Instead of turning the corner, we often stop short and form two separate runs, keeping everything within easy reach," says William Durrant, owner of Herringbone House. "Any apparent loss of storage is mostly perception; usable storage will always serve you better than nominal storage you come to dread."

"Two runs of cabinets facing each other means no corners at all, which allows for more storage flexibility," agrees Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. "It’s a great option for smaller kitchens, allowing you to use every bit of wall without any wasted space."

Alternatively, a freestanding island unit and a straight run of cabinets create the same linear layout without any corners to design around.

"A straight run and large island means you can avoid tricky corner cabinets as the island can accommodate the storage that would have been on the other run of cabinets," says Claire Birkbeck, kitchen designer at Neptune. "It can also make the space feel bigger as you’re not enclosed by runs of cabinets."

2. Zone your kitchen to avoid corners

Zoning your kitchen layout is one of the cleanest ways to bypass the corner conundrum, according to the experts.

"I love designing a straight, unbroken run of low-level base units running wall to wall," explains interior designer Lara Clarke. "Instead of wrapping the cabinetry around the bend, we place the full-height larder units and appliance housing on an adjacent wall, leaving a deliberate, breathing gap between the two zones."

This way, there are no tricky corner cabinets to resolve, and your zoned space gets an effortless and functional flow.

"A single linear run of units with an island, combined with a shorter secondary linear run, is often the most functional and visually resolved solution," adds Brani Hadzhi, creative director and co-founder of Multiliving Scavolini Store. "It also allows you to position tall cabinets, fridge, ovens, and freezer as a distinct bank on their own, which gives the kitchen a clear hierarchy and improves both flow and proportion."

3. Swap a corner cabinet for drawers

Love 'em or hate 'em, when it comes to kitchen corners, it’s about making them work properly — and sometimes a set of drawers is a far more usable feature than a corner cabinet, making your kitchen storage more accessible.

"One strategy I use is to eliminate the corner cabinet entirely and use wider drawers on either side instead," explains Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of K’Arte Design. "Deep drawers are generally far more ergonomic and practical than reaching into the back of a corner unit. It’s always more important to maximize usable, practical storage than to have lots of storage a homeowner rarely accesses because it’s too awkward to reach."

"A standard corner cabinet can create deep areas that are difficult to reach and wasted space in the back with items that get forgotten," agrees interior designer Juliette Byrne. "That’s why a cabinet that technically holds more but is difficult to access may function worse than a smaller, easily reached drawer."

4. Install a countertop cupboard instead

Wrapping a wall cupboard around a corner is generally never a good idea. "You’ll create very little additional useful storage and instead get overloaded with claustrophobic wall cupboards,” adds George Glasier, co-founder of Pluck.

So when a corner situation can't be avoided, consider fitting a countertop cupboard instead. This style of cabinet sits directly on the counter and creates extra storage with a cleaner silhouette.

"This not only reduces the sense of dead space visually, but it also provides storage that is far easier to access," explains William.

Add space-saving bifold doors so you can access what’s inside without eating into valuable countertop space. It's a super popular way to turn a dead space into a designated breakfast station.

"Bifold dressers make for the perfect appliance hideaway, while ensuring you can still access things easily," adds Isabella Pacelli, junior sales designer at Roundhouse.

5. Make the switch to open shelving

Open shelving is another brilliant answer for a tight corner, say the designers. "With no doors needing room to swing open, every inch of the worktop below stays usable," says Jayne Everett of Naked Kitchens.

You'll also get really useful shelving storage to stash your bowls, plates, mugs, etc. "Modern solutions such as simple deep shelving or pull-out spice racks can make these spaces highly usable," adds Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley bespoke kitchens.

"The challenge isn’t the corner itself — it’s ensuring access and storage are well considered."

6. Create a walk-in corner pantry

We love kitchen pantries, and an awkward corner is a great opportunity to create something really special.

In fact, corner walk-in pantries take less space than you’d expect and offer so much flexibility with floor-to-ceiling storage.

"We have developed a walk-in corner pantry which turns the problem on its head," explains William. "Rather than reaching in, you step inside, and an awkward space becomes a room of its own."

"One solution I tend to avoid is the diagonal corner pantry," adds Chelsea Tallentire from Makers. "While practical in some situations, it can protrude into the room and interrupt the flow of the design. I find that alternative pantry configurations like an L-shaped arrangement or walk-in pantries often deliver a more elegant result. And you get a kitchen that feels both highly functional and visually composed."

7. Cut back on corners with an L- or U-shaped kitchen

Corner cabinets are traditionally awkward spaces to design, say the experts. But sometimes your room layout means corners are unavoidable, especially in a smaller kitchen.

That’s when designers opt for a classic L-shaped kitchen layout with one corner, or a U-shaped kitchen with two.

"Corners are often a necessary part of an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, so the goal is to make them work efficiently rather than eliminate them," says Tom Howley. "Modern solutions such as pull-out spice racks or simple, deep shelving can make these spaces highly usable."

"For smaller kitchens, it may be that every inch of countertop is necessary and a corner cupboard can’t be avoided when designing a U- or L-shaped layout," agrees George. "In this case, embrace the cupboard! It can be useful extra storage for items that we all have in our kitchens, perhaps bulky and infrequently used appliances or serving bowls."

8. Maximize corner cabinets with clever internal fittings

When corner cabinets are unavoidable, the key is to optimize storage inside with clever internal mechanisms.

"Pull-out corner systems, LeMans units and rotating shelves all provide much better accessibility than traditional fixed shelving, so the space genuinely earns its place," says Katerina.

"A corner with no pull-out solution is, in practical terms, a dead space," adds Brani of Multiliving Scavolini Store. "It can look resolved from the outside but quietly frustrate you for years. What a pull-out does is prevent that corner from turning into a deep cavity that works against you every time you need something from the back."

Something like this Warmiehomy Blind Corner Pull Out Kitchen Storage Organizer on Amazon would do the trick.

Remember, kitchens come in an array of shapes and sizes and often come with extra challenges like quirky-shaped rooms, odd proportions, and corners. "When in the planning stages, establish these elements and discuss with a designer how to make the most of them," adds Al at Olive & Barr. "It may be that a tricky corner provides the ultimate kitchen larder, or could offer the space for a dining nook, flanked with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry."

In small kitchens, in particular, storage space is often limited, so seek out opportunities to incorporate extra shelving and cabinetry wherever possible.

Another idea you could try is the 'magic kitchen corner' to save you from losing any more items to the dreaded corner cabinet.

And for the rest of your design inspiration, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

When you think of summer bedding, linen is probably the first material to pop to mind. And for good reason. It regulates heat, promotes air circulation, and feels light. But what if I told you some bedding materials work even better in the heat?

Turns out, sleep experts actually favor cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo lyocell over linen. So, if you're looking to buy bedding to see you through the warmer months, these materials should be at the top of your list.

But before you choose your favorite from these linen alternatives, let's take a look at why they come so highly recommended.

1. Cotton

Lucy Guy, homeware expert and product developer at Rise & Fall, says that cotton percale is another excellent alternative to linen bedding. "Our Crisp & Cool cotton is actually our bestselling range, outperforming cotton sateen and European linen due to its year-round appeal," she says.

"It has that freshly-made-bed feeling that stays cool against the skin, with a smooth matte finish and a lightweight weave that allows plenty of airflow. If you love the look of hotel-style bedding but want something that feels particularly fresh in warmer weather, percale is a great option."

This Light Greige Muslin King Duvet Set from H&M is so soft to the touch and made from 100% cotton. And personally, I'd save the duvet for summer and instead layer in with this Cotton Muslin Bedspread to keep it light.

2. Wool

Next, for your sheets or even your duvet, Lucy recommends wool. "There's a common misconception that wool is only for winter, but it's actually one of the most versatile bedding fills you can sleep under," she says.

"What makes it so effective is the way it handles moisture and temperature. It helps move humidity away from the body rather than trapping it, which can make a noticeable difference on warm or muggy nights."

She also finds it remarkably good at regulating your temperature as you sleep. "Instead of simply insulating, wool responds to changes in body heat, helping to keep you comfortable whether the night turns unexpectedly warm or a little cooler towards the early hours. That's why it's often a favorite among hot sleepers and anyone who struggles with overheating or night sweats."

3. Hemp

Kat Dey, co-founder of ettitude, tells me that hemp is one of the closest natural substitutes for linen because it’s also a bast fiber. "It has a similarly textured hand feel, excellent airflow, and outstanding durability," she adds.

"Like linen, hemp starts out feeling crisp and gradually softens with use and washing, developing character over time. It’s also a highly sustainable crop, requiring relatively little water and fewer agricultural inputs than many conventional fibers."

It's one of the best materials if you're detoxing your home. Whether it's stuffed into a mattress or draped as sheets and pillow covers. Which is why I've got my eye on these Luxury Organic Cotton & Hemp Pair Super King Pillowcases in Pebble from Floks.

4. Bamboo Lyocell

"For those who prioritize softness as much as cooling, bamboo lyocell is an ideal summer fabric. It offers exceptional breathability and moisture management, helping move perspiration away from the body so it can evaporate more efficiently," says Kat.

"Unlike linen’s textured finish, most bamboo lyocell sheets on the market are made with a sateen weave, which has a silky, smooth surface that feels cool against the skin, making it particularly appealing for learning how to sleep in the heat."

If you're wondering where to buy bamboo bedding, I recommend this Signature+™ Bamboo Lyocell Bedding Set in Pebble Cream from Panda London. Or, try this Waterlily 100% Bamboo Lyocell Fitted Sheet for a beautiful pop of blue.

And if you don't want to pick between all of these linen alternatives, how about a blend of two? "If you love linen but wish it were a little softer, a bamboo lyocell and hemp blend is the closest alternative," she says. "Hemp contributes the airy, textured feel, while bamboo lyocell adds softness, moisture management, and a smoother drape."

And this King Linen Sheet Set in Stone from ettitude is my find for the season. Now, while you find your favorite cooling alternative, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for more styling tips.

The term 'galley kitchen' finds its origins at sea, a phrase used to describe the narrow strips of cooking space found on ships. It's no surprise then that they aren't typically considered the most desirable of kitchen layouts. But with the right design tips, you can easily take your galley kitchen from feeling like a cramped corridor to the luxurious gathering space you'd hoped for.

There's no denying it, designing a long, narrow kitchen isn't the easiest of tasks, but that doesn't mean that it's a hopeless battle, either. It's all about knowing how to make the most of the space you have available and making sure your design choices help to open the room up, as opposed to choosing finishes that draw attention to the limitations of your layout. In galley kitchens, natural light will be your best friend, as will airy finishes and discreet storage solutions. It comes down to finding ways to make your room feel as welcoming as possible, no matter the dimensions.

So, if you're ready to leave the days of a dingy, corridor kitchen behind and welcome in a new style of galley kitchen, our expert tips are here to help.

1. Lead Towards a Focal Point

When you're designing your home, a tip that almost any architect will give you is to pay attention to sightlines. Thinking about the way your home will look from various angles can help you design it with more intention and clarity, and in no space is this tip more valuable than in a galley kitchen.

Galley kitchens are characterized by their long, narrow dimensions, which can easily make them feel poky or cramped. With nowhere else to land, your eyes immediately fall towards the furthest end of the room. Understanding this and adapting your design to reflect this fact can be the key to a brighter, more inviting design.

To do this, Matt Loader, director at Loader Monteith, says, "Keep sightlines open and create a visual connection to another room or the garden. Having something to look towards instantly makes the kitchen feel less enclosed." You want to offer a continuous path for your eyes to follow, so they aren't immediately met with the end of the kitchen.

"If possible, creating a focal point at the end of the kitchen — a garden view or a window seat like in Origami House — helps draw the eye through the space and makes it feel larger," Matt says.

2. Play With Contrast

It's easy to get bogged down with the practicalities of designing a small kitchen, focusing more on the storage and appliances than on the design. But the right design ideas can make all the difference to the feel of your space.

One tip Fiona Ginnett from Holte swears by is playing around with contrast: "Rather than using the same finish throughout, consider introducing a darker color on one side of the kitchen and a lighter color or material on the other," she says.

It may seem counterintuitive to use dark colors in a small room, but when paired with a contrasting, brighter shade, it can actually help to open up your space. As Fiona explains, "This helps draw the eye across the space and creates a greater sense of width and expansiveness."

The trick, Luke Ellis from Joyn Kitchen says, is to save the darkest shade for the furthest point of the room. He says, "If you want contrast, apply it to the wall at the far end of the kitchen: a deeper tone there draws the eye forward and makes the space feel longer, not narrower. Avoid anything too dark on the side walls, which will tighten the corridor feel."

It doesn't just have to be done with color, either; even using a contrasting texture or finish can introduce enough intrigue and visual balance to achieve the same effect.

3. Prioritize Natural Light

Above all else, the number one tip any designer will give you when designing a galley kitchen is to squeeze in as much natural light as you possibly can. The ultimate antidote to a cramped space, a healthy dose of bright sunlight pouring into your room will immediately bring life into your kitchen.

There are many ways you can incorporate this into your design, with Matt saying, "Rooflights, glazed doors or internal windows can make a huge difference in a narrow space." It may require some additional structural work, but it will be well worth it.

You will also want to make sure that any natural light present is given the opportunity to fully spread across the room. "Keeping sightlines open and allowing daylight to travel through the room will always help a narrow space feel larger and more inviting," adds Fiona.

4. Reflective Surfaces Are Your Friend

One consistent theme running across these design tips is the emphasis on opening up the space and finding ways to create the illusion of greater depth and width than there actually is. And nothing creates this illusion better than a bit of reflection.

"Mirrors, reflective surfaces, and considered, atmospheric, as well as task lighting, are your best friends when designing a galley kitchen," shares Amy Hicks, lead designer at Blakes London.

A mirrored surface allows the light to bounce off it, shining back through the room and opening up the space. A convenient win for lovers of the stainless steel kitchen look.

But stainless steel is far from the only way to bring this idea into your design. Amy says, "We love using foxed or antiqued mirror as a splashback as it instantly introduces depth and creates the illusion of a wider, more expansive space. Where possible, glazed display cabinetry with internal or back lighting can also add both visual interest and layered depth."

As Amy mentions, your kitchen lighting can also play a key role in this, and discreet, integrated backlighting and under-cabinet lights, like these LROLTEF Under Cabinet Kitchen Lights on Amazon, can be a great addition to a galley kitchen.

5. Keep The Palette Bright

The materials and colors you use in your galley kitchen have everything to do with the overall feel of the space. A dark kitchen may be moody and cozy, but in a galley layout, it's guaranteed to feel cramped and claustrophobic.

This doesn't mean you have to commit to an all-white kitchen, though. In fact, Luke would suggest avoiding it altogether, saying, "Light, warm neutrals on the cabinets keep the space from feeling enclosed — but be sure to avoid actual white. A slightly warmer tone like soft stone or warm putty reads as airy without feeling clinical. Natural light woods work beautifully too, bringing warmth and texture without adding visual weight."

Softer, neutral kitchen colors will create a more relaxing feel than a stark white, which can often come across quite clinical. This is an assessment Rachel Davis from Harvey Jones agrees with, too, saying, "Warm neutrals, soft greens and muted blues all work beautifully, bringing character without overwhelming the room. Rather than relying on bright white alone, layering subtle tones and natural materials often creates a more inviting and sophisticated result."

These subdued, light neutrals will still reflect light in the way you need in a galley kitchen, but they also make for a comforting, welcoming space. Opting for colors that make rooms feel bigger is the best port of call in galley kitchens, so light, bright neutrals will be your best friend here.

The Best Colors For Galley Kitchens

To ensure your galley kitchen is the best it can be, designers share the galley kitchen mistakes they see all the time, so you can avoid them when planning or know what to do instead if you're already making them.

And for the rest of your design tips, subscribe to our newsletter.

I would say that summer is the toughest season to build a scent story around in your home. Between the warm air and the already-satiated senses at this time of year, fragrance can truly make or break the ambiance of the space.

And when it comes to making your home smell like summer, there are some common mistakes that tend to quickly tank all your efforts, say the fragrance experts I spoke to. Things like ignoring top notes, relying on a single scent point, favoring coastal fragrances, burning your candles all the time, neglecting airflow, only using classic formats, and worst of all — overwhelming the space are common mistakes people make.

So, I asked the experts to explain these summer scenting faux pas a little more, and for guidance around how to fix or avoid them. Here's what they had to say.

1. Ignoring Top Notes

Tanner Clausen, fragrance expert and founder of Nose Dive, tells me that one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to make their home smell good in summer is ignoring the top notes.

"People sniff a candle at the store and buy based on the cold throw, but summer heat changes everything," he says. "Warmer rooms amplify scent fast. Choose something lighter than you think you need, and trust the throw once it's actually burning."

If you're thinking, 'what are fragrance notes?' I'd recommend taking a read of our guide before investing in your summer scent rotation. It'll help you buy candles you actually like and use.

2. Relying on One Scent Point

According to Tanner, a candle in the living room isn't enough when doors are open, fans are running, and the whole house is breathing differently. You'll be left with a home that smells under-scented and unimpressive.

"In summer, we recommend scent layering — a candle in your main space, a linen spray on your bedding, something subtle near the entryway," he says. "Scent should move through your home the way light does. Be intentional with how you layer in your home, try to use scents with similar base notes."

The 8:10 rule is my favorite way to fragrance map, regardless of the season.

3. Overwhelming Your Home

That said, "More scented candles, more sprays, more everything can be a vibe killer," warns Tanner. "A single well-placed candle or a few spritzes of a room mist in a smaller space go so much further than you think."

"Scent lovers tend to overdo it, especially in the summer," he shares. "We get it: the AC is always running, your home is closed up, and you sometimes just need that burst of extra scent. But fragrance should complement your space, not overdo it. Less really is more."

On some days, I'll even solely rely on a few bursts of this MALIN+GOETZ Otto Room Spray — and it always gets the job done.

4. Forgetting Airflow

The most important rule to make a home smell good, especially during the summer, is to prioritize ventilation. However, it's guidance that's sometimes not taken seriously enough.

"You can burn the most beautiful candle in the world, but if your windows are never open, the scent just sits there getting stale," says Tanner. "We always recommend letting the breeze do half the work. Open a window, light something fresh, and let your home breathe."

5. Solely Favoring Coastal Scents

"There's a summer scenting script most people follow without questioning it: something with coconut, maybe a hint of sea salt, a little peach. It smells like a hotel pool, and then... everyone's home smells like one," says Tanner.

"At Nose Dive, we'd gently push back on that. Summer doesn't have to mean fruity or beachy. Some of the most evocative warm-weather scents are green and almost herbal, like fresh-cut stems and sun-warmed stone. They capture the feeling of summer without reaching for the obvious," he adds.

The tomato scent trend continues to be a fun way to make your home smell like summer. And I've got my eye on Maison Margiela's REPLICA From the Garden Candle.

6. Neglecting Scents You Don't Think of as Fragrance

Emilie Mascarell, fragrance expert and founder of Maison Mascarell, tells me that another major mistake people make while trying to scent homes for summer is forgetting to dip into formats aside from candles, sprays, and diffusers.

"Hand soap, dish soap, and designer cleaning products scent your home all day," she says. "Swapping them for brighter, fresher fragrances can make just as much difference as changing a candle or diffuser."

I'd also recommend washing your fabrics in designer detergents that lean into those summer scents you love so much. DedCool's Dedtergent Xtra Milk is a clean favorite. And if you're looking for something to impress guests while they visit the powder room, try the Basil & Hinoki Liquid Soap from DRIES VAN NOTEN.

7. Burning Candles All Summer

"Candles are great, but they aren't always the best option once the weather gets hot," says Emilie. "In summer, consider switching to reed diffusers, room sprays, scented stones, sachets, or electric diffusers."

She finds that they scent the space without adding heat and make it easier to adjust intensity. Natural home deodorizers are also nice for covert scenting. And you can always save your candles for breezy summer evenings.

The new SERRA Talisman from Reia x Sister by Sophie Ashby is a brilliant example of how a design-y ceramic diffuser can appeal more than a scented candle during hot summer days.

Shop Summer Home Fragrances

A brilliant new launch that channels all the energy of a Euro summer into three candles is Laura Gonzalez x Acqua di Parma. And if you prefer a more grounding note, Jo Malone London's green tomato scents are also worth a sniff.

Lastly, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter to keep your home looking good and smelling gorgeous year-round. And if you have your scentscape down but something feels off, you might have some things making your home smell stale in the summer.

Who has the time (or the budget) to find people to watch your houseplants while you're on holiday? I definitely don't. And since summer is when most of us spend time away from home, this is when our indoor gardens need an extra splash of TLC. The answer? Self-watering systems.

Designed to quench your houseplants' thirst gradually, these slow-watering techniques are perfect if you don't want to come back to crisp leaves and droopy stems. And of all the self-watering systems to water your houseplants while on vacation, I've chosen only the best-looking, of course. This is Livingetc after all...

So, think planters with self-watering inserts, traditional ollas, cool plant straws, bottom watering, soil covers, and gorgeous water globes. Let's take a look.

1. Self-Watering Pots

Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, tells me that self-watering pots are among her favorite solutions for keeping houseplants alive in the summer. So, how does a self-watering planter work? "There's a reservoir in the base, and the plant just takes what it needs when it needs it," she says.

"And the best part about self-watering planters is that you only need to top them up once every few weeks," she adds. "It's perfect if you travel a lot or your memory is not to be trusted!"

2. Ollas

According to Jo, as far as slow watering systems go, traditional ollas are another reliable classic. "You bury these porous terracotta vessels in the soil and fill them with water once a week," she explains.

"The clay surface releases moisture slowly and directly to the roots. So, essentially, it's a low-maintenance option for watering houseplants and ideal for any beginner gardeners nervous about watering."

3. Plant Straws

Now, this is my first introduction to plant straws, and I have to say I'm impressed. "Plant straws are so easy, and they can also look great next to your houseplants," says Jo.

"An 'arm' hooks over the pot into a glass vase filled with water. Then a cotton wick runs from the vase into the soil, drawing moisture up slowly as the plant needs it," she explains.

It reminds me of the DIY self-watering planter with rope, only much more stylish. And I recommend making the small vases a part of the display. Something like this Small Tiered Glass Vase from H&M, or this Conical Small Glass Vase from HAY.

4. Bottom Watering

Bobby Berk's trick for watering houseplants happens to be one of the best slow systems for summer. It's like bathing your indoor garden. Start by taking your grower pot (or your decorative planter with a drainage hole) and popping it into a large vessel of water (a bath works).

Then let the cultivar slowly drink until the surface of the soil feels moist. This allows the water to be absorbed from the root up and keeps your houseplant hydrated for a couple of days.

5. Water Globes

If you're asking for my favorite slow watering system for houseplants, it has to be water globes. A great example is IKEA's 'self-watering inserts', where form meets function with these beautiful glass accessories. Start by treating your houseplants to a drink.

Then, hold your water globe at an angle under a running tap, or dunk it into a bowl of water until it's three-quarters full. Then gently invert it and position it into the soil so the base is buried deep enough to reach the roots. Et voila!

6. Soil Cover

If you haven't before, now's also a good time to explore soil cover ideas for houseplants. It's not exactly slow-watering in the sense of it hydrating your garden, but it works hard to reduce the pace at which moisture evaporates from the soil.

So, if you've just given your houseplant a healthy watering and you're leaving your indoor garden to fend for itself over the weekend, a trustworthy soil cover is the ultimate finishing touch.

Try this Natural Sphagnum Moss from ZeeDix or this Preserved Mood Moss from SuperMoss for a larger garden.

FAQs

Which Plants Benefit Most From Self-Watering?

Houseplants like peace lily, boston fern, pothos, and monstera benefit greatly from self-watering systems when you're away. These plants tend to have fleshy stems and dense roots that slowly absorb water as they need it.

Which Plants Benefit Don't Like Self-Watering?

Houseplants that don't require frequent watering are not as compatible with self-watering systems, as this could overfeed the plant. So when it comes to your snake plants, cacti, and indoor succulents, forego the slow watering accessories.

And if you have an outdoor garden that needs tending to, the Hozelock slow watering system has your back.

For more tips to help your home look its best, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

If you're a hot sleeper, you know the struggle of curating a bedroom that looks good and caters to comfortable rest during the summer. I typically carve out some time at the start of the season to ensure no part of my bedding is a heat trap, but it turns out I've fallen for some major myths.

Things like opening your windows all day, tucking into a low-tog duvet, prioritizing thread count, using a mattress topper, and opting for memory foam are just some of the most common misconceptions that actually do nothing to help hot sleepers.

I just spoke with sleep experts who debunked each and every one of these claims. But thankfully, they've also offered insight into what to do instead. So here are the hot sleeping myths you need to stop doing, and what to do instead.

Myth #1. Open Your Windows All Day for a Cool Room at Night

Ventilation in a bedroom is key when preparing it for sleeping in the heat. However, sleep expert Dr. Lindsay Browning tells me that a major hot sleeping myth is that you need to leave your windows open all day.

"When it's really hot outside, it’s a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don’t want the hot external air to come into the house, warming it up," she says. "However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down."

That's the point when you should open your windows to catch the breeze, "helping cool the room and providing needed air circulation," she says. "If you live on a noisy street, this may not be advantageous as the noise may make it harder to sleep, but if you don’t live next door to a barking dog or a train station, it’s worth a try."

Personally, I've also found that using a fan in a bedroom is an effective way to draw warm air out of your room during the day and keep your space cool at night.

Myth #2. A Low-Tog Duvet is a Year-Round Essential

Another common hot sleeping myth is that a low-tog duvet is a comfortable year-round addition to your bed. Lindsay explains that this is a major mistake for hot sleepers and recommends swapping your duvet for a lighter cover.

"If you prefer to sleep with something covering you at night, then instead of your duvet (no matter how low the tog), use a plain linen bedsheet or cotton quilt cover instead of the full duvet insert," she says.

"And if you're sharing a bed, you could try the Scandinavian sleep method," she adds. "Also, if you can bear it, sleep with your feet outside of the covers as well. We lose heat from our head and feet, so by covering them, you are actually trapping the heat."

Myth #3. Thread Count is Key for Cooler Sheets

Drew Miller, vice president of marketing at Sit 'n Sleep, tells me that a high thread count sounds luxurious, but it does not always mean cooler sleep. "In some cases, very tightly woven sheets can feel heavier and less breathable," he notes.

Focus on fabric and weave instead, he suggests. "Percale cotton, linen, bamboo-derived fabrics, and other breathable materials are often better choices for hot sleepers than chasing the highest thread count," Drew says.

The best thread count for sheets can also vary through the seasons. And if you're not as inclined to keep switching based on thread count, finding a thick cover for cool seasons and a light blanket for warm weather is ideal.

Myth #4. A Cooling Mattress Topper is the Ultimate Problem Solver

A cooling mattress topper (like this one from Amazon) is a great way to make your bed more comfortable. However, Drew tells me that it's a total myth that it can save your sleep all on its own.

"A mattress topper can help, but it cannot completely change the way your bed performs. If the mattress underneath is old, uneven, or holding a lot of heat, a cooling topper may only provide temporary relief," he explains.

"Instead, only use a topper if the mattress is still supportive and in good condition," he says. "But if you're consistently waking up hot and uncomfortable, it may be time to look at whether the mattress itself is part of the problem."

Myth #5. Memory Foam is Inherently Cooling

Another one of the most common mattress myths that's even more disruptive for hot sleepers is that memory foam offers superior sleep support. Mark Tremlett, founder of Naturalmat, tells me that this is simply untrue.

"I recommend embracing natural materials through your choice of mattress," he says. "It's important to avoid synthetic materials that may cause you to overheat whilst you sleep."

"Instead, look for natural fiber or pocket spring mattresses made with healthier, more breathable alternatives such as organic wool and natural latex for better sleep in the summer and beyond," Mark recommends.

When it comes to preparing your sleep space, there are certain other things to buy ahead of a heatwave, or just summer in general, such as cooling fans and breathable bedding.

And for more ideas to help you sleep better and in style, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

As one of the largest visible surfaces in a room, your choice of flooring can make or break your space. Choose right, and you'll have a space that feels warm, considered, and effortlessly stylish for years to come. Choose wrong, and even the most beautifully designed room can look outdated before you know it.

While flooring trends can offer a wealth of inspiration, they should always be taken with a pinch of salt. No one wants to tear up their flooring every few years to keep up with changing tastes. Instead, the most successful choices are those that balance current style with lasting appeal. This means it's often best to base your decision on what to avoid, rather than being led by fads.

"Flooring is one of the most permanent decisions you make in a home, so my rule of thumb is simple: choose the version you'll still love once the trend has moved on," says Aris Lazdans, design and trends expert at Karndean Design Flooring. "A few looks that defined the last few years are starting to show their age, and there are easy, more lasting alternatives in every case."

Want to know which flooring choices the designers are steering clear of in 2026? Here are six passé options to avoid during your next remodel.

1. Cool Gray Engineered Wood

Unless you're speaking to a millennial with their head buried in the sand, gray-toned flooring was never chic in the first place, but these days, that rings more true than ever.

"Cool gray wood defined the last decade, but in 2026 it can feel sterile and a little dated — the flooring equivalent of the all-gray kitchen," says Aris Lazdans at Karndean. "Because it was specified so widely, it now reads as a trend rather than a considered choice."

Whether discussing living room, hallway, or kitchen flooring ideas, this cool-toned flooring style shouldn't be part of the conversation anymore. Instead, Aris points people towards warm, natural oak and honey tones instead. "They're softer, more inviting and far more forgiving to live with, and they age gracefully rather than pinning a room to one moment," he says.

It's a sentiment shared by Ulrich Hansen at wooden flooring specialists, Schotten & Hansen, who also favors warmer, neutral shades as more perennial options. "For a more individual approach, however, consider shifting the color profile of your wood flooring away from classic warm tones toward a contemporary, pigment-infused spectrum of subtle blues or verdant greens," he says.

This doesn't mean cool-toned vinyl, but instead a more dynamic, nuanced wood plank. The result? "A richer, more characterful surface that brings individuality to a space."

2. Herringbone Layouts

Herringbone floor layouts, be that wood or tile flooring, are a classic choice. This arrangement — where rectangular planks are laid in an interlocking zigzag pattern — feels elegantly timeless. And yet, it's also erring towards overdone in 2026.

"Walk into ten renovated homes this year, and you will see the same herringbone flooring in at least seven of them," notes Simon Mayhew, founder and interior designer at TXTURED studio. "It was a beautiful idea once, but now it has simply become the expected choice rather than the considered one." Ubiquity, he says, is the enemy of longevity.

According to Simon, there's a practical cost to herringbone flooring, too. "A busy, repeating zig-zag pulls the eye, and in the wrong room it distorts the space, narrowing it and tugging the proportions out of line," he says. "A floor should sit quietly beneath a room. Too strong a pattern too often competes with it."

To avoid aging your space and messing with your rooms' proportions, a wide, straight plank is recommended by Simon. "Clean lines and long, uninterrupted angles lengthen a room rather than chopping it up," he says. "The effect is classic and chic, and it lets the material do the talking: the grain, the tone, the texture underfoot."

Alternatively, we're noticing an emerging trend for classic parquet panel flooring, as pictured above. It has the same allure as herringbone, but with a more detailed, opulent feel to it. It's one of those flooring choices that makes a room look more expensive every time.

3. High Gloss Finishes

Glossy vinyl flooring or high-shine tiles were once the mark of an expensive home, but 2005 was over 15 years ago. If you want your home to look as considered today as it will in ten years, lustrous flooring options are best avoided.

Practicality comes into question, too. "A high-gloss floor promises a polished, showroom look, but in a real home, it works against you," explains Aris. "Every scuff, footprint, and speck of dust shows, and the sheen itself now feels overly done."

Instead, he says matte or satin finish is the more contemporary (and far more practical) choice. "It's understated, easier to live with, and it lets the grain and texture of the floor do the talking," Aris continues. Think: artisanal zellige tiles with natural variations, or unlacquered hardwood flooring that develops a distinctive patina with age.

4. Stark Black and White Checkerboard

Black and white checkerboard flooring has been a mainstay in homes for decades, and for good reason. There is a timelessness to this classic flooring choice, and yet, if you want your home to look design-forward in 2026 and beyond, choose tile colors that feel more understated and less stark.

"The checkerboard idea is worth keeping; it's the palette that needs updating," says Aris. Unless you want your kitchen or bathroom to look like a scene from Beetlejuice, opt for less saturated tones that are more quietly luxurious. As he puts it, the high-contrast version can feel harsh and a touch "fancy-dress retro", rather than timeless.

So, what should you choose instead? "A tonal stone or a softer colored marble pairing gives you all the rhythm and graphic interest with far more depth and warmth, and it sits much more comfortably in a modern home," Aris says. Think veined pink marble next to an off-white, for example, or a natural sage quartz.

5. Narrow Plank Floorboards

When choosing wood flooring, we tend to prioritize the type of timber or the color. What we often fail to overlook (and what's arguably far more important) is the size of the planks, and in 2026, designers are staunchly against narrow cut styles.

"Narrow planks can make a floor feel busy and quite traditional, with all those repeating lines drawing the eye and visually shrinking a room," says Aris. Wider boards are the easy upgrade and guarantee a more perennial appeal. "Fewer joins mean cleaner lines, a calmer surface and a genuine sense of space, even in smaller rooms."

Simon agrees. "A wide board in smoked oak will still read well in ten years, long after this year’s more fashionable floors have started to date," he says. For an even more monolithic feel that makes a home feel more spacious, keep the floor continuous from room to room, with no breaks at the threshold.

6. Busy Patterned Tiles

If you were planning geometric patterned vinyl or busy, small-scale mosaics across an entire floor, designers urge you to think again. These busy patterns are not only visually overwhelming, but like any type of pattern, they're bound to age quickly.

"Pattern is wonderful, but covering every floor in a bold, busy tile is the quickest way to date a home," says Aris. "It overwhelms a space and ties you to a very of-the-moment look you'll tire of." And if you're on the hunt for flooring that makes a room look bigger (and let's face it, so many of us are), small-scale prints will be your worst enemy.

Instead, he recommends "treating a strong pattern as a guest, rather than the host. A subtle stone or a soft-pattern tile gives you a timeless base that's far easier to style around and live with," he says. You could also consider a pattern inlay, like the one pictured above, where the print becomes the main attraction, complementing the surrounding colors rather than competing for the eye.

When it comes to flooring, the most stylish choice isn’t always the one making the biggest statement right now — it’s the one that continues to feel right long after the trend cycle has moved on. So, if you want a floor that won’t feel dated before you’ve even finished paying off your renovation, steer clear of the styles above.

Just as important as choosing the right look is getting the practical details right. Knowing which flooring mistakes to avoid during the planning and installation process will ensure your investment looks its best for years to come.

And for more design ideas for your home, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

It’s interesting the kinds of questions homeowners tend to ask first about their kitchen. The truth is, we seem to get a little hung up on the look and the pretty details, forgetting how important the actual functionality is.

So, we asked the experts which questions we really should be asking — either ourselves or our designers and contractors — to ensure our kitchens function as easily and as well as possible for those living there.

From gaining a better understanding of what you want to change and why to the things you might never have thought about at all, these questions will get you closer to the beautiful yet practical modern kitchen you're looking for.

1. Are you designing around the traditional ‘work triangle’ — or around how your household actually lives?

According to Anita Lang, founder and creative principal of IMI Design, the traditional kitchen 'work triangle' was designed for a different era, so this can be a bit of a dated way to think these days.

“Today, I often find myself designing for families gathering around the island, children doing homework nearby, couples cooking together, and guests lingering over a glass of wine,” she says. “Understanding how your household lives is often more important than following a formula.

"Your layout may require entirely different thinking, such as incorporating multiple zones and individualized accoutrements.”

2. Does your kitchen have zones that work independently of the cooking area?

A dedicated beverage or coffee station positioned away from the range cooker means guests, kids, or anyone else can move freely without ever crossing the chef's path and getting in the way.

Anita says, “Most people never ask for it, yet everyone who has it wonders how they lived without it.” It's definitely worth some consideration.

3. Have you thought about what your children need from the kitchen beyond mealtimes?

This may not be your first thought, but Anita assures us that young families can benefit enormously from a snack or drink station positioned low and away from the stove.

She says that having something children can access independently without ever entering the cooking zone is a really handy element of the kitchen — safely allowing a little independence, but often a decision most people make too late.

4. Does a serious home cook need a different kitchen entirely than someone who primarily entertains?

This is an interesting one, because often a kitchen is designed and built to what it should be like, but actually it needs to be designed for the people living there using it. Anita answers this one with confidence, suggesting the use of zones.

“Yes. A prolific chef needs unobstructed flow between prep, range, and refrigeration — purpose-built zones with everything exactly where it belongs.” She explains that an entertainer needs an open, generous layout where guests feel included without disrupting the work or being too close; it’s a little uncomfortable.

“One solution to solve both is a front show and entertaining kitchen with the functionality of a back kitchen connected with seamless flow.” This is becoming more and more of a must in modern kitchens, because it allows for separation when needed, and a bit more of a working area.

5. What do I dislike about my current kitchen, and are we actually fixing it?

It’s easy to look past struggles with the existing kitchen when a new kitchen is pending and brings such excitement. But Charlotte Butler, kitchen design manager at BK Eleven, warns you can learn a lot from existing issues.

“Before thinking about new colors or door styles, it’s worth making a very honest list of what doesn’t work in the existing kitchen.” Is the dishwasher too far from the sink? Is there never enough prep space? Do children’s homework, pets, coats or paperwork keep landing where you need to cook?

It may not be what you want to focus on, but Charlotte reminds us that a redesign is the perfect moment to correct those frustrations, but only if they are named at the beginning. Otherwise, it is easy to create a more beautiful version with the same problems, leaving you with regrets about your investment.

6. Do I have enough clear countertop space where I actually need it?

A kitchen can look generous on a plan but still feel awkward if the countertop space is located in the wrong places. People often focus on having a large kitchen island or a beautiful run of cabinetry, but the most valuable countertop is usually the space beside the hob, sink, and fridge, because that is where food is unpacked, prepared, plated, and served.

“A well-designed kitchen should give you space to put down hot pans safely, unload shopping without blocking a walkway, and prep without having to move everything from one side of the room to the other,” says Charlotte.

7. What clearance do I need between the island and the wall cabinetry?

Clearance around an island is one of the details that will determine whether a kitchen is functional. As a guide, Charlotte recommends at least one meter between the island and the surrounding cabinetry, as this allows drawers and doors to open properly while still leaving room to move.

“In busier family kitchens, or where there are appliances such as a dishwasher, oven or fridge opening into the walkway, 1100mm to 1200mm can be more comfortable, particularly if more than one person will regularly be using the kitchen at the same time.”

She also suggests, “It is also worth avoiding the temptation to make the gap too generous, as once you go much beyond this, the island can start to feel disconnected from the rest of the kitchen.” This means the room becomes less efficient to work in and less valuable in general.

8. Where will the dishwasher sit in relation to the sink, bins and crockery storage?

Dishwasher placement has a huge effect on the daily flow of a kitchen. Ideally, it should sit close to the sink for ease of scraping and rinsing, near the bins for clearing plates, and within easy reach of where crockery and glassware are stored, so unloading does not become a walk around the kitchen.

This really is an essential part of the kitchen to consider. Charlotte recommends always asking whether the open dishwasher door will block a walkway or stop someone from reaching the sink.

9. Where will small appliances live when they are not being used?

Small appliances are often what make a kitchen feel cluttered, even when the design itself is beautiful. Most of us have more than just a kettle and toaster now, so it is worth being honest about what you use every day — whether that is a coffee machine, air fryer, blender or food processor, and where those pieces are going to live, as they can be rather sizeable machines, some of them.

“A breakfast cupboard or appliance cupboard can be a brilliant way to keep the worktops calmer, but only if it is planned properly, with sockets in the right place and enough space to use things without having to drag everything out. The aim is not to hide everything away for the sake of it, but to make sure the pieces you rely on are easy to reach without taking over the room.”

10. Have I planned enough sockets, and are they in the right places?

Sockets are one of those details that are easy to underestimate until you are living in the kitchen. It is worth thinking through where you will actually make coffee in the morning, where the toaster will sit, whether you ever work at the island, where phones tend to charge, and which appliances you use often enough to keep out rather than pack away.

We always advise planning sockets alongside the kitchen layout, because once you know where the sink, hob, prep space, and storage are going, it becomes much clearer where power is needed. It may be worth positioning some within drawers for things like phone chargers to keep some wire-free areas for a cleaner look.

Kitchen renovations can be one of the biggest investments you'll make in a home, so the conversation shouldn't stop at colors, countertops, and cabinet styles. The questions above may not be as glamorous as you want your kitchen to be, but they're often the difference between a kitchen that simply looks good and one that genuinely works. Ask them early, and you'll be way ahead of the game, likely to end up with a space that feels effortless to use, no matter how your household lives, cooks, and entertains.

There are also some things to prioritize in your kitchen renovation if you want to add value to your home, according to experts.

For more design ideas for your kitchen and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

It's not often we get to explore a completely new design idea, but for our latest Livingetc in Session event, we dug deep into what nature-led design could actually mean. The beautifully nature-led Karndean showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour was the perfect place to pick apart this new phrase, working out what it meant, what it looks like, and why it's relevant to how homes should look and feel right now. Designers Manuela Hamilford of Hamilford Design, Dhilnawaaz Khan Trotman of Atelier Savoir Faire, and Brian Woulfe of Designed by Woulfe pooled their ideas in front of a packed audience.

They all agreed that many of the best interiors take their cues from nature, but this didn't need to be as strict as the principals of biophilic design. It could simply be a color palette borrowed from a landscape, or a texture inspired by tree bark. But if you take the essence of what it is about nature that calms and nurtures you, then you can build beautiful interior schemes. Nature-led design has come a long way since being about 'just' adding a home gym or sauna, and is now about designing spaces that manage stress levels, calm and uplift you, that nurture you in some way. "When design manages to emulate that hug that nature gives you, you are allowing your home to decompress you and soothe yourself and your nervous system," Dhilnawaaz says. And these are my five key takeaways, simple ideas that show why nature-led design is one of the key ideas shaping how decor not just looks, but feels, too.

1. Materials can be both natural, and nature inspired

The designers on the panel agreed that the majority of nature-led materials are natural. "Seagrass and sisal are having the biggest comeback," said Manuela. "And when you put it next to wood paneling and some muted colors, it all just instantly speaks of trees and forests and nature."

But Dhilnawaaz pointed out that it's enough to take the best of nature and not have to be slavish about it. "This doesn't have to be on the nose," she said. "Man-made materials can have the same texture, the same feeling, as you get in nature, and they are just as valid."

Case in point was the impressive offering by Karndean, displayed near us in the showroom, of luxury vinyl floors that look and feel just like wood — the brand-new Van Gogh collection is the epitome of nature-led design. "The bonus being they're super durable," Dhilnawaaz said.

2. Nature-led design doesn't have to include houseplants

Whereas biophilic design (the older cousin of nature-led design) tends to feature a proliferation of houseplants, this version is a little less strict about direct links to actual nature.

"It pains me to put house plants into projects, as will clients kill them — not everyone has green fingers!" said Brian Woulfe. "Instead, I look at other ways to forge a link between the inside and out — in a color palette or a texture or a placement."

3. It all starts with narrative

There is no 'one size fits all' approach to nature-led design. Just as how some people respond better to a sun-drenched beach and others prefer a windswept moor, so deciding which parts of nature to take from has to be with the specific person in mind.

"You go through a deep-seated interview with the client before you start any designing," said Dhilnawaaz. "You find out what colors they're drawn to and why, what places they felt calmest in, where in nature they feel restored. Then you map it out. We love to tell a story through our designs, be it evoking a Nordic escape or a Californian beach house."

4. As in nature, good design contains contrasts

Nature is all about contradictions, and that's what makes it interesting and rich. So we need to pull that same level of interest into design.

"What nature shows us is the beauty of contrast," said Dhilnawaaz. "Hard and soft, cool and warm, fluid and rigid. And that’s important to draw from. It’s the principles of nature that we’re drawing from as well the feeling we get when we’re in the mountains. Why do we feel so decompressed? Because there is a tension in the opposites of the fluidity of the ocean and the hardness of the rocks. Incorporating those different materials in decor is what makes design exceptional."

5. Nature-led design needs layering

"The key to good design is layering," said Manuela. "There is a reason why boucle is having a renaissance. You have a seagrass wallpaper, and you layer those textures and patterns, and that gives it a depth which is really critical. And that helps with acoustics, which you end up with if you follow the principles of nature-led design."

Brian agreed that getting the acoustics right was essential. "You need to think about every detail, from what you're hearing to seeing and smelling, if you want to get the balance of nature just perfect," he said.

Filled with an audience of designers, this Livingetc In Session seminar couldn't have been held in a more apt location. Karndean's showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, only opened last September, but is already becoming a hub for people who want to spec surfaces in the inviting aura of a gallery-like space.

We'll be hosting another Livingetc In Session in the Karndean showroom in September — stay tuned for more details.

Your bedroom — and particularly your nightstand — acts as an environmental cue. In habit science, "we know that context powerfully shapes behavior," shares habit researcher Dr. Gina Cleo. "The objects around you send constant signals to your brain about what mode to be in." A nightstand covered in work, bright objects, or stimulating content tells your nervous system to stay alert, while one with calming, sensory-rich, low-stimulation items does the opposite.

"What's fascinating is that this works bidirectionally," she adds. "Your nightstand reflects your current habits, but it also reinforces them." If your phone is the first thing you reach for in the morning, that becomes a deeply grooved automatic behavior that starts shaping your entire morning mindset before you've even fully woken up. So, how you style your nightstand says more about you and your habits than you might realize.

Are you nervously glancing at the cluttered surface next to your bed? Don't worry, this revelation sparked instant conversation in the Livingetc office as well. So, I asked Gina to analyze a few of our very own nightstands and share what each says about its owner, along with some advice on what they should add (and remove) for a more intentional sleeping space.

How Nightstand Styling Affects Sleep, Productivity, and Rest

The nightstand is one of the most underestimated habit-design opportunities in a home. "Given that what happens in the 20–30 minutes before sleep and the first 20–30 minutes after waking are among the highest-leverage windows of the day for mood, focus, and wellbeing, it's worth being deliberate about what lives there," says Dr. Gina Cleo.

When it comes to building an intentional wind-down routine for sleep, the right sleep environment is paramount. Aspects like light, scent, visual clutter, and even the emotional associations of objects all affect how quickly you fall asleep, how deeply you sleep, and how you feel when you wake.

"A cluttered nightstand isn't just aesthetically busy — it creates low-grade cognitive load," says Gina. Your brain registers 'unfinished business' even when you're trying to rest. On the other hand, a thoughtfully styled nightstand creates what Gina calls a 'habit anchor' — a physical signal that reliably cues the brain into a particular state.

Below, she breaks down the nightstand styling of a few members of the Livingetc team to paint a clearer picture of how different setups stimulate the brain and affect your sleeping space.

"The deep burgundy mushroom lamp from H&M Home is a statement piece — this person makes deliberate design choices," says Gina about Design Lab by Livingetc's stylist, Iokasti Sotirakopoulou's nightstand styling. (No surprises.)

The marble jewelry tray (which is similar to this one from Amazon) next to the bed means jewelry removal is part of this wind-down routine, "which is actually a lovely micro-habit," says Gina. "The silk sleep mask and the Soho House annual guide sitting underneath suggest someone who moves between wellness consciousness and a social, culturally engaged life," she adds. Both are fabulous ways of romanticizing your bedtime routine.

However, apparently, the hair clip speaks to a slightly more spontaneous, unstructured end-of-day unwinding, Gina suggests; "This person likely falls asleep easily but might not have the most consistent sleep schedule." Interesting.

A perfectly intentional nightstand is the goal, of course, but it's still important to keep things real and true to how you actually live within a space, spontaneous and all.

When analyzing the nightstand of Livingetc's social media editor, Abla Fahmi, Gina says, "The framed photo booth strip and the Lush Crème Brûlée candle signal someone who values comfort, connection, and nostalgia." That said, "The warm-toned mushroom lamp is doing a lot of heavy lifting here — this person understands that light matters for winding down," she adds.

And to add to that, the leather valet tray with matches suggests another nightly ritual. Plus, "The glass oil burner on stacked books is an interesting detail — aromatherapy before sleep points to someone actively trying to create a sensory cue for rest," says Gina.

Overall, "This nightstand belongs to someone who has probably thought about their bedtime routine, even if unconsciously." And isn't that kind of the goal? When looking for ways to sleep better, intentional bedside decor matters.

"I'd say this one is the most revealing," says Gina. Believe it or not, it belongs to Livingetc's home wellness writer, Amiya Baratan. "A mini disco ball, a lit candle, a lip mask, a silk eye mask, markers and pens in a cup — this is someone creative, fun, and hasn't yet separated their daytime energy from their sleep space," says Gina.

"The writing tools in a cup right on the nightstand suggest the bedroom is functioning as a multi-purpose room," she suggests (correctly, I might add). "This person likely has a harder time switching off at night, not because they don't want to, but because their environment is continuously signaling 'do things."

And Amiya agrees. "This makes a lot of sense, as I live in a studio apartment where it's hard to maintain a separate sleeping space." Making an open concept space feel cozy is about carefully curating what you need for a moment of pause and rest.

For Livingetc's design writer, Maya Glantz, "The towering stack of literary fiction (Didion, Murakami, Lena Dunham, David Szalay) tells you this person reads seriously and probably falls asleep mid-chapter most nights," says Gina. A book, whether it's a novel or a stylish coffee table book, helps to log off at nighttime, setting a healthy habitat in your sleeping space.

However, the raw rose quartz (these rose quartz bookends would be stunning on a larger nightstand), candle, and pink glass tray (similar to this vintage set on Etsy) add a layer of intentional beauty — this isn't just functional, it's curated. "Items like the blue floral eye mask tucked under the books suggest sleep is a priority, but the reading habit often delays it," says Gina. "This person likely has a rich inner life and uses bedtime as genuine decompression time."

There is a balance of form and function, where relaxation is still the primary goal.

How to Style the Perfect Nightstand

So, what's the recipe for a perfect nightstand? Functionally, the sweet spot is: "One light source with warm, dimmable light; one scent anchor (candle or diffuser); one book; water; and something that orients you gently toward the morning — a journal, a small notepad, or even just a beautiful object that makes you feel good when you see it," says Gina. Note: "No phone. No clutter. No items that belong in other rooms," she adds.

It sounds like a lot, but the key principle is that every object on your nightstand should either help you wind down or help you wake up well. If it doesn't do either, it's just noise.

The 'perfect' nightstand is different for different people, so below are a few styling ideas depending on your goal.

For Deep Rest

If truly deep rest and a low-cortisol bedroom are the ultimate goal, then you want to keep it to a wellness-centered minimum.

"Include items like a dim, warm-toned lamp; a calming scent (candle or diffuser); a physical book if reading helps you wind down; a glass of water; and perhaps one meaningful object (a crystal, a photo) that carries positive emotional weight," says Gina.

And definitely leave out your phone, anything work-related, and items that require decision-making.

For Energy in the Morning

Sometimes we all need a little help waking up in the morning. So, intentional waking and a seamless morning routine are your priority.

"Try including a journal or small notepad to capture morning thoughts before the day floods in," says Gina. Apart from that, "A water bottle and something that greets you visually with intention rather than chaos." For instance, some people find a small plant or a meaningful quote card helpful here.

For a Digital Detox

On the digital detox zone note, the phone is the obvious elephant in the room — keep it out of the bedroom entirely or at a minimum across the room. You can always replace it with an analogue alarm clock for a healthier morning routine.

But I get it, the morning scroll is a hard habit to break. "If you're someone who reaches for stimulation, have something tactile and low-effort on hand — a deck of cards, a coloring book, a journal — so you have an alternative to the scroll," says Gina.

For Creativity and Reflection

Once you've broken the technology dependency, your nightstand can become a part of the ritual of getting your creativity and mindfulness back.

"A beautiful journal, a good pen, and space to write can be wonderful inclusions," says Gina. "However, the nightstand as a creative space can work, but only if the items there are intentional rather than accumulated."

The goal isn't a Pinterest-perfect nightstand — "It's one that honestly serves how your brain and body transition in and out of sleep," says Gina.

For even more ways to make your bedroom more interesting and personal, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

It seems that for some, tidiness comes naturally, as if they were born with an instinct for what should go where. At their homes, there is nary a cup out of place and every cupboard and drawer is meticulously organized; their bookshelves are probably color-coded or alphabetized. And then there are the rest of us. Falling firmly in the second camp, that casual, easy tidiness has always seemed like the ultimate aspiration to me. And in no place do I feel that envy more than in the kitchen.

It's by no means something I'm proud of, but I'd be lying if I claimed to keep a perennially tidy kitchen. I can get it into a perfectly presentable state when needed, but the majority of the time, my kitchen leans towards the chaotic side. And even after a thorough tidy-up, it still doesn't seem to have that flawless quality I see in the homes of others. In fact, it's not until I'm confronted with a spotless, perfectly organized kitchen that I become fully aware of my own inferiority. And after one too many run-ins with countertop perfection, I'm ready to begin my ascent to tidiness.

And, as I've recently discovered, it's not entirely my fault that my kitchen looks the way it does. According to the experts, the reasons behind a messy-looking kitchen can often fall on specific design flaws, as opposed to a personal failure on the part of the homeowner — which was exactly the news I was hoping to hear. So, to help me in my journey, the experts have laid out exactly what is keeping my kitchen from looking its best, and what I need to do to change it.

1. Your Appliances Are Left Out

There's nothing I find more exciting than a new, stylish kitchen appliance. There's a certain thrill in treating yourself to a new, hopefully life-changing cooking gadget — a feeling I know many home chefs can relate to. And, in my mind, what's the point of investing in the best if you can't have it out on display? But, according to the experts, this is one of the most classic mistakes you can make.

"Kitchens with appliances on show always look less considered and messier, even if you've chosen the most beautifully designed toasters, kettles, and coffee machines," claims Reuben Ward, lead designer at Blakes London.

No matter how chic the appliance, the presence of a bulky machine on your worktops will always detract from the design.

This doesn't mean you need to rid yourself of all your kitchen gadgets; it just means you need to find the right way to position your kitchen appliances. An appliance garage, for example, is a favorite among designers, as is a pocket door breakfast bar, perfect for hiding away your coffee machine.

For the best results, Reuben recommends hiding appliances away in "a dedicated appliance cupboard or garage complete with an internal worktop and integrated plug sockets so that appliances are easily accessible and usable in their dedicated storage space."

Freeing up your countertop space is the first, and arguably the most important step in achieving a tidier kitchen. But you don't have to leave them completely clear — tasteful touches like an elegant fruit bowl or a kitchen plant can help to elevate your design even further.

2. Your Storage Is Too Standard

If you think of kitchen storage as a one-size-fits-all design choice, you're already on the wrong path before you've even stepped foot in your home.

"One of the biggest mistakes we see is a lack of bespoke storage, and by this, I mean bespoke storage tailored to daily routines," explains Bronwen Lee from Harvey Jones.

The kitchen is an inherently personal space, and it should be designed to reflect as such. Your lifestyle choices and daily habits will dictate the way you use your space, so it only makes sense to design with this fact in mind.

"When everyday items don't have a designated home that fits into the way you use the kitchen, worktops quickly become cluttered with appliances, paperwork, and household essentials," says Bronwen.

This can look slightly different for everyone — if you're a passionate tea drinker, perhaps it would make sense to include a dedicated tea drawer or, if you're big into wellness, maybe you could consider carving out a space specifically for storing supplements.

3. You're Using Open-Shelving Wrong

The enemy to a tidy-looking kitchen is visible clutter, and what could make clutter more visible than exposed, open shelving? Opting for open shelves instead of closed cabinetry immediately makes you vulnerable to a whole new degree of messiness, and you'll have to be as aware of keeping not just your countertops organized, but your wall shelves, too.

This is not to say you should reject this style of shelving entirely; it's more about the way in which you use it. As Bronwen explains, "A common issue is relying too heavily on open shelving; while it can look beautiful when styled carefully, it often ends up displaying visual clutter if there aren’t enough drawers to hide things away." It's all about finding those perfect, stylish, and functional shelf decor pieces, instead of just loading them up with whatever you can't find space for elsewhere.

When used as a purely decorative feature, open shelving can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen; however, as soon as it needs to pick up the slack for the rest of your kitchen design, you'll notice your space feels more cluttered and overwhelming to be in.

4. Lack of Zoning

It's all too easy to design your kitchen as one, continuous space, with a singular, shared function running across. However, as Matthew Sanders of House of EM explains, "Without designated areas, kitchen worktops tend to accumulate additional activity zones like a spot to put mail and keys, appliances or utensils, which makes the whole space feel cluttered."

These extra, additional functions and kitchen activities may seem too irrelevant to even factor them into your design. However, the truth of the matter is that these little things make up part of your daily routine, and integrating them into your home will allow them to feel more seamless, and not just like small, daily inconveniences that create even more clutter.

Another great example of this is those grotty dog beds that can so often end up shoved into the corner of your kitchen. As Bronwen points out, "Pets can be an overlooked mess creator too, which can actually be a really fun part of designing a kitchen." To help mitigate any pet-related clutter, she says, "Creating a designated pet corner near a back door and a utility sink helps to keep muddy paws and cleaning products tucked away and out of the main kitchen area."

5. Your Orientation is Off

Something you may not consider that could be affecting the way your kitchen looks is less to do with how you organize your space, and everything to do with how you orient it.

One of Matthew's top tips is to spend some time thinking about how your kitchen will look from various angles in your home. He says, "Orient the kitchen carefully in the space, and how it is viewed from other rooms and the entrance. Show its best side, and be careful not to let it dominate the space."

If your kitchen is the first thing you see as soon as you step through your entryway, it's likely that any mess will feel more obvious — you want to find a way to ensure your guests only see the highlights, so that the messy reality can go unnoticed.

For more tips for a clutter-free space, these are the things people with tidy kitchens always have that will help you keep the mess at bay.

And for the rest of your design inspiration and ideas, subscribe to our newsletter.

Japan's wellness culture has always been ahead of the curve. Think the bathing ritual of ofuro, the purpose of a genkan, consuming seasonal plates, designing the changing year into your home, and adopting the shinrin-yoku mindset.

Some of these concepts involve adopting Japanese design principles into your home to help it soothe your senses, while the others take a more direct approach to slowing you down.

Here's a better look at what each of these wellness rituals entails and how it can enrich your daily routine.

1. Ofuro — The Bathing Ritual

"In Japan, bathing is not about getting clean — that happens before you enter the tub," says interior designer Yoko Kloeden. "The ofuro is a daily ritual of restoration: a deep soak in hot water designed to release the tension of the day and signal the transition from public life to private calm. For many people, stepping into a Japanese soaking tub is the best part of coming home."

Yoko explains that this extends into the tradition of yakutō (medicinal baths), where seasonal plants are added to the water. "On the winter solstice, whole yuzu citrus fruits are floated in the bath — their volatile oils improve circulation, warm the body, and guard against colds," she notes.

"On Children's Day in May, iris leaves (shōbu) are added for their calming properties. Year-round, nyūyokuzai — bath additives replicating the mineral composition of famous onsen hot springs — are an enormously popular part of everyday home life."

She finds the bathroom deserves the same design attention as a kitchen. "A deeper soaking tub, a separate wet area for washing, natural materials such as hinoki cypress, and proper ventilation."

So, if you're letting home wellness trends influence the way you design your bathing space, let ofuro take the reins.

2. Genkan — The Art of Arriving Home

"Every Japanese home has a genkan — a sunken entrance area, set lower than the rest of the house, where shoes are removed before stepping up into the home. At its most basic, the practice is about hygiene. You do not bring the mud and dirt of the outside world onto surfaces where you sit, sleep, and eat," says Yoko.

"But the physical step up also creates a psychological threshold in the form of a moment of pause between the outside world and the interior. You shed what you have been carrying, literally and figuratively, before entering."

She explains that this dedicated entrance zone, with built-in storage, a level change underfoot, and enough space to pause, turns arrival into a conscious transition. It might not seem like a wellness ritual at its core, but taking moments to pause, even if just for a beat, can ease the pace of your day.

3. Kisetsu No Gyōji-Shoku — Eating with the Seasons

"In Japan, the domestic kitchen is deeply tied to the calendar. Specific dishes are prepared at specific turning points of the year, not as nostalgia, but as preventive wellbeing," Yoko explains.

"On 7^th January, nanakusa-gayu (seven-herb rice porridge) is eaten to rest the stomach after New Year. Each herb in this recipe has a medicinal property, from aiding digestion to reducing inflammation. In midsummer, eel is eaten on doyō no ushi no hi (the Day of the Ox) to combat summer fatigue with its high vitamin and protein content."

According to her, these are practical, seasonal responses to what the body needs, and they shape a food culture built around fresh, local produce rather than frozen convenience. So, how does this trickle into your modern kitchen design ideas?

"A Japanese kitchen designed for this way of eating prioritizes preparation space over storage volume, and favors daily shopping and fresh ingredients over large freezers and bulk buying."

Try hanging kitchen baskets for seasonal produce or harvest baskets if you're elevating your wellness routine by taking the backyard to table. The Nurture Book by Daylesford offers seasonal recipes, and so does What to Cook & When to Cook It by Georgie Mullen.

4. Shitsurai — Seasonal Interior Resets

"Shitsurai (室礼) is the Japanese wellness practice of changing a home's displays, textiles, and objects in tune with the seasons. A scroll painting in the alcove is swapped as autumn arrives. Cushion covers shift from linen to wool. Even your ikebana should reflect what is blooming now, not what is always available," says Yoko.

"The home is never 'finished'. It is a living composition that moves through the year with its inhabitants. Homes benefit from surfaces designed for display that can be refreshed — a dedicated niche, open shelving, or a console that invites rotation rather than permanent arrangement."

Transforming your home into a space that feels like an extension of the season outside is such a beautiful way to create space for wellbeing. That's exactly why I'm currently resetting my home for summer. And, take it from me, it makes all the difference in how you feel.

5. Shinrin-Yoku — Forest Bathing through Design

"Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, was formalized in the 1980s, but the instinct behind it runs through centuries of Japanese domestic design. Traditionally, the garden is designed first and the house positioned to face it," says Yoko.

"Rooms are oriented toward greenery, windows frame specific views, and the boundary between interior and garden is blurred through transitional spaces and planting that comes right up to the threshold."

This Japanese wellness ritual is built on designing forest bathing interiors to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors by feeling rooted in nature. And Yoko tells me that research in environmental psychology confirms what Japanese designers have long understood.

"Daily visual and sensory contact with nature lowers cortisol, reduces stress, and improves mood. Even in an urban home without a garden, orienting living spaces toward planting and using natural materials indoors, like timber, stone, clay, and linen, can bring this principle to life."

Items to Add to Your Wellness Routine

Speaking of the way interior design ties into the wellness of a space, Japanese spatial planning is another creative concept that can breathe a sense of calm into your home.

And to keep up with all the beautiful ways you can bring wellness to the forefront of your living space, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

When it comes to IKEA, storage furniture is likely the first thing you think of. Cabinets, consoles, dressers — there are certain designs from the brand that you'd be hard-pressed not to find in every home, and one of those is the MALM system. You can't go wrong with its flat profile, linear silhouette, and sliding drawers. So when the brand recently announced it would be retiring the cult-favorite, we got to thinking: what are the best IKEA MALM alternatives to fill the hole it will inevitably leave behind?

Whether you're looking for something just as simple (perhaps primed for a DIY?), something a bit more designed, bigger, or smaller, we've scoured the best IKEA alternatives to see what's on offer that serves the same purpose, while looking even better.

From three simple sliding drawers all the way to Anthropologie's pretty patterned six-drawer chest of drawers, these are the best IKEA MALM alternatives to shop when stock eventually runs out.

So, while there are lots of IKEA MALM alternatives on the market (some that arguably look much better), it's hard to argue with the fact that the original provided the perfect base when it comes to DIYing, and there are so many IKEA MALM hacks that transform the chest of drawers into so much more. If you've got a plan you haven't quite put into action yet, time is running out!

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

There’s something about the Scandi look that’s tricky to put your finger on — why does it work so well, and why does it always seem to create rooms that feel confident but still supremely relaxed? The region’s design language embraces natural light and strengthens relationships between individual spaces, all with a respect for locally sourced materials and handcrafted finishes.

If it seems as though Scandinavian design works to its own set of rules, then you’re right. At first glance, you might not even notice the principles that are unlocking this sense of effortless living. “The Scandinavians focus on what’s truly important, rather than introducing endless elements that end up competing for attention,” says Kashi Shikunova, founder of the Scandi-inspired YAM Studios.

So, what are the Scandinavian design rules that almost no one else follows — and how can they make your own home feel relaxed, lighter, and altogether more welcoming?

1. Use Texture for Contrast

Designers love using color and pattern to create a layered interior, but Scandi-influenced schemes benefit from a more material-first approach. “Designing through a lens of texture prioritizes natural materials,” explains interior designer Lara Clarke. “The key to successful monochromatic spaces lies in contrasting materials.”

Giving one main material, usually wood, center stage allows you to weave in other contrasting textures. The more varied, though, the better — it’s the interplay between different surfaces that creates the visual interest.

“Scandi living is all about creating a sense of calm, and the limed oak grain of the wood in our project [shown above] delivers a really grounding backdrop,” Lara explains. “We then countered that with the cloud-like softness of the feather pendant, and the coziness of the shearling armchair.”

2. Windows Are All About Light

“In Scandinavian design, light is one of the most important elements,” says Kashi Shikunova, founder of YAM Studios. “It has a significant impact on the way interiors are experienced, especially in a region where maximizing natural daylight [or 'daylighting'] is essential.”

This translates to a simpler, more pared-back approach to window treatments. “Framing the view, bringing in natural light, and creating a connection with the outdoors is more important than ornamentation or overly decorative curtains,” explains Kashi.

They know that keeping windows simple is the best way to balance brightness, so Scandi-inspired window treatment ideas are more often about maximizing it, rather than blocking light.

3. Design for Flow First

From Copenhagen apartments to sprawling countryside homes, Scandi design rules have always placed a premium on flexible spaces with intuitive layouts. “They balance openness with purpose,” explains interior designer Sophie Pringle.

Keeping sightlines open allows all-important natural light to flood spaces, while partitions are subtle rather than dominating. “Spaces aren’t necessarily divided by walls, but each area has a clear function and atmosphere,” confirms Sophie. “You want to subtly zone areas without creating physical barriers.”

In this project on an island off Scotland’s west coast, the designer was firmly inspired by these Scandi sensibilities. “We kept furniture deliberately low to maximize the extraordinary views, and used textures like linen, jute, and timber for depth while maintaining the calm simplicity often associated with Scandinavian design.”

4. Lighting Is Sculptural

“One of the things Scandinavian designers consistently get right is treating lighting as part of the architecture of a room, rather than simply a practical necessity within it,” says Kai Price, co-founder of the Scandi homeware emporium Att Pynta.

“The best Scandinavian lighting ideas are sculptural and beautiful, but they don’t demand attention for their own sake,” he explains. “Instead, they quietly enhance a space through thoughtful form, materiality, and the quality of light they produce.”

Nordic designers have produced several iconic pieces of lighting — Louis Poulsen’s PH5 pendant, shown above, was created by Danish architect Poul Henningsen in 1958 and is an enduring classic, while Verner Panton’s Panthella mushroom lamp is another highly recognizable piece.

5. One Look Throughout

When Scandi designers create a home, they think about how every room within it connects. “The Scandinavian idea of a home as a whole space, rather than treating each room as an isolated moment, creates a calm, continuous experience,” explains Aleksandra Cannock, founder of TAK Architecture and Design Studio.

As well as allowing a space to tell the same story visually, rather than a jumbled or slightly confused one, being holistic also means your floor plan will feel more instinctive. “This creates a greater sense of flow and a deeper connection between different levels in a home,” says Aleksandra.

To achieve this in your own space, consider using the same shade of paint to bridge divides between spaces, carrying the same flooring material across a whole level, or repeating different textures and finishes from one room to the next.

6. Treat Storage as Architecture

If there’s one thing Scandinavians do well, it’s creating spaces that feel calm and look uncluttered. “They’ve long understood that storage ideas should feel architectural instead of something just added on,” agrees Nanna Liv, creative director of interior design studio House 44.

Combining storage into the build of a room, rather than cluttering a floor plan with freestanding pieces, lends itself to the Scandi design principles of simplicity and restraint. This is particularly effective in spaces where organization is key, such as busy kitchens and compact bathrooms.

“Integrated joinery reduces visual noise and creates a sense of calm,” explains Nanna. “This allows a space to feel beautifully organized as well as much more spacious.”

7. Livability Over Showmanship

“Long winters and short days mean much more time spent indoors,” reflects Dorothea Gunftoft, a Scandinavian design authority and the author of New Nordic Design. “Comfort is essential, but with generous proportions, natural materials, and lots of softness.”

It’s not about choosing the biggest sofa for your space, though, or filling a room with oversized pieces. Opt for furniture that prioritizes comfort rather than statement forms, allowing spaces to feel inviting and properly lived-in rather than like a design showroom.

“You see this in Kaare Klint’s human-centered approach to furniture, where pieces are designed around the body and everyday life, and in Finn Juhl’s more sculptural chairs, which have an organic ease,” explains Dorothea.

Whether you’re starting a project from the ground up or simply remodeling one room, taking inspiration from how the design-savvy residents of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden build, decorate, and live at home is a shortcut to success. The Scandi approach is timeless, too, which will help you steer clear of outdated interior design rules.

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If you're planning a kitchen renovation, you've likely already fallen down the rabbit hole of the dreaded kitchen triangle debate. For some, it's an absolute essential. The non-debatable backbone to every good kitchen design. And to others, it's an outdated, overrated old wives' tale — a rule that should've been abandoned long ago.

It can all get rather heated, not to mention thoroughly overwhelming for someone simply trying to find the best layout for them. At the crux of the matter, though, is not the concept of the 'working triangle' itself, but how exactly you do it. Because, despite how fervently people protest against it, there's a reason this layout has been sworn by for so many years. It introduces logic and flow into your kitchen, and so long as you know the mistakes to avoid, it can be the key to a functional and well-designed space.

But before we can dive into the kitchen work triangle mistakes people are making, let's outline what exactly the term means. "The working triangle is a classic kitchen planning principle that positions the sink, hob and refrigerator within easy reach of one another, creating an efficient route between the three most frequently used areas," explains Claire Watson from Harvey Jones. "While kitchens have evolved considerably, the principle remains relevant because it helps reduce unnecessary movement and creates a more intuitive cooking experience. Designed to flow with real routines, the kitchen feels effortless to use, whether you're preparing a quick breakfast or hosting family and friends." And with that, these are the five mistakes you might be making and how to fix them.

1. The Points Are Too Far Apart

Now, this may not be the most relevant for those with small kitchens, but for larger spaces, it's not always a case of 'the more room, the better'.

As Claire explains, "A common mistake is placing the three points too far apart, which can make the kitchen feel disconnected."

When you have plenty of space to work with, it can be hard to know how to use it. It may seem as though it should be easier to design a larger room than a smaller one, but in kitchens, it can often go the other way, and to use up the available space, people end up leaving huge gaps between each of the three elements, rendering the 'triangle' essentially useless.

The whole point of this type of kitchen layout is that it introduces a logical flow to your cooking process — the three elements work in circularity, acting as parts of a whole. However, once too much space is introduced between the three, this sense of flow ceases to exist, making your kitchen feel even more awkward to use.

2. Poor Appliance Placement

Knowing where to position your kitchen appliances is an oft-underestimated aspect of designing a kitchen — it will affect not just how your space looks, but how you use it, too. The wrong appliance placement can throw off the whole flow of your kitchen, especially when it interacts with your working triangle.

Ethan Greenfeld, from Ethan Charles Design, says this is one of the most common mistakes he sees. More often than not, he says, this takes the form of appliances intersecting with the primary walkways of your kitchen.

Describing why this is such a problem, Ethan says, "While you’re cooking, it is best to be away from the main traffic of the kitchen, if possible. Imagine having to take something out of the oven while someone has to squeeze behind you to get to the refrigerator, all while the oven door is open. That is neither the safest nor the most efficient setup."

Your appliances should be spaced apart so that all can be used at the same time, if needed, without causing any issues.

3. Forgetting About Prep Space

In theory, the kitchen triangle should account for the majority of your kitchen needs. You've got the oven, fridge, and sink all ticked off, luring you into a false sense of security in your layout. There is, however, one crucial aspect missing: prep space.

Without adequate prep space, your kitchen will constantly feel overflowing with mess, and every dinner will feel like a battle for surface space.

In fact, prep space is so crucial that designer Michelle Accetta argues, "If the triangle were a square, this would be the fourth leg!"

It's all too easy for your kitchen worktop to become cluttered, with space needed for your appliances and all-important decor pieces, too. So much so that once all your kitchen finishing touches are in place, there is often barely any space left for a prep area.

"Some kitchens I see chop up the counter space so there is not one area with ample space to do all your chopping and prep," notes Michelle. But having a dedicated prep space doesn't detract from the triangle; it supports it, allowing it to function at its best.

4. Awkward Islands

Perhaps the most common mistake of all, designers say, is the issue of the kitchen island. Instead of being used to support the triangle, islands are often placed smack bang in the middle, completely blocking the flow of movement between the three points.

Your kitchen island will play a key role in your kitchen design, no matter the layout. It acts as a central hub for activity in the room, offering an anchor for people to gather around, but because of this, it can easily dominate the space, overwhelming your design and interrupting the all-important working triangle.

Once an island is placed in between the triangle, it becomes a hindrance rather than a help, and your kitchen will likely suffer because of it.

5. Forcing Flow, Not Following It

The whole point of the kitchen working triangle is that it should make your life easier, so if at any point you feel as though it's making your modern kitchen harder to use, you've already made a mistake.

It doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all design; the working triangle should look different depending on whose home it's being used in, so feel free to adapt and alter the design to best support your specific space and needs.

"Rather than treating the working triangle as a rigid rule, it should be interpreted into a bespoke layout to suit the space and lifestyle of the homeowner," says Claire. To get it right, she says, "Ensure there is a clear route between the key zones, while also allowing enough room for multiple people to use the kitchen comfortably."

Making mistakes with the working triangle isn't the only thing that could be making your space harder to use — these small kitchen layout mistakes are what designers say you need to avoid to ensure you make the most of your compact footprint.

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Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the need for structures in your garden like pergolas and gazebos. They bring height, for one, and also give you the opportunity to introduce shade, cover from the elements, and screen from your neighbors' upstairs windows. Don't you just hate being overlooked when you're trying to have a nice al fresco dinner?

However, it's a rare gazebo that I ever think really feels at home in a garden, especially when the big garden trends of this year are all about more naturalistic, wild spaces.

I'm into the idea of climbing plants encompassing a garden structure, but as I was admiring one particular garden from design studio Woodhouse & Law, I spotted that in place of having to opt for manmade structures, the designers had created a canopy of trees to create garden screening that is so much more magical than building a pergola.

It's not something I see too often in gardens, and I wasn't even really sure what to call it. It almost looks like pleaching on a vertical plane, but as Nick Woodhouse, Creative Director of Gardens at Woodhouse & Law tells me: "This particular type of trained tree form, with its tall, clear stem and a flat, horizontal canopy, takes on a number of names, from tabletop, to rooftop to parasol tree."

Intrigued as I am? I asked Nick to give us the lowdown on this style of tree and how to recreate the look of this garden.

How Does a 'Parasol Tree' Work?

Similarly to pleaching, with parasol trees, "Branches are traditionally trained horizontally over a bamboo or wire frame, with the central leader removed to promote lateral, flat growth," explains Nick.

To give you some context if you're not down with the gardening terminology, basically, the central leader is the main stem or trunk of the tree that grows vertically straight up, and usually refers to its highest shoot. That means that you're stopping the tree growing upward, forcing it to redirect its energy into growing horizontally, helping to create the canopy of garden shade with the help of your chosen frame.

"The stem is kept clear up to around 2.3m from ground level, allowing space for walking and sitting underneath," explains Nick.

What Sort of Trees Work for It?

There are some obvious characteristics we're looking for in choosing for parasol trees, by in large a thick, glossy canopy, and an evergreen tree for year round cover.

"The trees that are most often trained in this form are the London Plane (Platanus hispanica) and the Mulberry (Morus platanifolia)," explains Nick. These are both trees often used for pleaching, too.

"It is the latter of these two that we have used in this garden," Nick says. "This large-leafed variety has glossy green foliage that stays vibrant throughout the growing season, providing ongoing shade and aesthetic appeal throughout those very months. It is also a versatile plant, suited to different soil types and drought-tolerant once established."

How Easy Are They to Grow?

Any time you're fighting the nature of a tree, you could categorize it as a more challenging grow, as you'll need to have regular intervention.

"The horizontal canopy will require regular pruning through the growing period," confirms Nick. Your central leader will continue to try to grow upwards, so it's something you need to keep on top of — not always easy when it's at the top of a tall tree.

However, there are benefits to this level of maintenance. "[It's] promoting dense foliage and naturally restricting its root system, making it safer to plant near garden structures," Nick explains.

It also takes time to grow into the shape you want, likely a few years at least. However, to bypass the difficult early years, you can find mature, pre-trained tabletop trees from specialist nurseries and online.

Not Got Time to Wait? Try These Actual Parasols, Instead

For obvious reasons, the color of your front door leaves quite an impression. A bright, letterbox red shows a bold personality, while a light blue brings classic charm. And while choosing a paint for your front door may not be your first thought, it should definitely not be an afterthought. The wrong shade can detract from the overall look of your exterior, giving neighbors and guests the wrong impression.

Front door color psychology explains how this choice can affect your home's curb appeal. Basically, shades convey different emotions, atmospheres, and tastes — all of which offer insight into the home within. So, choosing the wrong front door color not only clashes with the home's facade but can also negatively impact its overall vibe.

The goal is to select a front door color that teases your style, blends with the architecture and natural surroundings, and maybe even taps into trends. So, take a look at your front door — what does it say about you? Have I opened a can of worms? Well, to make things easier, I've asked designers to identify front door colors to avoid and, importantly, what shades to choose instead.

1. Bold Blues

Bold, royal blues may be a popular interior color trend, but such a stark shade might not be the best choice for your exterior door. As Dominic Myland, CEO of Myland Paint Company, says, "We would generally recommend steering clear of colors that will clash with the facade of your home." A high-contrast, electric blue can easily distract from the architecture and natural environment, creating an abrasive first impression.

But, of course, not all blue paint colors should be avoided on the front door. Dominic says, "If you're unsure which shade would work best, fresh blues like Beaufort Gardens™ No.212 or Rain JB.03 often work well with brick, stone, and other exterior materials."

"The geographical location of your home can provide plenty of inspiration for the shade of your front door, helping your home to feel very harmonious within its surroundings," adds Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene Paint.

In coastal areas, reflect the serene, restful setting with soft, pale blues to evoke a classic, but modern coastal aesthetic. "Our muted Celestial Blue is a particularly timeless shade of blue, a popular choice for exteriors," says Ruth. Or, if your home is based in a country setting, such as a rural farmhouse, look to the natural environment for inspiration. There are so many shades of blue and light blue paint that would look beautiful on a front door.

2. Stark Black

It might seem surprising to see black on the list of front door colors to avoid — isn't black a classic? Well, it really comes down to the problem of creating stark contrast. For many homes, a jet-black front door can feel a touch jarring. Instead, look for a deep neutral that has earthy undertones for a more relaxed contrast.

"Many traditional and modern homes feature warm red or orange-toned brick," explains Ruth. Rather than black, dark, muted green color trends are a fabulous choice to accompany a red-brick exterior, creating a beautiful, complementary contrast that still feels natural.

If the bricks on your home exterior are softer and more yellowish in tone, "consider a classic, muted sage," says Ruth. Many older properties feature light stone masonry and traditional limestone on their exterior. "Classic neutrals with warm, earthy undertones are a timeless choice here," adds Ruth. Or opt for a combination of earthy color palettes on the door and your exterior trim color for a stylish, tonal drench.

Farrow & Ball's Studio Green brings timeless drama, while a softer shade, like Dulux's Green Glade, provides a nice contrast. And if your heart is set on a black front door, there are definitely stylish ways to incorporate this look. Perhaps an ultra-matte finish would bring a natural texture, or a high-gloss finish for more modern homes.

3. Too Bright Red Tones

"With period homes, selecting a bolder color for your front door can often add a surprising, contemporary twist," says Ruth. A pop of unexpected red is definitely a hot choice for interiors and makes for a very eye-catching front door. But there are certain shades to steer clear of and others that will feel more timeless.

Where a true, letterbox red can feel slightly dated these days, a red with a bit more depth can make a front door pop. "For those looking to make more of a statement, Arts Club™ No.281, a deep red, lends a timeless, characterful feel to the front of your house," says Dominic. Oxblood color trends create an elevated exterior and will blend more harmoniously with natural surroundings.

Or you could swing the other direction for a zingier front door. "Yellow-based hues typically pair well with traditional stone, due to the related warm undertones," Ruth shares. A stylish coral or orange introduces an eye-catching color that feels more unexpected than a letterbox red.

Or, try a red-adjacent color. "An elegant pink like Pink Slip is a beautiful accompaniment to gold accessories to create an inviting entrance," says Ruth. There are still plenty of ways to make red hues work on the front door.

Here's to a front door color that will generate the good kind of neighborhood gossip and instantly elevate your home's curb appeal.

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The smaller your space, the more noticeable every detail becomes. When everything is encountered up close, design decisions are impossible to overlook, which is why attention to detail matters so much more in compact rooms. If you want a small room to look more expensive, it's often the finishing touches that have the biggest impact (not your big-ticket items).

While small spaces don't always have the inherent grandeur of larger rooms, interior designer Siobhan Kelly says they're often much easier to elevate. "In a compact space, every surface is close, every detail encountered intimately, and nothing escapes scrutiny," she explains. "Rather than considering this as a limitation, craft and intention are most immediately visible."

This is why the smallest details often carry the most weight. If you're on a mission to make a small space feel more expensive, we asked interior designers to share the understated tricks they rely on to upgrade a small room. From quiet upgrades that make a home feel more expensive, such as your hardware or choice of paint finish, they may be subtle, but they promise to make your space feel surprisingly high-end.

1. Opt for a Lustrous Ceiling

When square footage is limited, you have to get creative. One of the most common mistakes when designing a small room is overlooking the power of decorating a ceiling.

To draw the eye up and add a hint of grandeur that will instantly make a small room feel more expensive, NYC-based designer Andrew Suvalsky recommends lacquering the ceiling. "In a small space, a high-gloss lacquer reflects whatever light you have and pulls your eye up, so the space feels brighter and taller," he says. "It reads as expensive because a good lacquer has a depth flat paint can't fake, and it takes real skill to get right."

You don't necessarily need a high-shine gloss for this paint technique to be effective, either. A color-drenched room with a simple satin finish (as pictured above) can still inject a space with the same elegance and sophistication.

2. Quality Hardware

Hardware is like the jewelry of a room. Whether you choose a glistening chrome or an aged brass, these sorts of details work as a pair of signature earrings do in perfecting your outfit. Knobs and pulls, for example, are the sort of kitchen cabinet detail that can make your home look more expensive.

In a small space, they wield even more power since the details are closer and more visible. "A beautifully finished brass handle or a solid rocker switch is noticed in a way that, in a large room, it might not be," explains Gloria Sanchez of Tailored Living. "Upgrading hardware costs relatively little but has a disproportionate impact on perceived quality. It is one of the fastest ways to make a scheme feel considered and expensive without changing anything structural."

Besides being more obvious in a small room, Siobhan Kelly adds that there's a sensory value in the likes of handles and cabinet pulls, which means it can instantly elevate a space. "It is a moment of presence through touch," she says. "Hardware made from metals that develop a patina over time or incorporate uncommon materials, such as semi-precious stones, are elements that feel tailored to the space."

3. Smart Space-Saving Solutions

In a small room, functionality becomes even more important. Every element of your storage needs to work harder, which is why bespoke, space-saving solutions instantly make your room feel more considered (and consequently more expensive).

Siobhan, for example, recommends a pull-out bar counter or desk surface integrated within a run of built-in joinery. "The room is not asked to compromise and visually accommodate a constant additional function," she says. "The quality of the mechanisms used is as important as the cabinetry itself. It's a satisfying sound when the latch is engaged and the smooth movement of the panel as it is pulled out. It's an opportunity to create a fully resolved hidden world."

Take the utility room above, for example. Integrated drying racks and concealed work surfaces help streamline everyday routines despite the limited footprint. The result is a room that feels thoughtfully considered and expertly tailored — the kind of detail that instantly signals investment and elevates the space beyond its square footage.

4. Continuous Flooring With No Thresholds

Replacing your flooring isn't the quickest or simplest upgrade, but it's one of those seemingly subtle design decisions that can have a transformative effect. In smaller rooms, especially, visual continuity is key. By minimizing breaks and opting for a single, uninterrupted flooring finish, you create a stronger sense of flow, helping the space feel larger, calmer, and ultimately more elevated.

"Running the same flooring material through from one room to the next, with no threshold strips or transitions, makes a small space feel seamless and expansive," explains Gloria. "The eye does not stop at doorways, and neither does the sense of space."

Besides selecting flooring choices that typically make a room look more expensive, Siobhan also suggests full-height doors to give the illusion of yet more spatial sequence. "Thresholds are liminal, and when they are treated with intention, they are moments of arrival," she says. "A designed event rather than an assembled convenience".

5. Layered Lighting

If you've ever felt as though your small room feels flat and two-dimensional, your lighting could be to blame. A simple overhead light will always feel lackluster, while layered lighting (a combination of ambient, accent, task, and decorative) creates a more cohesive, considered scheme that looks instantly more high-end.

As Andrew notes, the best rooms never run on a single overhead. "One overhead fixture flattens a small room and throws hard shadows that make it feel boxy," he says. "A few low, warm sources instead — a sconce, a lamp, a picture light — and the room gets depth."

To upgrade a small room with subtle lighting, Gloria suggests concealed uplighters to create pools of light that add depth and make a space feel larger and more enveloping. "Lighting is the single most cost-effective way to shift how a room feels," she says. "It is one of the most reliable tools in a designer's kit and one of the most consistently overlooked by homeowners."

6. Add the 'Unexpected'

To give a small room the kind of wow-factor typically associated with professionally designed spaces, incorporate an element of surprise. It could be a splash of bold color (the unexpected red theory still has us in a chokehold), wallpaper hidden inside a cabinet, or a striking contrast in materials.

These moments don't have to be dramatic — they just need to catch the eye. In a compact space, details that prompt a second glance instantly make a room feel more considered, design-led, and ultimately, more expensive.

For interior designer Annie Kantor, her motto is design in unexpected places. "Few projects benefit more from this thinking than a small one," she says, and they don't need to take up space, either. "Look around and find the everyday pieces in your home. They likely present the perfect opportunity for a design upgrade with no additional space needed."

7. Curtains Hung High and Wide

One of the most effective ways to make a small room feel more expensive is to make it feel more expansive. The way you hang window treatments may seem like an unassuming detail, but it has a remarkable ability to alter a room's proportions — especially when hung from ceiling to floor and, where possible, extended wall to wall. The effect not only draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height, but also lends the space a polished, hotel-like quality.

As Gloria explains, the eye naturally follows strong vertical and horizontal lines. "Full-height, full-width curtains make a room read as taller and wider than it is, borrowing visual space the room does not actually have," she says. "A curtain that starts at the window frame and stops short of the floor looks like an afterthought. One that runs from cornice to floor, wall to wall, looks like architecture."

For the most luxe-looking treatment, choose pinch-pleat style in a weighty curtain fabric like silk, velvet, or jacquard.

Making a small room feel more expensive isn't about spending more money — it's about being more intentional with your design choices. In compact spaces, everything is more noticeable, which means the smallest design details often carry the biggest impact.

The good news? Many of these upgrades don't require a full renovation. In fact, it's often the most subtle, minor shifts that carry the most weight. Whether you're in a bid to make your kitchen look more expensive or you want to give a small bedroom a boutique hotel quality, the design tricks above prove that thoughtful details are often the most transformative of all.

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When it comes to choosing between a light kitchen and a dark kitchen, there’s really no definitive answer to give. The final decision will always depend on what’s best for the homeowner in question — what colors they’re drawn to, how they use the space, and the ambience they desire. Trends shouldn’t be the deciding factor, and while both dark and light kitchens have enjoyed moments in the spotlight, the most successful schemes are always the ones that feel personal and aligned with the way you live.

As one of the hardest-working rooms in the house and one you’re likely to look at every day for years to come, choosing a kitchen color that resonates with your true self is far more important than following the latest design craze, meaning the light option is probably going to be your best bet, to be honest. But if you’re really torn between the two, how do you know which you’re actually going to enjoy living with day in, day out?

From the ambience each creates to practical considerations like maintenance, natural light, and how the space will age, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of both light and dark kitchens to help you make a confident choice.

Light Kitchen Pros

Light kitchens will always feel like the safe all-rounder — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Bright, airy and totally versatile, they’re the kind of spaces that rarely fall out of favor, so long as they feature character and quality materials. Whether it’s a crisp white finish, warm and welcoming neutrals, or pale timber tones, light cabinetry has a way of making a kitchen feel larger, fresher, and much more sociable.

One of the biggest advantages of a light kitchen is its ability to maximize any natural light. “They create a sense of openness and tend to adapt easily as decorating styles evolve over time,” says Emily Newmarch, design consultant at Kitchens By Holloways. She suggests how soft whites, warm neutrals, and natural timber finishes also provide a timeless backdrop that works across both contemporary and traditional homes. This is the kind of flexibility that gives a light kitchen some substance and depth.

Light Kitchen Cons

So, are there any cons to light kitchens? It depends on what you see as a drawback. Richard Misso, creative director of The Stylesmiths, says, “The downside is that without enough texture or contrast, they can sometimes feel flat or overly minimal.” He also notes that lighter surfaces may show marks and wear more easily.

Interior designer Mary Patton agrees, adding, “Their main drawback is that they can sometimes feel a bit safe or expected.” While nobody strives to be labeled predictable, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. If selling the home may be on the cards at some point in the near future, the timeless quality may just work in your favor a few years down the line. Plus, if you get your styling right in a light and airy kitchen, you’re winning — just think layers, texture and plenty of personality.

Dark Kitchen Pros

“Dark kitchens create a moodier, more dramatic aesthetic that feels sophisticated and design-led, particularly in larger spaces with good natural light,” assures Richard. They add depth and richness to a room, often through a cocooning effect that feels inviting from the moment you walk in.

Some say dark kitchens work best in an open floor plan, but I would go as far as to say that sometimes it’s the smaller, darker spaces that fit this kind of color scheme best. Emily agrees, saying that “A dark color in a small kitchen can be incredibly effective when used thoughtfully. Rather than making the space feel smaller, deep tones can create a sense of intimacy and drama, particularly when paired with good lighting and lighter elements such as stone worktops or warm metallic finishes.”

Of course, dark kitchens can also work in open-plan spaces. Emily notes that a deeper palette can help to ground the kitchen and give it a stronger sense of presence within the wider room.

She also makes an important point: “It's less about glossy monochrome schemes and more about depth, texture and natural materials.” For example, “Deep greens, dark-stained oak, walnut and rich blues are increasingly popular because they create a sense of warmth, character and permanence.”

So, let’s be open-minded about this. Going dark doesn’t have to mean reaching for the black paint. Some of the most successful schemes use layered, earthy tones that feel rich without overpowering. Experiment with darker shades that genuinely appeal to you and see what combinations spark excitement and satisfaction. You’ll know when you’ve landed on something that feels right.

Dark kitchen Cons

“Dark kitchens continue to be a strong design trend, but the look has evolved,” says Emily — and be warned, that’s when trends can become tricky. They are continuously shifting, which can make the darker option for kitchens less flexible long term if you’re choosing them purely because they’re popular right now.

Richard points out that a dark palette can make smaller kitchens feel enclosed if not balanced carefully, and while Emily is positive about the effect lighting can have on a dark kitchen, she also reminds us that the space will rely heavily on a good, careful lighting design.

Another factor to consider is the inevitable wear and tear. According to Mary, darker kitchen cabinets tend to show chips, scratches, and signs of use much more readily than light finishes, which is not great for long-term appeal.

So, when it comes to dark versus light kitchens, there isn’t a universally right answer, but only a right answer for your home. While lighter schemes are often considered the safer choice thanks to their versatility and enduring appeal, that doesn't automatically make them the better option.

As Emily explains, “For most homeowners, lighter kitchens remain the safest all-round choice because they are adaptable, timeless, and suit a wide range of spaces. However, dark kitchens shouldn't be dismissed. When paired with natural materials, thoughtful lighting and the right layout, they can feel every bit as welcoming.”

Richard echoes that sentiment, noting that good design should always be guided by the homeowner rather than what’s trending. “The best kitchen is ultimately one that reflects the personality of the people living in it, while still feeling balanced, functional, and enduring over time.”

Ultimately, the most successful kitchens are the ones that feel authentic to the people who use them. “The most successful kitchens aren't defined by whether they're dark or light, but by how well the palette works with the architecture of the room, the available light and personal style,” she says.

So before making a final decision, think less about what’s trending and more about how you want the space to feel every day. After all, the modern kitchen you’ll enjoy living with most is the one that feels like home from the second you enter it.

For more design ideas for your kitchen and beyond, why not subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

With every passing season, my favorite to-do involves finding ways to channel the vibe outdoors through my indoor scentscape. And now that it's somewhat sunny outside, I've found the best ways to make my home smell like summer.

Think thorough ventilation, linen sprays for fabrics, stylish diffusers, scented floral arrangements, and candles (only after dark). Plus, some specific notes really lend to the mood of the season while making your home smell good. Crisp citrus, light florals, and fresh herbals are all fair game.

But to better understand the best way to use these notes and the expert-preferred format to bring them alive, let's take a closer look at how to get your living and hosting spaces summer-ready through scentscaping.

1. Open Your Windows

Rule number one to make your home smell nice in any case, always has been and always will be, opening your windows. Even when it's balmy outside, ventilating your windowed spaces is the best thing you can do for them.

Although the German ventilation method of lüften is typically practiced in the autumn, I find that it's especially helpful in summer homes that tend to trap heat all day. So before you go in with your favorite fragrances, do this first.

2. Spritz Linen Sprays

One of the most clever tricks to neutralize bad odors involves refreshing your interior textiles. From your curtains and fabric blinds to your throws, your cushions, your rugs, and even your sofas.

Aside from using design detergents to refresh most of these, I love using a fabric spray to help every upholstered surface smell amazing. While some room sprays are textile-friendly, it's important to choose scents that are compatible with cloth surfaces. These are some of my personal favorites.

Something like L'Occitane Cocon de Sérénité Pillow Mist is a pleasant and balanced way to make your bedroom smell good in the summer.

3. Decorate with Scented Blooms

Decorating with flowers is another way to make your home smell like summer while adding to the visual appeal of the space. Try arranging some seasonal summer flowers in pretty vases to elevate your indoor scentscape.

I recommend mixing in snapdragons, cosmos, sunflowers, roses, and stock. This is a lovely way to layer scent and make your living room smell good. However, I would avoid bold floral scents in the dining room and small kitchens.

And if you're after a fitting vase for the season, might I suggest this Virelle Rippled Glass Vase from Ferm Living for minimalists, or this Mother Nature Earthenware Vase from Laetitia Rouget for a bold base.

4. Add Diffusers to the Mix

Abi Titterington Lough, scent designer and holistic aromatherapist, tells me that passive diffusers are a great option to quietly but consistently make your home smell like summer.

"Unlike candles, they don’t compete with the heat of summer or require active ritual. Instead, they create a subtle and continuous aromatic backdrop that ebbs and flows throughout the day," she says.

"In summer especially, I think the goal is less about filling a room with fragrance, and more about creating an atmosphere that enhances the feeling of ease, openness, and connection to the season."

I love this Blackberry & Bay Diffuser from Jo Malone London for the kitchen, and this Apothecary 18 Fresh Lavender Balsam Glass Reed Diffuser from Anthropologie for a powder room.

5. Go for Garden-Inspired Blends and Citrus Scents

"I always encourage people to take their cues from what is abundant in nature during this time of year. Summer has its own aromatic rhythm: gardens are overflowing with herbs and flowers like lavender and rose. Bergamot instantly transports me to the Mediterranean: sun-drenched terraces, citrus groves, and the memory of the Italian seaside," Abi notes.

"A personal favorite of mine for this time is geranium. Bright yet grounding, floral without being overly sweet, it’s an oil associated with balance and harmony, which feels particularly fitting for a season that invites us to embrace more joy, spontaneity, and play."

Sarah Bell, founder of Evermore London, also finds that citrus and coastal scents remain classic summer choices. "However, we're seeing a growing trend for fragrances inspired by seasonal produce and farmers' market finds," she adds.

"Notes such as cherry, peach, apricot, and even banana are bringing a playful quality to home fragrance, while tomato leaf, basil, fig leaf, and cucumber offer a fresher, more garden-inspired take on summer."

I love the idea of this Maeve Fruity Strawberry & Blonde Wood Glass Candle from Anthropologie in the evening. And I swear by a spritz of this La Droguerie Odor-Removing Room Spray from Diptyque when I'm in a pinch. Or even Habitat's latest tomato leaf candle for a ripe aroma.

6. Light Scented Candles By Night

Now, scented candles aren't totally off limits this season. But choosing when to light them is especially important to avoid making your home feel uncomfortably hot. The glow of a candle can illicit a sense of warmth, and so lighting your candles once the sun has set and the cool summer evening has set in is your best bet.

As for fragrances, go for light, summer candle scents and steer clear of heavy blends that easily overwhelm. Jo Malone London's Green Tomato Scents and most of MUJI's exquisite candles are great options. And here are some more that I'm eyeing this season.

A launch that has come right in time for summer is Laura Gonzalez x Acqua di Parma's new candle collection. It'll scentually transport you into a Euro summer.

And to keep up with all the beautiful fragrance launches of the season and home perfuming tips, including summer scenting mistakes to avoid, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

If you look at most contemporary homes with lush displays of interior greenery from serious plant parents, then you might notice a little finishing touch that goes a long way — soil cover.

Known to help indoor gardens retain moisture while acting as a protective barrier from pests, soil cover can also serve as part of the aesthetic. It's all in how you style it and the type you choose.

The experts tell me that ood moss, gravel, pebbles, sand, and Spanish moss are the most common types of soil cover. And here's a closer look at how each type of soil cover impacts your houseplants.

1. Preserved Mood Moss

"Preserved mood moss is a dried & dyed moss that naturally has a mounded, round shape," says August Laska, founder of The Old Yew. "It provides a beautiful, green base layer and can help retain soil moisture for those plants that need it."

He goes on to explain that mood moss is also a great solution for hiding plastic grow pots inside larger decorative containers. This Preserved Mood Moss from SuperMoss on Amazon is perfect if you're looking for an extra way to care for houseplants in the summer.

2. Spanish Moss

"Dried Spanish Moss is a great soil cover because it allows the soil to breathe while also providing an organic, natural-looking element," says August. "It comes in a variety of colors and is easy to remove and replace if need be."

This Spanish Moss from Mosser Lee features a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. And it's a great finishing layer for your bathroom houseplants and other moisture-heavy zones in your home.

3. Gravel & Pebbles

"I typically use crushed granite as a soil topper for indoor houseplants," says Rob Moffitt, botanical designer and founder of The Haus Plant. And August also finds that gravel and pebbles make a striking soil cover.

"I recommend using this for desert plants, like indoor succulents and cacti," he says. "In addition to mimicking the plant's natural environment, they can help increase drainage, drawing water away from the plant and avoiding rot."

This Volcanic Pumice from Invigortex and these Mixed Color Pebbles for Houseplants from Amazon are two great options for soil cover.

4. Sand

"A more practical choice, sand can be used as both a decorative and functional soil cover," says August. "It not only brightens the plant from the soil level but also prevents pesky fungus gnats from burrowing in the soil, suffocating them from below and stopping them from spreading."

I find that a sand soil cover can be especially chic on houseplants in the summer. It adds to the coastal aesthetic of the season. Remember that it's best to dress your succulents and indoor herbs with this type of soil cover.

Chic Planters to Help Your Soil Cover Look Good

If you prefer styling some houseplants without a soil cover but you want them to stay consistently hydrated, let me introduce you to the Bergs Potter Water Cacti. It's my favorite slow watering discovery of late.

For more houseplant tips and styling ideas, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

What if I told you that your mattress (or its frame) could regulate temperature to cool or warm, keep you from snoring, wake you up without the harsh tone of a phone alarm, sing you to sleep, and track your REM? Well, these are very real possibilities with smart beds in 2026.

If you're always exploring how to sleep better and you're interested in smarter ways to dress your bedroom, these innovations should be on your radar. Tech-driven sleep might not be everyone's cup of tea, but there's something to be said for the advancements in this space.

So, let's explore the latest smart mattress features and how they can change the way you sleep.

1. Dual Temperature Regulation

One of the most common reasons couples enter a state of sleep divorce is their differing opinions on optimal sleep temperature. However, Eight Sleep, a highly innovative smart sleep company, has eliminated this issue with its Eight Sleep Pod.

Although I'm a hot sleeper in the summer, you will find me snuggled in with a thick insulating blanket in the winter. But the Pod 5 has made it easy to sleep comfortably regardless of the season.

It does come at a cost, £2,499 to be exact. And that's for the Pod, and the mattress cover itself, not including the Base (£1,699), Blanket (£799), Pillow Cover (£999), and Autopilot subscription (starting at £17 per month). Is that steep? Yes. But for the absolute sleep-obsessed, and for the many intricate ways it optimizes sleep, it's certainly an option. And it does much more than just regulate temperature, as you'll soon find out.

2. Anti-Snore Technology

The TEMPUR Ergo Smart Base just introduced me to the latest smart advancement to soothe snoring. The base senses micro-vibrations caused by snoring and slowly elevates your upper body by 12°. This is also a notable feature in the Eight Sleep Pod.

This shift in sleeping position relieves pressure from your body and allows for a more peaceful slumber. And the Eight Sleep Base also adds to your wind-down routine for sleep through its phone-free soundscapes from the built-in speaker. While the Ergo Base from TEMPUR offers a massage function to truly calm your body.

3. Vibration Alarm

One of my least favorite parts of my current sleep setup is being woken up by the harsh shrill of my alarm. However, the Eight Pod Sleep has solved this issue with another one of its smart mattress features.

Rather than jerking awake to the sound of your phone ringing, the Eight Sleep Pod Base and the TEMPUR Ergo Base offer micro-vibrations instead. Think gentle thermal and vibration alarms that wake you up naturally, so you can leave your phone out of the bedroom. So, if you're wondering how to choose a mattress that does more than just lay a foundation, this is something to consider.

4. Sleep Tracking

If you're enthralled by things to aid sleep, you're probably just as excited by tracking the way you rest. And while the OURA Ring is a stylish way to assess your slumber and health in general, smart mattresses are now taking a more dedicated approach to helping you sleep better.

The TEMPUR Ergo features sleeptracker AI technology that will give you a look behind the scenes of your sleep health. And the Eight Sleep Cover offers insight into heart rate, HRV, sleep phases, and snoring every night.

Smart Beds to Shop

What's next? Mattresses that purify the air around you and dreamily serve you a shot of espresso on waking? Only time will tell.

Until then, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter to keep up with all of the best innovations in design.

Hotel rooms get a bad rap. Yes, they can be bland, boring, and devoid of personality, but these formulaic spaces are also home to some of the smartest space-saving ideas around. Intuitive layouts, balanced symmetry, impeccably neat bed styling — there's a reason they feel so effortlessly put together. And when it comes to making small bedrooms feel bigger, there's one hotel-inspired trick designers return to time and again.

If you've ever checked into a hotel room and wondered how it manages to feel so spacious despite its compact footprint, you're not alone. There's this airy, uncluttered quality that the best hotel rooms seem to achieve with ease, and much of that comes down to a deceptively simple layout decision. It's the kind of detail that you'll barely notice, yet has a remarkable impact on how your bedroom feels.

The answer? Floating nightstands. For anyone searching for smart, space-saving solutions that make a small bedroom layout feel more streamlined, here's where to start. Simple, practical, and surprisingly transformative, they're the sort of easy switch that can quickly transform a compact sleep sanctuary into one that feels capacious. Here's why.

Why Choose Floating Nightstands?

When space is at a premium, you want furniture that feels visually light. Big, bulky, freestanding nightstands are not the answer. Lifting a nightstand off the ground and onto the wall — as you'll commonly see in hotel rooms — opens up the floorspace and gives the room a far airier feel. It's a trick utilized by hotels everywhere, from Holiday Inn to luxury Hilton stays, and it works wonders in your own home, too.

Alana Marie, principal of Alana Marie Interiors, has worked with the likes of Kelly Wearstler on hotels. Inspired by these designs, she often turns to wall-mounted nightstands as a default choice when designing small bedrooms in residential projects.

"Floating nightstands are something we often use in smaller spaces because they create visual breathing room," she says. "When the furniture appears to hover rather than sit heavily on the floor, the eye travels more easily through the room, helping the space feel calmer and more generous."

She notes how hotels have embraced this approach for years, partly because they create a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic, but also because they're so practical. The same goes for our own personal homes, too. "In a small bedroom, I think the biggest benefit is the feeling it creates," Alana explains. "You’re removing visual weight and allowing the architecture and material palette to stand on their own. The room feels lighter and more restful."

The effect of a floating nightstand on design, then, is twofold. "On the physical level, they free up floor space and improve indoor circulation efficiency," explains interior designer Kanika Khurana. "On the psychological level, they amplify the perceived spaciousness of the space."

How Should You Upgrade a Slim Nightstand?

To capitalize on the space-saving benefits of floating nightstands, you don't strictly need a nightstand at all. If you're just looking for a surface for your mobile phone and a few bedside essentials, a simple floating shelf like this one, from Amazon, will do the trick just fine.

For a truly utilitarian, hotel-inspired design, Alana says you can't go wrong with these styles. "A slim drawer for everyday essentials and a considered design is all that’s needed," she says. Of course, from a design point of view, however, they're not the most interesting.

If you're hoping to upgrade a wall-mounted nightstand to something more design-forward, Kanika recommends combining simplicity with functionality. "Look for integrated drawers for hidden storage, or built-in charging stations or USB outlets," she says. "Open shelf storage for books or personal items can also be useful, and I'd always recommend minimalist profiles that don't visually dominate the room."

Make sure you still have ample surface space for styling your nightstand, too. The slimmer profile of floating nightstands can be more limiting, but if there's room for a small lamp or vase, you won't have to sacrifice the sort of small details that bring personality to your bedside.

How High Should a Floating Bedside Shelf Be?

Since floating nightstands are wall-mounted, you'll need to pay attention to where you fix them. The proper height and size will ultimately depend on the overall proportions of both the bed and the entire room. "Shelves that are too large tend to appear bulky and out of place, and for small bedrooms, appropriate narrow models should be prioritized," Kanika says.

"Every floating shelf is different depending on the room, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the surface aligned with the top of the mattress and scaled carefully," adds Alana. "It should feel generous enough for the rituals of daily life without eating into the space too much."

Often, the best bedroom furniture comes straight out of the hotel designer's playbook. Floating nightstands are perhaps the greatest case in point. Sleek, versatile, and compact, they're the perfect space-saving solution to ensure your small bedroom stays both functional and stylish.

Finding the perfect placement for a TV is hard enough at the best of times, but in a small living room, it becomes even trickier. While no one wants an unsightly screen dominating their carefully considered space, it also needs to be positioned somewhere that's comfortable to see. Striking that balance between form and function is easier said than done.

Naturally, when your blueprint is limited, so are the options for TV placement. There's only so much wall space available for mounting your screen, and only so much floor space available for freestanding units, so where should you turn? (Literally.)

While the opportunities available might feel more restricted, designers say you'd be surprised by how many options there are. From TV wall ideas that seamlessly integrate your screen to simple wall-mounted solutions above the mantel, here are the smartest places to put a TV in a small living room.

Where to Put a TV in a Small Living Room

When it comes to positioning a TV in a small living room, Simon Mayhew, interior designer and founder of TXTURED design, says the furniture layout should always come first.

"The question is not 'where does the TV go?' but 'where does life happen in this room?'," he says. "Once I understand the primary seating position and how people move through the space, the television finds its place within that logic rather than overriding it."

Next, factor in any windows. Simon says glare is one of the most common yet most avoidable living room TV placement mistakes, especially in smaller spaces. "A screen in direct line with the afternoon sun will simply not work for large parts of the day," he explains.

Once this is all established, the options for positioning the TV in your small living room have likely been narrowed down to the most obvious answer. But to help you get there, below, designers have shared five small living room layouts and the best place to position a TV in each.

1. The Wall Facing Away From You When You Enter

When your living room is on the smaller side, you run a greater risk of dominating the space with your screen. Besides choosing a TV that's the appropriate size for your space (remember to scale down for smaller rooms), you'll want to ensure it doesn't become the primary focal point, so avoid placing it on the first wall you see upon entering the room.

Interior designer Lisa Hensby recommends positioning your screen on the wall facing away from you as you enter. "This way, you're not met with a black screen on entry," she says. "It makes a small living room feel instantly more considered and more welcoming." This layout is also in line with Feng Shui TV placement, helping your primary living space to look and feel more harmonious.

2. Against a Textured Backdrop

The smaller the room, the more likely your TV will stand out, especially if it's hung on a plain white wall. If you don't want your screen to resemble a big black hole that sucks the life out of your living room, consider mounting it onto a textured background instead.

"Whether timber panelling, large-format stone, or a wall covering with depth, the texture gives the screen a context," Simon explains. "Rather than a black rectangle on a white wall, you have a considered composition." Take the space above, for example. The slatted wall paneling helps disguise the TV, which is considerably large for the scale of your room, while also offering a contrasting accent wall that adds depth and dimension to the space.

3. Above the Mantel

Sometimes the most intuitive TV placement is the best TV placement. In small living rooms, wall space is often limited, but there's usually a guaranteed spot above the mantelpiece (especially in older homes). This can make a great natural place for your screen because it sits opposite the longest opposing wall, which is typically where your living room sofa lies.

"If television viewing is one of the room's primary functions, I typically center the TV above a mantel for a streamlined look," says Paige Kelly of Paige Kelly Interior Design.

To disguise it even more, surround your TV screen with a gallery wall of paintings and pictures to distract from the tech. This can also make for a cozy setup if you have a working fireplace, as seen in the space above.

4. Within a Media Wall

When space is at a premium, make your walls work twice as hard. A media wall is a great way to bring your TV and storage needs together, offering a visually streamlined space where you can also curate aesthetic elements like books and decor.

"To help a small room feel larger and more cohesive, I like to anchor the TV on a focal wall and pair it with a slim, thoughtfully styled console or surrounding built-ins," says Paige.

The goal, she says, is to integrate the screen into the overall design rather than let it dominate the room. "I'm particularly fond of the Samsung Frame because of its slim profile and ability to display artwork or photography when not in use, allowing the television to blend seamlessly into the space."

5. Recessed Into Bespoke Joinery

When a TV sits flush within a wall, it instantly creates a lighter, airy feel since it doesn't encroach on the room's available square footage. This is especially useful in small living rooms, where every centimeter counts.

Where space allows, Simon always recommends a recessed television that sits flush with its surrounding cabinetry. "It reduces visual projection into the room and creates a far calmer result," he says.

"Treat the television as part of the architecture, not as furniture you are accommodating," he adds. "The moment a screen is integrated into joinery or framed by shelving that gives it a context, it stops competing with the room and starts belonging to it."

FAQs

Should You Always Wall Mount a TV on the Wall?

While there are some seriously cool TV stands available these days, when it comes to positioning TVs in smaller living rooms, mounting your screen still makes the most sense. "In a small living room, TV stands take up floor space you simply don't have," says Lisa.

The key, however, is mounting your TV at the right height. "Mounted doesn't mean mounted wherever it feels instinctive," she says. "It means mounted at the correct seated eye-line, and those are two very different things." For this reason, think carefully about where you position your TV so that you're not craning your neck (especially since you're probably limited with how far back you can move your sofa).

It's also important to think about what you're mounting your TV on. Putting it on a plain painted wall tends to feel unfinished, says Simon. Instead, think more carefully about how your TV is integrated into your design so that cables are hidden, and the screen isn't the main focus. "Only mount the television when you are ready to finish the wall it sits on, not before," he says.

While positioning a TV in a small living room may come with tighter layout restraints, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. From clever built-in media walls to space-saving mounted designs, there are plenty of designer-approved solutions that seamlessly integrate a screen into your space.

But better yet, why not hide your TV altogether? From pop-up cabinets to clever art placement, there are plenty of ways to do it.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

It's no secret that the trend cycle moves quickly, and what may have been the height of fashion just last year can easily become old news in no time at all — and that's certainly the case with this particular kitchen finish.

Once the crown jewel for kitchens across the globe, according to Holte's Fiona Ginnett, as of this year, the curved kitchen edges trend is officially over. Once favored for its easy elegance, the past few years have seen designers and homeowners alike designing their kitchens around this one detail. There was a softness to the finish that set it apart from the average island design, a welcome departure from all the sharp edges and harsh lines that have long dominated the world of kitchen design.

However, in 2026, this trend may have already seen its last days. I asked the experts to break down exactly why the curved cabinet edge is no longer at the top of kitchen wishlists, and what they recommend doing instead.

Why the Experts Are Done With This Style

Now, let's start with the obvious: curved kitchen islands still look good. There's no denying it; they're elegant, chic, and understated. However, just because they look the part doesn't mean they're a worthy addition to your kitchen.

As Fiona explains, the visual effect of this kitchen feature has no bearing on why she no longer recommends the design: "Curved islands and cabinetry may create a striking visual statement, but they often come with significant drawbacks."

Often, when we discuss outdated kitchen trends, we're coming from a purely aesthetic standpoint; however, in this case, the problem stems from a place of functionality rather than looks. As we so often see with interior design trends, something will gain traction for its striking visual appeal, with little thought given to the logistics behind the design. And while this can be fine in some rooms, like your bedroom or living room, when it comes to your kitchen, form and function have to play equal roles.

The most significant downside of this design style is the issues it can present regarding your kitchen storage. In both large and small spaces alike, your storage is the backbone of your design, dictating how your space flows and how enjoyable it is to use. But, as Fiona points out, more often than not, a curved cabinet "can result in inefficient storage," explaining that "curved cupboards are notoriously difficult to organize and maximize."

Because of this, you'll find yourself needing to search for even more kitchen organizers and storage solutions, making your life far harder than it needs to be.

And this isn't the only issue. Fiona also notes that "they are disproportionately expensive to manufacture." You may not expect it, but a curved island can be quite a major addition to your kitchen renovation, and it requires far more planning and space than a regular kitchen island. So, if you're looking for budget kitchen ideas, you may be better off looking elsewhere.

... And What They're Doing Instead

"Instead, consider using vertical dividers or expressed joinery details to break up the cabinetry and create a more furniture-like feel," suggests Fiona.

A large driving force behind the curved corners trend is the desire to make your kitchen feel less clinical and more designed, transforming your islands and kitchen cabinets into pieces of furniture as opposed to purely functional features. But there are many ways to achieve this without compromising the usability of your space. Small but intentional features like expressed joinery can help elevate it without taking up any room or sacrificing storage.

"This approach adds character and refinement while maintaining practicality and making far better use of storage space," explains Fiona.

If you're still missing that curved effect, though, why not bring it in through your kitchen's finishing touches or your dining setup? Incorporating softer edges and rounded forms in your accessories can help build more dimension into your design and will counteract any harshness from your island.

Searching for a replacement for your vision of a curved kitchen island? This year's best kitchen island trends have got you covered.

And for the rest of your design inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter.

With each passing year, houseplants are bought further into the decorative fold and treated less as a final touch. Perhaps it's because we seek a sense of grounding indoors that can only be accomplished through exposure to foliage. Or maybe it's the fact that caring for an indoor garden can be so rewarding.

Either way, the tides have shifted yet again. And this year's houseplant trends speak to a main character moment for living decor. At the same time, there are a couple of outdated houseplant trends that need to be retired.

From moist gravel foundations and high-maintenance ferneries to blooming and failing flowers, poor feeding, and thoughtless planter styling — here's what we're not doing in 2026 anymore, and what to do instead.

1. Placing Nursery Pots on Moist Gravel

Kelly Dyer, Plant Doctor at Patch Plants, says that using a foundation of moist gravel to improve humidity is the first trend that needs to go. "In reality, this houseplant humidity myth hardly allows the moisture to rise more than a few centimeters," she says.

"The average humidity in most households should be absolutely fine for a wide range of houseplants, although well-insulated newbuilds can pose a challenge. However, if it's a problem, try increasing the humidity by grouping your plants."

She also suggests topdressing the soil with clay aggregate or LECA balls (like these Premium Clay Pebbles from Amazon), or opening the windows more, which regulates the humidity between indoors and out. You can also invest in a humidifier, like this Dreamwell Room Humidifier from BLUEAIR.

2. Styling Ferns Outside the Bathroom

"Ferns, particularly Boston ferns like Bertie from Patch Plants, may be old-fashioned, but they're still popular. However, while they may have worked in cool, draughty Victorian properties, they struggle in most modern homes," says Kelly.

"Except for when they are styled in the bathroom. So, forget trying to grow ferns on a pedestal in your living room or on a shelf in your bedroom. Instead, turn your bathroom into a fernery (as long as it has natural light)."

If you plan on it, this Asparagus Fern from Flowers & Plants Co. and this Bird's Nest Fern from Patch Plants.

3. Prioritizing Flowers Over Foliage

"Most houseplants sold as the flowering varieties, like jasmine and miniature roses, are seasonal. So, while you might buy them in bloom, they'll soon die back," says Kelly. "Instead, play with mixing and matching leaf shape, pattern, and color to create an eternal display."

Think structural houseplants mixed with cultivars with colorful leaves to add interest to your indoor garden. And if you must choose a flowering plant, opt for low-maintenance options like the peace lily or moth orchid.

Pippa the Peace Lily from Patch Plants, and this Phalaenopsis Formidablo Iguaza Falls from Crocus are my two favorites for the job.

4. Relying on Hydration Alone

You might think that quenching your garden's thirst is all there is to it. However, to truly help your houseplants thrive, feeding them is a must. "And, there's no need to buy multiple different ingredients to make your own houseplant compost these days," says Kelly.

"There are a multitude of houseplant-specific potting composts for a wide range of plants, including everything from orchids to jungle plants, cacti and succulents to citrus."

She explains that the key is to choose the right potting compost for your plant and steer clear of overpromising multi-purpose compost. "The result in choosing the latter is highly likely to be a fungus gnat infestation, as they thrive on the organic matter in this rich compost intended for outdoor plants."

Patch Plants' Jungle Potting Mix is ideal for an indoor garden with tropical houseplants. If you're growing indoor succulents or a cactus garden, this Miracle-Gro Peat-Free Compost is ideal.

5. Choosing Pots as an Afterthought

Picking a pot isn't just a choice you're making for today, but one you're making for the future of your plant, too. Pick something too small now, and while it might look good in the moment, you'll have to change it quickly, or risk your plant outgrowing it and suffering the consequences. Likewise, think whether you'd rather choose a pot with a saucer, if your watering style requires it, or else you'll end up with pots sitting on random plates as they get a soak, which can end up looking a mess.

"It's as much about the pot these days. We're talking color blocking, layering with pattern, and picking up tones that highlight your furnishings," adds Kelly.

"Indoor pots speak as loudly as plants. In which case, show them off and use them to your decorative advantage. Do away with old, boring or bland pots and pep up your collection."

And you can always go one step further and truly show off your collection through plinths, pedestals, and plant stands.

With your indoor space all taken care of, it's not too late to shift your attention outdoors. And our guide to this year's garden trends will set you in the right direction.

To keep up with the other trends dictating style this year, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

No matter how much square footage you're working with, living room layouts come with more limitations than we'd like. Once your sofa, coffee table, and accent chairs are in place, there's little room left to play with. That's why it's so important to avoid furniture mistakes that make your space seem even smaller.

Unfortunately, there's one layout mistake that designers notice time and time again, and it's one many of us are guilty of without even realizing. Admittedly, it's an instinctive furniture arrangement, so it's easy to understand why so many of us default to it. But if your living room feels compact, this common misstep is probably to blame.

Of all the mistakes to avoid in a small living room, this one is the most impactful. Here, designers explain why this layout choice works against your space, and the simple readjustment that will make your living room feel instantly larger, lighter, and more inviting.

The Design Decision That's Shrinking Your Space

If your modern living room looks smaller than it should, the first question designers ask to diagnose the problem is, "Have you pushed all your furniture against the walls?" Likely, the answer is yes. After all, making more space in the center of the room will surely make the area feel larger, right?

Wrong. As counterintuitive as it sounds, pushing your sofa, sideboard, and accent seating up against a wall will only result in a room that feels more cramped. Instead of opening the floor plan up as you might expect, it actually draws attention to the room's boundaries, making its dimensions seem more obvious.

"The quickest way to make a room feel disconnected, distant, and awkward is to push all of your furniture against the walls," explains Jennifer Wilson, founder and design principal of Jennifer J Interiors. "Not only does it create a sense of a room being disjointed when furniture elements are too far from one another, but it also feels stiff to sit in a piece of furniture that has no breathing room."

Visually, it can turn even the largest of blueprints into what feels like a small living room. "So many people assume that pushing your furniture against the walls of your living room creates more space, but in reality, it makes the room feel cramped, even if it’s large," notes Selena Reif, founder and principal designer of Selena Michele Interiors. "When the furniture is against the walls, everything feels squished in, even if it’s not."

The Simple Layout Shift to Make a Room Feel Larger

The good news? The solution is simple. Instead of pushing all your furniture to the edge of your room and shrinking your space as a consequence, designers all agree that floating your furniture is the best course of action. This simply means bringing your furniture away from the wall, rather than pushing it right up to it so it sits flush.

The key, says Jennifer, is to position furniture in a way that facilitates connection. "Think about having a catch-up with one of your close friends," she says. "When you’re interested and engaged in the conversation, what do you do? You lean in."

The same should go for your floor plan. Once you find a 'center' of the room (or for each seating zone within a larger space), you’ll naturally find yourself bringing furniture pieces off the walls and in toward one another. "Allowing your furniture a little breathing room always feels better and more relaxed," Jennifer explains. "That effortless ease gives a sense of the room being more spacious, even if it’s on the smaller side."

Underpinning this alternative furniture arrangement is a sense of airiness. Instead of creating empty space in the center of the room and adding "bulk" to the perimeter, floating your furniture will create natural pathways, both for the feet to navigate and for the eye to rest. "Even if there is just a small gap between your furniture and the wall, it gives the illusion of space that makes the whole room feel like an exhale," Selena explains.

The effect of floating your modern living room furniture is twofold. Not only does it give a room a more capacious feel, but it also gives it a more convivial one, too. "By bringing the furniture in, you create a space that’s much more conducive to conversation," says Alex Kinion, founder of the design studio Grounded Homes. "Even in a compact space, creating a path to walk through the room outside of the conversation circle creates the illusion of space, rather than having guests walk directly through the middle of the room."

How Much Space Should You Leave Between Furniture and the Wall?

So, you've settled on floating your furniture to avoid shrinking your space, but how big should the gap between your furniture and walls really be? The answer really depends on the size of your room, but as a minimum, Jennifer suggests four inches.

The specific measurement will come down to how big your living room really is. If you have a lot of space, consider positioning your sofa in the middle and zoning your seating around it. For smaller blueprints, a few inches will be sufficient.

As a rule of thumb, Selena suggests aiming for six to 18 inches as a happy medium. "Know that even a little space can make a big difference," she adds. "At best, I like to create enough space around furniture for walking behind it. This will give your room good circulation that makes it feel intentional."

When space is at a premium, every design decision matters. While pushing furniture up against a wall might seem like the obvious choice to maximize a living room, the reality says otherwise. By pulling furniture forward and creating much-needed breathing room, you create depth, flow, and help the room feel more balanced.

The best part? This simple trick for rearranging your furniture doesn't require a total redesign that could lead to the likes of sofa layout mistakes. All it takes is one easy tweak to make your room feel bigger, more intentional, and far more inviting.

Fukensei, translating to asymmetry or irregularity, is a notable theme in Japanese homes. And in 2026, with less performative, more lived-in spaces being the talk of the moment, it's an artful way to return visual interest to your home.

Rather than setting your life against overly perfected, comprehensively symmetrical rooms, fukinsei is a Japanese design principle that encourages you to experiment with subtle irregularities.

Think of it this way: if some of your living spaces are currently a mirror image when split down the middle, fukinsei will make it so that your design story is not so predictable. And here's how.

What Is Fukinsei?

"Fukinsei (不均整) is the Japanese aesthetic principle of asymmetry, rooted in Zen Buddhism," explains interior designer Yoko Kloeden. "In Zen thinking, symmetry and perfection imply completion — and completion implies an ending."

Yoko explains that something perfectly balanced has nowhere left to go. "Asymmetry, by contrast, suggests movement, growth, and the possibility of change," she adds.

"There is a phrase for this: the beauty of avoiding completion," Yoko continues. "What is perfectly ordered is, in a sense, static or close to death. What is deliberately uneven remains alive."

As a tenet of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, fukinsei has genuinely taken my apartment from simple to subtly striking. But how does it actually impact a space?

How Does Fukinsei Impact the Layout of a Room?

Symmetry is one of the most outdated interior design rules, and Japanese spatial planning has been ahead of the curve for a long time now. To better understand the impact of fukinsei in a typical Japanese home, Yoko draws attention to the tea room as the clearest example.

"In a chashitsu, duplication and symmetry are consciously avoided," she shares. "If there are fresh flowers, a painting of flowers is not permitted. If a round kettle is used, the water vessel must be angular."

"Even when a vase is placed in the tokonoma (alcove), it is never centered," Yoko adds, "purely because that would divide the space into two dead halves. Even the alcove's timber column is chosen from a different species than the room's other pillars, to break monotony."

She explains that every element is in tension with the others. "Not to the point of chaos, but in a way that feels dynamically balanced," she notes. "The tea room finds beauty in this fluid, indeterminate quality by introducing a composed incompleteness that keeps the eye gently engaged."

How to Bring Fukinsei into Your Interior Design

"Fukinsei is not randomness; it is considered imbalance," says Yoko. "In ikebana, stems are never arranged symmetrically; the composition relies on tension between mass and negative space."

"In bonsai and Japanese garden design, branches and rocks are placed to appear natural, which means deliberately avoiding regularity," she continues. "In traditional architecture, buildings within a temple complex are staggered rather than aligned on a central axis."

For a contemporary home, Yoko finds that fukinsei translates well into its layout. "A sofa placed off-center with a single armchair at an angle, rather than a matching pair flanking a fireplace, creates a room that feels more alive," she says. "Choose materials with individual character — a hand-thrown ceramic, an irregularly grained timber — over machine-perfect uniformity."

"When composing objects on a shelf, work in odd numbers and vary heights, leaving breathing space rather than filling every surface," she adds. "The goal is not imperfection for its own sake, but a quality of openness: spaces that feel composed yet unfinished, settled yet still becoming."

Shop Decor to Channel Fukinsei

FAQs

Is Fukinsei the Same as Wabi-Sabi?

Fukinsei isn't the same as wabi-sabi; however, it is one of the design principles that uphold it. Since wabi-sabi is about embracing the beauty in imperfection, fukinsei ties into this master principle by shining a spotlight on asymmetry.

Why Do Designers Avoid Perfect Symmetry?

Interior designers avoid decorating a space to showcase perfect symmetry for one key reason — it doesn't look real. Not everything stays in equilibrium all the time, including homes. So using subtle asymmetry can give the eye some interest to look forward to.

If you want to see the difference these Japanese principles of design can make to a home, tour this Glass Ridge House in Los Angeles.

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I’m all for a single-color drench to expand a space and celebrate the architectural features, and in some cases this is still a good route to take. But maybe, just maybe, the time has arrived for a little contrast in our kitchens — but the question is: should our kitchen cabinets match our wall colors?

We’re seeing more and more personalization in this main space of the home, and the more individual and unique we go, the more variety there is, and consequently, the design thrives.

But when it comes to kitchen color ideas and what we should and shouldn't contrast in this space, sometimes it pays to enlist the help of the pros. We reached out to kitchen experts and interior designers, and although the overarching answer is that kitchen cabinets and walls don't need to match, they should still feel connected — here's what they said.

Should Kitchen Cabinets Match Your Wall Colors?

In short, not entirely. While color drenching remains one of the most effective ways to create a sophisticated, cocooning effect, designers are beginning to take a more redefined approach in kitchens. Rather than painting every surface the same shade, many are introducing subtle shifts in tone and materials.

“We’re currently seeing a shift away from fully color-drenched kitchens toward more layered, balanced spaces,” says Richard Misso, creative director of The Stylesmiths. “While monochromatic schemes still create a beautiful sense of cohesion, many designers are now introducing subtle contrast through cabinetry, natural materials, stone surfaces, or tonal variations,” giving kitchens way more depth and personality.

This evolution feels particularly relevant in modern kitchens, which have become more expressive in recent years. Rather than striving for a perfectly uniform look, homeowners are creating combinations that feel curated and individual. The result is a softer form of contrast, one that may rely on texture, undertones, and materiality rather than a dramatic color clash.

As Richard explains, for 2026, it’s less about stark contrasts and more about nuanced palettes; we’re talking warm timber against soft plaster tones, muted cabinetry paired with richly veined stone, tonal colors that sit comfortably alongside one another. “Kitchens are becoming more expressive and tactile, rather than feeling overly uniform,” he says. This is an exciting move in the industry as people are coming around to creating their own works of art using the colors and materials they like, rather than playing it safe or choosing a palette based on somebody else's kitchen. The result is layered, lived-in, and ultimately more personal.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using One Color Throughout?

There is a reason color-drenching has remained a popular decorating technique. Painting walls and cabinetry in the same shade instantly creates a sense of cohesion, making a kitchen feel calm, intentional, and often larger than it actually is. Without visual interruptions, the eye travels more freely around the room, and this can be a great benefit, especially in smaller spaces.

It also becomes the canvas, allowing materials and craftsmanship to take center stage — stonework, timber grain, statement lighting, and other decorative details become the focus, rather than competing colors.

However, a matching scheme isn’t without its challenges. When every surface is the same color, kitchens can sometimes lack depth, more so when there isn’t enough variation in texture or finish; it can end up feeling rather flat. As Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, explains, matching cabinets and walls works well when there is already plenty of visual interest elsewhere in the room. If your walls are relatively neutral, introducing a different kitchen cabinet color can create a stronger focal point and add character.

For Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens, the enduring appeal of color-drenching lies in the atmosphere it creates. She says, “For us, the benefits are that color-drenching achieves a very serene look and feel to a room; it feels cosseting and enveloping, especially when done in a rich, dark, or moody paint color.” And while trends evolve, Helen believes the principle behind color-drenching has lasting appeal because it fundamentally changes how a room feels, creating a sense of elegant immersion.

She continues, “The all-encompassing color creates an atmosphere of calm where nothing is fighting for dominance. Limited color palettes make styling a room easier too; you can be much more selective, not necessarily keeping to that same color but being a little more restrained with your choices.” A rich, muted color on the walls and cupboards with flashes of crystal and copper is enough to create drama. Similarly, in a light colored kitchen, the constraints of using only natural, earthy colors help to instantly create a soft and mellow feel."

How to Create a Cohesive Scheme When Opting for Contrast

If you do make the decision to move away from a matching scheme, the secret is to ensure the contrast in design feels intentional. “The most successful contrasting kitchens still feel connected through an underlying palette or material story,” says Richard. “Rather than treating cabinetry and walls as completely separate elements, we like to create continuity through repeated tones, textures, or finishes throughout the space.”

This could mean pulling a cabinet color through into the stone veining, or repeating a timber finish in shelving and dining furniture, or selecting metals that bridge both sides of the palette. These small repetitions of detail help to emanate cohesion even when walls and cabinetry are two distinct colors.

The most contemporary approach is to work within the same tonal family rather than simply opting for opposites. Richard suggests thinking along the lines of warm olive green kitchen cabinets with soft mushroom walls, or warm greige plaster against charcoal joinery. Note how the colors are different enough to create depth and contrast, but also close enough to feel harmonious.

The answer for 2026 isn’t a hard yes or no. Designers aren’t abandoning color-drenching altogether, but they are moving beyond exact matches and curating a more expressive, layered palette.

In fact, creating a layered interior design scheme and layers in general seem to feature heavily in every article I write at the moment — but that's because they are key to curating something really special. Think cabinetry and walls that complement rather than blend seamlessly together, creating kitchens with depth, texture, and personality.

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While a beautifully considered tonal scheme might inherently seem more ‘luxurious’ in its restraint and elegance, a high-contrast palette often has the edge, where the designer has gone one step further to surprise and delight, as well as create a sophisticated interior.

"Luxury isn’t always about restraint; it’s about creating memorable moments", agrees interior designer Carina Raymond of Studio Raymond. But it requires confidence and balance to pull it off. Tonal schemes can provide an unrivalled sense of calm and visual cohesion, but need textural interest for that extra oomph to prevent them from feeling flat.

We asked interior designers to weigh up the pros and cons of both tonal and high-contrast palettes, as well as their tricks of the trade for selecting the most expensive-looking color schemes and getting the balance right, whether that’s a soft, tonal approach or a dramatic, richly layered interior.

How to Make High-Contrast Palettes Look Expensive

High-contrast rooms can create an extraordinary sense of drama and bring visual impact to a space when used well. "They immediately draw the eye and help highlight architectural details, beautiful joinery, or statement furniture pieces," says Carina Raymond.

The secret to making high contrast feel sophisticated rather than chaotic is to have an underlying thread that connects everything together. "Whether that's a repeated accent color, a consistent material palette, or a shared warmth throughout the scheme, there needs to be something creating cohesion behind the contrast," she explains.

Interior designer Laura Stephens suggests using combinations such as deep espresso with ivory, charcoal with plaster tones, or rich burgundy against pale neutrals, which can make a room feel instantly more elevated.

"The key is balance — contrast works best when there’s a clear visual hierarchy rather than too many competing colors," she advises. "I often use darker tones to ground a room — through cabinetry, joinery or statement furniture — while keeping surrounding elements softer and lighter to create tension and sophistication."

Having contrast also helps architectural details stand out beautifully. It can emphasize shape, silhouette, and craftsmanship in a way that tonal palettes sometimes soften, so if you’re blessed with stunning period features, a high-contrast palette is an excellent way to celebrate them rather than letting them blend into the background.

A high-contrast interior can make a room feel more curated and intentional. "When contrast is used strategically, it creates drama while still feeling sophisticated — one beautifully judged contrasting element will usually have far more impact than several competing colors," says Sophie Pringle, founder of Pringle & Pringle.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using High-Contrast Palettes

High contrast can be harder to get right because it leaves less room for error. Certain color combinations can feel jarring if they aren't carefully considered, and too many contrasting elements can make a room feel fragmented rather than cohesive — and there's nothing luxurious about that.

"It's also important to remember that contrast in design isn't only about color," says Carina. "Contrasting textures, shapes, and materials can often create a richer and more enduring sense of luxury than relying on striking color pairings alone.”

Carina also warns that not every bold color works well alongside another, and introducing too many elements can diminish the sense of luxury rather than enhance it. "My advice is always to choose one or two dominant contrasts and allow the rest of the room to support them," she says. "A luxurious interior should still feel harmonious, even when it's bold."

How to Make Tonal Palettes Look Expensive

If your aim is to create a sense of calm and visual cohesion, this is when a tonal scheme often comes into its own. When colors sit within the same family, your eye moves effortlessly around the room, which makes a space feel "considered and refined rather than busy," says Carina. It also allows the architecture, materials, and craftsmanship to take center stage rather than competing for attention.

The key is ensuring the scheme doesn't become flat. "We always layer different textures, materials, and finishes such as linens, velvets, textured wallpaper, natural timber, marble, and antique brass so there is plenty of depth and interest even when the color palette is restrained," she says. "Texture is what makes a tonal room feel luxurious rather than one-dimensional."

In terms of colors, Laura Stephens suggests mixing warm neutrals (oat, stone, caramel, chocolate) to prevent a room from feeling flat. "I love to use Paint & Paper Library’s color-graduated paint schemes for this, often using the darkest shade on the ceiling and a lighter tone on the walls,” she advises.

“Also vary the paint finish as much as the color itself — a matte limewash wall against a polished stone surface or soft upholstery against darker wood tones creates beautiful contrast without disrupting the serenity of the scheme," she adds.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using Tonal Schemes

The biggest challenge with a tonal palette is that it can feel cold, dull, or overly minimal if there isn't enough contrast or texture. "People often assume that using similar colors will automatically create sophistication, but without careful layering, a room can lose its sense of character," reveals Sophie Pringle.

"Even within a tonal room, there should still be moments that catch the eye and prevent the scheme from feeling overly controlled," she adds. "We always want a home to feel lived-in and personal rather than perfectly staged."

Laura warns that cooler grays in particular can become quite stark if they aren’t balanced with warmer undertones. "Lighting is also key to making tonal palettes feel luxurious," Sophie explains. "Adding layers of lighting — including wall, task, and low lighting — helps to create atmosphere and brings tonal interior schemes to life.”

Tonal schemes require more nuance than people expect. "Because the color variations are subtle, every material choice becomes more noticeable, so proportion, texture, and finish really matter," adds Sophie. "It’s often the quieter schemes that require the most careful consideration and curation."

Ultimately, the key to making a high-contrast palette look luxurious is less about making a statement and more about creating a point of delight within an otherwise balanced scheme. "Our advice is to start with a palette you know you'll love for years to come and then introduce color in a way that feels confident but measured," says Sophie. "A single unexpected accent can often create far more sophistication than an entire room filled with competing colors, as it’s given space to breathe if the surrounding palette is relatively controlled."

Carina adds that a sense of luxury isn’t really determined by whether a palette is tonal or high-contrast; it's about how thoughtfully the scheme is put together. "A beautifully layered tonal room can feel incredibly elegant and serene, whilst a high-contrast interior can feel rich, expressive and full of personality," she says. "The most successful homes are those where the palette reflects the people living there and feels authentic to the architecture of the space. That's ultimately what creates a sense of lasting luxury."

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