When you're on holiday, little compares to the feeling of returning to your hotel after a long day of exploring, only to be greeted by a bed with the duvet untucked, the scent of lavender, the lights dimmed, and a tiny mint chocolate on your pillow.

And so it got me thinking: why should I only experience this form of sleep luxury on vacation? And now that I've incorporated it into my wind-down routine, I can't imagine going to bed without creating an ambiance for rest first.

Not only does it help you sleep better, but it's also a satisfyingly organized way to get your bedroom (and yourself) ready for slumber. Here's how you can bring it into your own nighttime routine.

What Is a Turndown Service at Home?

"Having a nightly turndown routine might initially feel like a luxury, but once you continue this practice, you'll notice your body subtly starts to wind down more easily," says interior designer Lisa Morton.

"Removing your accent pillows, adjusting blankets and comforters, and misting a lavender scent on your pillow are all part of letting your body know that it's nearly time to rest," she continues. "What starts as feeling luxurious turns into impactful signs to your nervous system."

It's a dreamy way to romanticize your sleep routine while making an active effort to improve your bedroom etiquette, too. You can even end your turndown by drawing yourself a hot shower before bed. That way, your space is all set up with zero disruptions to hinder your calm vibe.

How Does a 'Turndown' Help You Sleep Better?

"Turndown is a signal," says Lauri Leadley, clinical sleep educator at Valley Sleep Center. "It’s a reminder that it’s time to prepare for bed. As a sleep educator, I’m always telling my patients to create an evening routine or ritual that prepares them — mind, body, and heart for a good night’s sleep."

She tells me the routine includes all the usual cues such as taking a warm bath or dark shower, shutting down devices, and getting into a comfy bed. She also recommends offline rituals like journaling, reading a book or magazine, practicing gratitude, praying or meditating, and telling your body it’s time to wind down and get the sleep it deserves.

"Doing this with regularity will become a routine you love, appreciate, and look forward to each night. Turning down your bed an hour or two before you get into it, just before the bath or shower, creates that shift to winding down and decompressing before bedtime," she explains.

"I like to do this because pulling the top blanket or duvet off the sheets also allows for a little air circulation, cooling down the linens and making it that much more comfy to climb into," Lauri adds.

On the other hand, I've also incorporated a morning reset for summer into my routine. It'll help you start the day off on a more organized note and help you beat the AM blues.

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Let’s face it, the rush to get ready for the day can be a stressful affair — even in the most beautiful bathroom. But we all know stress-free mornings can help set you up for a better day ahead, right? That’s why the best bathrooms are designed to soothe and de-stress at every time of the day, from morning to night.

So how to swap chaos for calm in the bathroom and get that Zen morning feeling every day? I asked the experts for their best modern bathroom ideas that can help beat the morning rush and get you off to a great start. "The way your bathroom feels first thing in the morning can have a real impact on the tone of the rest of the day," says interior designer Rebecca Hughes. "A calming space isn’t about luxury finishes, it’s about thoughtful design. Soft, layered lighting, uncluttered surfaces, and soothing colors that work together to create a sense of calm. And good storage should never be an afterthought."

So if you’re planning a bathroom renovation — or looking for a few thoughtful updates — here are five bathroom design habits the experts always use for a cool, calm, and collected morning. And relax...

1. Keep Visual Clutter Under Control

Walking into the bathroom and seeing surfaces cluttered with everyday essentials will instantly make a room feel chaotic. While the opposite — clear counters, concealed storage, generous vanity units — will keep visual clutter to a minimum and create a calm, uplifting mood. That’s why well-planned bathroom storage is one of the most important elements of the calm morning bathroom, and if possible should be planned from the start of any project.

"When everyday essentials have a dedicated place behind drawers and cabinetry, the room feels lighter and more peaceful, and your morning naturally follows suit," says Michelle Squire principal and founder of Studio SQUIRE. “We often design bathrooms with storage niches, generous vanities, and medicine cabinets. An added bonus is having hidden storage places for charging items such as electric toothbrushes in a medicine cabinet or vanity.”

For Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, a clutter-free basin area is top of the must-have list: “A vanity unit with well-configured drawers is probably the hardest working piece of furniture in the room. A mirrored cabinet is a close second, since it doubles up your storage without taking up any extra visual space.”

That’s not to say you can’t have anything on display because bathrooms that are too clinical and too functional won’t feel calm either. So a beautiful bottle of handwash or fluffy towels stacked at arm’s length will make your bathroom feel like a home, and a calm one at that.

"The simplicity of knowing where all the things you need are and not having to search for important things can make a huge difference in experiencing a calm morning," adds Michelle.

2. Install Lighting That Eases You Into the Day

Bright, functional lighting is useful when applying make-up or getting ready, but it isn’t always what you want first thing in the morning. And like other rooms in the house, harsh overhead lights can make your bathroom feel clinical and uninviting.

"The calmest mornings start before you’ve properly flicked on a switch," says Lisa Hensby, founder and creative director at Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio. "Harsh overhead light at 6am jolts your whole system awake, so I always wire bathrooms on more than one circuit: a soft, low glow for early starts and brighter task light at the mirror for when you’re getting ready. It’s a decision you make at first fix, long before the tiles go on. Get it right and the room meets you gently instead of shouting at you."

The key is a layered lighting scheme to gently ease you from sleep to morning wake up. That means installing a range of different lights (such as wall sconces and task lighting around mirrors) at different heights that can be switched on or off independently. And dimmable light fixtures are a non-negotiable if you want a calm morning mood say the experts.

To create the calmest morning bathroom, interior designer Laura Hammett recommends a combination of dimmable wall sconces, luminous alabaster fixtures, and delicate frosted glass elements plus discreet LED strips tucked beneath floating vanities and within architectural details.

3. Treat the Shower as a Ritual

We all know that familiar morning drill: jump under the shower for an invigorating blast of water to wake you up and then head straight out. But if you want to start the day on a calmer note, your shower routine should be part of a slower morning ritual.

"Start by thinking how you want your shower to feel: spa-like and cocooning or light and invigorating," says West One Bathrooms' Louise Ashdown. "Good lighting, warm neutrals and storage niches all help the shower to feel calm and considered rather than purely functional."

Look for different shower set ups that suit your different needs. An overhead rainfall shower head will feel spa-like and immersive while hand showers are flexible and practical. Thermostatic shower valves and smart temperature features mean the water comes out at the right temperature every time.

It’s these smaller bathroom design habits that add up to a calm morning space for your real life routines. "Water-saving shower technology has also come a long way," adds Louise. "Aerating showerheads mix air into the flow so you get the same pressure and feel, just with less water behind it, which means you can happily linger a little longer without the guilt."

4. Choose Warm, Natural Materials

Once a classic go-to, the all-white bathroom has now undergone something of a transformation. Because while bright whites and shiny surfaces still equal hygiene and cleanliness, the minimalist bathroom can also feel stark, clinical, and functional — not the look for a calm and restorative morning bathroom routine.

Instead, designers are favoring a warmer, more natural aesthetic with a shift to soft earthy colors and feel-good textures. "Stone, timber, textured porcelain, marble, and warm, metallic finishes can all introduce depth and tactility," explains Connor Warren, design consultant at Ripples Beaconsfield. "They make the bathroom feel more like a room within the home and less like a purely functional space."

That’s not to say you should get rid of your white bath and basin because all-white sanitaryware will always be a timeless choice. But you can easily soften the look with lightly textured tiles, brushed brassware, and a palette of muted green, soft brown, and terracotta tones. The result is a calm and cohesive backdrop that can make a huge difference in experiencing a calm morning.

5. Design an Ergonomic Layout

A calm bathroom should feel effortless to use, so avoid bathroom layouts where doors, drawers, and shower screens compete for space and make your room feel crowded. "I think thoughtful layouts are often overlooked," says Michelle Squire. "Even something as simple as having enough room to move comfortably, a bench to pause for a moment, or a little breathing room between fixtures can make a morning feel noticeably more relaxed."

And don’t worry if you have a small bathroom, even a compact space can feel calm when you know how. "Wall-hung furniture and toilets can open up more visible floor area, helping the room feel less cramped and easier to clean," adds Waleed Shahid at Royal Bathrooms. Free up space for a bigger walk-in shower and linger longer under the warm stream of water for a Zen-like start to the day.

If you’ve got the budget, investing in a few smart bathroom tech features is another way to create calm in the bathroom. Customized shower controls, integrated lighting in shower heads, demister functions, easy clean glass, and a steam shower work quietly in the background to promote relaxation and ease you into the day.

"I always spec whisper-quiet fans so you get the mirror clearing and moisture control benefits without adding noise to a room that’s supposed to be the calm part of your morning," adds John Maloney McNamara founder and principal designer at Coosa.

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I know, I know, choosing the right rug is already a hard decision. Do you want a flatweave or a soft, high-pile floor covering? Do you want a bold color or a timeless neutral? There is a lot to consider, and not to muddy the water any further, but have you ever considered whether a rug should be lighter or darker than your floors?

In all honesty, whether your rug should be lighter or darker than your floors is pretty dependent on the mood you are going for and the color scheme you are working with. As interior designer Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design says, "I wouldn't get too caught up in whether the rug 'should' be lighter or darker than the floor. There really isn't one right answer." It's more important to consider the overall balance of the room and, again, the mood you're trying to create. "Sometimes the rug should quietly blend in and create continuity. Other times, it can be the element that grounds the entire space," adds Vanessa.

Ultimately, it's about listening to what the room is calling for. So before you throw your favorite rug trends out the window in efforts to follow the 'right' decorating rules, here's how designers decipher whether a light or dark rug is better for your space. By narrowing down the factors that do or don't work for your room, choosing the best rug becomes easier.

When to Use a Rug That's Darker Than the Floors

Again, when it comes to the light versus dark debate, there really isn't a hard-and-fast rule for how to choose a living room rug, bedroom rug, or dining room rug.

That said, generally, a darker rug can really help make a space feel more intimate and grounded. "I tend to gravitate toward darker rugs in spaces where we want a little more intimacy and depth," says Vanessa Alexander.

For example, living rooms and dining rooms would look stunning with a darker rug covering the floor. Not only are these spaces typically hosts to conversation and a cozy atmosphere, but they are high-traffic. Dark rugs in high-traffic rooms will hide dirt and daily wear-and-tear better.

There is also a sense of richness that a dark rug can provide. Tapping into the moody oxblood or chocolate brown color trend with your choice of rug will instantly cocoon a room in warmth and style — especially if you want to balance out an otherwise light room.

"A dark rug gives the furniture something to sit against visually," adds Venetia Rudebeck, London-based interior designer and co-founder of Studio Vero. "It's about looking at the balance of the entire space rather than the floor in isolation."

When to Use a Rug That's Lighter Than the Floors

A common misconception about a rug that's lighter than the flooring is that it won't be as cozy or grounding. In reality, adding any rug to a space will bring an elevated comfort — nothing beats a soft place for your feet to land.

But from a design standpoint, "a lighter rug can help a room feel more open and airy," says Vanessa. Say you want a cozy living room, but you don't necessarily want to weigh down the palette with a dark tone. A light-colored rug would be a perfect addition — especially in a short-shag pile. Plus, "If a room already has lots of darker, heavier furniture or receives less natural light, a lighter rug can bring some lift and softness," adds Venetia.

Lighter rugs can also be fabulous bedroom rug ideas, as they keep that sense of breezy serenity. "It's all about what the room is asking for, the feeling you want the space to have, and how the rug works within the larger composition and overall mood," says Vanessa.

And 'light' doesn't have to mean white. A rug that's lighter than the flooring can still be something like a beautiful light blue or soft yellow. Never be afraid to introduce color. Or, for that matter, texture.

"A light jute rug is a brilliant opportunity to introduce another layer to a space, so rather than simply asking whether it should be lighter or darker than the flooring, we look at what might be missing from the room as a whole," Venetia says. And usually it's another layer of tactile material.

Whether you choose a rug that's lighter or darker than your floors is really about balancing everything — the furniture, fabrics, materials, flooring, paint, and, of course, the light. "Ultimately, I wouldn’t start with the rule 'lighter or darker than the floor'. I'd ask: What does this room need? Does it need warmth, softness, texture, contrast, or something to ground it? The rug should answer that question," says Venetia.

The most timeless rug choice will be the one that speaks to the design of the room as a whole. And for more inspiration like this, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

As a home wellness writer, I strongly believe that a bed benefits from minimalism for a more soothing atmosphere. But for some reason, around this time of year, I feel the need to spice things up a bit — and patterned quilts are an underrated way to do so.

With traditional patterns and ornate trim being some of the biggest bedding trends this year, it makes sense to lean into these indulgent layers. Especially since many beds treat patterned quilts as a decorative finish rather than a fabric to tuck into.

So I spoke to an interior designer for some advice on how to style them and rounded up the coolest designs to match an array of interior aesthetics.

How Do You Style Patterned Quilts?

"Everyone spends their styling budget on the headboard and pillows and completely forgets the quilt is the biggest single surface in the room," says interior designer Alana Marie. "I used a blue denim patchwork on the sofa bed in a tiny 500-square-foot cabin at Paradise Cove (pictured above) for exactly this reason."

"It brought color and history to the room without adding a single extra object," she adds. "A patterned quilt on a bed does the same job. It adds warmth and a sense of story that minimal bedding just can't."

She tells me that dressing a bed with a vintage or artisan-patterned quilt lets you layer in a few solid pillows and a textured throw without the room feeling busy, because the pattern's already doing the heavy lifting. So if you're as drawn in by these plush coverlets as we are, here are some cool designs to shop.

Another trend that's twisting traditionalism to fit contemporary interiors is bed valances. They frame the base of your bed and elevate the space you sleep in.

And for more design advice, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

If there's one design tool that doesn't get half as much credit as it deserves, it's paint. We all know that color can completely transform a room, but used with intention, it can also have some miraculous illusory effects. From creating the impression of height to mimicking architectural features that aren't really there, the right paint treatment can completely transform how we read a space.

White walls are usually the default — and no one's denying their timeless, versatile staying power — but they can sometimes leave a home feeling bland. That's especially true when your home lacks period features or other distinctive architectural details, as is often the case in new builds or former social housing. The good news? By playing around with contrast, color, and clever paint finishes, you can fake them.

To find out how, we spoke to color consultant Joa Studholme — who also works as the color curator at Farrow & Ball — to round up some of her most transformative paint ideas.

And if you want to learn what other tricks Joa has up her sleeve, she's holding two talks during Livingetc Unlocked, our two-day event running across 10-11 September, where we'll be showcasing some of the best London homes and hosting talks with leading designers. Tickets are on sale now.

1. Use a Darker Shade or a Gloss Finish to Fake Architectural Depth

One the easiest paint tricks is creating the optical illusion of architectural depth. Darker, receding colors are often best for this — especially in small spaces — since they make a wall or feature look further away than it is.

Although an excellent paint trick for smaller rooms, it doesn't simply apply to larger surfaces like walls. Joa Studholme often opts for a darker shade on any woodwork and in door or window reveals to create definition.

A contrast of paint finishes can have a similar effect. This is because matt finishes visually recede since its non-reflective surface absorbs light, rather than bouncing it back. Gloss, on the other hand, works in the opposite way.

You can use the two together to visually divide a wall and create the illusion of architectural panelling, for example. "Use a high gloss finish on the bottom meter of a wall and skirting boards, with the same color in a matt finish above it," says Joa.

2. Use Two-Tone Walls to Mimic Moldings

Most modern homes don't have molding details like corning, skirting, or picture and dado rails. Of course, you can retro fit these features, but you can also fake them pretty well with paint alone (plus they double up as excellent ideas for leftover paint).

"If you take the ceiling color around 12 inches down the wall, it creates a modern interpretation of cornicing and makes a room feel super cozy," says Joa. "A simple split of color on a wall (without a dado rail) also has huge impact on a space, making it feel bigger and lighter, especially if you use a strong color on the bottom and a more delicate shade above." For extra impact, you can also extend the lower color around doors and windows, as pictured above.

3. Use a Contrastive Color to Create a Focal Point

We often fail to recognize archway reveals, skylight shafts, or chimney breasts as architectural features. They might not be as decorative as period details or decorative plasterwork, but with a lick of paint, they can still become a striking visual part of your home's design.

These areas are also great places to make use small amounts of paint if you have sample pots lying around you're not sure what to do with. "Look for non obvious areas where you can use small amounts of color to distract from the walls," Joa advises, noting that the interior of skylights work really well.

Although it will require more paint, another overlooked area that's often overlooked is the floor. "Painting floors has a magical effect," Joa explains. "Use pattern if you want a substitute architectural feature or a plain color if you want to make spaces feel bigger." It will take some commitment, but paint can be used to mimic borders, faux parquet, and checkerboard tiles on a floor, for example.

4. Use Color to Define and Divide Open-Plan Spaces

Modern, open concept homes often lack distinct zones, but paint can play a great part in visually carving out separate areas. To zone a room with color, Joa recommends drawing attention to any feature that distinguishes one area from another. "For example, a strongly colored accent on an architrave or opening can really help to divide spaces, as can defining lines on the edges of doors," she says.

You can use paint to create the illusion of a miniature room in an open plan layout, too. "Always seek out the darker areas with no natural light and then lean into it with strong color, making the lighter spaces feel light and the darker dark," Joa explains. "This is such an easy way to divide a space."

5. Blur Sharp Corners by Color-Drenching

One of the downfalls of new builds and ex social housing is how basic and utilitarian they feel. They typically feature boxy rooms devoid of architectural details, with sharp, sterile corners that feel soulless. Fortunately, color-drenching offers a great way to blur those hard edges and make a featureless room feel architecturally softer.

"Color drenching can works miracles in featureless spaces because you can't read the confines of the room, meaning that the sharp corners disappear," Joa explains. When committing to a painted ceiling, however, the color choice is vital. Darker shades — or those with a smoky undertone — are often more effective, adding depth and dimension to your ceiling line which will change throughout the day with the natural light.

You don't need to retrofit architectural moldings or carve out alcoves to give your home more character. With a little imagination — and a willingness to experiment with color, contrast, and finish — paint can do far more than simply decorate your walls. From fake cornicing and dado rails to creating focal points, these clever tricks can give even the most featureless room a sense of depth, detail, and personality.

For more paint ideas and expert decorating advice, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Not every garden is blessed with abundant space. From short and wide to tall and thin, gardens come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know how to maximize your space and elevate your design, no matter the shape.

So you've got yourself a narrow garden? Often seen in more urban areas, especially in Victorian and Edwardian properties, long narrow gardens may seem tricky at first, but with the right treatment, they’re a dream for a keen gardener — especially if you’re a bit indecisive!

One of the most common questions asked is 'how can I make a small garden look bigger?' After all, no one wants their garden to feel cramped, especially if your interior is a squeeze. With help from the experts, we’re going to shed some light on the tricks designers use to draw the eye around a space and give narrow gardens that airy illusion. So, here's what to do.

1. Section Your Space

If you’ve inherited a garden that’s more post-apocalyptic wasteland than botanical beauty, don’t panic. Blank narrow gardens are more common than you may think, especially with first-time buys. But according to designers, it’s actually a great place to start. From here, you can conquer the all-important layout.

Layout is the foundation of every design, but particularly in narrow gardens. To create the illusion of width, you need to break up the length into smaller sections. “Zoning is one of the most effective ways to make a narrow garden feel wider and more spacious,” says expert garden designer Kitti Kovacs. “Rather than allowing the eye to take in the entire garden at once, I like to create a sense of journey, with different areas gradually revealed as you move through the space.”

Turns out, seeing the end of your garden is a big no-no for high-end designs; as Kitti points out, “Even in a large garden, if everything is visible at first glance, we can lose interest quickly. A successful garden layout should always invite exploration.”

Instead, designers strive to break up the linear space with contrasting curves and shapes. Garden and plant expert Julian Palphramand adds, “Anything that breaks up a straight run helps a narrow garden. Curved beds, angled paths, and planted stopping points stop the eye racing to the end. It’s a simple way to take the corridor feel out of the space."

To figure out a section’s starting points, Kitti advises paying close attention to your garden’s surroundings. “It also helps to blur the division between the garden and its surroundings,” says Kitti. “Existing trees in neighboring gardens can be treated as a borrowed backdrop and incorporated into the overall composition. When boundaries are softened with planting, it becomes less clear where the garden begins and ends, making the space feel considerably larger.”

2. Frame Your Plants with Fencing

Just as a paint color affects an interior, the same can be said for garden fences. If you’ve got a long-narrow garden, chances are you’re looking at a lot of fencing, so a replacement may be out of budget. But one of the real perks of fencing is how drastically it can be changed just with a lick of paint.

Now comes the all-important question — what fence color makes a garden look bigger? Kitti recommends something dark. “I would focus less on making the fence a feature and more on helping it visually recede,” she says. “Dark, muted colors such as charcoal, deep olive, soft black, or earthy brown work particularly well because they create depth and allow foliage and flowers to stand out."

That said, the end boundary can be treated differently, she adds. "A slightly lighter tone, a focal feature, or generous planting can visually bring it closer, helping the garden feel less like a corridor and more balanced in proportion.”

If you have money to invest in your fencing, head for the horizontal fence panels. “Horizontal fencing can also help the garden feel broader,” says Julian, adding that fence climbers such as “clematis, climbing roses, or espalier fruit trees, can make the boundaries start to feel much softer.”

And experts agree that if you’re able to invest, horizontal fence panelling will give an illusion of a much wider design. Kitti adds, “Horizontal battens can also make the space feel broader, especially when softened with layered planting, climbers, or trained shrubs. However, the pattern should remain simple; too many decorative panels or contrasting colors can draw attention to the narrow shape.”

Designer Vicky Lincoln adds that, "Fencing is really important for a narrower garden, especially as you can’t hide it behind a three-meter garden border. Horizontal slated fences work really well. If you can go custom, choose really wide boards. It really does change the proportions, and it acts like a piece of art in itself.”

3. Use Large Plants for Sectioning

Just because your garden is on the narrower side doesn’t mean you have to shy away from larger trees and shrubs. That’s the beauty of a sectioned design. Simply position the trees in between sections, and you'll form a beautiful natural barrier that creates shade and vertical interest.

Kitti Kovacs thinks trees and shrubs have a well-earned place in a design, and shouldn’t be overlooked in a narrow garden. “Used carefully, they can add drama, structure, and a sense of maturity that smaller plants alone may struggle to achieve," she adds. "They encourage the eye to travel upwards, rather than focusing on the narrow boundaries."

The same principle can be applied to bare new-build gardens, too. A new garden full of small plants can often feel incomplete. It’s the addition of larger shrubs and trees that make a design feel established and like it’s always been there, plus they’re great at creating movement and curves in a design.

But which trees and shrubs work best for narrow gardens? "I like to include one or two well-positioned small to medium-sized specimen trees, particularly varieties with elegant forms, light canopies and strong seasonal interest," says Kitti. "Acers, Amelanchier lamarckii, Sorbus, Cercis canadensis, multi-stemmed Himalayan birches, and flowering cherry trees are all excellent examples. They create attractive focal points, make the garden feel established, and can provide welcome dappled shade during increasingly hot summers.”

And then there are the plants worth avoiding in narrow gardens.“Scale and placement are crucial," says Kitti. "I would avoid very large trees with dense canopies or vigorous root systems, as they may overwhelm the garden, block valuable light, and create deep shade.”

Julian Palphramand agrees: “Too many bulky plants will crowd the space,” he says. “In a narrow garden, balance is everything.”

4. Plan Your Paths

The path to a perfect narrow garden design never runs straight — literally. Straight lines are a dimension-killer for narrow gardens and, according to the experts, will only make the space feel more boxy. The answer? Curved paths.

“An interesting path can also change how the space is perceived," says Kitti. "A gently meandering route draws the eye from side to side rather than straight towards the end boundary, helping the garden feel broader and create a sense of journey.”

Vicky Lincoln agrees, adding that garden paths and paved patio areas can actually play a big part in distracting your eye. “We really try and use shapes," she says. "We don’t want pathways that just run straight up the center. You don’t want to be able to measure the space with your eyes, so we use things like diagonals or zigzags, or even diamond-shaped patios to trick the eye.”

Natural path materials, like limestone slabs, are great for nestling inside a lawn. The darker tones of the grass contrast beautifully against the light stone — perfect for more contemporary or Japanese-inspired garden designs. Or, if cottage-core is more your vibe, gravel paths can feel more traditional. Just be sure to edge your gravel path well and provide a physical barrier against any grass, otherwise, you'll be sweeping spilled pea shingle all summer.

Though narrow gardens can seem a disadvantage, with the right design treatment, they can be made to look twice the size. Each section — or 'room' as designers like to call them — offers a chance to explore a new design feature. A cut flower patch in one section, a fruit and vegetable garden in another, a Japanese-inspired water feature in the next? The world is your oyster!

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I'd never dare to look in anyone's sock drawer, but you will absolutely find me by your bookshelf. Considering I fashion my shelves with all of my latest reads and special classics that have a permanent place in my bookcase, I'm always intrigued to read between the lines of someone else's literary stylings.

So, I spoke to psychologists to better understand people who display lots of books at home. And it turns out that people who style a bookcase with abundance tend to share some traits.

From designing homes to function as an extension of their identity and valuing curiosity to fostering an emotional relationship with meaningful design, here's what they had to say.

1. Their Homes Function as an Extension of Their Identity

"People with large collections of books will likely view their homes in a much broader sense than just as places to rest," says Dr. Shannon Franklin, licensed psychologist at Element Q Healing Center.

"Their homes may tell people about them and what type of person they are. Books can symbolize our hobbies, beliefs, experiences, and periods of time. In this way, a fully stocked bookcase is an expression of that individual's own autobiography in his or her home."

Whether it's the introspective nature of Arundhati Roy, the social exploration of Yomi Adegoke, or the influence of imperfection from Coco Mellors, a person's bookshelf wealth pulls the curtain back.

2. They Value Curiosity and Ongoing Discovery

"Environmental psychology research has found that we leave 'footprints' in our living environments," says licensed psychologist Dipesh Patel. "These footprints become cues that reflect our identities. And my observation from this is that someone who has lots of books on display might be very open to learning new ideas or having new experiences."

Shannon also finds that a big library represents a desire for lifelong learning as well as an opportunity to find new ways to look at and learn about things. "Some people may have many more books than they could read in their lifetime," she notes.

"However, simply having them available and accessible in beautiful book storage will help create an environment that fosters curiosity and encourages individuals to pursue the study of other topics and areas."

3. They Have an Emotional Attachment to Meaningful Design

"Household objects such as books are special in the way they may represent both intellectual and emotional connections to the past," Shannon explains. "A specific book for one person could be associated with their childhood, a relationship, a vacation, or a significant stage of personal development."

She also tells me that some people see books on display as being a source of familiarity and continuity, thus creating a home feeling when they visit. It's an integral part of lore-building interiors that read like a wall of memories.

The way we design our homes and how often we do so says so much about the way we live in them. And it turns out there are some shared habits between people who frequently rearrange their furniture, too.

To learn more about your interior design personality and how it impacts your life at home, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Have you ever walked into a garden and instantly felt unwelcome in the space? More often than not, this is a simple disconnect in furniture placement that majorly alters the al fresco ambiance.

According to garden Feng Shui, positioning your furniture so that the backs of your chairs face the entryway to your backyard is tampering with the free-flowing energy of this space.

So, if your outdoor living room finds itself in a similar layout, here's what you can do to fix the harmony of your garden.

Which Direction Should Your Outdoor Seating Face for Feng Shui?

"For good Feng Shui, the outdoor seating should be positioned in such a way that you are in command position," says Feng Shui practitioner Marina V. Umali. "Essentially, this means your back should be protected, so it should have the fence, the house, and plantings behind it."

Ideally, Matina adds, all your garden furniture should be facing the entry to the yard or the door. "This way you see who’s coming in and you can welcome them," she explains. "With the seating facing towards them rather than the back of the seating, they will feel invited and welcome."

Which Direction Should You Avoid Facing Outdoor Seating for Feng Shui?

According to Marina, one of the biggest garden Feng Shui mistakes you can make is facing your furniture so that anyone who enters sees your back first. This disrupts the path for energy to flow and creates an unbalanced space.

Arranging your outdoor furniture in a way that naturally disrupts movement through the space is another mistake that can impact the harmony of your backyard. Once you rethink your furniture placement, you'll instantly notice a shift in the way this space opens out to you and your guests.

If you're already planning for the crisp, cool fall months, knowing where to place your fire pit for Feng Shui is next. And why not sign up for more interior advice through the Livingetc newsletter while you're at it?

In an interior design world defined by words like 'stylish', 'chic', and 'elevated', our homes are ultimately still ours to live in and enjoy. So in the sea of ever-changing trends, designing a space that feels personal to you and reflects your individual taste is the real shortcut to curating a space that stands out. Easier said than done, though, right? How can you really balance character and still be stylishly contemporary?

These days, inspiration is at our fingertips. The drawback, though, is that we can get too caught up in designing the 'perfect' home and lose track of the individuality that makes it special. 'Copycat interiors' will never look as good as the real deal. "To let someone into your home is an act of vulnerability," trend forecaster Rebecca Goesling, director of design at Goesling Group, shares. "Instead of shying away from that openness with an armor of tastefully curated objects, embrace it."

"Personal art, storied belongings, and more are like olive branches, inviting visitors to ask questions and build connections," she adds. So, when planning your next refresh, try not to follow interior design trends just because they caught your eye while scrolling. If you want your home to feel personal, collected, and different from everyone else, these are three things Rebecca says to avoid at all costs.

1. Things That Lack Color

First and foremost, things that lack color can easily give your home a sense of monotony and ambiguity. Sure, there are lots of ways to make minimalism in interior design more personal, but it's a slippery slope.

As Rebecca Goesling says, "The 'Quiet Luxury' trend or 'Stealth Wealth' tends to vilify color as unsophisticated and childish. Unfortunately, this has left us with indistinguishable homes of equally good but bland taste." We then fear decorating with color for its perceived trendiness. "The bolder a color, the more memorable it is, making it more likely to define a specific moment and therefore more likely to fall out of fashion," Rebecca explains.

However, this is also color's superpower. It's like the timed versus timeless design debate — a bold but characterful color choice can guarantee that a space stays with you long after you leave, connecting you to the senses and to people that occupy it. And that's what modern color trends are all about: choosing shades that are rich and characterful, but that have a liveable quality.

To incorporate rich colors without falling prey to fad cycles, "consider hues born from nature. Colors rooted in tangible resources such as lapis lazuli or ochre carry inherent value alongside a striking presence," says Rebecca.

2. Books You Won't Read

Next, you should never style your coffee table, mantel, or bookshelves with books that hold no meaning. As a design-lover myself, I must admit that I love a good-looking coffee table book as much as the next person — something that adds to the visual landscape. However, when you are choosing your books for aesthetics only, they will never lead to a space that feels truly personal.

"As literacy falters, the pretty coffee table book (see “St. Tropez Soleil”) is no longer just banal; it is almost threatening," says Rebecca. Books contain more depth than their cover and deserve to be treated as more than simple decoration. "They have the potential to tell a story of their readers' preferences, hurdles, and discoveries," adds Rebecca.

So, rather than displaying books that signal taste, set out novels, memoirs, and magazines (ahem, Livingetc) that start conversation. A bookshelf styled with your favorite books, thrifted pieces, and mementos from travels will always create a more collected display. "The more loved, the better," says Rebecca.

3. Too Many Machine-Made Textures

"While the boom in tactile surfaces is a delightful change from our all matte or gloss past, the consistency in machined surfaces can fall flat," says Rebecca. For instance, decking out a room in shiny chrome accessories will probably end up feeling too sterile, or swinging the other way and introducing a teddy material on all of your upholstery can also read as too homogeneous.

To break up the monotony, consider introducing handmade, timeworn, or living finishes with unexpected imperfections. "From heat-sensitive coatings to handcrafted carvings, these curiosities demand further examination," says Rebecca. Think carved wood details, like the dimpled wood trend.

Learning how to thrift different materials and mix them with new textiles is another way to create balance. It's about creating a story that feels personal and specific to you.

Finding the balance of contemporary decor that speaks to you and collected personal belongings is the key to a well-decorated space. However, avoiding these buys will help you avoid falling victim to overused design trends.

For more inspiration, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

There are fewer moments of design heartbreak that hurt more than when you actually put in the effort to clean your furnishings, but you're left with visible regrets in the shape of droopy water marks. And especially where linen sofas are concerned, this is a common problem.

In fact, it's something editor Hugh Metcalf is dealing with right now, and asked me for some advice. "I recently bought a linen-covered armchair," Hugh explains, "but it's clearly not any sort of 'performance linen'. Now, any time a trace of moisture goes near it, I find myself left with another water stain on the material."

It's simply not enough to just know how to clean a sofa, but also to understand the intricacies of each material. So, I asked a cleaning expert for tips on how to avoid water marks when deep cleaning or spot-fixing a linen sofa or chair.

And believe it or not, it hinges on the way you dry your upholstery. But first, here's a closer look at how to clean linen furnishings and what you'll need.

What You'll Need

The things you need to clean your couch fabric will vary depending on the material and its sensitivity. With breathable fabrics like linen, Iryna Balaban, cleaning specialist at Elite Maids, tells me this is what you'll need.

TOOLS:

• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment, like this Lift Away NV602UK Upright Vacuum Cleaner from Shark.
• White microfiber cloths, like these AIDEA Microfibre Cleaning Cloths from Amazon.
• pH-neutral, linen-safe upholstery cleaner — I like this Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Spray from Furniture Clinic.
• Soft bristle brush, like this Soft Bristle Brush from Fabricoat.
• Distilled water — I recommend using these Small Water Spray Bottles from VEXPLO.

How to Clean a Linen Sofa

"First, I thoroughly vacuum the upholstery to remove loose dust, crumbs, etc. This removes the possibility of rubbing dirt into dampened fabric and makes staining worse," says Iryna.

"When removing stains from upholstery, I test the cleaning solution on a hidden area before applying it to the stained area to be certain that it does not discolor or alter the texture of the fabric."

As opposed to spritzing the fabric with cleaning solution, Iryna recommends lightly moistening a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution to gently blot the stained area from the outer edge of the stain toward the inner edge to prevent it from traveling further.

"Once I have cleaned the stained area, I take another lightly dampened clean microfiber cloth and remove any remaining residue," she adds. "Then I blot the area with a dry towel and let it sit in a well-ventilated space."

How to Avoid Water Marks

"When water marks occur, they generally result from uneven evaporation of moisture or from only a small portion of the fabric becoming wet. These are common sofa cleaning mistakes that can easily be avoided," Iryna explains.

"Therefore, instead of soaking just one small section of fabric, I would clean as much of the fabric as possible with as little moisture as possible. In addition to using less water, I use distilled water over tap water. That's because tap water contains minerals that often create visual residue when dried on natural fibers."

Finally, she recommends drying the fabric evenly by increasing airflow with fans or open windows. "I'd also avoid direct heat, which can cause rapid evaporation, resulting in obvious water marks."

In the meantime, I also recommend looking out for design mistakes that make your living room harder to clean. And for more interior care advice, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Living in a period property comes with many advantages. The obvious? Inherent character and interesting architectural details. While they reveal the era, these aren't typically the things that 'date' older homes. However, there are other aspects that do.

Lifestyles change significantly throughout the decades, and depending on the period your home was built in, numerous elements will have been modified along the way. It's often these more recent additions that date a property the most.

Whether your home has already had a kitchen extension, a bathroom refit, or is due a refresh, there could be subtle signs that are dating it.

We've asked designers what the essential upgrades are and how best to modernize during a renovation. Discover what they said.

1. Clunky Spotlight Grids

Of course, few who live in period properties live with the original forms of illumination. Oil lamps, anyone? Subsequently fitted types of lighting fixtures often require updating.

Grids of glaring spotlights are one such feature. Popular with developers flipping period properties for a quick sale during the boom, these dated fixtures frequently appear in older homes.

"Historically, people placed downlights in a grid without considering the way a space is furnished and how it should be lit," says John Law, creative director of interiors at Woodhouse & Law. "It not only smacks of a basic developer spec, but the effect is that the room is washed with a universally bright light."

John acknowledges that recessed downlights have their use, but he recommends carefully editing out the fittings you don’t need. "Consideration should be given to the furniture layout and which features should be lit for decorative purposes, as well as where task lighting is needed for food prep or reading for example," he says.

It's not just spotlights installed in a grid formation that look outdated, the fittings can too. As technology has advanced, trims on recessed lighting, have become far sleeker.

"Swivelling ceiling fixtures that are larger than 4” are one of the very first updates we make in a renovation," says Gaelle Dudley, Founder, GLDESIGN. "Today’s sleeker set ups, like 3” to 4” trims, are an automatic facelift, and very cost efficient.

"Personally, I prefer sleek recessed lighting trims, all on dimmers, as it provides homes with the perfect amount of luminosity for all moods and design aesthetics."

2. One Pendant Light Rooms

While we're on the topic of lighting trends, an over reliance on overhead lighting can age a home too. Most modern schemes have multiple layers of integrated light sources within a room.

"A central pendant, unaccompanied by additional, layered lighting feels uptight and unimaginative,' says John. "Modern interiors embrace more nuanced lighting schemes.

"These combine decorative pendants, wall, table and floor lamps, in addition to illuminated architectural features and joinery. This could be wall lights either side of a console table or LED fittings underneath cabinetry. A little thought can have a huge impact on how the space feels."

3. Inherited Technology

Technology changes at lightning speed, and while it is not feasible or sustainable to indulge in every new model that's released, it’s easy for AV equipment to become obsolete or look antiquated.

"Heavy black, wall-mounted speakers are a good example of outdated tech," says John. "So many wireless and discrete solutions exist that don’t detract from the design scheme.

"It's a similar scenario with large screen TVs. There are models that look like a piece of art when they're off, or pieces that are beautiful within their own right, such as those by B&O, which are a far more modern option."

TV brands are launching design-influenced models, such as the Samsung Frame TV (which you can buy from Selfridges) disguises itself as a piece of wall art when you're not watching it. Alternatively, concealing tech behind a screen or closed doors is another option in modern homes.

4. Naturally Dark Rooms

Most of us love older homes for their beautiful proportions and architectural details; however, many period properties can feel dark and gloomy inside, often lacking the natural light we’ve come to value in the way we live today.

Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan makes dark rooms look lighter by looking for thoughtful opportunities to introduce more light and connection, without compromising the character of the home.

"In our Craftsman-style home, we added transoms above door frames so light could continue moving through the connected rooms," says Marie. "In other select areas, we used sliding glass pocket doors to open spaces when desired while still allowing them to feel separate when closed.

"These subtle architectural moves can make an older home feel brighter, more open, and more functional while preserving the character and intimacy that drew you to the home in the first place."

5. Popcorn Ceilings

Although an abomination from the latter part of the twentieth century, popcorn (also know as Artex) ceilings can sometimes still remain in older properties, having escaped earlier refurbs. If not removed, these design crimes can cast an otherwise attractive room into a time warp.

"We prioritize removing popcorn ceilings throughout the home," says Gaelle. "Textured painted ceilings were a trend a long time ago, but are anything but timeless.

"In homes today, I recommend a flat painted ceiling (whether they are white or painted a color), because a smooth surface is not only enduring, it allows statement lighting to have its moment.

"Whether the home’s aesthetic is contemporary, cottage, or traditional, this small investment update will make every renovation worth it."

While it's impossible to future-proof your home entirely, there are some interior design trends that are more enduring than others.

Working out what you truly love and avoiding fads will help to ensure you create a home that stays cool yet current for the longest time.

If you want help modernizing your home, why not book a Style appointment with one of our Design Lab by Livingetc stylists, who can create a room scheme for you?

Truth time: I've just found out that my table lamp placement has been throwing off my entire living room, and there's a good chance you've fallen for the same mistake.

I always thought I had a pretty good grasp on how to plan my home's lighting scheme, but it turns out I had unknowingly fallen for one of the most common table lamp placement mistakes out there, and my living room was suffering as a result. Instead of adding depth and warmth, my lamp placement was flattening my space, making it feel less inviting, trampling all the hard work of my cozy interiors and calming color palette. So I turned to an expert to help me fix my mistake.

Working as an interior stylist, Lucy Gough has built up a strong repertoire of tips and tricks to make any space look its absolute best, and much of that comes down to acing your lighting. A stylist's role is knowing the little changes that can make a big difference to how the room looks, and this is an error she's seen in far too many homes. "A poorly positioned lamp can throw a room off balance, making one side feel heavy while the rest of the space feels dark and flat," she explains. "Good lighting should feel intentional, not accidental."

And I can safely say, since putting her tips into action, my living room has never looked better. So, here's what she shared.

The Problem

So, what exactly is this potentially problematic lamp placement mistake? Well, it actually just so happens to be one of the most common. The corner may seem like the most obvious, logical place to pop a lamp when planning your living room's lighting scheme, but, according to the experts, it's far from the best.

Lucy explains, when it comes to lamp placement, "People often push them right into the corner of a room or place them on a tiny side table simply because there’s space there, rather than thinking about what the lamp is actually lighting."

When designing a modern living room, a table lamp is often thought of as something to simply fill up a side table, or considered as an accessory rather than a fundamental piece of the design. But, in doing this, you limit the potential for your space: "A lamp should create atmosphere and highlight a beautiful part of the room, not just fill an empty corner," explains Lucy.

In placing your lamp in the corner, you remove its ability to become part of the visual language of your design. Lucy explains that "when a lamp is tucked away in a corner, it often disappears visually and doesn’t contribute much to the overall feel of the space."

But as much as a beautiful table lamp fulfils a decorative role, it has a practical one, too, and placing it in the corner diminishes its practical aspect, as well as removing its decorative potential. "It can create harsh pools of light rather than a soft, even glow," says Lucy, making your living room appear flat and unwelcoming.

The Fix

Thankfully, this is an easy mistake to fix, requiring little more than a quick reshuffle. But to determine the best position for your living room lighting, there are a few helpful approaches to consider.

Firstly, the key to achieving a really beautiful, considered lighting design is to think in layers. Building a layered lighting scheme is one of the tricks almost every good designer swears by; it's the best way to build up depth in your space. Your lighting should never be thought of as a simple one-and-done; it always works best when used in conjunction with a variation of lights.

As Lucy explains, "Table lamps are there to create mood rather than provide all of the light in a room. Pair them with floor lamps, wall lights or ceiling lighting for a warm, inviting atmosphere." Different levels of lighting dotted throughout your space will make it feel cozy and inviting, while also ensuring it's amply lit.

With lamps specifically, it can be helpful to think about them in relation to how you'll actually use the space. Try to identify the spots people will naturally gravitate towards, and place your lighting around those areas. For example, "A lamp beside a sofa, armchair, or reading nook makes a space feel welcoming and encourages people to settle in," suggests Lucy.

You can also use your lighting to draw attention to something in your space, whether it's a piece of wall decor, a textured finish, or a gorgeous piece of furniture; an extra boost of illumination can help turn it into a true focal point, subtly directing your gaze towards it.

"Table lamps like company, be it a painting behind it that can be illuminated or photos near or surrounding. It can give purpose that way. It will encourage you to be brought into a room or linger in a spot that might otherwise be neglected," explains lamp designer Rosi De Ruig. A table lamp can feel more authentic and laid-back than an art light or spotlight, while still effectively offering the same benefit.

You'll want to pay careful attention to scale, too. "A lamp that’s too small can look lost, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the furniture," says Lucy. "As a guide," she suggests, "the bottom half of the lampshade should sit around eye level when you’re seated nearby, so the globe isn’t visible."

It can take some playing with, so feel free to experiment with different positions until you find the right one. "Lamps aren’t just there to help you see; they’re there to make you ‘feel’ something," says Lucy. "The right lamp in the right position can make a room feel instantly warmer, more intimate and infinitely more inviting."

With a selection of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lights, you're well on your way to lighting a living room without a ceiling light, saving you from the dreaded 'big light'.

And for more helpful tips and ideas, subscribe to our newsletter.

When we redesigned a family home in Surrey, I suggested making the master bedroom pitch-dark. I offered a softer version alongside it, as I usually do. But ultimately, the clients chose the dark one, and they now tell me it was the best decision of the whole project. And the reason it always works? A bedroom asks something different of us.

It is the one room in a house built around a state we are not awake to experience, and almost everything that determines whether it works — the air, the darkness, the quiet — is invisible. Taking inspiration from Japanese bedrooms, these are the five things I have come to treat as non-negotiable.

They might come across as small foundational changes, but each of these principles makes an impactful difference to the way this space feels. Now, let's explore the why that governs these design decisions.

1. Orientation First, Decoration Second

The first decision is which way the room faces, and it is the least reversible. In that same Surrey house, the master bedroom originally sat at the front, above the main bus road. We moved it to the rear, overlooking the garden.

Nothing specified afterwards — no bed, no palette, no lighting scheme — would have compensated for a bedroom facing traffic. Where a floor is being reconfigured, I place sleeping rooms on the quiet side and give the noisier elevation to rooms where noise matters less. Where walls cannot move, shifting a bed away from a party wall helps.

These simple bedroom layout considerations save you from long-term regrets that disrupt the most important downtime of your day.

2. Free Flowing Ventilation

Close a bedroom door on two sleeping adults, and carbon dioxide climbs past 2,000 parts per million by morning. Field studies comparing ventilated and unventilated bedrooms find better sleep quality and clearer concentration the next day.

Japan has required continuous mechanical ventilation in all new homes since 2003; there is still no equivalent rule here. In a city, an open window is rarely the answer, admitting traffic noise and pollution along with the air.

I find that quiet, continuous extract, trickle vents, genuinely left open, and, where budget allows, heat-recovery ventilation all do the work far more gracefully. And when hot summers come around, much like the moment, poor ventilation planning will be one of the things making your bedroom feel hotter at night. So take note now, for better sleep later.

3. Layered Window Treatments

Thoughtfully stacked layers are one of those things in Japanese homes that make so much sense. A shoji screen transmits roughly half the light falling on it. It does not darken a room so much as soften it, turning hard sunlight into an even glow.

Darkness was achieved separately, with amado — solid wooden or metal shutters slid across the outside at night. That separation is worth borrowing. I specify a sheer linen or voile blind to diffuse daylight much as washi paper does, so a room is bright without glare and private without feeling closed.

Follow this with a genuine blackout layer in front of it. This window treatment layering formula is what makes the dark bedroom in Surrey work. Nothing filters in at four in the morning, and nothing is lost during the day.

So, consider pairing these Stripe Sheer Voile Panel Slot Top Curtains from Laura Ashley with these Brushed Eyelet Blackout Thermal Curtains from M&S.

4. Minimalist Tendencies

This is the criterion the other four answer to. Think a tech-free bedroom with no television, and as little furniture as the room can manage. A bedroom is also where a house quietly deposits its overflow — the drying laundry, the exercise bike, the desk that fitted nowhere else — each asking something of you at the moment you are trying to stop.

In an Ealing house for a couple who practice Japanese floor sleeping on tatami, the bedroom holds a wall-to-wall oak headboard and very little else. It is the most restful room there because nothing competes for attention. The Japanese word yutori (ゆとり) captures this latitude, slack, room to breathe, used up space, time, and mind alike.

5. Materials that Regulate

I also had a client who had developed a severe dust allergy after moving to the UK, which shaped every decision — hard surfaces rather than fabric, slatted timber for acoustics rather than upholstery.

It taught me something I now apply more widely, which is that soft furnishings are the easiest thing to add to a bedroom and the hardest to keep clean. Clay plaster absorbs and releases close to twice the moisture that lime does, buffering the humidity that builds overnight.

Remember that timber, clay, paper and wool all moderate a room. Meanwhile, vinyl and foam simply sit in it.

None of this is restraint for its own sake. A bedroom is the room we return to at the end of every day, and it can either help us wind down for sleep or quietly ask us to keep carrying it. Getting the air, the darkness, and the quiet right is what lets everything else be gentle.

If your bedroom feels far from soothing, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for more home wellness design tips.

One of my favorite things about meeting interior designers in real life is getting some of their more 'unfiltered' opinions. The ones that haven't necessarily gone through their PR machines, and give a bit more insight into those strong, strong feelings that we all, really, have about our homes (and, let's face it, other people's).

So, at a recent Livingetc event, we posed some hard-hitting questions to some of our interior designer guests — all, of course, on the record. But it was one opinion that made it onto the Livingetc Instagram page that made a few members of the team rethink their at-home habits, specifically.

Designer Christian Bense, when asked about what he first notices when he walks into a home, had a very interesting opinion about a topic that's actually a bit of a hot debate: do you burn your expensive candles from fancy candle brands?

"The first thing I look at when I go to a stylish person's house is I see if they've ever lit their candles," the designer told us. "I have a real thing about candles that are for 'prop only' and never lit."

It all comes down to giving a home a lived-in feeling, the London-based interior designer adds. "I feel like a lit candle, whether it's burning or not, is a true testament to you living in your home, so I judge you hard if you've got candles for show."

Why Is That Controversial to Say?

It feels like it shouldn't be, right? But if you've ever treated yourself to a little something from a luxury candle brand, you might well know the feeling of seeing your investment go up in smoke. Let's face it, yes, you're buying into a (hopefully) better quality of home fragrance that will fill your home with glorious scent, but unless you're storing candles away when they're not lit, you're realistically also buying into a bit of a 'brand flex'.

If you've got a big monthly budget for candles, then this won't worry you, but if those luxury candles are a treat, you may want to keep them for best, or even not light them at all.

However, the glorious thing about Christian's big opinion is that he's not advocating that you actually have to burn away your precious candle; rather, at least give the impression that it's not, after all, your most prized possession.

"A candle wick should always be black, and a candle should always have wax dripping down it," the designer adds. Not that it has to be lit right at that moment.

How to Make Your Candles Look Lived-in

It's an easy enough trick, but one that it pays to do right and avoid those common candle burning mistakes. Yes, you can simply light your wick to make it black, but make sure you blow it out right away. You might be tempted to leave it burning for a few minutes so you can fully enjoy the hot throw, just this once, but that's not a good idea.

"Even if it's just for a few minutes, burning a candle for a short time will cause it to tunnel when you eventually burn it for longer," explains stylist Luke Arthur Wells. "Once the wax has started to melt, you'll need to be in it for the long haul, and you'll probably need to burn for at least three hours to get a full melt pool, but that's fine; you won't have lost much wax in that first burn."

Luke also suggests always putting wicks out with a snuffer, like this chic Ferm Living one from Westwing, rather than blowing them out. This will stop your wax splashing and will also prevent ash from ending up in your melt pool, ruining its perfect surface.

Luke also has a trick: if you keep your dinner candles in a candle holder, too, you can get that 'drip down' look Christian looks for. "Usually dinner candles are just too long straight out of the box anyway, so I often cut them down, and even sharpen them to fit better into the holders. When you light the dinner candle quickly to get its black wick, take the offcut of the base of the candle, and hold it over the lit flame. As it starts to melt, it will drip onto the top of the candles and run down the edges, without having to wait for the actual dinner candle to melt, often unpredictably."

There, you still get the lived-in look, without having to burn down your candles too much.

For more advice, opinion, and tricks to style your home better, why not sign up to the Livingetc newsletter?

It's hard to believe that what happens on Wall Street or in Westminster can affect our decorating decisions, but it often does. At the height of the property boom it became the norm to 'play safe' with decor choices.

Fast-forward to 2026 and the outlook is different. The white walls, plain kitchens and bland room schemes that were once ubiquitous have given way to longer-term – and more interesting interiors.

Whether it's a kitchen renovation, bathroom refit or an extension, homeowners are personalising their spaces again. Color, pattern and daring palettes are back in vogue.

This is, in part, due to the 'forever home' concept, where people plan to buy a property and put down roots, rather 'flip it' for profit. The recent Houzz Home Study reports on these changing shifts in renovation habits.

To see how this translates in the home, we've asked interior designers what people are prioritizing and how this manifests in their design decisions for 2026 and beyond.

1. Challenging the Conventional Purpose of a Room

When homeowners are no longer concerned with what potential buyers might think when they next sell, they are free to create a modern home that actually suits their lifestyle. One of the biggest shifts interior designers have noticed is a willingness to challenge the conventional purpose of a room.

"Now, a guest bedroom that is used only a few nights a year might become a dressing room, exercise studio or teenage snug, with a sofa bed allowing it to accommodate occasional visitors," says interior designer Gemma Tucker, founder of Balance Interiors.

"A surplus bedroom might be absorbed into a generous principal suite, while an underused reception room could become the boot room the family genuinely needs. It's about making every part of the house work harder and improving daily life, rather than protecting a notional resale value."

Interior designer Omar Bhatti, founder Space Shack Studio, sees this in his projects too. "People are much more open to challenging conventional concepts and sacrificing a bedroom, for example, to create a generous dressing room, a larger bathroom, a home gym, or a proper workspace," he says.

"That’s the real luxury of a 'forever home': you stop designing for an imaginary future buyer and start designing unapologetically for yourself."

2. Color Confidence

People are becoming braver aesthetically, experimenting with color and pattern again. When you know you're staying somewhere for the long haul, you can take risks and go for the richer tones or bolder prints that you love, rather than plumping for the 'safe' bet that won't put off potential buyers.

"The instinct to keep everything light, neutral and broadly appealing is giving way to more atmospheric, personal choices," says Gemma. "We are seeing colored ceilings and woodwork, colour-drenched and double-drenched rooms, and greater confidence around expressive cabinetry and finishes.

"For years, renovation decisions were shaped by a familiar set of resale rules: keep the walls neutral, paint the ceilings and woodwork white, preserve every bedroom and retain at least one bath, even if nobody in the household ever uses it. Increasingly, clients are questioning why a future owner’s preferences should take precedence over their own."

Although the Houzz report was based on UK renovation trends, North Carolina-based interior designer Elizabeth Valkovics, founder of Batten Court, has noticed a similar attitude in the US too.

"Clients are embracing bolder choices, such as striking wallcoverings in bathrooms, and murals in dining rooms and bedrooms," says Elizabeth. "This more personalized approach to design elevates spaces from builder-grade boring to a home that is truly their own."

3. Color Commitment

These bolder choices are not just about eye-catching paint tones and dramatic wallcoverings. Color and pattern is creeping into longer-term interior choices too.

"We’re seeing more confidence when it comes to the elements that aren’t easily changed," says Omar. "Previously, someone might introduce personality through paint, cushions, or furniture because those things could be reversed relatively easily.

"Now clients are more willing to commit that personality to the architecture itself. That could be a richly colored kitchen rather than a neutral one, coloured sanitaryware in the bathroom or statement tiles," the designer adds. "I always encourage clients to separate 'timeless' from 'neutral'. Something doesn’t have to be beige, white, or universally appealing to have longevity. If a material or color has a genuine connection to you, rather than simply following a trend, it has a much better chance of feeling relevant in 10 years’ time."

4. Quality Materials

This longer-term attitude to interior design choices is showing up in a preference for quality materials too. Think timber instead of MDF, or stone instead of composites. These not only look and feel more beautiful, but they are more likely to stand the test of time.

"People are installing marble and quartzite countertops over quartz and investing more on gorgeous, quality materials," says Elizabeth. "Natural stone is undeniably beautiful and is one-of-a-kind. Our clients are also seeking quality, unique cabinet hardware."

This is something Omar has noticed too. "Clients are increasingly requesting heavily veined stone, unusual brassware finishes and bespoke joinery in a finish they genuinely love," he says.

5. Bespoke Storage

Custom-designed storage has risen to prominence. A beautiful home that's a joy to live in isn't just about its size or the impressive aspects, like a stylish color scheme, eye-catching artworks or designer furniture. A home needs to run smoothly and function seamlessly for its occupants.

This can be as simple as a wardrobe that comfortably houses all of your outfits or a drawer for your coffee pods, or as detailed as a bespoke closet for sports gear.

"Clients are more prepared to invest in bespoke joinery," says Gemma. "When you expect to live somewhere for many years, built-in cabinetry no longer feels like an extravagance intended for someone else to inherit.

"It becomes an opportunity to resolve the particular frustrations of the home, from shoes gathering in the hallway to wardrobes that never provide quite the right balance of hanging space, drawers and shelving. It can be both highly practical and a defining feature of the interior."

6. Investing in 'Hidden' Elements

Other 'hidden' elements that are a focus in "forever homes" include room lighting that run's on multiple circuits, enabling easy mood switching, charging drawers that keep gadgets and cables out of sight, and efficient work stations.

"In a 'forever home', clients are much more receptive to investing in the things that fundamentally improve how the home feels and functions every day," says Omar.

"That might mean completely reconsidering storage, creating bespoke joinery around a collection, improving lighting throughout the home, integrating technology properly, upgrading acoustics or creating a utility or boot room around the way the family actually uses it."

"These aren't always the most obvious design gestures, but they can be the ones that transform the experience of living somewhere."

Even if a 'forever home' doesn't end up being forever, the concept of planning to stay in a property for as long as possible encourages a commitment that gives greater freedom when making decorating choices, whether that's kitchen colors, a revised layout, or a large extension.

"When resale stops hovering over every decision, the home becomes more individual," says Gemma. "The result is not simply a bolder interior, but one that feels more deeply connected to the people living in it."

If you want help to create your own 'forever home', why not book a session with one of our Design Lab by Livingetc stylists?

As we bid adieu to the white kitchens of the 2000s and grow tired of the green ones plastered across our social media feeds for the last decade, we're all on the hunt for the next go-to shade. Well, blue might be the front-runner. Calming yet energizing, blue is a color of contradictions, containing a multitude of qualities across its varying hues and tones. The exact shade you choose can completely transform the feel of your space, and with over 50 different paint shades to choose from, Farrow & Ball has an option for every setting.

The thing is, a blue kitchen is never as simple as it first sounds. It's an overarching term, encapsulating a wide net of styles and finishes. It could refer to a bright sky blue, an icy pale shade, or a moody, inky one. You could opt for a striking Yves Klein blue, a dusty, muted teal, a jewel-toned sapphire, or an enchanting turquoise. There are endless varieties, offering unique effects, which can make picking the right one feel rather intimidating. So, to help you narrow it down, I've asked interior designers for their top Farrow & Ball blues for kitchens, specifically.

A favorite of designers and homeowners alike, there's a reason Farrow & Ball is one of the most recognizable paint brands in the UK, and its collection of blue paints is a perfect testament to what makes it so special. But instead of leaving you with 56 different shades to thumb through, our experts narrowed it down to just three.

1. Kittiwake by Farrow & Ball

The first time I saw this shade used in a kitchen, I immediately had to know exactly what paint color it was. Farrow & Ball's Kittiwake isn't one of its most well-known shades, but it should be. There's such a beautiful clarity to this sky blue shade, like a true breath of fresh air. It's crisp and refreshing, while a subtle touch of black pigment keeps it from feeling too bright.

It's the kind of color you could never tire of, and would work beautifully in practically any room. "I had used Kittiwake in a bedroom a few years ago and loved it," shares designer Maureen Gomez. It wasn't until her clients specifically requested a blue kitchen that it occurred to her how well Kittiwake would work in this setting.

"Kittiwake creates a calm, uplifting atmosphere that works beautifully in a kitchen, particularly one with plenty of natural light," she adds, and in this home, with a large skylight in the kitchen and plenty of natural light flowing, this felt particularly significant. But, even in darker, north-facing kitchens, Kittiwake can still be a good choice. "Unlike some cooler blues, it doesn't feel clinical," notes Maureen.

In terms of styling, Kittiwake pairs beautifully with natural materials, warm tones, and textured finishes, with Maureen listing: "Warm timber, aged brass, natural stone or terracotta, and off-whites" specifically.

2. De Nimes by Farrow & Ball

One of the better-known shades amongst Farrow & Ball's blue paints, De Nimes is a sophisticated, understated blue, with a subtly smoky hue. Comparable to denim, this is perhaps the most neutral a blue can get and, as such, is remarkably easy to use in the home.

This neutrality is exactly what appealed to Heide Hendricks, from Hendricks Churchill. In search of a good white kitchen alternative, Heide landed on this gentle blue. "We wanted to avoid a white kitchen to prevent the space from feeling sterile or lacking coziness. We looked for a saturated color that could still recede and avoid overwhelming the room with too dramatic an effect," she explains, "De Nimes ticked all of those boxes perfectly."

What makes this Farrow & Ball blue kitchen paint color so unique is its ability to appear so understated and subtle, while still being a relatively strong color. Looking at it in the tin, you perhaps wouldn't think of this deep bluey-gray as a neutral kitchen color. But once it's used across the walls or kitchen cabinets, it immediately makes sense. "Even though it is a saturated color, it serves as a neutral backdrop due to its calming mood," Heide adds.

3. Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball

Out of all of Farrow & Ball's blue paints for kitchens, Oval Room Blue is described as the most 'blackened', with a strong gray undertone. While this may sound heavy or intense, somehow, it instead translates as something deeply comforting.

Instead of heaviness, these black pigments bring a depth to the shade. It was this sense of depth that made the shade stand out to designer Maddy Minerva. "We wanted a blue that felt timeless, while adding depth and character to the space," she shares.

Named after the sitting rooms of the late 18th century, there's a historic quality to this shade, which works particularly well in rustic, farmhouse kitchens or alongside more traditional kitchen features. Despite this historic aspect, the shade still feels timeless, Maddy says.

While describing a blue shade as warm may seem slightly oxymoronic, in the case of Oval Room Blue, there is a genuine legitimacy to the claim. It feels far cozier than you'd expect from a gray-toned blue, shifting with the light to feel even more inviting. "Oval Room Blue changes beautifully throughout the day," explains Maddy.

This shifting tonality and naturally calming nature is exactly what makes it such a good fit for kitchens. "It adds warmth and depth to what is often a very practical room, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere," says Maddy.

It's also remarkably easy to style, and "pairs effortlessly with natural materials like timber, stone, and brass," says Maddy. Because it's such an adaptable color, with a darker kitchen worktop, the shade will appear brighter in comparison, while it could equally be used to add depth to a brighter, marble kitchen.

Not fully sold on a blue kitchen? Luckily, there are plenty more Farrow & Ball kitchen colors for you to choose from, ranging from neutral to bold, with a little something for everyone.

For more ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Forget continuous optimisation. It’s time to lean into slow-living and actually enjoy your time at home.

We’ve all come across those reels telling you how to up your game, battle procrastination, and constantly improve your lifestyle. Whether it’s advocating five am wake-ups or outrageous gym programmes, I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted from videos telling me I need to be working on myself constantly.

Instead, I’m following the slow-living lifestyle. One where we have permission to veg out, potter around the garden, or simply enjoy spending time in our own spaces at home. But first, we have the challenge of creating a space that we actually want to spend time in. That’s where the fun part comes!

If you spend your days lusting after Chelsea-worthy spaces and modern garden designs, wondering which parts you’d sandwich into your own garden, but seem stuck when it comes to pulling a design like this together, you’re not alone. To fix this, we’ve spoken with the professionals to understand how they create a garden design that gives you a place to pause for thought. With their guidance, you’ll soon be on your way to creating a haven that swaps the hustle for healthy harmony.

1. Make Sure Your Garden Caters to Your Needs

It may sound obvious, but before any ground gets broken, it’s essential to understand what you want to achieve from your garden space. A garden design revamp can be a long project to take on — you need to be ready for when that hyperfixation inevitably fades two weeks in, and you’re surrounded by nothing but plants, soil and landscape materials.

Award-winning Gardener's World designer Vicky Lincoln says understanding what matters to her client as an individual is her non-negotiable starting point. “Relaxation looks quite different to different people,” she explains. “I have some clients, for example, whose garden design included a lower deck that’s immersed in planting because it’s where they’re going to do yoga and kettlebell workouts, because that’s what relaxing meant for them.”

If you’re still stuck on where to start, Vicky has a great method to hone in on her client’s preferences. “I often ask people, What’s been your loveliest evening?’ They might say there was a time in Crete, for example, that they had a really intimate dinner with a friend, while someone else would say they love having a large party. Another could say when the whole family gets together, and the kids have a separate area to play. We start to pull those out and think ok, we need a spot for a casual breakfast, or a larger entertainment zone.”

Garden designer Shweta Mehta shares Vicky’s approach, but encourages her clients to focus on their everyday habits. “Before starting out, we always ask how people live rather than socialise. The most successful social spaces are those that feel inviting every day, not just when friends come over. Social spaces in gardens need to be inviting; comfort is always first, you want to sit for a while and feel at ease. Small cozy nooks with one chair to enjoy your morning cuppa are equally necessary.”

2. Slow Down Your Spaces

However, when it comes down to core design principles, Vicky says flow of space is fundamental to creating a calm garden atmosphere that makes people want to linger. “It’s about having a really good layout of spaces and ways of moving around them. It has to feel like it flows. Much like when you go into a well-designed kitchen, and you automatically know your way around and where to find things, a relaxing garden is very similar.”

One useful tool Vicky uses to slow down parts of her designs is the use of garden pathways. “It’s really important, I think, to help people slow down and create relaxing, beautiful spaces which are well constructed and put together. We pay particular attention to paths. Sometimes we’ll make functional paths that are quick and direct, and then we’ll create other longer paths that psychologically welcome you into a space and encourage you to pause for a moment.”

For designer Shweta, it’s important to create pockets of spaces in her designs. “I like to add what I call ‘destination spaces’ that encourage people to explore the garden. These might include a natural swimming pool with a pool house, a greenhouse that's as much for entertaining as it is for growing — imagine long candlelit lunches and dinners surrounded by scented pelargoniums. That would make winter entertaining much more pleasant. A garden room overlooking vegetable and cut flower areas provides another peaceful place to work, relax or arrange freshly cut flowers.”

3. Create Ease

For gardens to make you want to linger, they have to feel easy. But for top garden designers like Vicky, this goes further than you may think. Forget wind chimes, she’s looking for the barefoot factor.

“Barefoot-friendly gardens are usually quite important. You want no barriers to get into that space. I want somewhere where people can kick their heels off — if they even wear heels nowadays — and pad out barefoot into the garden to relax,” explains Vicky. “We’ll draw you out with that first seat that’s nice and close and then continue to give little intriguing views, plants, and sculptures that make you want to keep wandering. I often think ‘how can we make this a space which slows people down and gives them that opportunity to pause?’”

Outdoor seating is just as essential for ease of movement. “Relaxed seating is really important. I always like to put in my designs some spots where you could get home from work, walk outside and flop on them with no effort.”

As Shweta highlights, if you want to lounge for hours, high-quality comfortable seating is a must. “Narrow benches are great to perch on, but to lounge for hours in the garden, comfortable seating is a necessity. Go for cushioned chairs and sofas, or a day bed to lie and read on, or an egg chair but with soft cushions. Make sure the seating is facing each other to ease conversation. Uncomfortable seating won’t be used for long, so steer well clear of that unless you want it as a perch while meandering through your borders.”

4. Focus on Greenery

Planting and color will always dictate a garden’s overall feel. Shweta’s advice for those gardens that draw you to want to spend time in them? Stick to earthy natural tones.

“Atmosphere can be achieved by choosing a calming, restrained color palette, be it paving or plants,” she says. “Using earthy tones and natural materials for hard landscaping can instantly change the mood of the garden. Color combinations play a huge part in creating a relaxing garden too. Using softer purples, pinks, and an array of greens can help create a calming, relaxing mood. Make your planting pollinator-friendly too — nothing beats the low hum of a border buzzing with wildlife.”

Designer Vicky fully invests in the message fresh greenery inspires in a design. “As someone who is a bit of a plantaholic, I’m bound to say plants, but there is a lot of science about it. Studies have actually measured how people’s cortisol levels drop when they’re surrounded by green. Just a few minutes in a green space can help you relax.”

If you want a designer planting tip, think about repeating plants within a bed to create consistency. We’re not talking a uniform row of geraniums as such, but rather 4-5 different types of low, mid and tall plants that you can mix around within a bed and repeat in other areas of the garden with similar soil conditions and positions. Just make sure your greenery anchors your space with a strong and calming foundation.

5. Bridge the Indoor Outdoor Gap

Indoor-outdoor gardens are still ranking high on the lust list for homeowners, but creating that seamless transition is easier said than done. According to designer Vicky, it’s one of her top client requests, and certainly ticks the box for easy garden access. But for this feature to remain a relaxing and inviting design asset, you’ve got to future-proof it.

“If you’re building an indoor-outdoor space, you’re probably going to have a vast wall of glass," says Vicky. "This is a glorious thing but also a challenge if you’re positioned in a sunny spot, as it will get incredibly hot. A really important part of indoor-outdoor living now is shade. We’ve got quite a few clients who are retrofitting things like pergolas and verandas because it’s just getting too hot, especially this year.”

To accomplish a stylish shaded area outside your living space, Vicky advises taking inspiration from Mediterranean garden designs. “Think about places on holiday, maybe Italy or Spain; they’ve always got a veranda or shaded area so you can enjoy the covered space.” Though if you’re planning on planting a vine to climb your pergola, don’t make this hardscaping rookie error. Vicky explains, “Many people have a vision of something lovely growing around the pergola, like a grapevine or jasmine, but they then don’t leave space in the paving for planting, and later have to rely on pots which can be quite high maintenance.”

Designer Shweta emphasizes the need to consider the home's interior design and how it will interact with the outside. “The interior of the house must be taken into consideration,” she warns. “The garden should reflect the mood of the house and vice versa. Treat the garden as a direct architectural extension of the house. A level threshold between the inside and the outside to eliminate a physical step, but do consider drainage when doing this. While I wouldn't usually recommend using the same flooring indoors and outdoors, as exterior paving needs to be slip-resistant, choosing complementary materials creates the same sense of cohesion without compromising safety.”

Leaving space to linger in a garden design has to be the top of my design list. I want a space that feels welcoming, calm, and low-maintenance. Though there is certainly an art to creating this seamless design, with help from our designers, you can certainly get started on creating your ideal relaxing outdoor space.

For more inspiration for your garden this end of season, why not sign up for the Livingetc newsletter?

There's nothing quite like spending a beautiful evening basking in the warmth of your glowing garden fire pit. And the only underlying aspect that silently improves this experience is knowing your outdoor space is aligned with harmonious energy.

Now, the placement of your fire pit has the ability to impact the overarching Feng Shui in your backyard. And the experts recommend styling this element in the Southern zone of your garden.

However, to intentionally design an al fresco space that feels balanced, here's a closer look at why fire pit placement matters.

Where Should You Place a Firepit for Feng Shui?

"In Feng Shui, fire represents vitality, confidence, transformation, and active energy," says Feng Shui expert Helen Ye Plehn. "So, I recommend placing a fire pit in an open, welcoming area where it can become a natural gathering point. The South is especially supportive because it carries strong fire energy in Feng Shui and is connected with confidence and conscious action."

When bringing fire to a garden, Feng Shui consultant Rosanna Deflorian explains that it's also important to consider how the placement aligns with the lucky energy of each year. "Also, the final decision depends on what your home's bagua map allows," she says. "And a position that supports fire in one home may not be suitable in the house next door."

So, while South is a typically ideal spot, she also recommends finding a location that feels naturally integrated into the garden rather than added as an afterthought.

Where Should You Avoid Placing a Firepit for Feng Shui?

"Avoid placing a fire pit where it blocks the flow into the home, feels crowded, or creates a sense of unease," says Helen. "Feng Shui is ultimately about how energy moves through a space, so the fire should feel intentional rather than overpowering."

Rosanna tells me that a major garden Feng Shui mistake involves placing a fire pit in cramped corners, narrow passageways, and high-traffic zones. "I would also avoid surrounding the fire pit with too many bright red or orange accessories. The flames already provide plenty of fire energy. Neutral colours, earthy tones, and natural textures create a calmer setting," she adds.

"The scale matters too. A dramatic fire pit may look impressive in a large garden, but the same feature can feel aggressive in a small courtyard. Good Feng Shui is rarely about making the strongest possible statement. It is about finding the right proportion."

FAQs

What Do You Put Around a Fire Pit for Good Feng Shui?

"Natural Earth materials such as stone, brick, gravel, and ceramic are excellent around a fire pit. Visually, they help ground the area, while symbolically Earth contains and stabilizes the intensity of fire," says Rosanna.

"I would also avoid surrounding the fire pit with too many bright red or orange accessories. The flames already provide plenty of Fire energy. Neutral colours, earthy tones and natural textures create a calmer setting.

Now that you're all caught up on placement, knowing where to buy an aesthetic fire pit is next. And for more Feng Shui advice to bring good energy into your home, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Scent is such an integral part of any living space. It brings the room together and has the ability to remix the mood for any ambiance you seek. And in the quest of exploring new scentscapes, I asked interior designers to let us in on the candles they're burning right now.

The answers all led to resoundingly stylish scented candles with bold evergreen notes. And all hailing from iconic brands, including the likes of Diptyque, Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma, Loewe, Lola James Harper, and Verden.

Without keeping you in the dark any longer, let's explore which candles these interior tastemakers are putting their perfuming trust in these days. You're bound to find some inspiration for your own home.

If you're looking for a more specific recommendation for the summer, the tea home fragrance trend is having a delicious moment. And if you're in the mood for a little sweetness, this Pistachio Scented Candle from Loewe is the current star of my scentscape.

And to keep up with all the best interior inspiration, fragrance and beyond, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

A good kitchen countertop can last you over three decades, so it's well worth picking a color that you'll be sure to love for the years to come. But, in order to know the colors worth considering, you'll need to know which ones are best avoided first.

When you're planning a kitchen renovation, there's a whole wealth of decisions you'll have to make, and chief among them is your kitchen countertops. One of the most expensive elements in your design, this is one of those choices you'll want to get right the first time around. After all, there's nothing worse than investing your time and money into a brand new kitchen, just to discover your counters have already gone out of style two months later.

To protect you from that dreaded fate, I asked the experts what colors they've seen fall out of style this year, and their answers were perhaps more illuminating than you might expect. Reflecting a wider trend in design, the designers' answers all point towards a general shift towards warmer, softer tones and finishes in homes today, moving away from the harsh, stark look we once favored.

1. Stark Whites

Once a reliable go-to, in recent years, all-white kitchens have had quite the transformation, and not in a positive way. Having once been favored for the bright, crisp finish they offered, nowadays, you're more likely to hear a white countertop described as 'sterile' than 'stylish'.

"Cool-toned bright white countertops are no longer looking modern in many kitchens," agrees interior designer Swati Goorha. With a design style characterized by her layered use of color and texture, a white counter provides the opposite effect to what Swati aims to create in her projects.

One of the most popular modern kitchen designs in the early 2000s, in 2026, they can quickly look like a dated reminder of a bygone era, completely devoid of that modern sleekness they once offered.

While today's kitchen trends are so dominated by warm colors and earthy, natural textures, the smooth, crisp finish of a white countertop can come off as harsh or sterile.

The kitchen designs of today focus on the room's role in family life, and are designed accordingly. Explaining this, Ntola Obazee, from Kutchenhaus, says, "The kitchen is the heart of the home, so we know people like to create a space that is warmer and inviting." And, unfortunately, a white countertop can often have the adverse effect, making your kitchen feel unwelcoming.

2. Cool Greys

Similarly, the experts warn of a move away from cool grey-toned surfaces, too. Another favorite of the early 2000s, in a design world dominated by earthy color palettes and warm, soft tones, these icy greys feel stark and unwelcoming in comparison.

There's data to back this up, too, with Häfele's Homes for Living 2026 report showing that light grey has fallen from 16% to 13%, with similar declines for dark grey and metallic finishes in kitchens, too.

"There is a clear shift," agrees Tiago Carvalho, interior designer at Main, the kitchen design specialists. "We're moving away from the cool greys and stark whites that have dominated kitchens for so long, towards warmer, more tactile finishes that make the kitchen feel less clinical and more considered."

In modern kitchens, cooler-toned finishes read more sterile and harsh than they once did, and feel incongruous with the general direction of interior design trends.

Of course, this does not mean all grey counters are now out of style. When done in a richly textured, natural stone, or with warm undertones, this neutral finish can still feel super chic.

3. Polished Black Finishes

At the other end of the spectrum, while white counters are rejected based on their sterility, black countertops, too, are deemed too harsh for the kitchens of today.

Much of this comes from the finish and materials that you'll typically find with a black worktop, with designer Ana Li from Linq Kitchen saying, "High-gloss black polished granite and dark polished quartz countertops with stark contrasting white veining have quickly fallen out of favor."

While the contrast of a black stone with white veining was once considered striking and cool, nowadays, the effect can seem too stark, lending your kitchen an overly dramatic effect, as opposed to the quietly dramatic kitchens that are currently in style.

In addition to these aesthetic issues, Ana also highlights the growing concerns around the practicality of this countertop finish. Unlike the gentle matte finishes popular today, these highly polished surfaces can be troublingly unforgiving. "Their shiny plastic-like sheen highlights fingerprints and smudges and creates harsh visual contrast against custom modern kitchen cabinetry," she says. As one of the most highly used rooms in the home, for many, ensuring their kitchen materials are as low-maintenance as possible is a key priority, and sadly, many black counters fail to meet the mark.

Kitchen Accessories We're Loving for 2026

If it's too late for you to change your outdated counters, these on-trend accessories will help to modernize your space.

If you're looking for something that feels undeniably fresh and original, perhaps you'll find some worthy inspiration in the kitchen countertop trends we've been loving this year. With a focus on unexpected materials and twists on classic styles, we hope to see these ideas popping up in many more kitchens in the coming months.

And for even more inspiring ideas, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

A stressful bathroom is my worst nightmare. As someone who loves a skincare ritual, a warm bath, and an everything shower, I need my bathroom to feel soothing. But harsh lighting, poor layout planning, visual noise, mismatched finishes, and reminders of unfinished tasks are some of the main stressors in this space.

I spoke to the experts about why these design decisions snatch away any sense of peace, and how to fix them for a calming bathroom. It's not all difficult, and some of these are easily solved with a quick reset.

So, without further ado, if you're struggling to evoke that spa-like feeling in your bathroom, here are the culprits to consider.

1. Harsh Lighting

"Many bathrooms rely on a single overhead fixture. This is problematic and stress-inducing by increasing glare and casting shadows that make grooming and self-care feel uncomfortable," says Craig Gritzen, founder of Curated Style Collective.

"Layered bathroom lighting with vertical sconces around the mirror for grooming and a dimmable overhead light for nighttime unwinding helps control the atmosphere during our morning and evening routines."

I also recommend designing spa bathroom lighting ideas into your space. Personally, I love setting the mood to unwind in a dark shower or a long bath with a glowy lamp. For instance, imagine this Ribbed Round LED Lamp from Cox & Cox on your counter or a high open shelf (at a safe distance from your bathing space) gently illuminating your PM routine.

2. Poor Layout Planning

"A bathroom can be beautiful but still cause stress because it doesn't support your daily routine. These are micro frustrations like towels being slightly out of reach of the shower or having no place to put your dirty clothes," says Craig.

"These are relatively minor issues, but multiple can add frustration when repeated every day. So, I recommend fixing it by walking through your daily routine and placing each item at its point of use. Sometimes a simple hook or laundry basket can make all the difference."

Considering your bathroom layout is crucial to easing the flow of the space. I find that strategically placed decor like this Tota Trio Laundry Basket from Joseph Joseph and this Small Wooden Organizer from H&M will improve the functionality of this room.

3. Reminders of Unfinished Tasks

"It's common to overlook seemingly minor things such as leaky faucets, empty water bottles, dirty mirrors, and clutter," says Dr. Amy Fitzpatrick, chief medical officer at Bedrock Recovery. "However, it's these items that can send you silent signals that need your immediate attention."

Speaking to the psychological side of bathroom stressors, Amy explains that fixing these small issues through maintenance is essential to restoring calm to the space. "I also recommend a weekly reset to reduce the mental burden associated with managing your living space," she adds.

And if you're looking to make a more permanent change, switch to low-maintenance bathroom design. In the meantime, lean on bathroom cleaning hacks for a quick fix.

4. Visual Noise

"Bathrooms accumulate a lot of small objects that we use in our daily lives. Products and tools for grooming, medications, half-empty bottles, along with cords, add visual clutter to our spaces," says Craig.

"All of these items compete for our attention, and our brain registers this as a need to tidy up. And the solution isn't stark minimalism. It's to create a system where the items we genuinely use every day remain accessible."

He also recommends storing the backups away and keeping corded items out of sight. Decluttering your bathroom does take consistent effort, but it truly pays off when morning routines call, and you have a tidy space to enjoy it in.

5. Mismatched Design Decisions

"With many things in life, more choice can create more stress, not less. The same goes for your bathroom," says Katie Weston, bathroom expert at VADO. "A space pulled together from mismatched finishes and unrelated products can feel visually chaotic even when every individual piece is nice on its own."

While your fixtures, fittings and accessories don’t need to match perfectly, she explains that co-ordinated ranges can bring the space together. "VADO’s Safari collection, for example, is designed so brassware, furniture and accessories work together across finishes, removing the guesswork and creating a sense of calm cohesion the moment you walk in."

I recommend looping your bathroom organizers into the design palette, too. For a beige bathroom, this Small Decorative Marble Tray from Westwing is perfect. Or if you yearn for a pop of color, look to this Two Tone Hook Shelf from Urban Outfitters.

Next, treat your space to spa bathroom accessories to further elevate the ambiance. And sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for more design advice.

The bedroom should be one of the most serene rooms in the home. In theory, a bedroom is a personalized haven where you begin your days and lay your head to rest at night, and your design should reflect that peacefulness. However, we are only human, and curating that sacred serenity is often easier said than done. Clothes pile up, random lamps are added, sometimes we invest in the wrong bedding choices... and suddenly things feel more overstimulating than they should.

Is your cozy bedroom idea not feeling so cozy these days? As we design our bedroom and live within it, we make design choices that don't always translate well to this specific space. Maybe that oversized headboard in a bold pattern is reading as way too much, or the bedside pendant light you fell in love with is actually too bright. A bedroom design is nuanced — a curated casual, if you will. And if you're having trouble sleeping through the night, it may very well be because you've accidentally designed a few overstimulating elements into your space.

So, to get your sleeping space back to the peaceful retreat it deserves to be, I asked interior designers to identify the biggest offenders. Below are the top four overstimulating things that you might have styled into your room and could be distracting from your design.

1. Personal Clutter

We can probably all agree that personal clutter builds up quickly; be it on the bedside table, the dresser, or the shelves, that accumulation of 'stuff' is an unavoidable part of daily life. However, in a bedroom, this can be a major disruption to your design. As minimalist and wellness-focused interior designer Louisa Grey explains, "Our brains continue to process everything within our field of vision, making it harder for the nervous system to fully relax."

So, "The small accumulations of daily life with nowhere to go — and nowhere to be found when you need them — are a source of stress," adds Interior designer and founder of Vellum Studio, Ronit Lee, who creates calm, considered spaces with a relaxing minimalist style. What you have on your nightstand says a lot about you, and if it's cluttered, you're inviting a more overstimulating environment.

That's not to say you need to swing the opposite direction and wipe the room of personal belongings entirely. A well-designed bedroom will be balanced. There's a spot for everything (clever bedroom storage is essential), so that when a few pieces are left out, they don't overwhelm the entire room. Design your surfaces with enough restraint to leave room for grace on more hectic mornings.

"A letter holder for mail, a generous basket for throws, a dedicated surface for your laptop or books to place your things. When everything has a spot, the room exhales and so do you," says Ronnit. This 'every has a place' attitude is the best way to restyle your nightstand and cultivate a better sleeping atmosphere.

2. An Overly Designed Aesthetic

Which leads us to our next overstimulating bedroom design mistake — an overly styled bedroom. We all get carried away with beautiful Pinterest ideas, but interior designer Georgina Wilson says, "the highly curated, too-nice-to-touch bedroom is beginning to feel overdone. What once felt luxurious can now come across as overly designed." And when your bedroom feels too curated and perfect, relaxation becomes harder to achieve, creating a more stressful environment.

Georgina highlights specific design choices such as a fully upholstered feature wall behind the bed. "People are gravitating towards bedrooms that feel more relaxed and authentic, with texture introduced through layers of furniture, textiles, and materials rather than one oversized statement installation," she says. So, while something like a patterned, extended headboard may read as chic in a five-star hotel, it can overstimulate a small bedroom design.

But, as usual, it's all in how you do it. A good guide for choosing elements to include starts with soft, tactile elements first. As Ronnit says, "Soften everything." A well-placed bedroom rug defines the room and gives your feet an inviting place to land. If space allows, a soft seating area to sink into that's not the bed can help you unwind. And a throw and a few pillows are always comforting. "Textiles and texture are what make a space feel welcoming rather than just decorated," adds Ronnit.

3. Pendant Lights Next to the Bed

Pendant lights hanging over either nightstand in place of table lamps are a trend I have been loving. The look is so elevated, but unfortunately it can be quite an overstimulating feature to include in your sleep space. It's one of those design versus practicality debates.

As Georgina explains, "While they can look beautiful in photos, they're often impractical." The reason centers around bedroom feng shui mistakes — pendant lights swing, can be awkward to use, and "more than a few people have hit their heads on them," adds Georgina.

So while a layered lighting scheme is practically essential to a relaxing bedroom design, you might want to rethink the pendant light over the nightstand look. The good news? There are plenty of other beautiful bedroom lighting ideas to incorporate instead.

4. Too Many Electronics

As the world continues to fight against the oversaturation of screens and introduce more analogue routines, a tech-free bedroom is a must for keeping those electronics at bay. Louisa explains, "Electronic items are such an energy drain and a distraction in the bedroom; from televisions, unconsidered lighting plans, charging cables, and multiple electronic devices."

"All of these contribute to visual and cognitive stimulation," adds Louisa. Even when switched off, they focus us on brain work, communication, and the outside world. Instead, design a sleeping space that has moments of stillness — even creating a digital-detox corner dedicated to reading or a calming hobby, is a fabulous place to start.

Ask yourself, 'How do I want to feel when I wake up? How do I want to feel before I fall asleep?' "Let those answers guide your decisions. When a bedroom supports the senses through natural materials, considered lighting, mood-stabilizing colors, and meaningful simplicity, beauty becomes a by-product of wellbeing rather than the objective itself," says Louisa.

No one wants their bedroom to feel empty or overstimulating, so filling it with design choices that cater directly to your ideal sleeping and relaxation environment is the best way in. Bring character without overly designed elements, and personality without 'stuff'.

And for more inspiration like this, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

It should come as no surprise that I firmly believe that every garden should feel like a wellness space. My favorite outdoor spaces are those that cocoon you against a lush landscape and dissipate all the stress from your day. And an overdone al fresco zone goes against this enveloping vibe.

So if your backyard feels overwhelming at the moment, it's less about what to bring in and more about what to get rid of first. Consider losing the clutter, clearing out struggling plants, cleaning up paths, managing overgrown shrubs, and letting go of manicured perfection to make your garden feel calming.

And if you're wondering why designers swear by these rules, here's a closer look at the immediate impact it can make.

1. Lose the Clutter

"Too many small pots, ornaments, or decorative accessories can make a garden feel overly busy rather than relaxing," says Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer at Staghorn Living NYC.

"I usually recommend editing down to a few larger, well-chosen pieces that give the eye somewhere to rest. Think of the Coco Chanel rule — get dressed, then look in the mirror and take one thing off."

Start by making a list of things to throw out of your garden and act on it now. That way you can enjoy your backyard for the rest of the summer and into fall.

2. Clear Out Struggling Plants

"I truly understand how tempting it is to hang onto a plant in the hope that it will recover, but tired, diseased, or dead plants tend to draw your attention every time you step outside," says Kat.

"In fact, it's almost always better to remove them and let the surrounding plants shine. However, if you feel really strongly about nursing something back to health, perhaps dig it up and move it into a pot to be nursed elsewhere, or give yourself a deadline to resolve the issue by."

If you find yourself stuck in the cycle of a withering garden, I recommend rethinking your planting choices. There are some beautiful low-maintenance plants for pots that deliver on style with half the effort.

3. Clean Up Pathways and Patios

Similar to the loss of the clutter note, keeping your pathways and patios clear of debris, weeds, and wayward tools and pots can go a long way towards making a space feel calmer (and also function better!)

4. Manage Overgrown Plants

Kat tells me that she often notices people worry that if they prune their shrubs, they’ll harm their progress, and thus let them grow enormous and overtake a space. "On the contrary, it can be beneficial not only for the shrub, but also for making a space feel a bit calmer and more open," she notes.

"This goes for shrubs blocking windows and obstructing pathways. Also, if it’s just too big for the space, get rid of it and choose something better suited to the area available."

You can also pare back your garden and prioritize functional foliage. Think low-maintenance architectural plants or small privacy trees for a backyard.

5. Let Go Of Perfection

"One of the biggest mistakes I see is people feeling like every corner of the garden has to be immaculate," says Kat. "And this is simply impossible!"

As living spaces, she finds that gardens are meant to evolve. A few fading blooms or a volunteer seedling aren't flaws or problems that need to be solved," she advises. "Sometimes the most relaxing gardens are the ones that feel just natural enough and 'lived in'."

So the last thing to get rid of when designing a relaxing garden is the ultimate blueprint of a picture-perfect space. A touch of imperfection is the key to a space that lowers your guard and helps you feel comfortable. The overgrown garden trend is my favorite way to embrace this aesthetic in a silently controlled way.

Now that your garden has a truly unwinding foundation, I recommend building on the ambiance by introducing things in a wellness garden. And it doesn't have to be a major commitment like an outdoor sauna — unless, of course, you've got the room and the budget to match.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for more design advice.

You know that feeling when it's past midnight, you're all done for the day, and you get the sudden itch to shuffle your furniture around, reset your coffee table, and spruce up your mantel? I've had many a random hour spent rearranging my space and basking in its satisfaction — or ending up putting things back to just the way it was before. Well, according to these psychologists, people who share this habit also have a couple of traits in common.

Think paying attention to the mood of a space, frequently refreshing the ambiance, using creative actions to manage a home, noticing overlooked details, and getting bored of visual routines. If anything, it'll teach you how to be more organized at home.

Here's how each of these design habits makes a difference to living spaces.

1. Pay Attention to How Surroundings Affect Moods

Dr. Max Doshay, PsyD, CEO of KMN Psych, tells me that people who frequently rearrange their furniture generally have a high awareness of how an individual's environment impacts their mental health.

"The majority of these people can see when a space has too much clutter, is overcrowded, or is uninviting to them," he explains. "In turn, they will typically adjust this to improve its visual appeal."

So don't be surprised if you know someone like this who has a tech-free bedroom and has taken the time to curate digital detox zones for a calmer indoor atmosphere.

2. Frequently Refresh Their Environments

"The people who continually move the layout of their homes are usually looking for something new and interesting to do while still avoiding significant changes in their lives," says Dr. Amy Fitzpatrick, chief medical officer at Bedrock Recovery.

"These individuals find that changing their home environment will allow them to experience some variety or freshness within their existing daily routine and possibly stimulate the need to be motivated as well."

If you feel like your home is out of sync, this is a simple way to reconnect with your space. Consider resetting your home for summer or start with decluttering micro-resets for a more functional approach.

3. Use Action to Manage Stress

"For many people, the act of rearranging their living spaces can provide an opportunity for them to regain some sense of control in times of extreme levels of stress," says Amy.

"It might not directly resolve or eliminate the cause of your stress. However, completing a physically active project may result in a sense of accomplishment and help to reduce feelings of chaos and disorder within that environment."

For instance, creating a morning shift routine and indulging in pockets of decluttering can act as a stress-relieving activity.

4. Notice Overlooked Details

If you're someone who loves experimenting with furniture stylings, Amy finds that you are also the type of person to pay very close attention to how rooms look. And as someone guilty of this trait, it's pretty spot on.

It goes beyond just clocking sofa layout mistakes. These people tend to notice things that quietly make living rooms feel stressful at a moment's notice, too. And Amy agrees.

"They naturally notice things like lighting, traffic flow, and clutter," she says. "Moving furniture is just one way they make a space feel more comfortable, functional, or visually balanced as well."

5. Grow Bored of Visual Routines

Max also finds that people who rearrange their furniture are quick to grow bored with monotonous visual routines. "Furniture is one way people create expressions about themselves without using ornaments," he says.

"The furniture is laid out based on their current needs, habits, and preferences. A house doesn’t only provide a place for us to reside; it typically extends who we perceive ourselves as in that time of our lives."

To these people, finding their taste is an ever-changing journey. As it will be for everyone, but these individuals will be more aware and open to adjusting the vibe of a space every step of the way.

Learning more about the way you interact with your home can help you foster a better routine. And understanding the habits of people who make their beds every day is a great stepping stone.

In the meantime, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for your update on everything of the moment in the world of design.

Before even getting the chance to step indoors, your guests will have already formed an opinion on the design of your home, based solely on your front yard. And, despite what you may believe, you don't need buckets of space to make a good impression. To the contrary, sometimes, the smallest front yards can be the chicest, so long as you know how to design it.

For all the effort and consideration we pour into our garden designs, when it comes to planning our front gardens, that level of care seems to be completely abandoned, swapped out for a laid-back nonchalance, placing convenience over aesthetics. And while it may be true that your backyard will be where you spend the majority of your time, the front garden is what sets the tone for your home, and should be designed as such. Even the smallest front gardens deserve an extra touch of love and care. After all, the less space available, the more important each decision becomes, so you'll want to ensure you're making the best choices for your home.

Here to help you in that task, our experts have shared all their favorite tips for making a big impact in a small space with me, explaining exactly how to turn even the smallest front yards into a luxurious entrance, setting the tone for what's to come.

1. Remember Restraint

Much like with designing any small space, the more you try to squeeze in, the worse it will look. Remember: when you're working with limited space, less is always more.

"Small front gardens work best when the design is restrained," agrees Sophie Bertrand, who has had plenty of experience with making the most of small, London front gardens as the head of design at Rosebank Landscaping.

In smaller spaces, the more you do, the more cramped it will feel. An overfilled, overwhelming design is one of the worst front yard mistakes you could make, so operating with a degree of restraint will serve you well in creating the most attractive front yard. "Rather than trying to include too many features, focus on a clear layout with a limited palette of materials and planting," she says. Selecting a few key features and materials allows each individual design choice a stronger impact, offering them the space to shine rather than forcing them to compete for attention.

Explaining how to achieve this, Sophie shares, “We tend to favour a restrained palette of high-quality materials with plenty of texture." Natural stone pavers, gravel paths, and clay tiles all work well for this. Pick one primary material, and allow that to occupy the majority of the space, with small trims and details to complement.

2. Lead The Way

Your front garden is, ultimately, a lead-up to the main event, so it only makes sense to design it with this in mind.

No matter how gorgeous your front garden is, your home is the real focal point, and this should be communicated within your design by positioning your front door as the clear destination. "A clearly defined path gives the garden structure and makes the entrance feel welcoming," explains Gina Taylor, from East London Garden Design. Creating a clear path towards the front door is one of the best things you can do to make your front garden more welcoming, providing a clear visual cue for guests to follow.

This is a technique Sophie follows, too, suggesting to "treat the journey to the front door as a design feature," using paving and planting to frame the entry and naturally guide visitors towards your house in a way that feels more intentional.

3. Draw The Eye Up

One of the best techniques for making a small space look larger is to draw the sightline upwards, and nowhere does this work better than in a small garden or front yard.

Unlike in small kitchens or living rooms, where there is a natural height limit, in the outside world, the sky, quite literally, is the limit, and you can use this to your advantage. For example, Sophie says, "A carefully positioned multi-stem feature tree helps draw the eye upwards, softening the relationship between the house and the garden." Just one taller tree can be enough to introduce this element of height into your design, helping to create the illusion of a greater amount of space.

As well as small, multi-stem trees, Gina also recommends climbing plants for the front of your house and evergreen shrubs, as they can "draw the eye upwards and create a sense of depth without taking up too much ground space." As an added bonus, these plants also work great to provide some more front garden privacy, too.

Plants that grow up, rather than across, are always the best choice for smaller outdoor spaces, bringing plenty of verdancy and lushness without overwhelming the limited space available.

4. Plant For Year-Round Beauty

"Evergreen planting provides the backbone of a successful front garden, ensuring it feels welcoming throughout the year," argues Sophie, and we can't help but agree.

In smaller spaces, every plant has to work twice as hard, so filling your front yard solely with flowers that bloom in summer probably isn't the best choice. Sure, your house may look gorgeous in June, but by the time winter comes around, it's likely to look rather lacklustre.

Instead, the experts suggest opting for a healthy dose of year-round shrubs and plants, allowing for a consistently attractive front garden design.

Offering an example, Gina says, "Evergreen structure might come from yew, pittosporum, sarcococca, ferns or compact grasses, depending on the aspect." Pairing this with some perennial flowers, like lavender, makes for a beautifully rich planting scheme. Then, for some 'seasonal softness', Gina says, "I love hardy geraniums, astrantia, Japanese anemones, hellebores, foxgloves and spring bulbs such as narcissi and alliums."

For added texture, Gina suggests combining evergreen shrubs for your front yard with "softer ferns, ornamental grasses and shade-tolerant perennials to create depth and texture without making the space feel busy." This combination should help to create a space that flourishes all year round, with plenty of texture and intrigue.

5. Invest in the Details

With less space, every choice means more, so in your small front yard, there's all the more reason to put a little extra effort into choosing the oft-overlooked details.

Finding the most elevated versions of features you may have otherwise left for last is the very thing that can help set your front yard apart from the rest. For example, "Beautiful house numbers, discreet bin storage, a well-chosen wall light and attractive pots can elevate even the smallest space," explains Gina.

Finding ways to communicate your personal style through these features allows you to set the tone for what's to come, without taking up too much space. Beautiful plant pots and small, elegant touches, like a modern front door number, can come together to form a more considered, intricate design, no matter how small your space is.

The way you design your front yard will play a major role in determining the curb appeal of your property, so if you're thinking of putting your house on the market any time soon, it's well worth spending some time upgrading your outdoor area.

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When it comes to interiors, a big-ticket item — like your sofa — tends to command a lot of attention. And it makes sense: it’s the destination where you'll live, lounge, and lose yourself in a new series. It’s also a key piece of furniture that’s bound to be with you for years to come — which is why it's imperative to take a look at this year's sofa trends and pick your seat wisely. But which features make a sofa look more luxe than low-end? And does a bigger budget mean a more premium finish? Or is the devil really in the details?

“You can usually tell [an expensive-looking sofa from a standard one] by looking at the overall finish rather than the price tag,” Monika Puccio from Sofa Club tells us. “Expensive-looking sofas tend to have better proportions, high-quality fabrics, neat stitching and cushions that keep their shape,” she adds. “So it's often the small details that make the biggest difference.”

So, if 2026 is the year you’re upgrading your seating space, discover the five designer-approved design details the most expensive sofas all have in common right now.

1. Warm Neutral Tones

If you missed the newsflash, decorating with warm neutral colors is very much hot in 2026 (and beyond). And these neutral color swatches (like cream, clay, and cinnamon) extend way beyond the paint on your walls. Instead, according to Monika, it's best to choose sofas in these timeless shades as they help to create a luxurious finish.

“Shades like stone, oatmeal, beige, mushroom, chocolate brown, and earthy greens are replacing cool grays,” Monika says. But beige doesn't mean boring. In fact, it's far from it. “These colors feel timeless and work well in most homes,” the expert adds.

2. Natural Fabrics

Color is often the first design decision weighed up when considering, well… any new interior design purchase — and understandably so. There’s no doubt that the color of your couch can set the tone for your entire living room, but Monika says that the right fabrics are just as important for creating a polished seating space.

The key question is what couch fabrics ooze a luxurious look? “Natural-looking fabrics like luxe chenille, bouclé, boucle/chenille mix, velvet, linen/linen mix, and quality leather instantly make a sofa feel more luxurious,” Monika says. “[That’s because] luxury is all about quality and simplicity,” she adds.

Louise McGarry, creative director of Studio Braw, agrees, suggesting that it’s worth choosing natural fibers like heavyweight linen, mohair, or a "beautifully-tailored" wool blend over anything synthetic or overly shiny, as the latter can "look and feel cheaper" no matter how good the silhouette is. “Fabric is where you really feel the difference,” Louise says. “A natural, tactile textile drapes and ages beautifully, developing character over time, whereas cheaper fabrics tend to look tired quickly.”

Maria Ramirez, founder of BB Interiors, echoes this point, stating: “A truly luxurious sofa should tell the story of the home it lives in, not look exactly the same ten years later." According to the interior designer, that's because natural materials have "depth and movement" that synthetic ones "struggle to imitate".

3. Curved Shapes and Architectural Silhouettes

When it comes to the shape of your couch, the world of sofa shops is your oyster. In 2026, there are all different types of sofas you should know about before you settle on your chosen seating arrangement, from sectional sofas and modular options to loveseats and motion sofas.

But the key to making your seating space look high-end? Opting for sofas that have curve appeal. So when it comes to curved sofas vs straight sofas, in this instance, curved options win every time.

“The sofas that feel most luxurious in 2026 are moving away from rigid, boxy forms towards softer, more architectural silhouettes,” Maria says. “Gentle curves are becoming increasingly popular, not because they are fashionable, but because they beautifully bridge traditional and contemporary design. That transitional quality is what gives them longevity. They feel just as at home in a Georgian townhouse as they do in a modern apartment, which is exactly what timeless design should do.”

4. A Generous Scale in Proportion

“The details I always notice on a truly well-made sofa are, first, the depth and proportion,” Louise says. “The best pieces are generously scaled but never bulky, with a seat depth that's been carefully considered for how the sofa will actually be used, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, a conversational sofa will be firmer and shallower vs a sofa for a snug.”

Which is why Louise says it’s all about restraint and precision. “A generous and well-proportioned frame signals confidence in the design,” she adds.

5. The 'Hardware'

There’s no denying that when choosing from the different sofa design styles, comfort is key. But a sofa is so much more than a space just to sit. So it’s not just the shape, fabric, and color worth paying attention to. The legs, base, and edging will add to the high-end look.

“Luxury is almost always found in the details,” suggests Maria. “A beautifully piped edge, a subtle flange seam, hand-finished upholstery, solid timber feet, or perfectly tailored cushions all communicate quality without demanding attention.”

But instead of plucking for anything too trend-driven, Maria suggests picking a sofa that puts quiet luxury and elevated craftsmanship at the forefront. "The most expensive-looking sofas tend to have one beautiful detail executed exceptionally well, rather than five competing for attention," she notes. "Ultimately, beautifully executed craftsmanship creates visual calm because every detail feels considered."

As you can see, there are a few design details worth looking out for before buying your next seating arrangement. And before you do, it's also worth knowing where to buy a sofa. Thankfully, our expert-backed guide is a comprehensive guide on the best sofa and couch shops. It also covers everything from the average price for a sofa to the comfiest filling.

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The saying goes: 'good things come in small packages', and for gardens, I think that couldn’t be truer. They’re easier to maintain, cost less to renovate, and are full of creative design possibilities.

Though it may seem like this year's garden window has closed, it's actually the perfect time to get ahead with your design. While the lawn better resembles the moon’s crust than a luscious meadow, you can be planning your planting ready for autumn's much-needed rainfall.

In fact, experts say our super-hot summers have made autumn planting even more essential for a plant's survival. Planting earlier, while the soil is moist but temperatures have yet to drop, gives the plants a head start to develop an established root system and seek out much-needed moisture before the summer drought sets in.

So small garden means small plants, right? Wrong.

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make in smaller spaces is assuming everything has to be small within it. But take a look at the top garden designers, and you’ll see the plants of all shapes and sizes weaving their way through their designs. But how do they make it work?

1. They Add Scale and Contrast

It seems counterintuitive, but larger plants are essential to create scale and variation in a garden design. Keep everything small, and, put simply, everything will look the same. But place a large plant as a focal point within smaller plants and it will not only draw the eye to the tree or shrub, but also to surrounding plants. In short, contrast matters.

Expert garden designer Hannah Gale advises, “Larger plants such as trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses give a hierarchy and a vertical focus to a garden design. A few large plants can help organise the space - giving anchor points for smaller perennials and ground cover to be arranged around.”

It’s this layering technique which Hannah says adds atmosphere to a garden design in 2026. She explains, “This kind of layering gives a border depth and makes it feel more immersive than having a selection of similar-sized plants.”

When looking at your garden space, think about which areas you want to highlight. Is there a corner by your seating area currently taken up by smaller potted plants? Think about anchoring that space with one large shrub or tree, instead of lots of smaller pieces. The added height is also ideal for hanging ambient outdoor dining lighting, like festoon lights or solar lanterns.

2. They Create Privacy

The only slight downside to smaller gardens, especially in urban areas, is other properties overlooking your space. After all, no one wants a nosy neighbor spying on your Sunday afternoon siesta. Garden screening is where larger plants and shrubs really excel in smaller designs.

The key is to look for plants which can fill vertical space, rather than sprawl out into a large footprint. Expert garden designer Hannah Gale is no novice when it comes to beautiful courtyard designs — in fact, she’s won awards for her unique concepts. She advises, “In an urban front courtyard, one generous architectural plant, like a windmill palm tree or a tree fern for shady spots, can be incredibly impactful and give year-round interest without taking up too much floor space. To help with privacy, multi-stemmed ornamental trees like amelanchier lamarkii or prunus serrulata in oversized pots make beautiful focal points whilst providing screening.” You can buy amelanchier lamarkii trees from Crocus.

If you’re after a more Mediterranean feel, large shrubs like fig trees are great for growing in small containers. By constricting the plant’s roots by container gardening, it forces it to produce fruit as opposed to leaves. Their branches can be trained along a trellis in a fan shape too to help with privacy screening. Or, simply give it free rein to create a beautiful canopy over a seating area. Birds will love the added shelter too.

3. They Enhance Your Vertical Canvas

You’ll hear garden designers talk about this a lot in urban gardening — we’re talking about vertical growing.

At a time when space comes at a premium, small-space gardeners are looking for unique ways of planting and growing. Keeping your planting footprints to a minimum is crucial; after all, no one wants to be climbing over pots to get to the barbecue. Instead, designers are taking a maximalist approach to their property’s vertical space.

Expert Hannah knows first-hand how difficult smaller gardens can be. She explains, “I had a tiny garden in my first house, and we maximized the growing space by planting loads of climbers to cover the fences and grow up an existing mature tree. This gave us a vertical canvas and allowed us to make much more impact than the confines of the planted beds. When you are trying to cover a fence, the bigger the plant gets, the better."

This applies to larger balcony areas too. Limited floor space is a great excuse to maximize vertical growing through climbers and trellises. This can even extend to fruits and vegetables, if you’re interested in growing your own. Plants like runner beans, tomatoes and strawberries are great for a sunny balcony or terrace; just make sure you keep on top of their maintenance so they don’t overrun neighbors’ balconies.

For a fast-growing choice in a small garden, Clematis montana (here from Crocus) is ideal for shadier garden walls. It’s incredibly quick to get established and will smother structures with beautiful pale pink flowers in spring. Just be sure to give it a good trim after flowering — it can quickly get leggy and out of control.

4. They Create Shade

As this summer has proven, garden shade is becoming more and more essential for our outdoor spaces. Not just for ourselves, but for our plants too. According to experts, plants like hydrangeas and acers are easy victims of high temperatures. But one way to help them is with shade. Hannah thinks a natural canopy is a great way to add structure to a small space and help your moisture-loving plants.

Hannah explains, “Large plants can be a very effective tool for creating a more hospitable environment for smaller plants that can thrive beneath their shade. It's good to opt for large plants with an open canopy (like amelanchier lamarkii or betula utilis var. jaqumontii) which allow some light through and cast dappled shade. This keeps temperatures lower whilst allowing a wide variety of perennials to thrive in partial shade.

If your garden space is north facing or particularly shady, don’t worry, a canopy can still be on the cards. Hannah recommends, “If a garden is naturally very shaded, this can be accentuated with species for full shade. Plants like Tetrapanax papyrifer can provide characterful moments if combined with ground cover plants like ferns and hostas that like shady spots.”

5. They Add Architectural Interest

If modern minimalism is more your style, larger architectural plants are your best friend. Instead of smaller dainty flowers, you have the freedom to go bold and opt for one or two show-stopping larger centerpiece plants.

Hannah is a big advocate for bamboo — but before you go planting it straightaway, she has some essential rules. “Bamboo is a wonderful singular plant for movement, and it sounds incredibly peaceful in the breeze, but be sure to plant it in a large pot, never into the ground, as it will take over! A less invasive approach to get the same sense of movement is to plant structural ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' and Stipa tennissima.”

For a modern feel in a shady garden, expert Chloe Plumstead loves a Fatsia. “Fatsias require practically no maintenance and are a great option for shadier corners crying out for shape. Not only are they evergreen, meaning they will offer interest through every season, they’re also incredibly versatile, working in most well-draining soils and pots, too.”

Sometimes getting that designer look means stepping outside your comfort zone into ideas that at first seem a bit counterproductive.

By weaving larger plants into your small garden design, you'll create focal points, scale and pockets of shade that will help your garden thrive. It's bound to make your space feel more expensive and thought-through!

It's no secret that the right lighting can make or break a room. But understanding how to light your home is about so much more than simply picking the right fittings. It's an art form, with a whole slew of different techniques and approaches to adopt. And I've just discovered a new technique that's completely changed the way I look at a room.

When explaining how to plan your home's lighting scheme, there is one idea that expert designers will often refer back to. It is, in essence, to light the 'edges', not the 'middle'. This means that rather than focusing the bulk of your lighting in the center of the room, as is traditionally done, you should instead illuminate your space by dotting lighting around the periphery. If you've ever complained of the dreaded 'big light', you'll already be familiar with the benefits of this technique. By cutting out harsh, overhead lighting, you're left with a softer, more diffused effect, making your home feel more welcoming and relaxing.

Lighting can often feel like a bit of a mystery, which is exactly why I reached out to the lighting consultants to help it all make a bit more sense. With their help, I've got to the bottom of why this technique works so well as well as how to put it into action. And, as an extra treat, I've even found some stylish lights that would be perfect for this approach.

Why the Designers Swear by This Rule

As much as we love a good statement chandelier moment, on the whole, if your only light source is smack dab in the middle of the room, you're doing your space a disservice. While overhead lighting offers an obvious functional benefit, it will always fall short when it comes to creating an atmosphere. Unlike an overhead light alternative, these harsh fittings will ultimately flatten your space, making you work 10 times harder to design a cozy living room that actually feels inviting.

Whatever is closest to the light fitting will be the most accentuated, so when most of the texture and intrigue exists on the walls, it makes more sense to concentrate the lighting around the outer edge of the room. "We are always looking for surfaces and interesting textures to reflect light off," explains lighting design consultancy Lighting by Plum's creative director Michael Thorpe.

Limewashed walls, mirrored surfaces, and wall decor pieces are all excellent examples of finishes that could benefit from this additional illumination. And, as Michael explains, "Not only does this enhance or 'dress' the space, but it actually provides more illuminance and can make the space feel bigger and brighter." In small living rooms, combining reflective surfaces with ample, soft lighting is one of the best ways to create the illusion of more space and make your small room look bigger.

When you rely on a single, centrally placed overhead light, the effect will be an intensely bright middle, which is likely where your main seating area will be, surrounded by dark, dingy corners, when, in reality, what you want is the exact opposite. In creating a consistent glow around the perimeter of the room, the whole room will benefit from the illumination, without it feeling overly intense.

There's also a certain logic behind this approach. As Michael explains it, "Typically, the center of a space is often a route through to another 'destination', so adding light centrally can feel a bit lost or surplus to requirement." Concentrating lighting around entrances and exits will not only make the space feel more welcoming, but it also makes more sense logistically, providing a clear route to follow around the room.

How to Use It

There are plenty of different ways to put this technique in action, adapting and adjusting it according to the room you're designing. With kitchen lighting and bedrooms alike, this approach can make every room feel that bit cozier, without sacrificing any of the functionality.

One of Michael's go-to techniques is "using plaster-in or uplighting profiles around the perimeter of the space for a reflected glow." These plastered-in lights make for a more subtle effect, perfect for homes with a minimalist design style, where you want minimal visual intrusion.

Another way you'll often see experts use this technique is in how they light art. Not only does an art light help accentuate the work, but it will, by extension, bring a gentle glow to your space. For Michael, this is done by "carefully positioning downlights or spotlights onto walls for art, pictures and interesting textures." Or, for architectural features, he suggests, "integrating uplights to highlight entrance doors and window reveals."

In its simplest form though, this technique takes the shape of a soft, layered lighting scheme. Think floor lamps and table lamps dotted around a living room, "ensuring they surround you for a more cosy, intimate feel." A combination of soft lighting will always help bring more depth to a room, enrobing it in a cloak of warmth.

The Best Lights For This Technique

Searching for some more ways to level up your lighting game? Take a peek over Lee Brom's lighting tips, taken straight from his gorgeous New York penthouse.

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It's the two words gardeners dread: hosepipe ban. Given the monsoons we experienced just seven months ago, it's hard to believe our water supply has already dwindled to alarming levels. But with help from a series of summer scorchers, some water areas have reached the hosepipe ban threshold.

Necessary as they are, there's no denying they're rather awkward to navigate — especially in larger gardens. But with heatwaves becoming the new norm, it's time to improvise and adapt if our plants have any chance of survival.

For the meantime, watering cans will have to do, but if you're committed to a longer-term solution, our designers have shed some light on the kind of measures they're taking to future-proof their garden designs, looking beyond drought-tolerant planting.

1. Invest in a Watering System

Perhaps even more important than your garden's plant selection is effectively keeping your garden hydrated. Without a reliable irrigation system or water harvesting design, even the most thought-through planting selections are left vulnerable. They simply have to work hand in hand.

For garden designer Agata Henderson, it comes down to three simple words: automated watering system.

“I cannot emphasize this enough: install an automated watering system in your garden,” says Agata. “A drip-irrigation system allows soil and plants to absorb 90% of the water it delivers effectively. Because the water flows slowly, it has time to penetrate the soil exactly where it is needed. This is especially useful for pots. The system may need to run for only a few minutes, yet the water is gradually absorbed by the compost. When watering with a hose or watering can, much of the water can run off before dry or compacted compost has time to absorb it.”

Though water-intensive systems like sprinklers are usually covered by the ban, some water companies permit the use of timed drip irrigation systems. Anglian Water, for example, allows "a drip or trickle irrigation system fitted with a timer and pressure-reducing valve that delivers water directly to the soil."

Though the initial outlay may be more costly in comparison to a watering can, a drip-irrigation system truly is the way forward for a 'fit and forget' approach, and you can find budget-friendly options on Amazon.

2. Collect Rainfall

We've covered the drip irrigation system, but to future-proof a garden, you'll want a 360º water conservation plan, and that means water harvesting.

Even drip irrigation systems rely on fresh water, so a backup supply of rainwater for your watering cans is essential.

"I always recommend collecting natural rainwater wherever possible,” says garden designer Pip Probert. “It makes a noticeable difference to plants, as they thrive on the natural softness of rainwater. Compared to tap water, rainwater has several benefits: it’s free from added minerals, salts and treatment chemicals, giving plants a gentler and more natural source of hydration. You can often see a physical difference in the garden after a rain shower.”

Water butts are the most common method of water collection, but not always the most attractive. To disguise them in your design, Pip likes to use natural screening like climbing plants. “There are plenty of ways to disguise a water butt or tank, from attractive fencing and screens to climbing plants trained to hide the structure. Barrels can also look appealing, although being open means they’re more exposed to dust and debris, but adding a rain chain helps guide water directly into the barrel and reduces contamination.”

My choice? A large trough. I love the patina you get on a reclaimed water trough; it has a real farmhouse feel. Plus the long, deep design means you can dip your watering can straight in and fill it in seconds – that beats waiting for a tap any day!

3. The Pot Method

Though a water butt and drip irrigation system are conventional, there's a slightly less conventional method that achieves great results. All you need is a terracotta pot.

“Plant some terracotta pots into the ground by your plants, plug the holes in the bottom and fill with water,” says designer Connor. “When the ground is too wet, the pot’s natural unglazed clay will take in the moisture from the ground and release it into the air, but when it's too dry, it will release moisture into the soil and prevent the plants from drying out.”

The pot method, or using an olla which is the same concept, is a great set-up for low-maintenance watering, especially in borders that you wander past frequently. Simply start your morning with a cuppa and a garden stroll and keep an eye on the pots' water levels.

Though watering systems may seem reserved for high-end garden designs, the reality is us gardeners need to think about incorporating reliable water-saving systems into our designs now.

Whether it's a drip-irrigation system, a selection of water butts and troughs, the pot method, or a combination of all three, it's essential if you want to beat a hosepipe ban and keep your plants fresh and healthy!

There seem to be certain things we have, over time, ended up taking as a given in our homes, simply accepting them as something we should have rather than questioning whether they still have a purpose in terms of our more modern lifestyles.

In the past these have included fixtures and fittings such as wall-mounted radiators, knobs and handles for kitchen cabinets, a central pendant light in pretty much every room and, lets not forget the humble kettle. Most of us have now come to realize that there are contemporary ways of sidestepping all of these thanks to the fast-paced world of ever-evolving kitchen trends, and yet there seem to be certain features that have slipped through the net — kitchen upstands being one of them.

Kitchen upstands are designed to neaten up the joint between countertop and wall and to offer a little protection — but are they really still necessary? I've certainly been questioning my own just lately and, with a kitchen remodel on the horizon, I'm keen to look into other options. I spoke to a range of top design experts, and here's what they had to say.

Are Kitchen Upstands Still in Fashion?

If, like me, you are currently busy drawing up a list of all your favourite modern kitchen ideas in a bid to ensure your new space remains looking fresh and relevant for many years to come, you really need to pay attention to the finer details.

While kitchen upstands, also sometimes referred to as 3" or 4" backsplashes, remain a common feature of many kitchens, according to Shelly Yoder, a project designer at Next Stage Design + Build, the way in which they are being viewed and used is changing. "An upstand made sense in an era when the goal was simply to protect the wall behind the counter. As a design element, though, it's always been a compromise: too short to be a real visual statement, too present to be invisible. There are only a few instances where an upstand still makes sense in a design, such as breaking up the pattern of the wall and the kitchen counter. In most of the kitchens we design today, clients are choosing one of two directions instead, and both look significantly more considered."

Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design, agrees that upstands aren't necessarily something to be avoided at all costs, but rather a feature that needs careful consideration in order to elevate rather than date a kitchen. "I don't think upstands have fallen out of fashion, but I do think the way we're using them has changed. The standard 100mm upstand is certainly less popular than it once was, particularly in more contemporary kitchens where the preference is to take the stone or tile further up the wall as a backsplash or entire feature wall. It creates a cleaner, more seamless look and allows the material to become a much stronger design feature."

What Is Being Used Instead of Kitchen Upstands?

It appears, then, that traditional 100mm, straight upstands are increasingly being shunned in favor of a range of more modern alternatives, although interior designer Caroline Montague is keen to point out that rather than being an outdated kitchen trend, it can be more a case of using them in a more considered way. "What can make a kitchen look dated is using an upstand almost by default, without considering what else is happening on the wall. I would never use a stone upstand and then begin a tiled backsplash immediately above it, for example. For me, it should be one or the other, never both."

"I don’t think there is one universal replacement for an upstand," continues Caroline. "In some kitchens, a marble or stone upstand will still look entirely appropriate. In another, tiles taken directly to the countertop, or a durable painted wall may feel cleaner and more contemporary. It depends on the architecture of the room, the materials being used, and how practical the surface needs to be. A traditional or more layered kitchen may suit a stone upstand beautifully, whereas a simpler contemporary scheme may benefit from leaving the wall uninterrupted. My approach would be to choose one clear solution: an upstand, a backsplash, or sometimes nothing at all. The kitchen begins to look dated when several different treatments are combined where one would have been enough."

That said, if, like me, you are seeking out alternatives to the standard kitchen upstand, these are the design ideas the experts I spoke to suggested instead.

1. A slab backsplash

Perhaps one of the most popular features to emerge in recent years is the slab backsplash, where the countertop material, or another solid surface, is extended right up the wall from the counter — perfect for creating the quietly dramatic kitchen trend that is currently so popular.

Leila Touwen, co-founder of Pluck, explains just why this is such a good alternative to the standard kitchen upstand. "The continuation of a countertop into the upstand creates a seamless transition from the flat plane to the vertical. If you have opted for a particularly special countertop material, say marble or terrazzo, it is an opportunity to show a little more of this and to make a statement with that material so that it has a bigger role in the room’s scheme. How high you go is up for debate — 100mm is standard, but we now frequently design kitchens with upstands higher than this, at which point the upstand becomes a backsplash."

Shelly Yoder agrees that the slab backsplash can make a stunning modern kitchen feature. "A continuous run of stone or quartz from the counter surface up to the upper cabinets, with no visible seam or grout line, is the cleanest possible resolution of the counter-to-wall transition. It works beautifully in kitchens with darker elements especially. The uninterrupted material plane gives the space a tailored, almost furniture-like quality that an upstand or even a tiled backsplash can't replicate."

Ash McCullough, lead designer at Blakes London, goes on to explain that this is definitely her preferred way of making a statement in the kitchen. "When it comes to upstands, we favour taking the chosen material as far up the wall as the budget allows. Rather than stopping at a small upstand, we'll often continue the stone or tile to a decorative shelf or the underside of a wall unit before transitioning back to painted walls. Where possible, we love to carry the material all the way to the ceiling, creating a more architectural and elevated feel. Extending the material in this way allows its beauty, texture and character to become a defining feature of the space without overwhelming the overall scheme. It's an approach that works equally well in both contemporary and traditional kitchens, adding a sense of permanence, craftsmanship and quiet luxury that never goes out of style."

2. A Full Wall of Tiles

While kitchen tile trends might come and go, this is one material that rarely falls out of favor entirely and, thanks to the enormous range of sizes, shapes colours and designs on offer, tile can offer up the potential for creating some really stunning alternatives to the upstand.

"A full-height tiled backsplash that runs continuously from countertop to upper cabinet is the most common replacement we see, and when the tile is well chosen, it transforms the wall behind the counter into an intentional design feature rather than a protective afterthought," picks up Shelly Yoder. "In one of our recent projects, a contemporary kitchen with white flat-front cabinetry, a textured ceramic tile was taken the full height behind the range, creating a visual anchor for the space that an upstand simply couldn't achieve. In another, a bold geometric yellow tile extended from counter height all the way to the ceiling as a feature wall. Neither of these reads as a solution to a problem. They read as design decisions."

"If tiles are being used, I would bring them directly down to the countertop rather than adding a separate strip of stone beneath them," advises Caroline Montague. "The tiles then become the wall treatment in their own right, rather than competing with another material."