There’s no denying that white plates are a staple piece of tableware. As an interior stylist, even with all the different designs I see daily, I often still gravitate towards white. However, there’s a new colorway trend that has grabbed my attention, which I think is perfect for autumn and heading into winter – and that’s dark green!

Green and all of its tonal variations have become a favorite for many interior lovers as well as designers, and that enthusiasm has made its way into the world of tableware. Dark green has a deep richness to it that feels elevated and luxurious. Plus, it can suit a number of different styles.

For example, a shiny glazed dark green plate may suit a home that feels refined and polished, whereas you can pick up a dark green plate that feels more muted in tone and has rougher edges, which would be more at home in a rustic space. Here’s an edit of some of my absolute favorites.

Dark green plates may be the perfect addition to your collection for when autumn rolls around, but they can definitely work all year round, too. Whether you'd like to test out the trend with a side plate or two, or invest in a whole dinnerware set, I hope you've found a design that you love.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m still clinging to every last golden hour the British summer has generously handed us. I’m certainly not ready to retreat indoors just yet, and I’m all for finding ways to zone my garden for the sun, to make the most of it while it's here. If anything, this feels like the moment to give the garden one last refresh. That’s why I went through John Lewis’s outdoor collection, looking specifically for pieces that can carry your garden from late summer into early autumn.

I focused on the playful little details that can wake the garden up again; think patterned plates for one more long lunch outside, a sculptural side table you’ll happily bring indoors later, or, my personal favourite, rattan lighting that keeps glowing long after your dinner guests should probably have gone home. Better still, the rechargeable, wireless designs can move wherever the evening takes you.

These are pieces worth bringing home now, but with enough longevity to earn their place well beyond August.

And if your garden still feels like it’s missing something, Find, our free sourcing service at Design Lab by Livingetc, can help. Tell us what you’re after, whether it’s a slim table for an awkward corner or the right light for those later dinners, and I’ll handpick a few options for you. One less thing to scroll for, and a little more time to enjoy what’s left of summer.

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It's mid-August, and we've officially made it through the dog days of summer. There are still heatwaves in London, and many of us are actually starting to dream of the cooler weather that's to come. I don't want to rush anything, but after spending some time perusing the new-in homeware this month, I noticed the design world is taking its first baby step towards the cozy season.

However, it's more of a spiritual season we're leaning into rather than a literal one. What does that mean? Well, the decor currently stocking the shelves points to our collective desire for a little relaxation, reset, and time to recharge. July's new-in homeware offerings were full of summer spirit — outdoor accessories, bold colors, and seaside motifs. And now? There are beautiful bathroom embellishments to elevate your home spa, chic storage pieces to help prep for more time indoors, and cozy throws and lamps to upgrade that restful atmosphere.

I'm not saying summer's over (far from it), but if slowing down (and cooling off) have been on your mind, then our favorite home decor brands are in alignment. August is shaping up to be the month of rejuvenation, and below are 24 stylish pieces to make those moments of respite even more fashionable as the heat begins to slow.

I knew I always loved August, but leaning into the slower pace and relaxing side of this end-of-the-summer-season month makes it that much better. A little something new to help make your home feel calmer is always a good idea to me!

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Don't you think tableware has spent far too long matching? The tables I’m most drawn to now have a little more personality: a striped mug beside a floral plate, sculptural cutlery against simple linen, or one slightly unexpected serving piece that everyone ends up asking about. Westwing’s tableware collection taps into exactly that mood, with unusual forms and playful details that make even an everyday setting feel so much more special.

And it seems I’m not the only one who noticed. Livingetc editor Hugh Metcalf attended Westwing’s UK launch earlier this year, where dinner was served on pieces from the brand’s own collection. “The tableware was design-y and felt good quality,” he says, adding that he left with Westwing’s Stainless Steel Butter Dish high on his wishlist.

That’s what I like about this edit. These aren’t pieces you need to buy as a perfectly coordinated set. They’re the ones you can introduce one at a time to wake up what you already own, add a little joy to the table and, hopefully, give your guests something to talk about before dinner has even started. Plus, Westwing stocks a range of cool brands, particularly from the Scandi region, so you know you'll find a great range to choose from.

These are the kinds of pieces that work just as well when you’re slowly adding to your own collection as they do wrapped up as a thoughtful gift. Westwing would genuinely be one of my first stops for either. And if you’re shopping for someone particularly design-conscious, our edit of gifts for interior design lovers is another lovely place to look for something they’re unlikely to already own.

And if you’re hunting for something specific, whether it’s a housewarming gift, a present for someone difficult to buy for or simply a piece you’ve pictured for your own table, Find, our free product sourcing service at Design Lab by Livingetc, is here to help. Send us your brief, and we’ll curate a selection tailored to exactly what you’re looking for.

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Folding furniture once had a reputation for being the sensible but slightly boring choice in a small garden. Handy, yes, but not often something to get excited about. Today’s foldable designs are little moments of joy, whether that’s a powder-coated chair that looks like it’s arrived straight from a Parisian terrace or a petite bistro table that brings just as much attitude as any sprawling outdoor set. And when you’re working with a small garden, that kind of personality matters.

Take IKEA’s DJUPÖN folding table, for example. It’s smart, compact, and unapologetically made for small spaces, with two chairs neatly stowed inside. It’s exactly the kind of clever detail that makes you want to show it off rather than hide it away — proof that designing a small garden can be about creativity rather than compromise.

In small outdoor spaces, flexibility is everything. The right foldable piece can disappear after dinner or add the pop of color the space was missing. Having less room doesn’t mean settling for less style. These 12 finds from the best garden furniture brands prove practical can still feel full of personality.

A small garden needs pieces that are more thoughtful about how they use the space. That’s what makes folding furniture so useful. It gives you the freedom to host, move things around or simply clear the floor when you want the garden to feel more open.

And if you’re still trying to find the right piece, Find, our free product sourcing service at Design Lab by Livingetc, can help point you in the right direction. Send over your brief and we'll curate a shortlist that works with your space, your style and how you actually want to use your garden.

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Lighting is one of those design elements that's almost always overlooked. We get it — switching out your lighting fixture doesn't always factor into redecorating plans, especially if you're not comfortable with power tools and electrics. Still, the transformative effect of a fresh lighting idea really shouldn't be underestimated, especially when the lighting trend in question embraces shimmering, gemstone-like shades that add vibrant color to your space.

That's right — pastel tones are one of the biggest lighting trends in 2026. Think sculptural pendants in milky pastel hues. It's one of the most playful lighting trends to emerge in recent years, tapping into the wider shift towards more characterful, personality-filled homes.

And it's already received plenty of designer approval, too. "We’re seeing people become much more confident with color in their homes, but lighting is still an area where many people tend to play it safe," says interior designer Laura Stephens. "I think pastel-colored lighting is an appealing way of bringing color into a room because it feels decorative and considered without being too dominant."

Here's how to embrace the look, plus our picks on the market right now.

We often fail to realize the power of lighting in introducing personality into a scheme. It acts like the jewellery of a room — a chance to introduce different shapes, materials, and — in this case — colors, in a subtle way.

This pastel-toned trend is mostly cropping up in pendant lighting, offering a great way to add color to typically plainer fixtures, but there are also plenty of table lamps and floor lamps that feature the same lustrous glass. "These softer colors have a lovely quality because they can add interest and warmth while still feeling calm and sophisticated," says Laura Stephens. "They also look particularly beautiful when the light catches them in the evening, which is when a room really comes alive."

For some, though, pastels can lean a little too sweet and saccharine. How, then, should you embrace this playful lighting trend in a way that still feels elegant and sophisticated? The key, says Laura, is to balance it with something more "grown-up".

"I’d mix it with natural materials, antique pieces, darker woods, stripes or more graphic patterns," she says. "I also like the idea of repeating the color subtly elsewhere in the room, perhaps in a cushion, a small trim or a piece of artwork, rather than matching everything exactly. That stops the light from feeling like an isolated statement and makes it feel part of the wider scheme."

You don't need to commit to a full-blown pastel color palette, either. Pastel lighting can work just as effectively (if not more so) against a backdrop of deeper colors. "A pale pink or blue lamp against a chocolate, aubergine or deep green wall can feel incredibly sophisticated because the contrast gives the pastel color some weight," notes Laura.

And finally, don't forget the finish. A beautiful aged brass detail, an interesting ceramic texture, or a contrastive black mount can offset sweet tones in a refined way. "Ultimately, it’s about layering," Laura says. "Pastel lighting should feel like one element within a room full of color, texture and personality, rather than the entire story."

Ready to embrace the look? Here are our favorite pendant lights to shop right now, from playful statement pieces to more understated designs that add a subtle hint of color to your scheme.

If you're planning the perfect lighting scheme for your home, pastel pendants are an easy way to introduce more personality without overwhelming the rest of your space. Whether you opt for a sculptural pendant or a more understated design, these softer shades can add warmth, color, and a touch of playful elegance to any room — proving that lighting can be just as decorative as the rest of your decor.

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Burl wood is back. In fact, if you've kept tabs on recent interior design trends, you'll know that it made its triumphant return quite some time ago, but if 2026 has proven anything so far, it's that this swirling, marble-like grain isn't going anywhere. And nowhere does it look better than on a coffee table.

There is absolutely zero excuse for your coffee table to be boring in this day and age. If the hardworking centerpiece of your living room is still a clunky oak rectangle or made with soulless smoked glass, it's likely time for an upgrade. Burl wood brings all the glamour of 70s design, but today's iterations feel fresher and far more refined. Think low-profile silhouettes with plinth bases, sculptural pedestal styles, and tiered designs that double as functional art.

Coffee table trends in 2026 are all about big, bold shapes that anchor a room and start conversations, instead of blending into the background. Burl wood, with its distinctive knots and swirling grain, makes an organic statement that adds warmth, texture, and quiet luxury to a space, whether you choose deep rich walnut or a lustrous poplar. Need inspiration? We've rounded up the best burl wood coffee tables to shop right now, from budget-friendly veneer to investment-worthy hardwood designs.

The right coffee table can completely transform your living room, and we've no doubt that the picks above will prove just how impactful a single statement piece can be. Pair with matching burl wood decor if you're feeling brave, or keep the rest of your space minimal and let the table do the talking.

You don't have to commit to a heavy use of burl, either (we'll admit, it can be a bit overwhelming on the eye). Whether you opt for a solid profile to make a bold statement or combine a burl tabletop with a mix of other materials for something a subtler accent, this wood finish promises to add a touch of opulence to your living room.

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Whether it’s a tiny balcony or a big backyard, the right furniture can completely change the way an outdoor space feels. While neutral pieces will always have their place, I’ve found myself drawn to warmer, earthier colors lately. Terracotta has that rare ability to make a garden feel instantly more welcoming, adding richness without overpowering the surrounding greenery. If you’re looking for beautifully made pieces, it’s also worth exploring our guide to the best garden furniture brands before choosing where to invest.

It’s no surprise that these warm, sun-baked hues are everywhere this year. One of the biggest outdoor furniture trends for 2026 is embracing earthy palettes that make gardens feel softer, more expressive, and far more connected to the landscape. Rather than sticking to one flat shade, layering different terracotta tones, rusts, clay colors, and soft cinnamon hues creates a space that feels collected instead of perfectly matched.

Another trend I can’t get enough of is powder-coated metal outdoor furniture. It brings a clean, contemporary silhouette while the matte finishes keep everything feeling warm rather than industrial. You’ll spot plenty of these designs throughout this collection, from bold terracotta statement pieces to quieter clay-toned options, making it easy to mix different shades together for a layered, stylish outdoor space.

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There’s something about warm-toned bedding that instantly changes the feel of a bedroom. Crisp white sheets will always have their place, but lately I’ve found myself drawn to richer, earthier palettes that make a space feel softer, more layered, and effortlessly inviting. Terracotta strikes that perfect balance, adding warmth while still feeling timeless. One of the biggest bedding trends for 2026 isn’t one standout color, but the way similar shades are layered together. Mixing terracotta with rust, clay, sand, and caramel creates a relaxed, lived-in look that feels both elevated and easy.

That also explains why earthy palettes continue to dominate designer bedrooms. Warm, nature-inspired colors have a softness that feels easy to live with throughout the seasons, bringing comfort while still looking elevated. Many designers are moving towards grounded, organic tones, making terracotta one of the easiest colors to introduce if you’re looking to create a bedroom that feels calm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish.

Whether you’re after washed linen duvet covers, breathable cotton bedding, or quilted throws and pillowcases in sun-baked shades, this edit of where to buy bedding brings together the terracotta bedding I’d genuinely choose to warm up a bedroom.

Still searching for the piece that completes your bedroom? Through Find at Design Lab by Livingetc, our product sourcing service, we help you discover furniture, lighting, décor and homeware that suit your style, budget and space, without the endless scrolling.

We're deep into the swing of summer now, and have comfortably settled into our al fresco lifestyle. But as autumn slowly creeps closer and the nights become that bit darker, there's never been a better time to add an outdoor floor lamp into your garden setup.

In recent years, there's been a pretty notable shift in how we design our outdoor spaces. Gone are the days of lacklustre plastic chairs and rusty barbecues. Nowadays, we see our gardens as a natural extension of our interiors, and have been designing them as such. And no trend captures this better than the rise in outdoor living rooms. With soft, plush furnishings and chic materials, these spaces provide all the comfort you expect from a living space, just in a new setting. And while we've all accepted the importance of soft lighting in our interiors, the same idea has taken longer to catch on when it comes to our outdoor spaces.

Not only does lighting set the tone, providing that soft, cozy warmth we crave from our relaxing spaces, but in an outdoor living room, it also helps to elevate the vibe, further cementing that indoor-outdoor living feel. These outdoor floor lamps are chic enough to earn a spot in any modern garden, and, best of all, with one of these in your garden, your night can keep going well past sunset.

Now that you've got the lighting down, there are a few extra changes you can do to get your outdoor living space into the best shape possible, and some of the most transformative changes are surprisingly simple. You'd be shocked at what a difference knowing how to arrange your outdoor furniture right can have on the flow and feel of your space. But of course, a new chic garden sofa wouldn't hurt, either.

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It’s not surprising that checkerboard rugs have become one of 2026’s defining design movements. The pattern has always had staying power, from the bold tiled kitchens of the 1950s to the softer, more relaxed interiors we’re seeing now. What’s changed is the way we’re using it. Today’s checkerboard rugs feel far more design-led. The softened palettes and imperfect grids create rhythm without dominating the room, while the texture makes them easy to layer with contemporary furniture.

The pattern brings just enough order to anchor your furniture or carve out a little hangout zone in an open-plan space. If you have a quiet corner that needs a nudge of energy, a checkerboard rug can do exactly that. We're seeing a similar evolution with the plaid rug trend, where classic grids are being reimagined with softer lines, natural fibres and tactile weaves that feel more organic.

If you’re thinking about bringing one home, my tip is to let the rug lead the way. Meaning, pull a couple of its colors into your cushions or artwork, then keep everything else simple enough for the pattern to shine without shouting. Scale matters too. Larger checks feel casual and contemporary, while a tighter grid creates a more tailored look. Knowing where to buy rugs is a great place to start, but I’ve pulled together this edit to show just how many ways you can make the look your own.

Also, maybe that’s why we keep coming back to checks. There’s something playful about them, but underneath, they also bring a whole room together and make everything else feel more intentional. Checkerboard rugs can be a bold move, but with the right balance, they’re also one of the easiest places to start when styling a space.

If a checkerboard rug has sparked the direction but you’re not quite sure how to pull the rest of the room together, take a look at Style, our room design service at Design Lab by Livingetc. We’ll begin with a one-to-one call to talk through your space, then I’ll create a full moodboard with tailored product recommendations and a clear design direction built around the look you want to achieve.

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Some rugs melt into the background, quietly letting everything else shine. But the ones I’m obsessed with right now? They’re scene-stealers — bold and brimming with personality. If you’ve kept one eye on 2026’s rug trends (and honestly, how could you not?), you’ll have spotted those irresistible curves, punchy patterns, and an expressive, almost gallery-worthy quality.

Heal’s extensive rug collection reflects that shift through distinctive designs with craftsmanship at their core. These aren’t rugs that simply sit beneath the furniture. They make you feel something every time you walk into the room.

Here’s the thing: we’ll happily splash out on a painting, but when it comes to buying a rug, so many of us leave it as an afterthought. As an interior stylist, I can tell you that a really great rug is every bit as important as art, if not more. It’s the piece that grounds your scheme, brings everything together, and, if you pick the right one — makes the whole space sing.

That’s the beauty of choosing the right rug. It doesn’t just finish the space but changes how everything around it feels. If you’re still working out which direction suits your home, these stylist-favorite types of rug are a lovely place to explore the designs we return to again and again.

And if you’d like a little help narrowing it down, send your brief through Find, our free product sourcing service at Design Lab by Livingetc. I’ll curate a tailored selection around your space, style and budget.

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The quickest way I’ve found to make a bedroom feel completely different isn’t repainting the walls or buying new furniture — it’s changing the bedding. A fresh duvet cover can instantly make the whole room feel lighter, cozier, or more put together, depending on the look you’re after. That’s exactly why I always keep an eye on DUSK’s bedding range, where you’ll find everything from crisp cotton bedding and relaxed linen to timeless striped designs that are easy to layer and live with for years.

Good bedding is one of those investments you’ll appreciate every single day, but finding the right set isn’t always straightforward, which is why our guide to where to buy bedding is such a useful place to start if you’re weighing up different retailers. And once you’ve picked your favorite, a few simple styling tricks can make it look even better.

Found a favorite? Before you disappear into a freshly made bed, don’t forget to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter. It’s where we share the latest shopping finds, trend reports, and styling ideas before they inevitably fill your saved folder.

We’ve all been there. You clear the bathroom worktop, stand back to admire it, and somehow, by the next morning, your skincare has taken over the basin again. Between serums, SPF, supplements, toothbrushes and all the little luxuries we reach for twice a day, it’s no wonder the space can start to feel cluttered. The thing is, the secret to a consistently tidy bathroom isn’t about living with less. It’s about creating somewhere clever (and beautiful) to tuck it all neatly out of sight.

That’s why bathroom mirrors with storage are such a smart addition. A mirror is one of the first things you use in the morning and the last before bed, so it deserves just as much thought as the storage behind it. The right shape can soften hard lines, bounce around the light, and make even a compact bathroom feel larger, which is why choosing a bathroom mirror matters just as much as what it conceals.

By keeping everyday essentials close at hand but out of sight, a mirrored cabinet reduces visual noise and makes the whole room feel more curated and spacious. Also, far easier to maintain. Here are the 16 designs I’d personally pick, each one with style at its heart.

Forget their clinical past — today’s designs are architectural, sculptural, and full of personality. Some nestle almost invisibly into the wall, while others demand to be noticed with beautiful timber finishes, soft curves, or integrated lighting (always my favourite touch). They prove that hidden bathroom storage doesn’t have to look like storage at all. Done well, it simply becomes part of the room.

For more design insight and product inspiration, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter. And if you’re looking for something more specific, send your brief to Design Lab by Livingetc, and I’ll curate a tailored shortlist for you, completely free of charge.

Who doesn't want their bedroom to feel like a boutique hotel? Luxurious but comfortable, this style is all about understated elegance, with a healthy dose of personality, too. And when it comes to creating this look at home, there's one furniture piece that emulates this so well: a burl wood bedside table.

Inherently imperfect, covered in swirling patterns and unique knots and twists, our love of burl wood furniture is a further reflection of the growing desire for more characterful, unique finishes in the home. In the age of AI, when everywhere we look we're met with the pristine perfection only possible with machinery, when it comes to our homes, we're all searching for ways to make it feel a little bit more... human. And burl wood does exactly that.

These bedside tables combine beauty with function, supplying your room not only with all the warmth and character that we love burl wood for, but also with plenty of extra storage space. From simple, minimalist designs to extravagant art-deco inspired pieces, you're sure to find the right fit for your space in this selection of stylish burl bedside tables.

And they don't just work for the bedroom; there's no reason you couldn't sneak some burl wood decor into every room in the house. You could keep it subtle, with a wall-hung mirror, or make it the centerpiece, with a dramatic burl cabinet.

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You can usually tell when a home genuinely reflects the person who lives there. It shows in the pieces they have kept, the colours they return to and the details that would feel out of place anywhere else. That sense of character rarely comes from buying everything new. More often, it is created by mixing vintage finds with newer designs that already carry a little soul. Worn finishes and touches of patina help even a contemporary space feel as though it has evolved naturally over time.

One of my go-to tricks for creating this vibe? A vintage-style rug. They’re especially good at bridging old and new. A faded medallion or traditional motif can add visual interest, ground the furniture and bring the wider palette together. Knowing where to buy rugs helps, but I’d always start with how you want the room to feel. Suddenly, the space feels lived-in and inviting. It’s exactly why they still remain one of the most timeless rug styles.

I've selected 16 rugs that bring this look to life, whether you're refreshing one room or starting from scratch.

If none of these rugs quite fit your vision, the good news is you don't have to settle. Send your brief through Find, our free product sourcing service at Design Lab by Livingetc, and I'll personally handpick a selection based on your space, style and budget to help point you in the right direction.

For more shopping edits and design ideas delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter. There's plenty more inspiration to come.

Honestly, H&M Home's tableware collection has only gotten better and better over the last few seasons, largely thanks to its imagery, which looks so editorial and does an amazing job of 'selling the dream'. A little bit bistro, a little bit girly, a little bit sharp and edgy, and even slightly handmade, it's my go-to place to buy trending styles for a really reasonable price.

Design-wise, it holds up against the best tableware brands, even if it's much more on the affordable side, so it'll look just as good on the table as it will styled on the shelf, and you won't be too worried if something gets knocked over during a rambunctious dinner party. H&M also isn't the place I'd go to for classic white dinnerware — instead, it's where you'll find unique glazes, pretty colors, and trending shapes; consider them the conversation starters at the table.

Plates are typically made of porcelain and stoneware, so they're durable and dishwasher-safe; glassware is mostly glass (as opposed to borosilicate glass or crystal); textiles are mostly cotton or cotton blends, but you can find some linens too; and then there's the trending chrome collection, made of 100% stainless steel.

I personally own plenty of tableware from H&M Home, and have no regrets. So far, nothing has ever broken, and it looks so good in real life — especially the glassware. Ready to get shopping? Below I've rounded up some of my favorite H&M tableware, from plates to platters, glasses, placemats, serving bowls, and carafes.

Looking for something slightly more specific? Why not try our Design Lab by Livingetc Find service, where our in-house stylists will source something for you (for free!)

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