Lifestyle

The annual ‘colour of the year’ announcements are always eagerly awaited by those who follow interior trends. The first to stick its head above the parapet and make an announcement this year is paint specialist Dulux. Its Colour of the Year 2025 is True Joy.

Do you find moving home stressful? It's very likely you do, and this is only natural.

Now, imagine how your dog might feel.

In the weeks running up to the move, all aspects of your dog’s normal life will become uprooted, from their normal routine to their belongings, even to the smell of their home.

Unfortunately, you cannot explain to them why everything they know is suddenly changing, but you can help to make the transition from one home to another less stressful for them, and here’s how you can do it.

Saying goodbye to your old house doesn't have to be ruff! Discover expert tips for creating a safe space, packing familiar items, and helping your furry friend adjust to a new environment.

The UK is a true melting pot where street names are concerned! We certainly have our favourites, with over 3000 ‘high streets’ and 2000 ‘station roads’ across the country. However, there are also some unusual and hilarious street names hidden across our beautiful counties.

One of the most exciting aspects about moving home is starting afresh with your interior design. A new property is a blank canvas, with the chance to express yourself in line with personal tastes or the latest home fashions.

House building trends in the UK haven’t changed for years and it’s common for homes to have different sized rooms. Not all of the dimensions are, let’s say, generous but we have to work with what we’ve got.

There are different types of keen home stylists. There’s the ones that change their accessories in line with current fashions, those that switch looks with every season and those who only open a tin of paint when their walls desperately need a fresh coat.

No matter what type of property you own or its value, there is one piece of advice that’s almost universal – a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls can improve selling prospects.

Fixing wood to our walls is nothing new. There is evidence wood panelling was used in ancient Greece, Rome, Japan and China, mainly to provide insulation and protection.

There are a number of essential components that comprise a kitchen – a sink with running water, oven and fridge freezer being the most vital – therefore, everything else could be considered a ‘nice to have’.

Pink? On every wall in the home? That’s exactly what the colour experts at Dulux say is the shortcut to interior design style.

We’re barely into autumn and already the interior design experts are predicting which trends will be big news in 2024. Livingetc – the glossy magazine and style bible – has already published its colour predictions for next year and there are some interesting shades in the spotlight.

As the vibrant summer days give way to the crisp and colourful autumn season, preparing your garden for the changing conditions will be on top of any green-fingered gardener’s list.

By taking the proper steps now, you can ensure your garden remains a picturesque and inviting space throughout this season and next.

We’ll provide you with our expert tips to get your garden ready for autumn. From tidying up and planting to protecting your plants and embracing the stunning autumn colours, these insights will help you create a thriving and visually appealing garden.