Craving a micro trend that’s a cinch to adopt? Then say ‘hello’ to The Unexpected Red Theory. Doing exactly what it says on its metaphorical tin, adding a pop of red to an otherwise crimson-free interiors scheme is an instant way to give your space a

Remove the doors and any hardware. Wash with soapy water, then apply two coats of chalk paint. When dry, apply three layers of chalk paint wax for a protective finish. Buff with a cotton cloth. ■

Mia and Alexander Bürk and their children live in this six-bedroom, semi-terraced house in west London. To transform a 150ft garden into a multifunctional space for outdoor entertaining and children’s play, with formal planting and a vegetable plot.

Two simple words – quiet luxe – define a sophisticated, timeless trend that’s grounded in neutral shades, sumptuously soft textiles, elegant shapes and high-end finishes. And one brand that embodies the look effortlessly is Layered Lounge. This month

Shaker continues to be one of the most popular kitchen styles as it’s so versatile. While ‘in-frame’ Shaker designs are usually found in handmade, bespoke kitchens, its popularity means that almost all manufacturers have a Shaker-style door in their

Whether you’re using varying tones of one colour or layering a mix of shades such as mint green, yellow and lilac, contrast your chosen palette with textured finishes like wooden furniture, rattan lighting and sisal flooring. Using these organic text

Hannah Thomson and her husband Jon, with their three children, Otis, five, Dusty, four, and Iggy, three months. An en suite in the loft conversion of a Victorian terrace in east London. COST £15,000 We needed our own bedroom retreat with a luxurio

A bathroom is where we take long showers or hot bubble baths and prioritise self-care. But it can’t be spa-like if your cabinet is overflowing and the countertop is cluttered with shampoo bottles, face washes and other toiletries. You might think it

Start by loading the dishwasher. This will help you clear the clutter and make any surfaces easier to clean. Then wipe your surfaces down with warm soapy water, giving them a second clean using disinfectant spray. Next up is your sink. If it’s made f

Fabric house Clarke & Clarke has joined forces with US interior designer Breegan Jane to create a vivid fabric and wallpaper collection. Think tropical prints and African motifs in a pigment-rich palette inspired by lush foliage, sandy landscapes and

Brass, copper and gold touches not only add a gentle, warming glow to a kitchen, but they also bring an element of glamour, too. While stainless steel – particularly for appliances, sinks and taps – has been the go-to material for a long time, softer

Echoing the look of New York loft-style apartments, with exposed brickwork, reclaimed flooring and steel beams, industrial style takes kitchens back to basics. Pick and choose a few key pieces to help translate the trend to modern living. CABINET CH

● Old crates (at least four) ● Fencing panel ● Screws ● Outdoor wood paint or wood stain ● S-hooks Use old wooden crates for an outdoor kitchen set up. Secure two crates side-by-side by screwing them together in each corner. Repeat with another two,

Jacqui Roebuck lives here with her husband, Ian. A five-bed, detached Victorian house in Hastings, East Sussex. ‘We started work as soon as we could get builders and structural surveyors on board. I drew all the plans myself, which was pretty stre

KATHRYN LLOYD, COLOUR SPECIALIST, CROWN PAINTS ‘The most effective schemes embrace the size and shape of a room, working with it even if this means going against design rules.’ MELANIE ARCHER, COLOUR EXPERT, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS ‘People are intui

Breathe new life into your interiors with colour blocking and get creative with your favourite palettes. This tried and trusted design method is well known for its ability to inject vibrancy and personality into rooms. Far from being a one-size-fits-

Shaker is such a popular choice that most kitchen companies will have their own take on it, so you can pick from a wide range of options – from simple off-the-shelf designs to something much more bespoke – depending on your taste and budget. Another

Parquet-effect flooring The herringbone pattern and subtle colour variations in the wood give a neutral room warmth and texture Louise Steen lives here with her husband, James, and their sons Charlie and Billy, and daughter Daisy. A five-bed

If your tastes run to fuss-free kitchen design with plenty of storage to hide unsightly clutter, then a contemporary flat door or handleless design could be for you. Looking as good in period properties as they do in new-builds, minimalist door desig

Leila Davidson, an HR advisor, lives here with her partner Joe Peddie, a civil and structural engineer, and their two cats, Zephyr and Laszlo. A three-bedroom Victorian terraced townhouse in Grimsby, Lincolnshire. The ground floor is made up of two

REAL HOME MAKEOVERS Take a look inside five fabulous contemporary kitchens and read about what the homeowners did to transform their space ESSENTIAL ADVICE Explore concrete flooring, terrazzo worktops, hot water taps and more in our in-depth advice p

Hannah Bennett and Ben Mercer, who both work in digital advertising, live here with their baby. A refit in a three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in south London. £20,000 The original kitchen was small and narrow, and the ceiling felt too low ‘

Be a little braver with your colour choices and fill your home with bright, bold hues and zesty shades for an instant visual pick-me-up. It’s guaranteed to look fresh and fabulous, come rain or shine. ■