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Walk down the average street and you might well detect the first stirrings of a quiet, but distinctive, design revolution this springtime. The summer porch, that most practical but often overlooked element of our homes, is undergoing a transformation each season. Unsurprisingly, bold paint hues and imaginative lighting are ensuring that the entrance to our home is no longer a decorative afterthought, left to the last phase of a building project, but an integral part of both the look and feel of the whole property....

We’ve asked color psychologists to name the shades you should steer clear of when choosing bedroom ideas. These are their recommendations, including the one color you should paint your bedroom if you struggle to relax. 1. The color you should never paint your bedroom: red 1. The color you should never paint your bedroom: red You’ve probably guessed this one, and Lee Chambers (opens in new tab), Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant, confirms that red is a big no when choosing bedroom color ideas....

‘Garden owners should consider the plants they choose wisely,’ says Samantha Richards, spokesperson for Gazeboshop (opens in new tab). ‘Selecting plants that center around one season can be damaging if the homeowner puts their home on the market at the opposite half of the year. Instead, having a mixture of shrubs and trees, with perennials that respond well to deadheading will ensure months of color.’ Annuals in pots are a quick and easy way to add color for viewings – yellow is said to attract the eye of not just bees, but buyers – so choose daffodils, marigolds, chrysanthemums, pansies – depending on the season....

Cleaning a kitchen isn’t everyone’s idea of time well spent. And we all have jobs we tend to put off, from cleaning the oven to cleaning kitchen cabinets. But what about the ones that just don’t occur to us or get passed over for more obvious tasks? From the grease-magnet vent hood to the awkward-to-reach top of the refrigerator, these are the hidden hotspots we all need to start reaching for....

From space-conscious cabinets to clever walk-in ideas, there are many fantastic pantry ideas to copy for a space that’s really well designed. To get to the absolute core pantry design rules, we spoke to five interior experts who share their top tips. 1. Design in innovative storage for easy access 1. Design in innovative storage for easy access Pantry design rule number one: pull-out storage is a must for easy access....

The Little Market (opens in new tab) extends its products’ distribution and supports sustainable income opportunities by selling empowered artisans’ handcrafted pieces exclusively in their store. This month, Conrad and Svarkla once more used their platform for the greater good – this time around, spotlighting International Women’s Day. Conversation with Changemakers – The Little Market’s new virtual series – enlisted a handful of Hollywood’s heavy-hitters to help make their message clear....

‘It was in terrible condition but just called out to us – it was clear there was so much potential to be realized,’ says Francesca, who admits the to-do list was lengthy. ‘The roof leaked and the pipework was in poor condition. In fact, broken pipes had caused damage to the floors and walls.’ But the problems didn’t stop there. After removing the ruined floorboards, woodworm in numerous joists was discovered which meant not only replacing joists but fumigating the entire house....