The first thing to decide is the material of the pole. The traditional pine pole made of pine is now outdated. It has been superseded by a wide selection of painted wooden poles available.

The Silent Gliss Metropole looks good in both modern and traditional settings. The use of a track is functional, smooth as sliders inside the profile carry the curtains across smoothly. A track all means you can avoid using rings or passing brackets and it be can electrically operated. This is particularly useful for bay windows. The sleek, modern look of the pole is easily offset by choosing a decorative fabric with glamorous trims. This combination of old and new works well in a period house.

A metal pole does give you a chance to use different materials such as brass, black-wrought iron or silver. These that will bring another dimension to the window. With a metal pole, there are often finials to add to the end of the pole. This stylish element can be quite quirky. Jim Lawrence, have a wide selection of metal curtain poles and interesting finials. From pineapples to flames and globes, the end of the pole can be a feature in itself.

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Firstly, there are the larger appliances: fridge/freezer, oven, dishwasher. But don’t forget all the smaller appliances such as toaster, mixer, juicer. It’s surprising how much room these kitchen implements take up.
Then the worktop space needs to be generous enough to cook and prepare with ease.
Storage space is also essential. Fresh food and dried goods need separate storage solutions.

A popular and useful way of addressing these practical problems is to include an island in your kitchen design. There are a few benefits of this approach:

• More storage space, particularly if you use drawers.
• You can site the sink or the hob in the island It’s a good way to zone your kitchen if it’s open plan.
• It is an opportunity to bring another material or colour into the room contrasting with the main kitchen unit run.

The island unit can be large or more of a peninsular. It can be just a cooking station or a substitute table and social area.
The thing to consider is how much room the island will take up. You need to remember that you will walk around it and have cupboards or drawers opening out or have seating that people need to move out.
A good addition to the kitchen design. Look at the sense of having one and plan accordingly.

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Many of the properties that I have renovated have had this pretty feature.

Inside and out, this presents challenges for the designer and homeowner.

The thatch is the oldest form of roofing having been around for about 10,000 years. The reed from which it is made is very durable and can, in fact, last for about 40 years and there are still a number of craftsmen (master thatchers) who can repair and create a new roof.

These properties tend to be grade-listed – which can make restoration a lengthy, paperwork-heavy process.

Some homeowners worry about the risk of fire but there is no real need to be concerned as long as you take sensible precautions.

As for the aesthetics, it’s a charming and distinctive look .

The chocolate-box charm of the thatched house more than make up for the higher maintenance of the roof.

The pleasure of a totally natural material used skilfully in its correct setting is one of the landmarks of the English countryside .

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My favourite coral colour is Coral Glow in the Benjamin Moore range. This tone captures the perfect balance between pink and orange that distinguishes this shade.

Coral works beautifully as a background for classic paintings. Its deep richness offsets gilt or wood frames and enhances the brush strokes of any picture.

The fronds of sea weeds and gentle movement of underwater anemones are used to good effect in several wallpapers. Jean Monro’s Coralie wallpaper is a sweet version of a coral reef theme. Coming in three colourways (pink, green and yellow), they remind you of the variety of colours in the reef life.

A traditional, but equally gorgeous underwater themed paper, is by Seaweed by William Morris. This arts-and-crafts paper is bold, capturing the sinuous curves of the fronds in jewel colourways

The Little Mermaid should not have all the fun.

Dive in and use this image from nature to decorate your home

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Many elements of home decor will bring this sense of warmth and well being to a room. The most obvious thing we associate with a log cabin is wood. A stunning wooden floor covered in faux animal skin rugs or having wood panelling on the walls will make the space feel cosy and protected from the cold outside. Low level lighting needs to be considered . A warm glow for bedside lights with a gentle pendant above is enough. The fabrics of the lampshade should speak of natural fibres, linens and cotton. Plain colours in creams, browns or pale lemon. Look for a hanging pendant in wood as in a Tom Radfield light or in a gentle woven material such as rattan.

Crisp white linen should be topped with a dark navy or brown thick blanket with simple matching cushions. Then on top of that a faux thick throw at the end of the bed should lend itself to this snuggly environment.

Distressed wooden furniture as bedside cupboards will lend a touch of authenticity to the rustic look. Maisons du Monde have a number of suitable bedside tables and other pieces to complement this style.

Lastly an old small sofa in a cotton tickling fabric or a chair in a faded mustard velvet will finish you scheme off. Then you are ready to hibernate January and February waiting for the arrival of Spring in March.

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In Chinese culture of the Imperial Court, yellow was the colour of power wealth and prosperity. In Chinese Buddhism the colour represents freedom and the monks wear yellow (saffron) robes. It is no surprise therefore that Paint and Paper Library have named their yellow paint Chinese Emperor. It is a glorious colour but has just enough brown in it to make it feel old and carry the patina of age. Its a good hallway choice as it sits well with antique furniture and is good in the light of several different floors. Also it suits art work displayed against it. In 2021 the Pantone colour of the year is a bright yellow. It invokes the solar power and energy, a very science based take on the shade.

The paint colour which best reflects this space age and futuristic feel is Little Greene’s Lemon Mivi. I like this as I think it is light and bright. The sharpness reminds us of the tartness of a lemon but has the radiant light of the sun.

Yellow does not exist in a vacuum and will look great when contrasted with a grey or a green.

A colour that will always enliven a room, bold but rewarding, it deserves its place in your designs for living.

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Very often it is associated with a coastal theme with the blue and white palette of the ocean a backdrop to interior design. In our rather darker and damper climate this look is harder to achieve and needs also to reference the older style houses of the Puritan settlers who used wood and woven upholstery to bring warmth and decorative craftsmanship to their houses.

The combination of navy and cream is a sophisticated starting point to decorate a living space. To bring some texture to the room, a cherry wood or oak floor can balance this stark palette. A carefully placed wing backed Colonial style chair covered in a blue and white fabric with a strong motif with a checked throw of softest wool again balances the blue and white theme. This works in a contemporary space as the addition of large areas and glass doors as often seen in a modern setting will enhance the brightness of this look. Rugs and candlesticks with a few paintings will complete the style and bring more varied colour and depth to the room.

The sea which brought the settlers to the shore and their ability to build, sew and create are threads of this style. By weaving them together we can bring New England to Old England in a modern way.

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The peacock feather was one of the main designs of the aesthetic movement. The most famous usage of this motif is on a printed cotton designed by Arthur Silver. The upholstery fabric Hera feather is a development of this design for the modern world.

One of the most enduring patterns that we still see today is Ianthe Tana lawn cotton. This was created for Liberty by R. Beauclair in 1900 and is still sold today. It’s very recognisable and graces many windows today.

Other influences on the designs of fabrics for liberty were from the adaptation of Persian and Indian images featuring dragons and floral motifs with swirling leaves and trees. If you are seeking this look today, the Marquess Garden offers a modern floral take with a 1970s feel thrown in.

The classic nature of the liberty print looks great when set against a contemporary space. One chair or a bundle of velvet cushions can add a timely reminder that good taste never goes out of fashion.

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Usually the bed is the first thing you see in a room. Choosing which style to go for is an important decision.

In the past, the four poster bed was necessary to surround yourself with drapes to keep out the cold and allow a little privacy from the servants. There are a number of very glamorous modern four poster beds that make a statement and are light and airy. One such is the wooden four poster by West Elm. This is a nod to the sixties and can be complimented by other mid twentieth century bedroom furniture in their range. The Beaumont white four poster bed by the White Company is more of a fairy tale wrought iron affair suitable for a more romantic styling. It is also available in black which has a gothic feel.

A sleigh bed is a popular choice. A wooden bow shape at both ends makes the room immediately traditional and warm. I prefer the look with the lower end at the bottom which gives you the chance to put an ottoman or a small sofa at the bottom of the bed.

This French look is also sold with upholstered headboards. Usually in light wood and with linen upholstery, these beds are charming and natural. The headboard can also be in a white rattan which is reminiscent of the warmth of southern climes.

Think about what look you want the bedroom style to be: light and billowing, cosy and warm, comfortable and modern – you should choose the bed which will set the tone.

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Most notably fabric and wallpaper have taken the image of the bird in many variations to produce lovely colourful options for your room.

Whether is a gentle dove or a dramatic peacock there will be something to suit your taste.

The whimsical Chimney Swallows by Designers Guild is fabric with a strong image of the bird in flight . In the blue colourway is a gorgeous addition to a bedroom for curtains.

Birds aren’t always such a dominant feature in a fabric. The subtler usage of storks is used in the gentle Moss Bayou by Raoul textiles. This watery cotton linen has a faded feel reminiscent of French window dressings. A perfect choice for a sophisticated living area.

A bolder take can be illustrated in the indigo colour-way of Pheasant by Christopher Moore. This is very clipped with the static bird resplendent in clear foliage. Good in a kitchen this fabric is traditional but timeless.

Almost any room can be adorned by these avarian creatures. Once you look you will discover your inner bird watcher .

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