Living spaces

When is it right to show a bit of leg? (In your sofa covering, of course)

A new generation of upholstery is elegant, comfortable and doesn’t reveal too much leg, says Giles Kime.

Nine of the best new lighting ideas to brighten your home

Amelia Thorpe picks out some of the finest shades, switches and more.

How to add a garden room to make the most of a beautiful old house with a magnificent outlook

Architect John Comparelli has created a contemporary garden room to make the most of its pleasing outlook. Amelia Thorpe finds out more.

The best new interior design books which will set the tone for 2021

Giles Kime picks out some of the finest interiors books of 2020 for those seeking inspiration in 2021.

A drawing room that dodges the stuffy, formal feel and doubles-down on blocks of colour

The transformation of a Wiltshire drawing room by Lucy Elworthy demonstrates the rich possibilities of a carefully considered use of colour.

How we'll buy furniture in the post-Covid world

As new designs are launched this month, there will inevitably be changes in the way furniture is chosen, bought and sold. Giles Kime takes a look at how the future may pan out — and how we’ll benefit.

How reconfiguring an entire floor helped create a perfect bedroom

As part of the transformation of this London townhouse, Emma Sims-Hilditch put together this country-inspired scheme for its master bedroom. She spoke to Arabella Youens.

Where I work: Emma Sims-Hilditch, interior designer

A beautifully English living room that borrows some clever ideas from New York

Rita Konig has brought a north-facing living room to life with a lively mix of pattern and colour. Arabella Youens takes a closer look.

A traditional cottage with a room whose transformation was the 'key to unlocking the house'

Tom Cox has transformed the layout of this Oxfordshire house to create one light-filled living and dining space.

A graceful, museum-like hallway that shows how to refurbish without ripping up and starting again

Arabella Youens takes a look at a room revitalised by Meg Cunningham.

An elegant living space showing perfectly how to get the mismatched furniture look right

Interior designer Guy Goodfellow has created an elegant apartment above his Chelsea premises. Arabella Youens takes a look.

The secret life of fireplaces, and the fascinating tales they tell about the houses which host them

Fireplaces have all manner of wonderful stories to tell, as Amelia Thorpe discovers.

A perfect cottage on a farm near Barnard Castle that's a beautiful and comfortable getaway from the hustle and bustle of life

Rita Konig has given a new lease of life to the sitting room of a farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales. Giles Kime explains more.

The bold wallpaper that's not for the faint-hearted, full of glorious colours and larger-than-life motifs

Giles Kime is delighted by a new trend for wallpaper which evokes the patterns, colours and even the aromas of Andalusia.

The 'root and branch' renovation of a dining room which proves that bold touches of colour can work pretty much anywhere

Arabella Youens looks at the work done in renovating a listed building in Kent.

Six ideas to update your house for spring with paints and wallpapers

Amelia Thorpe selects the latest hues to refresh your house for spring with paints and wallpapers.

10 decorations you'll love to line your table with this festive season

Selected by Amelia Thorpe, these decorative delights are sure to give any dinner party a certain je ne sais quoi.

The secrets of good lighting, from plug placement down to dimmer switches

Interior designer Charlotte Crosland reveals the secrets of good lighting.

Seven gorgeous fires to keep you warm this winter, from clean and green to striking marble