Dreamy Outdoor Fireplaces

Mediterranean style outdoor fireplace

With spring just around the corner, our thoughts naturally turn to the idea of the warm sunny days ahead.

In the winter we try to bring a taste of the outside in with plants, greenery and other touches of nature. Whereas in the summer, when we spend more time outdoors, we do the opposite. We bring some of the inside out.

What I really like is the Mediterranean style of turning outdoor spaces into an extension of the home. More than merely taking a couple of chairs out, the garden or terrace becomes an outdoor living room.  And the space is carefully considered with furniture, accessories and potted plants. Much like the interior of your home.

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Design Tips: What To Do If Your Room Doesn’t Have A View?

Blue plantation blinds in a home office

I recently wrote about why we are attracted to a room with a view. But what do you do if your room doesn’t have a good view?

If you live in a built-up urban environment, this is an all too common problem. And one I can relate to. The first home my husband and I moved into was a little flat above shops. We had a view of a car park and dustbins on one side, and a view of the main road and petrol station on the other. Quite grim, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

When the view outside your window isn’t a very appealing one, one design trick is to draw attention away from the window altogether. Turn the view inwards, and instead, make something else the focal point.

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7 Creative Gift Wrap Ideas For Valentine’s Day

Book art love

A Valentine’s Day gift is so much more than just about the present. It’s an expression of your feelings.

The gift is really only a token to how much you care about that special someone. It’s the thought that goes into it that matters so much more.

That’s why, when it comes to a Valentine’s Day gift, presentation is everything.

So here are some creative gift wrap ideas to give your Valentine present maximum impact.

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9 Clever Designs That Integrate Storage With Stairs

Nine Clever Designs That Integrate Storage With Stairs | Mocha UK Blog

There are two elements of interior design I find particularly fascinating: staircases and smart storage ideas.

Staircases are transitional spaces that take you on a journey, transporting you from one area to another. While at the same time, their forms can also create an interesting architectural feature or focal point.

And who ever has enough storage? I love finding new solutions – especially those that use space in such innovative ways.

Now put the two together and you have a dynamic combination!

There are so many clever ways storage can be integrated with stairs: under, over and even inside.

Here are a few inspired ideas showing different ways your staircase can be used to provide valuable extra storage space, or serve an additional purpose.

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Why Scandinavian Homes Look So Spacious (And How To Copy The Look)

Why Scandinavian Homes Look So Spacious

Have you ever noticed that Scandinavian homes usually look so airy and spacious?

You might therefore be surprised to learn that the average apartment in a city like Copenhagen or Stockholm isn’t particularly large. In fact some of them are downright tiny! I did some quick online research of properties for sale in those cities, and discovered that a typical apartment is frequently less than 75 square metres in size.

So why do they look so spacious?

The short answer is because of clever design techniques. And of course Scandinavian design is renowned for its style.

But you too can learn their design secrets.

If you live in a small apartment or house, you’ll find these tips especially useful to create a feeling of more space. And as an added bonus, not only will your home appear larger, but it will also look effortlessly stylish and cool.

Let’s delve into some the design tricks frequently used in Scandinavian homes.

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7 Original Lighting Ideas To Brighten Your Home (And Your Mood)

Seven Original Lighting Ideas To Brighten Your Home And Your Mood

Let’s begin the first full week of January on a bright note.

The combination of going back to work after the holidays, together with short winter days can lead to a touch of the blues. But here’s one way to lighten up those dark days – with some great lighting ideas.

Researchers have made the connection between lighting and our mood. According to the IALD, lighting can enhance the mood and desirability of a space.

Brightening up your home with atmospheric lighting can really help to lift the spirit. So here are some ideas for using it to create a warm and welcoming home to come back to at the end of the day.

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Quick And Easy Gift Wrap Ideas

Gift wrap ideas - Gifted Gift Bows

Half the fun of receiving a gift is unwrapping it. And a beautifully wrapped gift just adds to the excitement.

At this time of year you’ve probably got loads of gifts to give. And no doubt, you want too wrap them in style. But because of the pressures of this hectic season, you may not have as much time as you’d like to dedicate a lot of effort into wrapping each of your presents. So here are some quick and easy gift wrap ideas for maximum impact but with the minimum amount of fuss.

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How To Choose A Gift For The Person Who Has Everything

How to choose a gift for the person who has everything

The gift giving season should be such a magical time, and a pleasurable experience. All about the enjoyment of choosing the perfect gifts for the people you care about.

But more often than not it can be stressful. It’s always such a busy time of year. So between the time pressures and indecision about what to buy, the experience can feel like purgatory.

Gifts often say more about your feelings than words ever can. But what happens when you can’t find the ideal present to convey those thoughts and feelings?

Then it just becomes downright frustrating.

And it’s even more difficult when you’re trying to choose a gift for the person who (appears) to have everything.

They seem have all the latest gadget and gizmos. And they don’t seem to want for anything. So what do you buy for them as a gift?

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New Trend Alert: Indoor Trees

Indoor trees

The trend for bringing more biophilic design into our homes just keeps on growing (literally!)

It began with the resurgence of house plants. For a while considered a bit outdated, plants have now become almost essential home accessories, that no stylish interior can be without.

But you may have noticed that the trend has recently gone a step further – with indoor trees.

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What Is Hygge? And Why You’ll Want Some In Your Life This Winter

What is hygge?

Does your heart sink when the cold and wintery weather sets in? The sky takes on a melancholy shade of bleak grey, and by mid-afternoon it’s already getting dark. It can feel quite miserable, don’t you agree?

Imagine then, what it must be like in Denmark in the wintertime?

Except, you might be surprised to learn that the Danes are considered to be among the happiest people in the world.

Do you want to know what their secret is? It’s called hygge.

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