Decorating Advice

The stretch of wall above a fireplace has tested decorators for centuries. From mirrors and paintings to ceramics or bare plaster, there is no single right answer – but there are a few considerations to keep in mind

Sweet and sugary shades are not for everyone, but colour drenching with earthy tones, or treating pink as an almost-neutral, could convince the doubters – as our experts explain

Hoping to create a kitchen that will withstand passing trends? We ask the experts how it’s done

Between muddy paw prints, copious shedding and frantic sofa digging, dogs (much as we adore them) don't always make it easy to keep your rooms beautiful. We asked some dog-loving interior designers for their most helpful tips

Interior designers agree that storage is at the heart of a well-functioning home, and solutions can usually be found even in homes where space for the paraphernalia of daily life appears to be lacking

From precious objets trouvés to inherited knick-knacks, displaying your treasures is one of life’s true joys. But what happens when the clutter starts to feel like chaos?

The iconic British designer shares her approach to decorating, hosting and creating a home that feels like a sanctuary – plus, our editors share their favourites from her latest NEXT collection

Whatever your pastime – from gaming to star-gazing, from movie nights to flower arranging – all leisurely pursuits can now have their own dedicated space. Here, the experts reveal how to carve out somewhere for the ultimate in ‘me time’

From brass bedsteads to antique textiles, we look at the furniture and furnishings that will consistently prove to be a wise purchase, whatever your budget

The all-white home has long been an interior trademark of glamorous women. But what's it like to actually live in one? We asked several inhabitants whether their home is a sophisticated blank canvas – or an impractical nightmare

Even the tiniest of city apartments can be lovely places to live if you follow the right advice

The process of making a bed tends to bring out strong views in interior designers – we asked some of the best for their advice on everything from fitted sheets to decorative cushions

Princess Diana taught us how to dress with personality. At Kensington Palace, she did the same with interiors, embracing butter yellow, baby pink and the idea that like an outfit a room should be unmistakably you

If you’ve fallen out of love with open-plan living but closed rooms give you separation anxiety, this flexible approach can offer the best of both worlds

The internet is full of ideas for how to get rid of the dreaded bedroom ‘chairdrobe’, but what do interior designers suggest when it comes to the clothes we can’t be bothered to tidy away?

Being open to new ideas and setting realistic timeframes are just some of the ways that you can help to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible, according to interior designers

Avoiding buying new pieces for the home can open up a world of creative and inventive possibilities. So it's in with the old, out with the new…

Many parents will be desperate to overhaul their child's bedroom once they start higher education. Our expert guide explains how best to approach the task