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See more: Hiring an architect – how to get the right results when remodelling your home There are important environmental and practical considerations, too. You’ll need to think about drainage, as a permeable surface will allow rainwater to soak into the ground and provide moisture for plants and wildlife – at the same time, reducing puddles on the surface of your paving. Materials like crunchy grit or gravel provide extra security as you can hear anyone approaching your home....

George Shultz was an American diplomat, economist, and businessman. He is one of only two people to have held four different Cabinet-level posts throughout his career. George died in February last year at the age of 100. Together with his wife, San Francisco Chief of Protocol Charlotte Shultz, he combined the two penthouses to create a mansion-style home. The renovation left the couple with one of the world’s best homes – complete with ample space for entertaining and a view across the Golden Gate Bridge....

Mirren shares the home with her husband Taylor Hackford, who has directed film favorites like An Officer and a Gentleman and Against All Odds. Built in Hollywood’s earliest days in 1911 and located on over six acres, the 10,200-square-foot Mirren-Hackford estate includes a guest house and a total of nine bedrooms and eleven baths. The home boasts early California indoor/outdoor architecture, and the stunning pool, accessed via a grand set of stairs, enjoys downtown city views....

If you’re thinking about bringing an old couch back to life, read on to learn more about the cost of this savvy living room sofa idea. How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa? While reupholstery tends to be less expensive than purchasing a new item of similar quality, this living room seating idea can still cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars depending on the style and condition of your couch....

Many turn to the best juicers to extract the nutrients and delicious flavor from fruits and vegetables, but one of the most common complaints is that juicers are difficult to clean, and that kitchen cleaning jobs that are that fiddly and time-consuming can put you off using them in the first place. Here, we tell you how to clean a juicer the easy way. How to clean a juicer How do you clean a juicer?...

The hardy perennial is easy to grow and maintain and will give high yields from just a single plant. Plants can last up to 20 years in good conditions, plus if they are split regularly you can create lots more rhubarb plants. Rhubarb will thrive in a sunny, open spot with free-draining rich soil however it will not do well in the heat. It can grow over 24 inches (60cm) high and up to (6ft) 2m across....

The Fixer Upper star is a self-confessed admirer of oversized furniture – but her enthusiasm stretches beyond this bold aesthetic. Instead, Joanna Gaines praises large decor for its ability to make a small room feel more spacious – and it’s a tip that will transform your room – despite the juxtaposition. Whether you are looking for small room ideas, to make your living room look bigger or add a sense of scale to your bedroom or kitchen, Joanna’s advice will add space and style to your scheme....

The celebrated British designer and TV personality shared her secrets on This Morning – a UK-based chat show – where she appeared from her West London home. In the interview, Kelly revealed her expert tips on getting paint color choices right – and why we so often make mistakes when picking our chosen shades. See: Living room paint ideas – stylish ways with paint, and your questions answered Holding up a vast array of different grey paint samples, the designer said it was a mistake to experiment with different colors by painting samples directly on to a wall, as we may have practised in the past....

The decision was one of the first made by the king after his ascension, with the King and Queen consort instead choosing one of their smaller preferred royal residences as their primary dwelling. The decision is one of many steps taken by the king as he aims to continue the modernization of the monarchy in the 21st century, something that his mother, Elizabeth II began the process of as early as her coronation in 1952....

This interior design trend is here to threaten the reign of the tub, but what classifies as a luxury shower? And is it powerful enough to reshape your bathroom this 2022? Here is everything you need to know. What are luxury showers? Luxury showers classify as large enclosures and wet rooms that are more spacious than a conventional cubicle. A recent study* revealed searches for walk-in showers have surged by 100%, whereas the demand for baths has decreased by 35%....

Growing tomatoes can be tricky in climates where summers are unreliable and steady sunshine cannot be guaranteed. However, Monty’s know-how will help you maximize your tomato harvest no matter how good a summer you’ve had. Monty’s top tips for ripening green tomatoes Writing in his blog (opens in new tab), Monty acknowledges that many gardeners will want to ’extend’ tomato harvesting period beyond the peak season in August. This is especially true if warm, sunny weather has been late to arrive where you are, in which case you’ll want to make the most of your vegetable garden ideas during the final warm weeks of late summer....

The London-based organic brand is known for harnessing the natural therapeutic properties of plants to create treatments that work on boosting your mood; relaxing, de-stressing and increasing your happiness. Neom (opens in new tab) distils its own essential oils and uses them as ingredients in their highest possible concentrations. With some of the best home fragrances, from candles to diffusers, to body butters, cleansers and creams, their natural perfume and skincare collections make brilliant gifts....

The wow-factor property is a gorgeous architectural and historical home that was originally created for the Chandler family of LA Times fame. It is celebrated architect Wallace Neff’s last residential triumph, located on the 9th fairway of the Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park. See: World’s best homes – tour the globe’s most magnificent houses Timeless neoclassic design joins contemporary austere styling, with majestic fluted columns creating an opulent facade with a roof line balustrade as well as creating a sumptuous outdoor terrace area....

The clients, a financier and a tech entrepreneur, wanted a cosy retreat to counterbalance their busy lifestyle and to accommodate two daughters and a steady stream of house guests. See ourDesign house: This elegant home in New York is a calming oasis in the busy city, designed by Amy Kalikow LIVING ROOM The main floor features a combined living/dining area that showcases an eclectic art collection and a library for the voracious literary appetite of the homeowners....

The better prepared you are for buying your home, the less likely you are to end up having to sell it only a few years down the line. We’ve spoken to property experts – mortgage advisors and real estate veterans – and asked them about the biggest mistakes home buyers – and particularly first-time home buyers – make when choosing, viewing, and buying a home. Avoid these – and your first home will be a cause for celebration, not regret....

The title was awarded to the Vegebag by Vegepod UK, a garden growing tool allowing gardeners of all abilities to produce fantastic crops in small spaces all year round. See: Cottage garden ideas: ways to create the look Judged virtually by a team of experts, including esteemed entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor, Deborah Meaden, the Vegebag’s enviro-mesh protective barrier keeps pests and animals at bay while still allowing the crops to get the air and water they need....

See ourDesign house: Laid-back, neutral home in LA, designed by Alice Lane Interior Design Principal Designer, Jessica Bennett talks us through her design project inProvo, Utah. LIVING ROOM ‘We wanted this space to feel more sophisticated and fashionable,’ says Jessica Bennett. ‘We started with the design of the new fireplace surround, creating drama and adding more height to the space. We knew the piano would be an important player and wanted to show off its curves and beauty....

The aptly-named Crown Jewel of Beverly Crest epitomizes SoCal luxury living – situated moments above Sunset Boulevard and the Beverly Hills Hotel – sits effortlessly in the Crest streets of Beverly Hills. The recently renovated Modern Classic comes complete with panoramic views of the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The home, which is named as an ’entertainer’s paradise’ by listing agents Compass, the home is one of the most exciting properties in SoCal’s real estate market – and one of the world’s best homes....

That’s right, the green-fingered Brits have been hiding the secret to staying in shape all along – regular gardening. With more time than ever being spent at home, it’s time to put on your gardening gloves and pick up your trowel, as outdoor we reveal 5 gardening secrets to take your fitness to the next level, by simply ticking off gardening jobs from your ‘to-do’ list. Gardening for exercise tips From mowing the lawn to planting spring flowers, each activity will be sure to make your heart beat faster and help you reach those recommended 10,000 daily steps....

See our news section for more expert interiors tips, product launches, and luxury travel and property updates Combining mindfulness techniques with the therapeutic energy of the natural environment, Forest Bathing is now one of the cornerstones of Japanese healthcare. Forest Holidays (opens in new tab) has been leading the way in Forest Bathing therapy since first introducing the guided sessions over two years ago at Blackwood Forest, Hampshire. The therapy has grown in popularity in the UK and Forest Holidays is now expanding its offering in the Forest of Dean, with more guides undertaking extensive training and accreditation by the Global Institute of Forest Therapy....