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Richard Sneesby, head of the Society of Garden Designers judging panel had this to say. ‘With well over 100 entries this year, we judged some of the best gardens we have seen. We were especially encouraged to see many entries in the smaller garden categories which showcased exquisite detailing and beautiful planting. ‘We also were able to judge gardens which celebrate the importance of setting rigorous and challenging environmental goals and the critical role that outdoor places have in providing social and community benefits....

This tile trend may be making a first impression for all the wrong reasons, property experts have revealed. Do patterned tiles devalue your house? While we’re not suggesting that you re-evaluate your kitchen tile ideas for good, it’s worth noting the effect that patterned tiles may have when moving your house from the market. Here’s what you need to know. 1. Patterned tiles are expensive to maintain ‘One of the major trends in the last few years is the utilization of patterned tiles....

From stylish wall colors and finishes to pretty but practical flooring and window treatments to characterful decor schemes to copy, these cottage decorating ideas are the perfect place to start planning your scheme. See: Cottage kitchen ideas – design inspiration for homely spaces What is cottage style? Cottage style is all about showcasing and preserving prized original features as well as creating cozy, homely spaces. Small but beautiful, cottages are awash with historic stone and timber floors, rustic ceiling beams and quirky angles, and its these elements which give cottage interiors their unique character....

Unclogging a garbage disposal is no one’s favorite home maintenance task, so learning what you can and cannot throw into yours is the first step in making sure your appliance continues to work as promised, with very few hiccups along the way. Here, we have rounded up 13 things you should avoid putting in your garbage disposal to keep it running like new. 13 things you should never put in a garbage disposal Not everything can go into a garbage disposal, though if you have mistakenly put something down there that shouldn’t be, all is not, necessarily, lost....

Kitchen lighting ideas are an important part of any successful design scheme, with functional and aesthetic illumination particularly important in a space that is used increasingly for entertaining as much as cooking. Apart from its key function, efficient lighting ideas can have a transformative effect on your kitchen ideas from making a small kitchen look bigger to highlighting key pieces and creating a specific ambiance and mood. So if you don’t have an expert on hand to emphasize the importance of well-planned kitchen lighting, it’s easy to see how things unravel and mistakes can be made....

However, you might well wonder why you should even include accent colors in your room color ideas, let alone how to use them to their potential. We’ve curated 12 of the best ways to use accent colors in your room, from highlighting architectural features to zoning a space. What is an accent color? An accent color is essentially a shade used in comparatively small quantities in a space, to add impact and interest....

These systems are available in various formats but they all work by removing heat and humidity from indoor air and returning cooled air to your interior. Most air con units operate by using a refrigerant chemical with a compressor, condenser coil and evaporator coil, which all work together to deliver your fresh, cool air for working, relaxing and sleeping better at night. When choosing which air conditioner to install, think about the size of space you want to cool down....

The dream retirement home, overlooking Biscayne Bay with stunning skyline views of downtown Miami, was inspired by the iconic, mid-century modern Stahl House in Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California, which features a minimalist look with expanses of glass, exposed concrete and a cantilevering roof. The new Miami home has been designed to achieve an open indoor/outdoor living approach and connect and respond to the outdoor environment. It also has to showcase its art enthusiast owners’ unique collection....

See: World’s best homes - H&G’s pick of the best properties The Homes & Gardens House Tours will take place over two days, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October 2019, in Fulham, southwest London. Once inside the houses, you will be able to explore them at your leisure, picking up plenty of design and decorating tips along the way. For further inspiration, you’ll also have the chance to book a place on one of our workshops, where you will learn some practical tips from one of our decorating experts on how to brighten up your home....

It has many demands put upon it, not only to be a practical, user-friendly room but also as a tranquil place to relax. Limited or awkward-shaped space can create a challenge when it comes to making the best of any bathroom cabinet space – be it large or small. However, the items that need cabinet storage, like towels, numerous toiletries and even candles, can also add to the decorative look of the bathroom, so it’s worth thinking about how you can show them off to their best advantage with the best bathroom cabinet ideas....

In terms of functionality there’s plenty to think about when it comes to bedroom ideas, from layout and storage, to the all important bedroom lighting. Aesthetically the space needs to appeal to both parties and, like any bedroom, also needs to feel cozy and inviting. Whether you’re embarking on a new main bedroom design from scratch or want to create an intimate and cozy romantic bedroom, these bedroom ideas for couples and handy expert tips will help you inspired....

From the elegant orchid and understated peace lily to bright and cheery stars such as kalanchoe, wax plant and the eternal flame plant, there is a raft of indoor plants to choose from that have subtle or showy blooms. Master craftsman and product designer Tom Raffield (opens in new tab) says, ‘Spending more of our time inside, it’s incredibly important for our wellbeing to stay connected to the natural world that surrounds us....

Alternatively you can opt for more dramatic deck lighting and play with shadows to draw attention to your deck’s key features and let them take center stage by using spotlights to create a magical night-time experience. Whatever you decide, deck lighting is key to your backyard lighting ideas and you’ll want to get it right. Our inspirational ideas will show you the way. Deck lighting ideas When you are first gathering deck ideas, draw up plans for deck lighting, taking into account the type of lighting required for each area, such as recessed lighting for deck edging ideas, uplighting to enhance plants at night time, directional spotlighting for key features you want to draw particular attention to, and backlighting for an outdoor kitchen area or barbecue....

That said, while we encourage you to consider flower bed ideas that have blooms perfect for cutting, there are lots of clever ways to cheat it, too. Below, we bring you our favorite flower decorating ideas, real and fake. Decorating with flowers Create a gorgeous setting for entertaining, inside and out, with these beautiful flower decorating ideas. 1. Create a floral pendant for over a dining table You can transform a lampshade frame into a beautiful hanging arrangement with fresh and dried flowers – and hang your floral pendant inside or out....

But a kitchen with less generous dimensions than you’d like definitely doesn’t have to mean compromising on either functionality or style. What is essential, however, is an approach to the design that takes account of the room’s lack of square footage. With a considered approach to aspects such as layout, lighting, the color and materials palette, and more, a small kitchen can feel as practical, and look as beautiful as one with larger proportions, and fulfil everything on your list of kitchen ideas....

At the start of the design process, we share a detailed questionnaire that allows us to understand our client’s fundamental living habits and preferences, both big or small. From extended self-care routines and wellness practices to family-friendly workspaces and chef’s table-style entertainment, it is our job as spatial planners to discern the nuances of our clients’ daily lives in order to create the ultimate interior scheme. These considerations include: family and staffing arrangements, whether they are right or left handed, if they need to work from home and whether the property is their main residence or holiday home....

If you are considering wallpaper ideas for a much-needed revamp, look no further, as we explore our favorite dining room wallpaper ideas. Dining room wallpaper ideas Wallpaper ideas are wonderful in a dining room, a space that you relax, dine and socialize with friends a family, you want the room to evoke character, spirit and personality. Emma Coles, Stylist at Sanderson & Morris & Co. (opens in new tab) states, ‘wallpaper is an excellent choice to use in the dining room and is a great way to make the space feel ‘special’ by adding grandeur and impact’....

When it comes to getting rid of weeds, a number of household hacks already exist, from using salt to kill weeds to using cardboard for weed control. Using vodka to kill weeds is certainly out there, and perhaps a little expensive. But does it work? Here, we have spoken to gardening experts for their opinions on using vodka to kill weeds so you can treat your garden. Does vodka kill weeds?...

From statement pendant lighting to sculptural table lamps and wall sconces, there’s a design-led array of options to suit individual entryway ideas, tastes and budget that can all make an entryway more inviting. Sourcing entryway lighting that shares a design dialogue with your furniture, storage, flooring and color scheme will help your space feel sophisticated and considered. Look for light fittings in similar shapes, thickness and, of course, co-ordinating finishes....

Your front garden is such an important part of your home’s curb appeal. If it’s well maintained, it’s a lovely reflection of how much you care about your home and neighborhood. Ideally, opt for low-maintenance garden ideas for the front of your home, abundant perennial planting, and simple and smart front yard landscaping ideas. However, it’s always good to add a bit of instant wow factor, so consider making a statement with a focal-point feature such as climbing plants, a garden sculpture or water feature ideas....