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As you’d expect, there are pros and cons to both light and dark kitchen countertop ideas. Both have benefits that could drive your decision depending on your aesthetic preference and also the size of the room, but even some of the downsides might be avoided with some designer knowhow. We’ve put their expert insights together here to make it easy to complement kitchen cabinet ideas along with the rest of your kitchen color palette....

The result? The question should living room furniture match needs a satisfactory answer so the room’s aesthetic will bring enduring pleasure to you, your family, and your visitors. Matching living room seating ideas are therefore tempting – an easy option for a major element of the interior design that makes executing living room ideas easier. But while a straightforward solution is always appealing and mixing will certainly require you to draw on more of your interior design skills, is the simpler route the best one to take?...

See our Movers & Shakers section for more makers I grew up surrounded by design influences but I was unaware of my own creativity. Instead, I studied law and, although I didn’t love the profession, I did enjoy it. When my children were born, we began to renovate our family home near Amsterdam, and I started playing with colour and fabrics and upcycling furniture. During lunchtimes at work, I would scour the internet looking for antiques and, if I was lucky, I’d pick up a new treasure on my way home....

As they become more independent, it’s hugely important that teenagers have a space in the house that feels like their own. Working out which bedroom ideas will go the distance and last them for years is tricky, but collaborating closely with them on creating the space will give them ownership and responsibility over the room. Excitingly, redecorating a room can be the biggest creative endeavor they’ve ever taken on, and a great way to encourage them to come out of their shell and display their personality and passions to the world....

See our Movers & Shakers section for more makers Growing up in rural Kent and running wild and free amongst the farms with my friends (who have been my business partners for nearly 20 years), meant a fabulous childhood of endless den building and feral camping. This seemed to be the natural catalyst for crafting tents. Having travelled the world for 2 years before graduating from university with a degree in Marine Biology, I was keen to establish my own business....

While the best and worst bedroom colors for sleep often prioritize color psychology and style – sleep and spiritual experts have shared that they may be having an impact on your waking life, too. The unluckiest colors to paint your bedroom From white to purple, some of the most popular bedroom paint ideas may be bringing you bad luck. Here are the five most unfortunate shades, according to experts. 1....

As well as offering pattern, texture, zones, and the rest, it makes any room feel more intentional, and therefore cozy and inviting. Choosing a rug and working out the right area rug sizes for a living room can be daunting, and given that it’s probably not the only thing we’re buying for our homes, we’re easily swayed by price. But choosing a too-small rug is a real pet peeve in the world of interiors....

Such was the situation that New York-based Brad Ford found himself in when he was asked to create a Manhattan home, for a young couple and their four children, collaborating alongside architects Ike Kligerman Barkley on a 19th-century red brick townhouse on the edge of the West Village, location of many of the world’s best homes. ‘They’ve been clients of mine for years and I’ve worked on a number of projects for them....

The detached Victorian property they eventually found has a sizable garden to the front and side, and is a short walk from open fields. It’s also perfectly situated for Victoria to forage leaves and berries to make her own natural decorations, such as wreaths and garlands, for Christmas. Mark and Victoria have worked hard on the house, doing almost all of the decorative work themselves, and the results are truly beautiful....

Because learning how to grow rhubarb can be easy, you may wonder if transplanting rhubarb is worth it for such a hardy plant. The transplanting process is easy and is an effective way to strengthen your plants for the harvest season and prepare them for another year of growth. So, when thinking about how to harvest rhubarb for a bumper crop, consider using this guide to transplanting rhubarb for the best results....

If you’re looking for a timeless way to elevate your rock garden ideas – whether that is in terms of landscaping or plant health – using rocks instead of mulch may be the solution you desire. Here’s what the experts want you to know before bringing this organic material into your exteriors. Using rocks instead of mulch – 3 benefits of this stylish alternative This method is a favorite amongst the experts, but its benefits extend beyond its style – here’s how rocks can improve your garden, fast....

As we move into fall, you may be wondering how to dress a dining table (opens in new tab) that celebrates the season – whether you’re looking to create a statement pumpkin piece or you’re adding warmth with a large candle. And though your tablescape may change across the calendar, the rules for curating the perfect centerpiece remain the same. What are the rules for a table centerpiece? 5 tips experts want you to remember Whether you’re still managing to enjoy some al-fresco outdoor dining ideas or you’re already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas....

A color rooted in the palettes found within the natural world, beige has a warming, restful and sophisticated appeal, and is best described as a very light brown with subtle hints of yellow and gray, but there are many variations out there to choose from. Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown Paints (opens in new tab) states, ‘beige is a gorgeous, warm tan. It belongs to the neutral color family, but it is a neutral with plenty of character....

If you are looking for ideas for the look of your range, those inspired by French and Italian models are the ideal place to start. Handsome but hardy, they deliver on both fronts. France and Italy have, of course, long been known for delicious cuisine, which is probably why these countries are also known for manufacturing range ovens that can deliver superb results, making them beloved by chefs and home cooks alike....

If it’s fine you will be able to get out in the garden. If not, it’s all about planning and seed sowing indoors until you do manage to get outside. Spend the time usefully by deciding what you want to grow in the coming months, priming your seed propagator, and getting a head start on the growing season now. Look through seed catalogs and browse online to make sure you have everything covered....

The best time of the year to buy a KitchenAid mixer is from Black Friday through to the after Christmas sales – specifics below, plus today’s best deals. However, there are KitchenAid sales on year round. And, yes, it’s worth the wait, because the savings to be had can be well over $100. Below, are today’s best deals, plus full details of when KitchenAid mixers are on sale. When is the best time to buy a KitchenAid Stand Mixer?...

If you grow lavender, you can savor this moment by learning when to cut and gather in the flowers. It also helps to know exactly how you wish to use the plant overall, as this will impact on when to pick, too. Harvest lavender for extracting the essentials oil, using the tiny blooms in baking, and drying stems to use around the home or to create homespun decorations. Whatever you decide, knowing when to plant lavender and later keeping a close eye on developing blooms and the weather conditions can make a huge difference to your crop, its lasting fragrance and how well it stores....

As a general rule, if you are growing potatoes that are an early variety, you can tell when to harvest them by watching the flowers open or the buds drop. This will usually be around mid-June or early July. Once harvested, they are ready to eat, and don’t store well. For best results, harvest them on the day you want to eat them. Maincrop potatoes are usually ready to harvest between August and October....

Japanese maple trees – also known as Acer palmatum – are some of the most beautiful trees you can grow. With their leaves turning a spectacular spectrum of deep purple to golden yellow and bright red in the fall, they are also the best trees for autumn color. While larger Japanese maples make delightful trees for shade, smaller specimens are some of the best trees to grow in pots. However, to make the most of these glorious trees, you must prune them effectively – and at the right time if you want them to put on their best show....

This unsightly problem can happen to any conifer in any garden, but with a knowledge of the appropriate garden ideas, you can prevent your conifers from browning – and ensure your exteriors stay greener for longer. Why do conifers go brown? Brown patches can appear on every type of conifer. However, experts at the RHS (opens in new tab) suggests that conifers with ‘× Cuprocyparis, leylandii (leyland cypress), Thuja plicata (western red cedar), and Chamaecyparis lawsoniana’ are the most prone to browning....