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The slick, the jolly and the zingy have a place in home decor even for those who favour the patina of age
Whether you like patterns, piping or blocks of colour, there are elegant alternatives to crisp white fabrics
‘I’d finish off with a majolica walking-stick stand fashioned to look like a tree trunk. I have my eye on one of these, don’t you know’
‘Garden buildings to me speak of frivolity and indulgence . . . transform your ex-workplace into an oasis of relaxation’
The places and objects that inspired our tastemaker columnist this year
‘I’m a more is more kind of a guy, particularly at this time of year, so why not throw caution to the wind and bring another tree home?’
Auctions or architectural salvage companies are good places to look for styles from humble timber to opulent marble
From drawings to wall hangings or even plates, it’s all about precision positioning
‘If I had a kid, I can see myself commissioning Narnia-inspired murals left, right and centre’
‘There is something instantly uplifting about the simple act of throwing on a tablecloth’
Whether sheers, vintage, ready-mades or bespoke, your choice should complement a property’s character
Keep an eye on colour, texture and potted greenery to make the room a retreat — but swerve the naff tropical prints
Store your jewellery, glasses and household paraphernalia in charming boxes and trays
Choosing the right case can be a challenge, with many brands selling more or less the same product
Picnicking at home has blissful positives, such as not carrying baskets through nettles, past cows or over electric fences
Somewhere to swim in the garden is enticing — the trick is to make it blend with its surroundings
From minimal steel trolleys and hand-stencilled cabinets to distressed dressers, there are many solutions
‘I’m really not a fan of grey, plastic furniture in the garden. I much prefer natural materials and a feeling of lightness’
No other kind of bed can match its sense of glamour, opulence and sheer romance. So, where to begin?
Great for storage and putting your feet up, of course — but also a showcase for beautiful upholstery and objects
From humble seagrass squares to kaleidoscopic kilims, the right rug lays the groundwork for your decor
‘I did it in a rush. Later I heard a crash, screamed, ran and discovered the plate in (luckily not too many) bits’
Frequent movers should create a mood board to discover their taste and invest in a few prime, portable pieces
‘If I can’t stop the gloom, I can at least introduce a new cushion to my sofa’
‘A fitted kitchen can look fantastic if done well but can also feel slick and monotonous. Let’s up the excitement levels’
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