Latest from Real Homes in Housetours

Emma Roberts' dolls are the real stars of her "storybook" L.A. home — here's how to create a similar display in your space

Danielle Valente — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

If you have yet to become acquainted with Emma Roberts' dolls — Leggy Jill, Blythe, Drunk Cowgirl Barbie — you are missing the best part of her self-described "storybook" Los Angeles home.

The actor and Belletrist founder recently welcomed Architectural Digest into her Pierce & Ward-styled abode, and virtual visitors swooned over Emma's cozy, chic living room with calming neutrals, deep burgundy accent chairs, floral touches...and the unexpected doll collection next to her desk.

By far one of the most creative small living room office ideas, Emma's bookshelf of "dolly kins" has become a viral sensation overnight, so we asked designers how to create a dolly aesthetic of our own.

See Emma Roberts' dolls — and style your own collection to match

Charming or creepy, depending on who you ask, the ample collection puts a unique, retro spin on Barbiecore. Not the typical buys from the toy aisle, Emma's plastic pals are likely fun comic book store collectibles or secondhand store finds, according to Real Homes staff writer Eve Smallman.

If you've already assembled a small bevy of dolls like Emma, including some that have a whimsigoth decor edge, others with an antique twist, and others that are plain old hot messes (we're looking at you, Drunk Cowgirl Barbie.), we know exactly where you can start with displaying your collection.

1. Choose an aesthetic

"Decide on the theme or vibe you want to convey, whether it's vintage, eclectic, or whimsical, and choose dolls that reflect this aesthetic," suggests designer Nina Lichtenstein. "Mix and match different types of dolls, such as vintage porcelain dolls, handmade cloth dolls, or modern art dolls, to create an intriguing and cohesive display."

Just like when you look for easy upgrades for a small living room, you'll want a mixture of fabrics, the same way you'd opt for a variety of dollies.

"Look for dolls with interesting features, unique costumes, or historical significance," Nina adds. "Pay attention to details such as scale, color palette, and overall composition to create a visually appealing arrangement."

2. Find a good display area

The next step is finding a suitable area to display them. Emma has creatively chosen to place her dolls next to her desk and mood board, adding a statement-maker to her makeshift office area.

"Consider placing [your display] on a dedicated shelf, mantelpiece, or in a glass cabinet to protect the dolls from dust and direct sunlight," Nina adds. "Position the display in a prominent yet harmonious location where it can serve as a focal point without overpowering the surrounding decor."

Peruse our favorite cute bookshelves for small spaces to display your toys. If you really want to add to the charm, you can select a shelf from an antique store or build a bookshelf of your own.

3. Add personal touches

What works particularly well about Emma's collection is that there are personal stories and meaning behind each find. Up the ante with heirlooms and the like.

"Incorporate decorative elements such as framed artwork, floral arrangements, or vintage books to enhance the overall ambiance," Nina adds. "Consider displaying family heirlooms or personal mementos alongside the dolls to create a personalized and meaningful vignette."

If you're one for home DIY project ideas, why not take things back to yesteryear and dress your dollies?

"You could even give them a makeover, dressing them up in outfits to match your home decor," Eve suggests. "Hey, who said you're too old for that?"

Meet our experts

Looking for more ways to spice up your collectibles? Learn more about bookshelf wealth and creative, unique ways to style your books, dolls, heirlooms, and beyond.

Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio is full of 'eclectic charm' — how to get the look on a budget

Danielle Valente — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 19:08:00 +0000

Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio is a great place to kick back and let endless inspiration flow.

The model, musician, and first-time mom was photographed in a retro, boho space with a guitar by her side, and as a result, creative types like yourself might be in search of similar styles.

Small office ideas like Suki's are fun yet productive, and it's important to strike a balance between the two. We asked a designer how you can achieve the retro aesthetic and stay on your A-game artistically.

See inside Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio

A photo posted by on

Curious how to feel motivated in a small office like Suki? The key is to have a place where you can be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you start to doze. Case in point: the velvet sofa.

"It's essential to strike a balance between opulence and comfort," designer Nina Lichtenstein says when discussing Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio. "Start by choosing a velvet couch in a rich jewel tone, such as emerald green or deep navy, to create a focal point in the room."

Wayfair's Liano Velvet Sofa in Goldenrod Velvet or the Bonrcea Modern Sofa Tufted Couch on Amazon are both solid jumping-off points for achieving what Nina refers to as "eclectic charm." (Psst: here's how to clean a velvet couch, according to the pros.)

"Pair [your couch] with plush throw pillows in complementary colors and textures to add depth and visual interest," she adds. "To enhance the luxurious feel, accessorize with metallic accents and soft, ambient lighting."

And to keep the inspo flowing, Nina recommends sentimental accents.

"Personalize the space with artwork, photographs, and meaningful objects that inspire creativity and reflect your unique style," she says. "Maximize natural light and incorporate plenty of greenery to foster a sense of tranquility and inspiration."

However, looks will only take you so far when it comes to making over a small office à la Suki. You need to have furniture that will help you stay focused and small office storage ideas are necessities. Something like the Industrial Charm Utility Cart with Wheels from Wayfair will keep your creative ideas in place and clutter-free. Don't forget to add things like a versatile desk or ergonomic chair, either.

What to shop

If Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio is your jam, these pieces will help channel a similar look.

Trying to find more easy small office upgrades and small studio upgrades? We asked the experts: here are seven ways to zhuzh up your WFH and creative space, according to the pros.

Lindsay Lohan's Dubai villa is coastal modern luxury at its finest — a designer reveals how to get the look from just $40

Danielle Valente — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:00:40 +0000

Lindsay Lohan has returned to Hollywood with new releases like Netflix's Irish Wish (and the forthcoming Freaky Friday 2) but the star's base is along Kite Beach in Dubai, where she embraces coastal luxury to the fullest.

The actor and new mom relocated to the United Arab Emirates roughly 10 years ago, but every so often, we catch a glimpse of her elegant yet relaxed four-bedroom villa on social media and can't help but fall for the actor's style.

If you're attracted to coastal decor but want to take the look in a modern direction, you can make it happen à la Lindsay Lohan courtesy of help from our expert designer.

Lindsay Lohan at home

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Whether you're toying around with small living room ideas or perhaps nursery ideas, Lilo's breezy sanctuary, which comes from the mastermind Kate Instone of Blush International, will inspire you to venture seaside. According to our expert designer Nina Lichtenstein, there are some basics to cover if you want to nail this look.

"Embrace a neutral color palette, incorporating shades of whites, creams, and beiges as the base," she says. "Introduce pops of serene blue tones inspired by the coastal waters. This creates a calming and sophisticated ambiance."

Ruggable's Celestine Soft Blue Rug is a baby blue floral find with foggy-colored undertones and could be a great place to start, as is Mistana's Abby Geometric Hand Knotted Wool Rug on Wayfair. From there, bring in the neutrals with the furniture and sprinkle your home with wood and other natural elements to accent the aesthetic. Above all, keep your space decluttered and embrace the natural light with some of our favorite small living room curtain ideas, the way Lindsay Lohan does in her (slightly larger) space.

"An open area layout that maximizes natural light and sheer window treatment can foster a bright and breezy atmosphere," Nina adds.

But if you take a look at Lilo's living room and neighboring dining room chairs below, which have all made their way to Instagram, you'll notice a modern touch elevates the space, but it still feels homey, something she mentions during her house tour in The National News. It's "coastal calm," but with a hint of luxe.

If you're going to go the small modern living room route, even with a coastal influence, you have to be mindful of shape and textures of the pieces you're working with.

"Think about curved sofas, round coffee tables, irregular shaped accent chairs — they mimic the fluidity of a coastal landscape," Nina notes. "You can balance structured pieces with soft flowing lines to make a coastal and dynamic inspired space."

And perhaps what Lindsay Lohan's space does best is add unexpected accents, like her mix media wall art.

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A photo posted by on

What to shop

Highly rated

Willa Arlo Oswalt Upholstered Armchair

Price: ~~Was $309.99~~, now $279.99
Dimensions (in.): H25.7 x W28.5 x D27

Keep comfy and make a statement in the process — the bouclé Oswalt Armchair can gladly assist.

Three colors

George Oliver Ints Genuine Marble Coffee Table

Price: ~~Was $285.99~~, now $253.99
Dimensions (in.): H17.5 x L35.4 x W35.4

Airy and elegant, this marble coffee table infuses wood with a little luxe for a sleek, sophisticated feel.

Two sizes

Ninola Design Stone Dark Texture Oblong Throw Pillow

Price: $41.65
Dimensions (in.): 23 x 14

This white woven polyester lumbar pillow reminds us of the sea while keeping us comfy. Keep in mind, it's online only.

Want to take the coastal look in a different direction? We've rounded up our favorite coastal cowgirl buys to help inspire you. Yeehaw!

Maude Apatow's apartment tour proves the 'Euphoria' star aced Entryway 101

Danielle Valente — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Maude Apatow's apartment tour in Architectural Digest wowed us from the get-go, quite literally.

From the moment we (virtually) stepped into the pink, feminine entryway of her New York City home, we fell in love. There seemed to be plenty of breathing room, as far as Manhattan apartment standards go, yet the Euphoria star decided not to overcrowd the foyer. Instead, she opted to let the wallpaper do the talking, which makes perfect sense.

If you're playing with small entryway ideas for your own space, we highly suggest using Maude's digs as your guide.

Maude Apatow's apartment tour

New York is a concrete jungle, but all those with a green thumb will appreciate Maude's pink botanical wallpaper, which is accompanied by a brass mirror and a simple light fixture. It's a minimalist entryway, despite the intricate pattern, but the combination works perfectly.

"I like the contrast from being in New York, things are kind of hectic, and the second I get into my apartment, I'm like, 'Ah, I can decompress,'" the actor says. "I feel relaxed when I walk inside. I think that was probably my main goal."

According to designers, Maude nails the latest small entryway mirror trend by opting for an oval selection. Ricky Allen, interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper, told Real Homes' Eve Smallman that it "adds a touch of elegance and softness to the overall look."

Likewise, the wallpaper nails a small entryway decor trend by staying away from solids and giving the walls some flair. Ivo Iv, a home improvement expert and founder of Decor Home Ideas, told Eve that "a fun pattern on the walls could help define the space," which is certainly the case in this pink dream. (If you're a renter, you're going to want to stick with the peel-and-stick wallpaper route.)

Shop the look

Various materials

Wall2Stick Pink Soft Flowers Wallpaper

Price: From $180
Dimensions (in.): From 36 x 48

Two sizes

Pleated Brass Round Wall Mirror Antique Finish

Price: $59.99
Dimensions (in.): D20

Four finishes

TeHenoo Modern Pendant Lighting

Price: $59.95
Dimensions (in.): 12 x 12 x 77.95

Searching for the perfect way to greet your guests? We asked interior designers about the small entryway trends you need to try in 2024, and we have a feeling you'll find it hard to narrow down one pick.

The new Bryce Dallas Howard house tour embraces cozy cottagecore to perfection

Danielle Valente — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Want to ace Cottagecore 101? The new Bryce Dallas Howard house tour proves she has effortlessly mastered the aesthetic, and you can recreate her gorgeous decor.

The actor's Architectural Digest cameo showcases her inviting, floral, New York home in all of its glory. From the moment she opens her baby-blue front door, we're swept into a delicate and whimsical dream, complete with Wes Anderson-inspired hues, natural elements, and vintage accents.

Now that we have the wholesome cottagecore on the brain, we asked one of our expert interior designers how to embrace the look as a small space interior design trend for 2024.

What we love about Bryce Dallas Howard house tour

"I love the romantic feel," interior designer Nicole Cullum says of Bryce's home.

One of this year's small space color trends is all about the fun pastels, like we see in the Argyle actor's space, from her blue entryway to mint window panes and baby pink dining room. Nicole recommends starting with a solid color and layering with prints and delicate accents from there.

"Yes, it’s about layering, yes it’s about adding beauty [but] balance is key," she adds.

To find that balance, pick and choose what's important and work with groups of threes.

"It’s about being collected and only using things that are special to you," she says. "It’s a very romantic look, but it needs to look like it’s carefully curated.”

Pay attention to detail. You'll want to add Grandma's knit throw onto your storage ottoman, but you don't want any element to feel forced. And don't feel obligated to have everything perfectly aligned.

"A beginner mistake is that people lean towards symmetry and it looks really static and stale because you’ll just have pairs of things everywhere," Nicole says. "It’s about varying each shelf as its own moment, and leaving a place for your eyes to rest."

What to shop

Whether you're scoping out small-kitchen must-haves or living room essentials, there are a few things to keep in mind when embracing this feminine look.

"With cottagecore, there’s a whimsy to it," Nicole says. "There’s a vintage romantic feel that you’re trying to capture and you do that with ceramics, natural woods, vintage pieces and textiles. If you layer pattern on patter, you get a more refined cottagecore feel."

These pieces carefully selected by our expert shoppers will help you get started with the style.

Various sizes

Spoonflower Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Price: $36
Dimensions (in.): 24 x 36

Set of six

Vintage Glass Dessert Bowls

Price: ~~Was $34.99~~, now $31.49
Capacity: 12.07 oz

Seven fabric colors

Esme Upholstered Accent Chair with Rattan Arms

Price: ~~Was $262.99~~, now $249.99
Dimensions (in.): 31.7 x 24.8 x 29.5

Rustic

Wooden Bread Serving Board

Price: $17.85
Dimensions (in.): 16.54 x 5.12 x 1.18

Great for high traffic areas

Lark Manor Cabell Performance Rug

Price: $67.99
Dimensions (ft.): 3'11" x 5'7"

Customer-favorite

Morning Meadow Dried Bouquet by Terrain

Price: $38
Dimensions (in.): 29.5 x 9.5

If you love cottagecore but want to go a little darker, try her edgier older sister, dark cottagecore, which gives the beloved whimsical style a gothic remix.

Tan France’s guest cottage has a ‘polished yet personal’ style designers love

Eve Smallman — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:00:12 +0000

If you're looking for cozy and elegant, home inspiration, Tan France's guest cottage has it all. In a tour with Architectural Digest, Tan walked through the process of designing it, and let's just say, he gives his Queer Eye castmate Bobby Berk a run for his money.

Tan usually stays on the fashion side of the makeover show's transformations, but with Bobby set to leave the show, Tan has absolutely proved he's prime for the interiors slot, too. We've spoken to design experts to find out why his guest cottage style is on point, and picked out shoppable buys to match his decor.

For those looking for small space interior design ideas, Tan's place is filled with contemporary colors, textures, and finishing touches that make us swoon. As the Queer Eye theme tune goes, 'All things keep getting better' with each element Tan showcases.

A post shared by T A N . F R A N C E (@tanfrance)
A photo posted by on

Tan France's guest cottage

Tan's cottage is filled with ideas to make your small place look luxe.

Why we love Tan France's guest cottage

The presenter is known for his minimalistic yet effortless fashion (his Queer Eye looks always deliver), so it’s no surprise he’s brought this fab sense of style into his home.

“The low coffee table in the living room, for instance, brings in a blend of natural materials with a touch of modern elegance,” says Guillaume Drew, interior designer and founder of Or & Zon.

“Not only this, but the mint green color palette generates a calm and serene atmosphere,” Guillaume adds. “Implementing this color in home decor — be it through painting walls or adding blue-toned furnishings — may prove effective in replicating this.”

Pastel colors such as these are a key small space color trend for 2024, as they allow you to bring sophisticated vibrancy into your home while still making rooms look bright. This is a smart way to make a smaller room look bigger — you’ve got to work with what you’ve got, after all.

“It's clear Tan France has a polished yet personal decor sense,” says Joy Aumann, interior designer and founder of LuxurySoCalRealty. “He blends contemporary styles with antique touches, such as his copper jug, to create a welcoming environment reflecting his background and tastes.”

Even though this is a guest cottage, Tan has still found subtle but sleek ways to bring his personality into it, from patterned dinnerware to striking wall art. Joy adds, “I appreciate designers who find ways to incorporate meaningful personal items for telling their stories.”

One thing she has learned over the years is the most stylish spaces feel curated instead of contrived — making them feel like an extension of the person who lives there. In Tan's guest cottage, visitors can still feel like he’s hosting them, even when he isn’t directly there.

If you don’t have a guest cottage (hey, we aren’t all famous presenters) and have a guest room instead, you can still add your own style to this small space for a similar effect.

Want to bring Tan’s style into your home? Joy suggests looking for antique secondhand furniture pieces with unique histories to add character. She says, “Pay close attention to details with quality materials and customized design touches.”

If you're upcycling a thrifted piece, you can also add metallic handles — such as the ones in Tan’s kitchen — to make it look more expensive. Shh, we won’t tell anyone.

Get the look with these buys inspired by Tan France's guest cottage

Makeover your home with these stylish buys similar to Tan's decor.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

One-year warranty

1. Laurel Foundry Farmhouse Vaillancourt Cabinet

Size (in.): H42.13 x W24.02 x D14.96
Made from: Wood, glass
Price: $249.99

Don't want to re-do all of your kitchen cabinets? This cute small space storage solution will do just the trick. You could use this versatile cabinet in the kitchen to display dinnerware, for books in the living area, or load up with goodies for your guests.

Amazon's choice

2. Estmoon Brushed Brass Cabinet Handles

Size (in.): W0.4 x L5
Made from: Steel
Price: $19.19 for 30

If you're living in a rental, or are looking to quickly upgrade your small home, these gold finishes will make cabinets and cupboards look as polished as Tan's. This also comes in silver and black, for a more modern finish. Don't forget to save your landlords original hardware and replace it when you move, taking your new gold handles with you.

Handcrafted

3. Copper Cure Store Pure Copper Pitcher

Size (in.): H10 x W4.25
Made from: Copper
Price: $34.97

We've heard copper home decor is making a comeback this year. If you've jumped on this trend and want to complement your wares, this jug is a perfect choice. Fill it with flowers like Tan, or use it as a pitcher.

Together, these strategies help make a home polished and personal like Tan's guest cottage. “The best design stems from your own experience and perspective,” Joy finishes by saying.

Looking for more celeb-inspired ways to upgrade your kitchen? Olivia Rodrigo's quiet luxury kitchen has so many timeless ideas, just like Tan's guest cottage.

BRB, packing for my stay at Martha Stewart's guest house this Thanksgiving

Danielle Valente — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:40:14 +0000

Could you *imagine* being a guest at Martha Stewart's home, mere days before Thanksgiving? That possibility is actually on the table this year — stiff competition for the turkey — and I've decided to manifest the potential weekend getaway into reality.

Sure it's a bit premature, but my mother and I have our overnight bags at the ready for Martha Stewart's Booking.com venture, an experience the lifestyle expert just announced to her fanbase. Like the kindred spirits we are, I had left the news in my mom's Instagram DMs moments before she texted me the link to the contest. We're feeling hopeful, folks.

Martha Stewart has long been my mother's inspiration for all things home — and my mom is mine — so we're going to throw our aprons in the ring and sign up with hopes that we're selected for the stay at her Westchester County farm, Cantitoe Corners. And since it's only $11.23, in honor of Thanksgiving and my mother's birthday, we're taking it as a sign. I am already dreaming about the small kitchen ideas that I will execute after reveling in the coziness at Martha's home. Perhaps we'll walk away with ~~a few~~ a million Thanksgiving table decor ideas, too. The possibilities are endless.

Martha Stewart guest house rental: what you need to know

Though the hostess with the mostess has been known for sharing her expertise with the world, she's now sharing the place she calls home on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, 2023. Martha will invite two lucky Booking.com winners to enjoy the 150 acres of the perfectly manicured grounds of her Bedford, New York, home and throw a festive celebration in the mix, of course. (Those Thanksgiving decor ideas are going to be *chef's kiss*!)

"Every year, my Thanksgiving holiday prep begins weeks before hosting my family in Bedford, so I can’t wait to welcome the guests that book this experience to my fall-ready Tenant House on the farm and look forward to sharing my favorite Thanksgiving-inspired traditions during their stay," she told Booking.com.

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What the stay includes

Curious what to expect upon arrival at Martha's (aside from perfection)? The itinerary includes:

A tour of the Tenant House at Martha’s Bedford farm where guests will reside overnight (which includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms)
A guided tour of the property by Martha’s head gardener Ryan McCallister
A table setting and wreath-making demo with Executive Director of Design Kevin Sharkey
Brunch prepared by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Thomas Joseph WITH MARTHA HERSELF
Signed copies of Martha’s cookbooks and accessories

How to book

Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving-Inspired Farm Stay will become bookable on a first-come, first-served basis on November 16 at 12pm EST, on Booking.com, and will take place November 18 –19 for only $11.23, per the website.

A few notes from the fine print (which we suggest you read in full):

The minimum age for check-in is 21
The event is available for a maximum of two guests
No children are permitted during the stay
No parties are permitted during the stay
Guests are subject to security screening prior to entry
Smoking is not permitted on the grounds

Even if we're not selected, my mother and I will still be faithfully following all of Martha's recipes, hosting essentials, and decor ideas. If you haven't already, might we suggest perusing Martha Stewart's curated holiday collection with Etsy? It'll make your heart happy.

Make sure you're properly prepared for Turkey Day with these festive and expert-approved Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas.

8 tips that will make going on your first apartment tour a little less stressful

Beth Mahoney — Wed, 17 May 2023 15:30:15 +0000

Going apartment hunting? If you are reading this, you're probably thinking of moving into your own space, which is so, so exciting! You can decorate it how you want (well, within landlord-approved reason, obvi) and do what you want with your space.

But, before you can enjoy your new pad, you've got to find it. The reality is, it can be a slightly tricky process. The good news is, I've been where you are and I'm here to help.

But first, let's start with a confession: When I first toured an apartment I didn’t ask the right questions or look out for the right things and I really regretted it. I ended up moving into somewhere that was rather pricey for pretty little space. So now, whenever I tour a new apartment, I make sure to take my time, ask the right questions, and think critically about the space. And I'd recommend that you do too.

I know, I know, it's easier said than done when you're in a rush to find the perfect apartment. However, it’s vital that when you go on your first apartment tour — or any apartment tour — that you make sure you’re checking the right things and asking lots of questions.

1. Ask lots of questions

First things first, always ask lots of questions, even if things feel rushed. Remember, it’s your realtor or agent's job to make sure that they show you everything that you need to see and answer every query that you have, so don’t feel bad about taking up their time. At the time you’re probs going to feel a li'l overwhelmed by the whole process, so it’s worth writing a few questions down before your tour and taking them with you to refer to. This should help to make sure that, when it comes to your questions, you don’t end up missing anything. Not sure what to ask? Screenshot our list below.

What are some good questions to ask?

How long is the lease? Is there a subletting policy?
Are there any additional fees to be aware of?
Are utilities included and, if so, which ones?
How do I file maintenance requests?
Is the apartment pet-friendly and are there any additional fees that come with it?
Does the lease come with parking?

2. Check the electrical outlets

Electrical safety is no joke, so it pays to take this stuff seriously. I once rented an apartment that had unsafe power outlets. I only realized once I had moved in and saw sparks coming from one of them (after which, I promptly moved out). So, as you walk around the property, make sure to keep a close eye on the electrical sockets, checking that they’re properly attached to the wall, aren’t loose, and look in good working order. Not sure whether an apartment’s electricals are safe? Request that the realtor has them inspected before you move in.

3. Look for signs of rodents or pests

It’s also a good idea to know how to spot the signs of rodents and other pests. As you tour the apartment, keep an eye out for rodent droppings (gross but seriously necessary), scratching sounds within the wall (this can be a sign of rodents or insects), and nibbled carpets or curtains. You can also ask the realtor if any problems with pests have previously been reported.

4. Check for fire safety items

Don’t forget to think about fire safety. As you look around the apartment, you might want to focus on the aesthetic appeal that the property offers, but it’s vital that you take the time to check for fire safety features as well. You want to be looking out for well-placed fire alarms and checking that they actually work, or asking the realtor to check for you. You also need to check to see if the apartment has a fire extinguisher. And, it’s also worth noting whether the apartment complex has a fire escape and how you would access it in an emergency.

5. Check the light fixtures and fans work

The last thing that you want is to move into an apartment and go to turn on the fan or lights, only to find that they don’t work, or aren’t working effectively. So, it’s important that when you’re touring an apartment you always check that they’re working properly.

6. Make sure the oven and stove work properly

It’s a good idea to turn on the oven and stove while you’re touring the property so that you can check that both are working and safe to use. You'll be out of luck if you're unable to safely prepare and cook food there, so it's def worth checking that both work correctly.

7. Run the water

Another important thing to check is that the water in the apartment runs properly and gets hot. So, make sure to turn a few taps on and off as you walk around. If you’re concerned about water pressure and having a powerful shower, it’s also worth turning on the shower and letting it run, so that you can see how good the pressure is.

8. Check that the locks work

It’s also a good idea to ask the realtor to demonstrate the locks to you and to check that every lock is working correctly. Household safety is important, which is why making sure that the locks are secure and work effectively is so vital.

Helpful tip: Don’t just check the door locks, also ask the realtor to check the locks on the windows too.

This furniture designer's pink loft apartment will make color minimalists rethink their spaces

Camille Dubuis-Welch — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:31:36 +0000

Nestled in Brooklyn, New York lives furniture designer Sophie Collé with her (very cute) cat. And they reside happily in a veritably uplifting palette of pink. Much like in her work, Collé plays with "familiar colors and forms," paying tribute to her favorite city shades, artists, and designers in her home. This translates into a space that's very much a joyful representation of her skill and personality.

"It's an old loft space, which I have always wanted," says Collé. "The 8-foot-tall windows are what I fell in love with immediately." Those two features may have been the selling points of this rental but it still took a lot of creativity to get it to where it's at today.

Step into Sophie's World.

Where did your style inspiration come from?

The 8-foot-tall column that Collé found on Facebook Marketplace was one of her favorite home decor additions. "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen," she says. "The top even comes off so it was super easy to transport. It's such an eyecatcher!" (Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Collé proves how your home can be anything and everything that you want it to be with a little perseverance. "A lot of my inspiration comes from the world around me," she says.

"Colors I see in New York and Miami, movie sets and TV shows from my childhood, toys, the life of Barbie and other characters, really anything that has humor or sparks joy, I try to incorporate into my work. My biggest direct inspirations are groups such as Memphis Milano, Superstudio, Studio 65, Italian radical design at large, and artists such as Joan Miro, Calder, designers such as Nanda Vigo, Jean Royère."

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Collé's hand-painted cloud-like squiggles feature throughout her home and plenty of curves make it onto her furniture too. Many of these motifs were made by Collé herself. It allowed her to experiment with her skills but also keep costs down.

"I also love the colors of the Roccoco and Baroque fine art movements," she says. "Those clouds and pastel colors are to die for!"

$145

Spice Always Pan

$119

Shroom Table Lamp

$18.95

Pink Teapot

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Collé made the wiggle kitchen island above and then attached it to a pink IKEA Kalax unit, uniquely elevating her cooking space for way less than if she'd had bought it custom-made elsewhere. Collé says it was "the easiest island hack ever!"

How else did you keep costs down?

Aside from cute decorative accents like squiggle mirrors, colorful swirl candles, and houseplants, Sophie made some bigger edits to the space but always with her budget in mind, even if it meant holding out for longer than she wanted.

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

"I definitely worked in shifts and phases," she explains. "Since I was running my business at the same time, it couldn't happen all at once! Painting the house was relatively cheap, but filling it with all the vintage pieces I have now took time, but it was so worth it!"

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(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Collé notes that she found her Art Deco couch on Facebook Marketplace for just $125, adding that she "saw the exact same couch for $900 on Instagram the next day." She was adamant about playing the waiting game, too. "I made sure to stick within a certain budget and if the pieces were too expensive, I patiently waited until I found something better," she says. "Doing all the labor myself was also a huge cost benefit, since I didn't have to hire any outside laborers or painters."

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Were there any problems you had to face with the space when you moved in?

When you rent, it's pretty rare that your home is completely ready to go, so it's worth having an open conversation with your landlord ahead of moving in. Doing so will ensure you can make the changes you want for your home without any issues down the line. They may even do a lot of the work for you!

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Collé had a couple of workarounds to factor in, notably a painted green chalkboard wall, which thankfully left the room when management kindly painted it white for her.

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Faux plants were also left by previous tenants, which is an easier swap out for sure. Storage, however, was an issue. Collé says there was virtually none in her apartment, including "no closets!" That and she found there were very few outlets on the walls, pushing her to seek out clever solutions.

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Another large design problem on her hands was the bathroom. She was unimpressed by the original state of the space. "The entire bathroom was floor-to-ceiling brown and gray tile," says Collé. "That had to go as soon as possible!" It was replaced with a white foundation and she added a perfect sprinkling of pink accents over top, including a sleek hot pink shower curtain and wavy bath mat.

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What was a favorite home decor addition of yours?

As well as the cool column find and wiggle kitchen island creation, Collé chose glass block windows, which she was thrilled about. Though changes like this aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you're renting, they're often completely possible to do — just check with your building manager.

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

"It was an expansive wall that didn't receive the surplus of light that I have in this loft, and the glass blocks have let it flood through which is amazing," she says. "All my friends thought I was crazy for cutting into my walls but it was so worth it! The windows were even pretty affordable from Lowes."

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

Bright pops of contrasting color are weaved throughout Collés home. She's done this through artwork, plant pots, her own work on display, and even through little storage crates that are perfect for holding home office supplies or everyday knick-knacks.

(Image credit: Belle Morizio)

So if you're renting a dull apartment or maybe your bedroom needs a major dose of dopamine, pay homage to Collé's space. Any place inspired by hers will serve up all the happy vibes you could ever want.

Real home: 8 design ideas to copy from this grey-themed home that's anything but boring

Karen Wilson — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 15:20:56 +0000

Just when you thought grey interiors were getting a little same-y, along comes a home that rips up the rulebook and presents you with a whole load of new inspiration.

Louise and Andy's extended 1930s home is full of it, from the bold grey-green Shaker-style kitchen to the moody living room and the elegant bedroom panelling – and when they gave us the tour, we picked up plenty of ideas we can't wait to share with you.

So whether you're embarking on a house extension or just want some tips to shake up your scheme, read on – here's how this couple did it.

Kitchen, Fitzroy Shaker in Copse Green, Second Nature. Worktops, EB Granite. Pink stools, Dunelm. Herringbone LVT flooring, Polyflor (Image credit: Katie Lee)

1. Zoning really is the key to an open-plan space

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The owners Louise Colquhoun (@littlebitofnumberseven),
a performance leader for a housing association, her partner, Andy Mitchell, a kitchen fitter, their daughter, Savannah Mae, three, and cats Pippi and Mitsy
The property A three-bedroom 1930s semi-detached house in Fatfield, Washington, Tyne & Wear
Project cost £41,000

Louise and Andy spent their first year redecorating and exposing the original brick fireplaces in the sitting room and master bedroom before work began on a four-metre extension to create a bigger kitchen-diner with snug. The neighbouring pantry was also split into a utility/boot room and shower room. ‘There was a conservatory at the rear, but when it rained it felt like being in a greenhouse with the corrugated roof,’ says Louise. ‘It made sense to knock it down and create a more open space with a pitched roof and skylights.’

Zoning the space into four distinct areas has been the key to its success. ‘I really like the set up with a long table for entertaining, a breakfast bar for mornings, a snug round the fire for the winter and a play corner for Savannah,’ Louise says. ‘I love the shelving at the end of the island so Savannah can grab her books.’

Try Slide & Fold for similar bi-fold doors. Extractor, Lux Air (Image credit: Katie Lee)

2. Use paint to disguise your kitchen in a joint living space

Thanks to the clever use of paint, Louise and Andy's kitchen feels like it blends unobtrusively into the walls of the extension. The wall paint was colour matched to the kitchen cabinets by Valspar for a cohesive feel while shelves instead of wall cabinets open up the space further. ‘They look more modern and work better with the sloping ceiling,’ explains Louise.

A full-width opening to the garden further adds to the living-space feel. ‘We went for bi-fold doors as they can be opened up fully, so are ideal for a party house,’ says Louise. ‘And I can see Savannah in the garden when I’m in the kitchen. Sometimes I wish we had gone for Crittalls, though – I love the look of them.’

Garden furniture, B&Q. Try Deck Plus for similar composite decking (Image credit: Katie Lee)

3. Treat your garden like an extra room and plan it accordingly

The kitchen blends seamlessly with the cleverly zoned garden. ‘As it’s quite long there’s a mini putting green at the end, two new Indian sandstone patios and composite decking off the kitchen,’ says Louise.

The new composite deck feels like another room. ‘Last summer, when you were allowed to mix, we had a silent disco here for my friend’s 40th birthday,’ says Louise. ‘The garden is great for entertaining. I can’t wait to fire up the pizza oven and BBQ for parties again.’

Walls painted in Grey 03 and 06, Lick. Prints, I Am Fy. Mirror, Sainsbury’s (Image credit: Katie Lee)

4. Use a light palette in the hallway for a welcoming entrance

The hallway has been through a few incarnations in pursuit of character. ‘I painted it a Victorian dark green colour with black stair treads but it didn’t fit the style of the house at all and we hated it,’ Louise says. ‘Instead we went for a grey palette and a cream stair runner. I love how welcoming it is now.’

Yellow console table, Next. Lamp, B&Q. Wallpaper, Graham & Green (Image credit: Katie Lee)

5. The living room is the place to go daring and dark – so give it a go

Louise experimented with a dark and dramatic front sitting room. She painted the room three times since moving in, starting with a dark navy up to the picture rail before getting more daring with an off-black shade all over. ‘I do like a mix of dark and light interiors depending on the room,’ she says. ‘Left to his own devices, I don’t think Andy would go as dark, but he usually comes round to my way of thinking!’

The cosy feel in here makes it perfect for evening use. ’I wanted it to be quite luxurious with velvet curtains, panelling and bold wallpaper,’ she says. ‘It feels like a grown-up room now. I have a few prints to go in here but keep changing my mind: I’ll get round to choosing some as I think the room needs it.’

Crown Archives Woodland wallpaper, World of Wallpaper. Cot, Cottage Toys. Art prints, Melissa Badman, Etsy and H&M. Rug, La Redoute. Rocking horse, Mamas & Papas (Image credit: Katie Lee)

6. Work your toddler's room around an element they really love

Louise and Andy's daughter, Savannah, has one of the smallest rooms in the house, but the pretty animal theme makes it feel cute and cosy. 'At first I painted the walls pink and the floorboards white to give the illusion of space, but when she was a toddler I put up the wallpaper,' says Louise. 'Savannah picked it herself as she loves the horses on it!'

Vanity unit, Etsy. Tiles, Tyne Tees Ceramics. Gold tap, Lusso Stone. Mirror, Maisons du Monde (Image credit: Katie Lee)

7. Get a high-end look on a budget with a bit of creative thinking

The last room to be revamped was the bathroom, which has five-star hotel credentials with marble-effect tiles, gold fittings and a dark ceiling with chandelier. ‘It was a challenge as it’s quite small but as Andy laid the floor, fitted the radiator and did the plumbing, we saved a lot,’ she says. The only trade the couple needed was a tiler.

‘I wanted a hotel spa feel in here so went for a dark ceiling and chandelier,’ says Louise. ’At first I considered patterned tiles, but as it’s a small space I felt a larger scale marble effect matt tile would work better. Gold shower screens were too expensive, so we had a chrome one powder coated by a local firm for £50.’

Walls painted in Warm Shale, Valspar. Bed, Time 4 Sleep. Bedside table, Ikea. Wreath, The Dry Decor (Image credit: Katie Lee)

8. Use your favourite hotel as inspiration for your bedroom

Revamping the master bedroom was Louise’s first job after being inspired by a stay at Hotel du Vin. Andy added character to the calming space with elegant light grey panelling.

Louise worked with the existing fireplace, too. ‘As the brickwork wasn’t very good, I just whitewashed it,’ she said. The overall boutique hotel feel of the space makes it the perfect spot to wind down after a busy day.

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Real home: Take a tour of this photographer's incredible creative home – complete with tropical garden

Ifeoluwa Adedeji — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 14:38:53 +0000

Having rented ever since she left home for university, Aga Tomaszek had lived in all sorts of problematic houses. ‘I lived in a new build long enough to know I didn’t want to buy one, but I also rented a neglected 1930s home that had so much potential and I wished it was mine,’ she says. ‘I’ve been saving ever since I can remember and was finally able to buy my first home in 2018.’

Aga and Andrew knew the area and their choice was based primarily on school catchment. ‘We were desperate for our daughter to be able to walk to school. The second criteria was for the house to be south facing, and third that the garden be big enough to extend but not too big.’ Luckily, the couple managed to snap up their home in March 2018 and set about renovating their house just a few months later.

Walls painted in La Plancha, Valspar. Kitchen, DIY Kitchens. Bar stools, Dunelm. Pendant lights, Wayfair. Splashback tiles, Ebay (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

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The owners Photographer Aga Tomaszek
(@thishousewemade), her partner, Andrew, a sound engineer and music producer, their daughter and dogs
The property A three-bed 1930s semi in south Wales
Project cost £45,000

The house was, as Aga describes it, a ‘textbook granny pad’ that hadn’t changed much since it was built. The carpet and wallpaper was dated, the toilet was separate from the bathroom, there was no bathroom downstairs, and the kitchen was in a tiny 2x2m space. Her aim was to bring it into the 21st century and make it suitable for a small family and two professionals working from home.

Corner sofa, Natuzzi. Light, Ebay. Yellow armchair, Rockett St George. Coffee table, Wayfair. Rug, Ikea (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

‘We’re both creatives and it was important that we have a dedicated space where we could also bring clients,’ says Aga. ‘I’m a photographer and my partner is a sound engineering and music producer. His music crew and his studio clients always come round to listen to music or just have a drink after a day spent recording, so we needed a house that’s great for entertaining as much as working into late hours.’

Pergola painted in Mister David, Little Greene. Slate floor, Cardiff Slate & Stone (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

See how DIY lovers transformed their backyard into a stylish outdoor living space on a budget

Aga combined her architecture background and her photographer’s eye to help bring the couple’s vision for the house together. They had builders knock through a wall in between the front and back reception rooms, then extended out by another 4.6 metres to give them an L-shape open-plan space that would contain their office, dining, living area and kitchen. At the rear, they installed four-metre-wide bi-fold doors, which illuminates the interiors with morning sunshine.

Decking, Cladco. Chair, John Lewis & Partners (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Once the shell was ready and plastered the couple took over the works. The kitchen was recommended to Aga by a colleague from the industry. ‘It was manufactured by DIY Kitchens then installed and modified entirely by ourselves,’ says Aga. ‘When the island arrived the colour was all wrong – I almost had a heart attack! In hindsight, ordering the kitchen happened way too early for me, before I could picture the final vibe of the space. If I did it again I’d employ an interior designer to help me with the overall vision.’

Armchair and sofa, Made. Rug, Ebay. Light, Ikea (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Works took exactly nine months from the moment the couple got the keys to the day they moved in, just before Christmas 2018. Getting the interiors just right took a little longer. ‘The polish came with time and oscillated around my love for plants – what started as one plant pot is now a real feature!’ says Aga. ‘The style just organically grew and started taking shape the moment all my favourite textures and colours crept in.’

Bed, Ikea. Lights, Amazon. Side table, Jysk (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Contacts

Kitchen DIY Kitchens
Builder Whill Construction

Aga’s dad was able to help out in the garden. ‘We built the pergola and seating area and the grass was started from seedlings, which saved money,’ she says. ‘We ordered the composite boards for the decking directly from a local manufacturer, then learnt from YouTube how to build a base. It took some elbow grease, but nothing a DIY savvy person can’t do! I chose the decking to be wood effect – I wanted the living room floor to visually continue into the garden, making it seem even more spacious in size.’

Sink and taps, Victorian Plumbing. Towel rail, Ebay (Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Aga admits that the couple did make some key decisions too early. ‘I ended up compromising on the flooring, picking an oak laminate – and to this day it’s my biggest regret. We got ourselves a puppy and the laminate flooring already bears signs of use.’ She also regrets not considering more industrial touches. ‘In between wallpaper stripping, tiling and laying foundations, none of this occurred to me – but it’ll all be useful research for the next project!’

Real home: 7 lessons we learned from Ally Dowsing-Reynolds' dark and daring house tour

Ellen Finch — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 14:30:47 +0000

Would you dare to go bold with your home décor? For many of us, the idea of a dark colour palette is a step too far out of our comfort zone. Despite the fact that dark walls can enhance the depth of a room and make it feel more cocooning, we’re often too nervous to take the plunge.

Still, if anyone was going to inspire us to give it a go, it’d be Ally and James Dowsing-Reynolds. The owners of – you guessed it – home décor company Dowsing & Reynolds have a keen eye for design, and they aren’t afraid to express themselves through their home. As a result, each room in their Victorian house is packed with ideas for how to embrace the dark side, combining deep shades of black and green with bright pops of colour, from the oxy fire red sofas in the living room to the tonal pink chairs around the dining table.

We learned loads from Ally, and now we're sharing her tips with you. So if you're taking on a house renovation in 2022, get a notebook and pen – you're going to want to write this down.

Handmade units, repainted in Spruce Things Up; walls painted in All The Lights Off, both Dowsing & Reynolds (Image credit: Katie Lee)

1. Don't give up when you get knocked back

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The owners Ally and James Dowsing-Reynolds, who own home décor business Dowsing & Reynolds, and their daughter, Emily
The property A four-bed Grade II-listed Victorian end-of-terrace in Leeds
Project cost £83,100

'We’d just started the search for a new home when we spotted this house,' says Ally. 'It was in a bit of a state with no water, gas or electrics. The previous owner was a bit of an eccentric and had put uPVC windows in, which is against planning in a Grade II-listed property. Even though it was in a bad state, we saw through it: the building itself was really handsome.

'We were under no illusion about the costs – we estimated around £150,000 for all the structural work, new windows and so on. We couldn’t do it all without a small mortgage, but when the lender saw the state of the house, he just said, "No, I can’t do it." We were so disheartened and had to pull out – we thought we’d lost it. On a whim I called the estate agent to ask who bought it and found out it was a building company, so we struck a deal to buy it from them once they’d renovated it.'

Lanesborough pendant lights, Dowsing & Reynolds. Splashback, made by James. Bar stools, Ally’s grandma’s. Monkey fruit bowl, Hilary & Flo (Image credit: Katie Lee)

2. If you're working with builders, prepare to negotiate

'Getting what we wanted from the renovation wasn’t the easiest of processes. In a lot of ways it was good because it took away the risk from our point of view, but there were things we’d have done differently to the builders. They put in a traditional-style bathroom, for example, which we personally wouldn’t have gone for. We had to negotiate quite a lot – we didn’t want to move in and rip things out because that would be wasteful. There were clashes at times, but that’s because both we and the builders wanted to do a good job and create a house we loved. It’s good to be passionate about these things!'

Mirror over fireplace, Maisons du Monde. Red Chesterfield sofas, Debenhams. Coffee table, charity shop. Walls painted in Mud Wrestling; feather ceiling light; hare floor lamp and faux plants, all Dowsing & Reynolds. Face cushion, Jonathan Adler for H&M (Image credit: Katie Lee)

3. Lost your design identity? Don't panic – it'll come back to you

'When we moved in, every wall was painted off white so it was a blank canvas – a dream for a lot of people. We wanted to live in it for a while to see how we felt in each room, but I think in hindsight we left it too long – two years, in fact. The neutral walls sapped our confidence a bit. We both like colour, dark hues, bold design and statement art, and the house didn’t quite feel like our own, but we couldn’t see the direction we wanted to go in.

'It was only when we went to Katie’s house from @comedowntothewoods that we stopped and thought, oh – colour! Personality! This is what we love! We came home and were like, "We need to paint the whole place right now!"'

Table, Heal’s. Chairs, Dunelm. Sofa, Ebay. Bubble chandelier, Dowsing & Reynolds. Floor lamp, Made (Image credit: Katie Lee)

4. Small changes make a huge difference

'Because this is a listed period property we can’t change too much of the layout. We’d love a more open-plan kitchen and to have the back of the house opened up, but with every property comes compromise. The builder suggested some really good changes: the bathroom was tiny, for example, so we knocked through to a little room off our daughter’s bedroom to create a larger family-friendly space.

'We also opened up the window in the kitchen – it was previously a single window so the room felt dark and gloomy. We got permission for that because another house on the street had already done the same thing. James had pushed for a dark colour in there, hence the black kitchen, and letting in that extra bit of light allowed us to be more daring with our design.'

Walls painted in All White, Farrow & Ball (Image credit: Katie Lee)

5. Renovating with a partner? Seek to learn from each other to make the process easier

'From the outside looking in, James and I have similar tastes, but we look at rooms in a different way. I’m diagnosed ADHD and James is diagnosed ADHD and ASD, so he visualises things differently to me. The process taught us a lot about our design personalities, actually. We decided that one person should take the lead on each room; I did the living and dining rooms and James did the kitchen and bathroom. We respect each other’s design skills, so it worked well.'

Moss wall panels and taps, Dowsing & Reynolds. Bath, Aquaroc. Micro-cement shower, Relentless Interiors. Stone sinks, Bathco. Vanity, Ebay. Mirror cabinets, Heal’s. WC, Vitra (Image credit: Katie Lee)

6. Consider how you want to feel before you decorate a room

'We always look at three areas: use, personality and feel. Deciding what emotion you want in a room is so important. In the living room, for example, we want to feel inspired and creative during the day and cosy and cocooned in the evening, so we’ve traded neutral shades for a dark scheme with pops of colour.

'The hallway is a task-orientated space – we wanted to feel clear headed when we’re trying to get our daughter out the door or coming back home from a day out. The home office is white with no bold art so we can focus and concentrate. It’s all about learning how colours make you feel and how the room’s going to project your personality. It’s not always an easy process – the living room alone has changed colour about five times!'

Walls painted in Get Plastered; feather ceiling light and create-your-own bedside lights, all Dowsing & Reynolds. Bed and chest of drawers, Made. Red lips and Catwoman prints, Cassandra Yap. Hexagonal shelves, Etsy. Crown print, Prefab77 (Image credit: Katie Lee)

7. Never stop planning!

Contacts

Bathroom Lewis at Urban Building Services, 07458 168861
Microcement shower Relentless Interiors
Design advice Karen Knox of Making Spaces

'The next project is the kitchen. James is really into cooking and his dream kitchen would be something bespoke with a place for everything. We’d also like something more sociable. We always put Emily in the dining room to eat, but she wants to be in the kitchen with us while we’re tidying up or getting ready for the school run. James would love to be able to face people rather than have his back to them while he’s cooking, too. Other than that, who knows! James’ mum is always asking whether we’ve finished decorating yet. The answer is that it never stops – but constant design exploration is the joy of having a home.'

Inside the Home Alone house - available to rent on Airbnb

Millie Hurst — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:02:24 +0000

The Home Alone house is instantly recognizable from the classic holiday movie we all know and love. For one night only this December, Airbnb is offering guests the opportunity to stay at the iconic house featured in the film.

The Airbnb host is none other than Buzz, Kevin's tortuous older brother. However, in the listing, he promises that he's changed. 'You may not remember me as particularly accommodating,' he says.

'But I’ve grown up, and I’d be happy to share my family home – my pizza, even – with you this holiday season. Just try not to let my tarantula, Axl, loose this time.”

However, if you're not lucky enough to be able to stay in person let's take a peek inside the McCallister residence. It might be 30 years since Kevin got left behind one Christmas, as his family left on vacation, the home is still rocking a timeless, festive look, with traditional Christmas decor ideas.

The Home Alone House

The 1920s house from the John Hughes movie is located in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka. It has a perfectly symmetrical facade typical of Georgian architecture with red brick and wooden shutters.

It has lots of outdoor lighting ideas, that look inviting and festive from the moment you arrive.

(Image credit: Sarah Crowley)

Hallway

(Image credit: Sarah Crowley)

The grand hallway still has the wow factor more than thirty years on from the movie's début. The decor has been kept super traditional with dark hardwood flooring, family photos, and a beautiful red runner leading you up the famous staircase.

We're loving the bold, festive tones, chintzy wallpaper, and antique-style gold mirror. Luckily, there are no longer any paint cans suspended on string, or any other booby traps waiting to be unleashed as you step inside.

The living room

(Image credit: Sarah Crowley)

Just around the corner from the stairway is this Christmassy living room, which continues the festive color scheme. There's traditional wallpaper, wood paneling for a sense of heritage, and some seriously sumptuous seating for curling up by the fire.

With two Christmas trees, a large wreath, nutcrackers, and stockings hung up over the fireplace, it's bringing plenty of festive cheer with bold Christmas living room decorating ideas. Multiple light sources mean the light levels can be adjusted to set the mood in the evening.

The bedroom

(Image credit: Sarah Crowley)

Upstairs, the bedroom is festive, but in a less in-your-face way, with more subtle Christmas decorating ideas. Check out the huge four-poster bed dressed in traditional Christmas colors that match the velvet floor-length curtains.

The traditional Persian rug is soft underfoot and the fireplace and wall lights make things extra cozy.

Mischief makers can request to book the enormous Home Alone house from Tuesday, December 7 at 1pm CT on the Airbnb website.

The famous house will be bookable for a one-night stay for up to four guests and comes complete with Kevin's smart booby traps. Here's hoping the kids don't get any ideas!

The house is available to rent on December 12 for just $25. To celebrate the first-ever stay at Home Alone house, Airbnb is making a donation to Chicago’s La Rabida Children’s Hospital. The hospital is dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illnesses.

Those hoping to stay at the Home Alone house should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence to local COVID-19 guidelines.

Merry Christmas ya' filthy animal.

Real home tour: This island home is what beachside dreams are made of

Louise O'Bryan — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 08:00:15 +0000

Although both Olivia Scullion and Mark Waterer spent most of their teenage years living on the Isle of Wight, their paths weren’t to cross until they met in London in their 20s. ‘I was living in Sweden at the time and was visiting friends in the city when I met Mark in Covent Garden,’ recalls Olivia. ‘It’s not often you meet someone who has lived on the Isle of Wight, and when you do, you feel a certain affinity.’

When the opportunity came for them relocate there, the couple jumped at the chance, and transformed a Victorian terrace into an idyllic home by the sea, decorated in a style influenced by Olivia's Scandinavian background.

If are inspired to tackle your own house restoration, we have lots of ideas and helpful advice on what to do and where to start in our feature on house renovation.

Located in the quaint harbour town of Yarmouth, this handsome terrace has instant curb appeal (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

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The owners Olivia Scullion (@trulynordic), a clinical research associate, her partner, Mark Waterer, an audio visual design engineer, and their Japanese Shiba Inu, Tamu
The property A two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Project cost £40,000

After their first meeting, Olivia moved to join Mark in London, where they rented a flat in West Hampstead. Though she was born in Sweden and Mark in Kenya, both had a hankering to return to the island where they grew up, so when Olivia was given the chance to work from home, the couple took the opportunity to relocate. ‘As Mark works away for most of the week and my parents still live on the island, it made sense to make a home here where I could be nearer family, particularly as the property prices suited our tight budget more than London,’ she adds.

The pared-back dining space is kept light and bright thanks to the minimal window dressings and brilliant white walls. The beautiful floorboards – painstakingly restored by Olivia and Mark – contrast with the neutral furniture and walls, bringing interest and texture. Glass pendant light, Easy Lighting. House Doctor placemats, Nordic Nest. For similar dining chairs, try Next (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

They were keen on finding a renovation project they could put their stamp on, eventually spotting it in the quaint harbour town of Yarmouth on the west coast. ‘Although it’s not as big or bustling as Cowes, there’s a lovely vibe here with art galleries, cool cafes, and rows of pretty period homes,’ says Olivia. ‘We fell head over heels for this Victorian terrace as soon as we saw it, even if it was in a sad, run-down state.’ She admits that as first-time renovators, they were a little naïve as to how big a DIY project they’d taken on. ‘We planned to do most of the work ourselves. Fortunately, the house had great bones and we didn’t need to make any big structural changes. It was simply a case of gutting it and reinstating its character.’

Scandi meets industrial in the kitchen, where warm timber surfaces and natural stone flooring has been combined with copper pipework and exposed steels. Doing all the work themselves, except for the electrics and plumbing, the couple have created a bespoke space that’s edgy yet extremely inviting. Doors and drawer fronts, The Kitchen Workshop. Work surface, Worktop Express. Carcasses, B&Q. Appliances, all sourced online (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

Living at Olivia’s parents nearby for the best part of a year, the couple spent all their free time on the renovation. The first job was to create a bigger kitchen by removing a couple of non-load-bearing walls that housed a tiny utility and downstairs toilet. They then added dark contemporary French doors and a matching picture window over the sink. ‘As this room can be prone to darkness, we wanted to keep it warm and inviting with earthy tones and textures, so we went with rich, wooden cabinets and tumbled sandstone floor tiles for their cosy Nordic vibes,’ says Olivia.

See also: How to plan a kitchen extension

Olivia sourced a second-hand chest for storage in the hallway, updating it in a light grey to tie in with the other vintage pieces.Chest painted in Manor House Grey, Farrow & Ball (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

The pair then fitted the units and wooden worktops themselves, and called in the professionals to install the plumbing and electrics. ‘Learning DIY via YouTube tutorials not only saved us a fortune on labour costs, it also meant we could bespoke the look to get exactly what we wanted.’

To highlight the period doors and skirting, Olivia painted the woodwork in a soft grey tone, while natural textures such as jute, bamboo and linen add a warmth and cosiness that’s synonymous with Scandi interiors. Sofa, Sofa.com. Jute rug, Ikea. Woodwork painted in Hardwick White, Farrow & Ball (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

The couple’s newfound skills were put to the test in the living space when they had to scrape off a layer of tar covering the old floorboards by hand. ‘It was horrible and took ages, but revealing them was totally worth the effort. We then enhanced their natural beauty with a clear oil,’ says Olivia.

The couple re-established a period fireplace in the guest room to give it a focal point. They found it on the island’s online marketplace, called Wightbay. Olivia mixed up the wall colour herself using teal and white. For a similar white wooden chair, try the Stefan, Ikea. Try the Fiesta from Dunelm, for a pom-pom cushion (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

The couple stuck to brilliant white on the walls, with the period skirting boards and door frames painted a soothing grey. In the seating area, Olivia teamed a linen sofa with vintage cane tables and chairs for a calm feel, while a mix of heirlooms and vintage finds in the dining space create a classic feel. She continued these subtle pops of pattern and colour upstairs, too, where the vibrant blue statement wall in the master bedroom enhances the period fireplace.

The master bedroom, including the fireplace, is a crisp white colour. The chimney breast is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue for contrast. New floor-to-ceiling wardrobes were built by a local joinery to make the most of every inch of space. Four-poster bed, The White Company (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

Contacts

Kitchen doors The Kitchen Door Workshop
Worktops Worktop Express
Stone floor tiles Stone Superstore

The result was a neutral home that could be changed up easily. ‘We added character through pattern, colour and textures, and these can all get a refresh or a seasonal change. A house has to tell a story about its owners, and we feel we successfully brought together our unique heritages in this place that we both love.’

The calming bathroom was given a huge overhaul. A wall of dated cupboards was removed and a stunning bath with a floor standing tap was fitted in front of the large window to enjoy glimpses of the sea. Shower, bath, basin and toilet, Ebay. Marble-effect ceramic tiles, B&Q (Image credit: Holly Jolliffe)

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Real home tour: This vintage lover's home is a study in using blue

Maxine Brady — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:00:30 +0000

Stepping into the home of Suzi and Lewis, you instantly feel at ease, aided by the calming décor painted in a relaxing colour palette. ‘A gazillion litres of paint have gone into this renovation,’ Suzi says. ‘By the end of this project, I knew the Farrow & Ball paint chart better than the back of my hand! The colours were the starting point for my designs for this house. Many of the walls were finished with lime plaster, which is very breathable and textured for a natural look. I used shades that would complement each other, like dark blues, soft greys and off-whites, as these create a serene atmosphere.’

If you're extending your house, we have lots of ideas and helpful advice on what to do and where to start.

The open-plan kitchen and dining room extension is Suzi’s favourite addition to their home as the family now have a space where they can cook and eat together. ‘Before, there was surprisingly little storage in the house,’ says Suzi. ‘We had made-to-measure cupboards fitted everywhere so all our belongings have a place.Pantry door painted in Babouche, Farrow & Ball. Dining table, Ebay. Chairs, Franklins. Pendant lights, Trinity Marine. Artwork, Telegramme. Doors, ID Systems. Stone-effect porcelain flooring, Claybrook Studio (Image credit: David Woolley)

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The owners Suzi Jench, a property renovator (@a.carma.home), her partner Lewis Robinson, a financial consultant ,and their two children, Marlowe and Carter
The property A four-bedroom Victorian terrace in Kemp Town, Brighton
Project cost £223,125

The couple bought their Victorian terrace in the Kemp Town area of Brighton from an Icelandic singer and performer. ‘We actually rented a house on a nearby street in 2012 for a few years, and fell in love with the area,’ Suzi says. Not able to find a house in Kemp Town, they moved to the Sussex countryside, renovating an 18th-century farmhouse. ‘After five years of commuting to London from the sticks, we’d had enough. Our boys missed living by the sea and we craved the bustle of Brighton. We decided to move back.’

Keep reading: The best Farrow & Ball paint colours

The coastal-inspired blue and white colouring of the period house’s façade is echoed on the inside (Image credit: David Woolley)

This house had been neglected over the years. ‘It’d been empty for a while and before then rented out. It felt unloved and rough around the edges,’ says Suzi. At the back, there was a narrow galley kitchen with a plastic lean-to on the side return, which leaked in wet weather and was freezing in winter. Every surface needed ripping out or fully renovating. ‘It was a big project. We lived here for a year so we could get a feel for the space, and it gave us time to plan a renovation.’

The walls in the living room create a neutral backdrop for Suzi’s patterned accessories and map of Europe. She had cushions made up in vintage cottons and Sari silks. Walls painted in Slaked Lime, Little Greene. Woodwork painted in Cornforth White and Off Black, Farrow & Ball. Armchair, rugs, standing lights, Parker Knoll and Sofa.com. Settees, Ebay. Footstool and map, Ardingly Antiques Fair (Image credit: David Woolley)

Top of the family’s wish list was converting the attic and creating an open-plan kitchen-diner. In the spring of 2018, their architect and his team of builders set to work. ‘In less than a week, we had a crane outside lifting huge steels onto our roof,’ says Suzi. ‘Our kitchen was in pieces and the lean-to was gone.’ To speed things up, the family moved into a rented two-bed flat nearby. ‘The house was uninhabitable. There was a gaping hole where our kitchen used to be. We had to resite the soil stack so there was no working bathroom, either. It was my job to manage the build. I came to site every day to sort out any issues, keeping the project on track.’

‘All the furniture in this room has a back story,’ says Suzi. She found a pair of mirrored antique wooden doors in The Vintage Workshop in Kemp Town, hanging them above the fireplace. Chest of drawers, Rockett St George. Mirrors, Reginald Ballum (Image credit: David Woolley)

Not long after starting, the builders hit a stumbling block. ‘The house is made from bungaroosh,’ explains Suzi. ‘It’s a mixture of broken bricks, cobblestones, pebbles and sand set into lime. It’s notorious for crumbling when disturbed. We had to reinforce areas and wait for the planning office to approve the work. It set us back about three weeks.’ They also discovered the bathroom and bedroom ceilings were sagging and had to be replaced, which was an unexpected – and very messy – job.

Armoire, Design Vintage. Armchair and rug, found on Ebay. Antique light fitting, bought from a friend. Radiators, Cast Iron Radiator Centre (Image credit: David Woolley)

After three months the house was taking shape, with the loft conversion completed, the bathrooms gutted and the steels at the back installed. A second team of builder started on the internal fit, including the painstaking job of renovating the floorboards. ‘We salvaged some from the kitchen to replace damaged ones elsewhere,’ Suzi says. The wooden floor had to be sanded back and treated by hand with Danish ‘softwood lye’ – a solution that bleaches the wood – before finishing with two coats of matt clear varnish for protection. ‘When lifting up the boards, we found tiny matchboxes hidden underneath dating back to the 1950s, which we plan to display in our living room.’

The original staircase was restored by the couple. ‘Eventually we plan to have a staircase runner fitted, but while we’re saving up to pay for that we still need the hallway to look cohesive,’ Suzi says. ‘It’s the first impression guests have of our home and sets the tone for the rest of our house.’ Stairs painted in De Nimes, Farrow & Ball. Coat hooks salvaged from a previous renovation project. Round mirror from a local salvage yard. Radiator, Cast Iron Radiator Centre (Image credit: David Woolley)

By April the following year, the extension was in place ready for the Crittall-style aluminum back doors to be fitted. ‘We wanted to fill the kitchen with light, so we went for industrial metal doors across the whole of the back and convinced our planning officer to let us install four Velux windows in the ceiling,’ says Suzi. Being super organised, she confirmed her kitchen design early into the renovation process. ‘I shopped around for an affordable solid wooden kitchen. The company I found were brilliant but as they get so busy, there was limited flexibility on the delivery date. It was nail-bitingly close to our build completion date.’

Kitchen units, Handmade Kitchens Direct. Units painted in Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball. Drawer pulls, Yester Home. Wall tiles, Mandarin Stone. Peg rail, Carved by Tom (Image credit: David Woolley)

Just in time for the summer holidays, Suzi and Lewis and their two sons moved into their renovated home. ‘We still had a carpenter here finishing off bits and pieces. Our kitchen was his workshop. We had family stay for a week in August when the carpenter was still using the space to build joinery. It was a squash, but you get through it!

In the master bedroom, the paint colours have been picked for their restful tones. The floorboards were sanded and treated with wood lye. Bed and dressing table, Ebay. Woodwork painted in Inchyra Blue; wall painted in Mizzle, both Farrow & Ball (Image credit: David Woolley)

Suzi’s existing furniture slotted neatly into her new interior, and her eye for a bargain saved her money on new pieces. ‘I’ve become a regular at Ardingly Antiques Market and I’m a bit of pro at finding bargains on Ebay,’ she says. ‘Our sofas are ex-photo shoot samples that I picked up for a steal. My home style is a mix of classic design, vintage finds and antiques that I have upcycled myself.'

Chest of drawers, Reginald Ballum. Mirrors, Ardingly Antiques Market (Image credit: David Woolley)

Contacts

Sliding doors ID Systems
Kitchen Handmade Kitchens Direct
Flooring Claybrook

After nearly six months of solid building work, Suzi and her family are comfortably settled into city life. ‘Lots of energy went into this house to turn it into a home,’ she says. ‘We love our kitchen most because we all have room to hang out. As with all projects of this scale there have been highs and lows, but the end result has been a big win for our family.’

By removing an airing cupboard and taking out a water tank, Suzi increased the size of the master bathroom. ‘My builders were surprised that we wanted to keep the original roll top bath, but I wanted to save as many of the period details as I could. It made good sense to keep it,’ she says. Bath, original. Floor tiles, Stone Deals. Wooden shelving unit, Blue Ticking. Walls painted in White Clay, Earthborn Paint (Image credit: David Woolley)

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Real home tour: Bold colours make a big impact in this bargain makeover

Alison Jones — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to renovating a house, sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s who. If it takes a village to raise a child, it can take a small army of friends and relatives to help you tackle the daunting list of makeover tasks, happy to bring experience and, ideally, the right tools.

When Anneka and Stephen Broomfield bought a rundown 1930s terraced house on the River Gipping in Suffolk, Stephen’s former job as a carpenter meant he had lots of contacts in different trades. They pitched in to do the few jobs the couple didn’t have the time or specific expertise to do themselves. This invaluable help meant Anneka and Stephen have been able to transform a house in such disrepair that it had a hole in the living room floor, into a characterful home that cocoons you in colour for under £5,000. Anneka reveals how they did it.

If you're planning your own makeover, we have lots of ideas and advice in our feature on house renovation.

‘We had a Chesterfield sofa to go with the chair, except it wasn’t the most comfortable, so we bought the blue sofa. I thought it might be a bit OTT with all the blue walls but I quite like it.’ Walls painted in Azure Fusion 1, Dulux. Sofa, Made. Rug, Ikea. Cushions, H&M Home. Wall hanging, iamfy. OSB flooring, laid by Stephen. For a similar round mirror, try Maisons Du Monde (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

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The owners Anneka Broomfield (@83renovation), a hair stylist, and her husband, Stephen, who manages a tool hire company
The property A 1930s two-bed end-of-terrace house on the River Gipping, Suffolk
Project cost £4,593

'We’d found a Victorian house initially, but it took six months waiting to get it. We were like, "s** this, let’s find something else". This house was up for sale and was in an absolute state! It’d been owned by a housing association and rented out for years. By the time the last people moved out, I think they thought it’d need too much work doing to rent it out again; we managed to get it really cheaply.

'It was larger than the houses we were looking at, and we felt this was the chance for us to get something bigger with more opportunity to be really good after we had done it up, so we went for it. It’s also quite close to my family, so it was a good area for us.'

‘I’m very creative – I love decorating and getting stuck in,’ says Anneka. ‘The cupboards were all charity shops buys that I upcycled.' Pendant light, La Redoute. Armchair, Chesterfield. TV unit, charity shop. Planter, Matalan. Coffee table, H&M Home. Artwork, family and friends, These Creatives, Desenio and Junique (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'There was no flooring anywhere – it was bare wood because everything had been ripped up. There was a big hole in the living room floor where damp had got into it. The kitchen had old tiles on the floor and every single one of them was cracked – you could pick them up with your hands. The walls were covered in gross stuff – there was grease and grime. And the bathroom was from the ‘90s.

'Buying the house went really quickly. From putting the offer in to moving in was only six weeks. But we had to move into it filthy because everything had been capped off, so we couldn’t even fill it with buckets of water to wipe things down. There was no gas, no electric. Luckily we have friends in different trades; they all came over and managed to get things sorted out for us.'

Keep reading: 65 kitchen ideas - pictures, decor, and inspiration for your net makeover

Light fitting, Ikea. Kitchen units and work surfaces, Wren. Appliances, Bush. Sink, Wickes. Tap, Plumbworld. OSB chopping boards, Tiger (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'The kitchen was so disgusting that we ripped it out. We moved in without an oven – I said I wouldn’t buy one if we were going to redo the kitchen, so we didn’t. We set up temporary tables, had a halogen oven, a microwave and gas hob, and lived like that for 10 months. In the living room we ripped out the floor, sorted the damp out and put new flooring down. We stripped the walls and redecorated. The spare bedroom was painted and we slept on mattresses on pallets.

'We got the kitchen from Wren. I had in my head what I wanted, and we booked the week off work so we could get it fitted, but it turned up and was the wrong kitchen! It was going to take two weeks and a redelivery charge for it to come again, but after having words with them, they sent it out two days later. Stephen was going to fit it himself but because it came late in the week, he didn’t have time. Luckily, his friend fits kitchens and he literally did it in a day. He was a lifesaver.'

'The Frida Khalo beaded curtain came from a shop in Manchester called Oklahomeware,’ says Anneka. ‘I got it to cover a boiler room, but it was so amazing we had to put it in the kitchen.’ Beaded curtain, Oklahomeware. Bar stools, Homebase. French door, original, painted with Zinzer paint. Metal shelves, Ikea Freestanding unit, Made. Print (above unit), Desenio (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'Stephen was a carpenter, and we have a lot of friends who are plasterers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians; we’ve been really lucky. They were able to help with anything. A friend did the kitchen flooring for us and we made a lot ourselves, like the shelves and table. Renovating was new to us – we learnt as we went along.'

‘We managed to get the bathroom done in a week, which was good because we only have one bathroom so couldn’t be without it for too long. A couple of friends came and did the whole thing for us.’ Pink tiles, Topps Tiles. Suite, Better Bathrooms. Shelf brackets, Screwfix. Wooden caddy, Tiger. Mirror, Dunelm (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'We were looking for kitchen tiles and my husband stumbled across some pink tiles. I thought they were amazing. He said, ‘You should get them for the bathroom’. I was like, ‘You’re really going to let me have a pink bathroom?’ He said, ‘Definitely, I love them’. I bought them there and then so he couldn’t go back on his word. I wanted to make it a bit more masculine so I went for off-black paint above the tiles and black hardware. I also like an industrial edge, so we picked the concrete flooring and Crittall-style shower doors. '

Keep reading: 30 small bathroom ideas to make the most of your tiny space

Shower, shower screen and all taps, Soak.com (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'I like rich, warm, inky colours, and I personally think there’s something a bit weird when the ceiling is white and the walls are a different colour – I like it to be like a cocoon, really. I love artwork – I’ve got a lot of my sister’s up and my stepdad’s. She’s an art teacher and he’s a gamekeeper, but he painted in his spare time. Some pieces are mine. It’s nice to have friends and family’s artwork up around the house – it’s more personal.'

Upcycled drawers, charity shop. Clock, Newgate (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

'In the living room the flooring is OSB. We talked about things we’d want before we even bought a house, and we were going to make the kitchen out of OSB. When we needed a floor for the living room, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, can we have OSB flooring?’ Stephen said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it’. We got this resin that we poured on top to protect it and it’s worked out really well. We layer rugs over it to make it feel warmer.'

Keep reading: 27 gallery wall ideas – tips for living rooms, bedrooms and blank spaces

‘The colour was my influence,’ says Anneka. ‘If I’m going to paint a room, I want it to be from the skirting board up to the ceiling.’ Walls painted in Gardinia Green, Sanderson. Table, handmade. Bench, Ikea. Flooring, Big Image Flooring. Vertical radiator, Soak.com (Image credit: Future © Dan Duchars)

Contacts

Kitchen Wren
Bathroom Better Bathrooms
Bathroom installation Renaissance Renovations

'I think we will stay in this house a little while before we sell it and move on. I literally live in the kitchen – it’s my favourite room. It’s a good social space. We managed to have a couple of good parties before the lockdowns, but all the people who helped us have got to come round. It’s crazy – I can’t believe how the house looks now, but we’re loving living in what we have created.'

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Real home tour: A colourful kitchen is primed for parties

Mandi Miller — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 11:00:04 +0000

It's probably just as well Isobel and Jeremy Thomson-Cook didn’t realise how challenging their kitchen project – part of a whole house renovation – would be. If they had, they might have chosen an easier alternative – and that would’ve been a compromise too far. The couple knew they wanted to stay in East Dulwich, where they’d been living, but needed a bigger house and garden. Having looked at properties both pre and post renovation, nothing quite suited until they viewed this Victorian mid-terrace. Despite the fact it lacked the very thing Isobel was after – a spacious kitchen area for entertaining – she saw the huge potential it offered. She explains how they created their colourful space.

If you are looking to extend a house and create your dream kitchen, we have lots of advice and ideas on how to do it

The cramped old kitchen was only big enough for one person at a time and had little storage (Image credit: Isobel and Jeremy Thomson-Cook )

‘We wanted a garden feel to the seating area, bringing the outside in,’ says Isobel. ‘Because they’re not solid, the light flows through these rattan chairs while the bi-fold doors can be opened right back in summer – so you might as well be outside!’ Bermuda rattan chair, The Rattan Company. Gaia coffee table, Ceraudo. Knightly sofa, Arlo & Jacob (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

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The owners Isobel Thomson-Cook, a behavioural research consultant, and her husband, Jeremy, a chief economist, plus rescue kittens, Bennie and Jet
The property A five-bedroom, mid-terraced house in East Dulwich, dating from around 1890
Project cost £145,090

‘The original kitchen was cramped and dark with strip lights on the ceiling, very little storage and only room for one person,’ says Isobel. ‘We wanted a bright open-plan space where we could entertain and be simultaneously cooking and relaxing. Somewhere we could use day and night, and something that worked for us now and in the future. We achieved this by extending into the back garden and the side return. Rooflights flood the space with light and the back wall has been replaced with floor-to-ceiling bi-folds. Now we have a multifunctional kitchen, dining and relaxing space that has become the heart of our home – it’s where we spend most of our time.’

The old space was dark and uninviting (Image credit: Isobel and Jeremy Thomson-Cook )

‘The width of the side return perfectly accommodates our long, slim dining table. Lit from above with rooflights, it’s a lovely place for lunch. And with candles on the table at night, the glazing reflects the flames and makes the space cosy.’ For a similar dining table, try the Winglefield from Oka. Wegner-style wishbone chairs, Swivel UK. Roddy wall lights, Pooky. Dresser matched to Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow. Walls painted in Rusling, Little Greene (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

‘We wanted an architect based locally and open to a more collaborative process, so we could incorporate our ideas. Our architect introduced us to our builders and handled the planning side. Jeremy was on site each day and took on much of the project management, but there were many late night and pre-work visits to the house, hours spent on the laptop planning and placing orders and lots of frantic phone calls during the day. My parents live close by so we stayed there throughout the renovations, which started in early July 2019. We finally moved in on Christmas Eve!’

Floor to ceiling units gives Isobel the storage she wanted without overpowering the space. The poured concrete floor is a contemporary version of the Victorian flags. Units, Herringbone Kitchens Westminster range, matched to Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. Polished concrete floor, installed by Contemporary Concrete Floors (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

‘Our ethos throughout was to do things well once, rather than doing them on the cheap and having to re-do them. We focused on key elements, such as reinstating the windows from uPVC to wooden sashes. We did compromise on increasing their size as it would’ve meant more steels, and thus expense.

‘The British weather was challenging. Our polished concrete floor had to be poured before we had the bi-folds and the glass roof in place. The builders put up tarp but it rained constantly for days, causing it to fail and water to deluge onto our freshly poured concrete floor. Cue stressful hours with a phone torch trying to mop up the mess while not making it worse.’

‘We enjoy entertaining but if your hob faces the wall you end up with your back to guests,’ says Isobel. ‘By placing it on the island you can be in the middle of everything.’ Belfast sink, Quooker tap and Silestone worktop, Herringbone Kitchens. Bloomingville ceiling lights, Beaumonde. For similar stools, try the Golden Ochre curved back velvet stool, Rockett St George (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

‘Budget was a major issue. We had an original budget with a contingency, but we had to allocate that and more within the build’s first couple of weeks. This was due to a combination of things discovered in the demolition phase that hadn’t been anticipated and the top floor being ripped out. This wasn’t scheduled to happen until much later but had costing implications on a lot of the kitchen work, adding up to a very expensive unanticipated cost. We took on the decorating ourselves to free up money elsewhere. We also realised that our kitchen budget wouldn’t allow for us to do any work on the top floor or in the garden, so introduced a phased plan for the renovations.’

Raphia sideboard, Swoon Editions. For a similar vintage poster, try Lassco (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

Contacts

Architect Model Projects,
Kitchen designer and supplier
Herringbone Kitchens
Builder Balham Builders,
Glass roof Euro Windows UK
Concrete floor Contemporary
Concrete Floors
Internal steel doors Black Steel Doors

‘I wanted the kitchen to be in keeping with the Victorian house we bought, but with a healthy dash of colour and personality and all the mod cons a modern family needs – hence the Shaker-style doors in a fabulous period green, set against the glazed display dresser picked out in bright yellow, which complements the contemporary yellow stools at the island and the poured concrete floor underfoot. We’ve worked hard to get here but it’s been a labour of love. Now we just relish being able to finally enjoy it – knowing we’ve created a kitchen that truly reflects who we really are!’

Fitting shelves on the back of a unit door maximises storage for small items (Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

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Real Homes Stories: Step inside the wackiest home in London featuring glitter balls from a Kylie Minogue tour

Rebecca Knight — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Down the backstreet of an East London road hides one of the wackiest and most creative homes in London, if not the world. Tony Hornecker, an artist and set designer, has turned an old garage into a home unlike any other.

15 years ago when Tony happened upon an old garage, he decided to convert the large space into his home. The end result is a cross between an art installation and a Budapest ruin bar that Tony calls home.

Read: Interior design ideas - 24 trends to bring into your home

‘I don’t really know how it ended up like this, I don’t know, there wasn’t any real intention,’ explains Tony. ‘ Well, it started out as an attempt to build a New York-style loft apartment when I first moved in here 15 years ago.’

‘It was a big dirty, blank space, and everyone thought I was completely mad. I spent the first 6 weeks washing out of a bucket and trying to turn it into something that was vaguely like a home. Slowly over the years, it’s just evolved from different spaces and workspaces.’

Tony’s home has become an astonishing amalgamation of part of sets he’s designed, childhood toys, and items he’s picked up at thrift stores.

‘There’s a lot of my childhood here, there’s a lot of things from my own family, that my mum has given to me. A lot of things from different relationships. A lot of things from different exhibitions. From working as a set designer, from Kylie Minogue’s glitter balls, to all kinds of layers and layers of objects,’ says Tony.

As soon as you enter Tony’s home the first thing that catches your eye is the glitter balls that made up a Kylie Minogue set he designed hanging in the main room. However, as you move around your eye doesn’t know where to look next.

The walls are adorned in layers of vintage clothing, second-hand furniture, clusters of dollhouses. There is even a chandelier made out of Nike sneakers. Tony’s guest room is tucked away in a structure called the submarine, that Tony bought home from one of his many set designs.

However, it is Tony’s master bedroom that steals the show, accessed via a chair staircase - yes you read that right - a staircase made out of chairs. If you are looking for stylish, but maybe not quite so outlandish staircase ideas, check out our gallery.

The stairs lead to a platform housing a vast collection of dollhouses, behind which Tony’s bedroom is tucked away, housing a four-poster bed. ‘My four-poster bed I am very proud of. I made it out of old chairs legs,’ explains Tony.

The spectacular space has provided the setting for exhibitions and the occasional pop-up restaurant. However, with any space like this cleaning does prove a challenge.

‘It’s hard to keep clean,’ confesses Tony. ‘I clean by moving things, there are bits that I clean, and bits that get a little bit of a dust. It’s clean and tidy.’

‘It’s a project that’s been going on for 15 years and it doesn’t really end. I mean I never pay more than like a fiver for anything really. So it’s worth nothing, but everything.’

Real home: Elegant renovation of a tenement flat is just what the doctor ordered

Karen Wilson — Sat, 29 May 2021 12:00:20 +0000

Walking into Iain and Eóin’s Glasgow tenement flat, the generous hallway feels like a room in itself, and the balance between living spaces and bedrooms makes it seem like the layout has always been that way. It’s clear why they fell in love with the high ceilings, stained glass windows and period features, but it required a bit of replanning to unlock the flat’s potential.

The couple’s master stroke was to move the kitchen from the rear of the apartment to a spare room at the front and knock through to the living room. Light was brought into the windowless hallway via a glass-panelled double doorway, a new utility/pantry was added and the old kitchen was split into a guest bedroom and master en suite. They’ve even revamped the narrow bathroom – a common feature in Scottish tenements – to create a three-zone wet room with Japanese style bath. They tell us how they made an elegant home fit for modern living

If you have your own renovation to tackle, we have plenty of ideas and helpful advice on what to do and where to start in our feature on house renovation. For more real home transformations, head to our hub page.

The outside of the property promised elegant period proportions inside (Image credit: Katie Lee)

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The owners Iain Martin, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, lives with his partner Eóin Colgan, a GP
The property A three/four bedroom apartment in a 19th-century Victorian tenement (@tenement.style)
Project cost £65,828

‘Having renovated a two-bedroom flat in Glasgow together, we wanted somewhere bigger in a quieter location. We found a four-bedroom tenement flat 10 minutes away,' says Iain. 'Walking into the unusually spacious hallway, I’d never seen such a big tenement with so much potential, but we tried to play it cool and hide our excitement. Luckily our cheeky offer was accepted the same day, and our flat sold within 10 days for well over the asking price. When we moved in, all we had was a footstool and a four-poster bed as our buyer purchased most of the furniture.'

‘Installing glass paned double doors lightened the hallway,’ says Iain. ‘We added a second ceiling rose to have two chandeliers. It’s such a long room, it needed that drama. The console table was made from my dad’s workbench, like the dining table.’ Walls painted in Brandenburg Gate, Valspar. Radiator, Glasgow Architectural Salvage. Lamps, Wayfair. Mirror, Laura Ashley. Chandeliers, Ebay (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘When I first walked around the flat, I was blown away by the high ceilings and loved the bay window in the living room with views across the park,' says Eóin. 'An additional lounge didn’t seem to serve a purpose and the kitchen just didn’t work at the back of the property, so I knew straight away it should be moved to the front.

‘Our plan was to live here while the work was done, but in the end we were getting in the way of the builders so moved out to speed things up.'

‘Most of the furniture is from charity or antique shops, like this sideboard,’ says Iain. ‘I’d describe our style as eclectic, chic, decadent and glamorous. The dining table is made from a mahogany workbench my dad used in his construction business, with a frame made by a fabricator. It seats eight and is something I would never part with.’ For a similar dining table, try Riz and Mica Make on Etsy. Dining chairs, Dunelm. Artwork, Dream Printable on Etsy (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘It was Eóin’s idea to relocate the kitchen to the front and knock through to the living room,' says Iain. 'I wasn’t sure I had the energy but it elevates the property so much as the kitchen is now the heart of the home and full of light. We also transformed the main bathroom with a bespoke tiled bath to fit the 1.4m width of the room, and a wet floor shower.'

‘I really love the Turkish rug, which my mum bought on a family holiday 20 years ago,’ says Eóin. ‘We picked the yellow armchairs to pop against the dark colours.’ Alexander & James armchairs and framed map, both Annie Mo’s. Agora side table from Swoon is similar (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘It took longer than expected as sanding and restaining the flooring was a huge job. We also had to upgrade the boiler to accommodate our new cast- iron radiators – it’s probably suitable for a small hotel! These delays meant our six-week stay with my parents in South Lanarkshire ended up lasting over four months, during which time we were commuting 80 miles a day.'

‘Our builder thought up the idea of a platform to accommodate the pendant lights and spotlights as the existing ceiling was too old,’ says Iain. ‘We thought it might look awful but it’s actually very discreet, has LED lights around it and doesn’t interfere with the beautiful coving.’ Kitchen, Howdens. Kitchen walls painted in Battlement Grey, Valspar. Pendant lights, Wayfair. Wall lights, Juicy Home. Stools, Made. Wayfair sells the Anna Pavlova art print by John Lavery (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘Moving the kitchen took an awful lot of planning,' says Eóin. 'The pipes had to be run through the ceiling as going through the floor would’ve meant cutting three joists. We now have three Saniflow pumps in the island, utility and behind the fridge so the system isn’t overloaded. It was more expensive but worth it for the entertaining space we’ve ended up with.

‘Iain likes more things than me and I’m probably a bit fussier, but we have very similar tastes and enjoy mixing traditional and modern. I’m quite good at imagining things but Iain has to rein me in a bit if it’s not going to work on a practical level.'

Keep reading: Kitchen ideas - 65+ tips, trends, and transformations to get you inspired

‘I absolutely love the curtains in here,’ says Iain. ‘They were gifted by interior designer Ruth Bond of Crimson in return for using the flat as a backdrop for taking some marketing pictures.’ Walls painted in Thundercloud, Valspar. Bed, Feather & Black. Halo armchair, Barker & Stonehouse. Curtains, Crimson (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘Eóin’s a dreamer and he has great ideas, but I’m the one getting quotes and organising the builders,' says Iain. 'We’re good at deciding things together, though. If one of us doesn’t like something, we won’t have it, so what we agree on ends up working better. I never have a vision of a room totally finished – it kind of evolves as the builders ask questions about fittings we want. Eóin’s really good at visualising and very meticulous – he loves symmetry. Style-wise we both wanted something classic but also masculine, so chose dark colours and traditional materials with vintage furniture and chandeliers for drama.'

‘We’d used this blue colour in the living room of our old flat and wanted to use it again somewhere else because we loved it so much,’ says Iain. Walls painted in Thundercloud, Valspar. Chest of drawers, Glasgow City Antiques. Mirror, William Wood Mirrors. Bed, Feather & Black (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘Because of the shifts we were working, we shared tasks equally. Whoever wasn’t working would deal with the problem of the day or Iain’s mum would step in,' ‘Eóin says. 'Inevitably, it took longer than we thought. If someone says it’ll take six weeks, double it and add 10! Luckily the builder was good at running everything by me so nothing ended up in the wrong place.'

Keep reading: 50 bedroom ideas to create the perfect space

As this room used to be the kitchen, it was looking a bit tatty and needed built-in wardrobes to hide the boiler and provide storage,’ says Iain. ‘They’re custom-made to look like a panelled wall as the doors are handleless.’ Wardrobes, Ingrained Bespoke. Woodwork painted in Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball. The Celeste four-poster bed, Maisons du Monde, is similar. Cushions, Sofa.com and TK Maxx. Pendant light, Wayfair. Ottoman, Made (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘After Christmas 2018, we moved back in even though we still had the last bedroom to finish,' adds Iain. 'At that point we’d run out of money and enthusiasm, and took a year off to enjoy the new layout before the final push. We went about £10,000 over budget but we’re happy with the result. Having the bedrooms private at one end of the apartment and the reception rooms and kitchen at the other works so much better.’

‘When we first moved in, we painted this room green but it looked disgusting,’ says Iain. ‘During lockdown we created the panelling over three weekends and went light on the walls. It was an experiment as everywhere else is dark.' Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Bed, Feather & Black. Globe Wernicke bookcase and trunks, Glasgow City Antiques. Bedside cabinet, Homesense (Image credit: Katie Lee)

Contacts

Structural engineer Prime Structural Solutions
Bathrooms Bathroom People

‘My favourite part is the open-plan kitchen and living room, which is where we spend the majority of our time,' says ‘Eóin. 'It’s so nice to come home and chat about our days while one of us cooks and the other relaxes. We poured so much time and energy into our home, I’m happy we’ve breathed new life into it.’

‘We wanted a separate bath and shower but the room is so narrow it was a real challenge. We saw the idea on Pinterest for a made-to-measure Japanese style fibreglass bath, which is tiled inside. It’s shorter than a standard bath but is deeper and wider so still feels luxurious.’ Bath, Abbacus via Bathroom People. Fittings, Crosswater. Wall tiles, B&Q. For similar bath tiles, try Dartrey Grey Rhombus tiles, Topps Tiles (Image credit: Katie Lee)

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This dark and dramatic house just oozes original charm

Ifeoluwa Adedeji — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:00:36 +0000

Getting to know a property before you start making major changes gives you the chance to understand how the house works, and to devise solutions to poor design features. While Rachael and her family didn’t live in their Victorian home prior to renovating it, her connection to it meant she had knowledge of the ins and outs of the building.

‘After two years of renting, we bought this place from my good friend,’ she says. ‘People were saying, “Don’t you think it’s weird living in her house?” but I knew it would be mine once we’d finished with it. She comes round for drinks and doesn’t find it strange at all.’

If you have your own period property to makeover, we have got lots of ideas and advice on where to start in our feature on house renovations. For more real home transformations, head to our hub page.

‘The floor installers worked around the existing kitchen units, even fitting the parquet under them,’ says Rachael. ‘We added a patterned vinyl floor mat next to the oven, which is easy to clean and looks like tiles.’ Vinyl mat, Beijaflor World. Walls painted in Lamp Black, Little Greene. For similar pendant lights, try the aged bronze fluted pendant, Cox & Cox. Parquet flooring, Naturally Oak Flooring (Image credit: Katie Lee)

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The owners Rachael Wilshaw (@beetrootandblack), a photographer, her husband, Matthew, who works in finance, and their children, Lily and Harry
The property A four-bed Victorian semi in Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees
Project cost £40,000

Having lived in different countries and styles of properties, Rachael and Matthew were clear on what they wanted from their new home. ‘When we decided to move back to my hometown after living abroad and then in London, we both agreed our new house had to be a period property,’ says Rachael. ‘The place we were renting was a new build and that just confirmed how much we love original features such as the high ceilings. Plus older properties are well built – they’re strong and they’re not going anywhere!’

‘We decided we wanted the exposed brick wall look and had the tiler install brick slips for more texture and a rugged look,’ says Rachael. Brick slips, Brick Slips UK. Dining table, John Lewis & Partners. Chairs, Wayfair. Chandelier, BHS (Image credit: Katie Lee)

The couple approached their project with a plan, and sticking to it saved them time and money over the two months the works were taking place – though they had to make compromises at the very beginning. ‘We initially wanted a five-bedroom house, and thought there was the potential to go into the loft,’ says Rachael. ‘However, we’re in a Conservation Area and weren’t allowed to add a dormer.'

For similar jars, try Kilner (Image credit: Katie Lee)

'We’re also end-of-terrace with a hip-end roof – which means that while the floor space was there, we didn’t have enough head height. It would also have cost a lot to put the stairs in, so we scrapped that plan. Instead, we took the opportunity to dig up some of the front garden to make parking space.’

‘The hallway was already painted dark when we moved in and I wanted to keep that, so we painted part of the wall in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe,’ says Rachael. ‘We replaced every radiator in the house, opting for column radiators instead.’ Chandelier, John Lewis & Partners. Mirror, Oka. Rug, Laura Ashley (Image credit: Katie Lee)

The works, which involved reinstating damaged period features, adding a new shower room upstairs and a WC downstairs, giving the kitchen a makeover and installing new flooring throughout, took just two months to complete, despite the challenges the couple faced along the way. ‘I didn’t have experience project managing and wanted a contractor that could come in and do everything,’ says Rachael.

See also: This pretty pink kitchen proves that pastels can work with industrial style

Round mirror, Select Mirrors, Pearl earring print, Juicy Home. Cabinet, Ebay, painted in Coal Black, Fusion Mineral Paint (Image credit: Katie Lee)

‘But it turned out to be the decorators who were amazing from start to finish. They were the heroes in all of the renovation. They fixed a lot of jobs other trades should have fixed as they went on, especially issues with plaster work. Because some of the walls and ceilings had been painted with distemper paint, they had to scrape it off before they could paint over it.’

Dark colours and natural materials continue into the master bedroom. ‘We installed new carpets as I wanted to create a cosy feeling,’ says Rachael. ‘You lose a lot of detail when going dark, so I covered all the walls in embossed wallpaper to give it texture. When the light shines through you can see the details.’ Bed, Feather & Black. Bepurehome side tables, Wayfair. Wall light, Ikea (Image credit: Katie Lee)

Find more inspiring bedroom ideas in our gallery.

Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball. Carpet, Frank’s The Flooring Store (Image credit: Katie Lee)

Since the decorators moved out, Rachael has continued to add personal touches to make a house she’s known for so long her very own. Her favorite space is the living room at the front of the house.

‘It’s the prettiest room and the space where I like to chill out,’ she says. ‘It used to be neutral and I wanted something warmer to make it feel cozy, so we went for Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke. Because the room has a laid-back, casual vibe, I wanted something fancy for the lighting in contrast, and I added a ceiling rose to complement the coving.’

‘I wanted to make Lily’s room a girly fun space without it all being pink,’ says Rachael. Wall painted in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe, mixed with white emulsion, and Annie Sloan’s English Yellow and Scandinavian Pink. Bed, Furniture.co.uk. Bedside drawers and chest of drawers, both Ikea (Image credit: Katie Lee)

'I stencilled spots on the wall and painted the fireplace with chalk paint,’ says Rachael, Tassels, John Lewis & Partners. Stencils, Dizzy Duck Designs. Fireplace painted in English Yellow, Annie Sloan (Image credit: Katie Lee)

Contacts

Flooring Naturally Oak Flooring,
Carpet Frank’s The Flooring Store

The bathroom, meanwhile, feels light and spacious, with rustic brick slips adding texture, while upstairs, daughter Lily’s room is a fun, creative space with pops of color. Now all their hard work is done, Rachael and her family can sit back and relax – in a house that’s perfect for them.

The bathrooms saw some of the biggest changes of the project. ‘We put a shower room upstairs, took one of the toilets out and added a shower and a basin, too,’ Rachael says. ‘The main bathroom had the freestanding tub, and the wall tiles were already there when we moved in. We created a feature wall by papering one of the other walls.’ Walls painted in Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball. Floor tiles, Fired Earth (Image credit: Katie Lee)

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Ahead of the Sex and the City reboot - See where Carrie and the gang would live now

Millie Hurst — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:30:30 +0000

With the Sex and the City reboot around the corner, fans are wondering where Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha are now. How have they grown and adapted since we last saw them back in 2004? Have the years been kind to them and where are they living?

Titled And Just Like That, the sequel will star Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis as their well-loved characters. It’s also going to address Covid-19, although we’re not sure how just yet. Here’s where we imagine the Sex and the City ladies living in 2021.

Carrie's Soho apartment

(Image credit: Tim Waltman at Evan Joseph Image)

Carrie has traded in her Upper East Side home for a full floor loft at 49 Greene St, AKA the heart of Soho. Her new loft was sold to her by a friend who works for CORE NYC who worked night and day to find the perfect space for our forever It Girl.

Carrie spends her time writing her column next to her gorgeous marble ethanol fireplace (ethanol, because we know our girl is not chopping wood!). She no longer has to house her Manolo Blahniks in her oven because she now has not one but two walk-in closets. She's living the dream.

(Image credit: Mojo Stumer)

Charlotte's Hamptons estate

Charlotte has taken her famous old-world style to none other than the Hamptons’ most elite neighborhood, Georgica Pond. However, she has finally learned to let her freak fly and enlisted the help of architecture and design firm, Mojo Stumer, who specializes in blending the traditional and contemporary.

Charlotte’s favorite space in her beautiful estate is a toss-up between her swimming pool and her purple master suite with a canopy bed.

(Image credit: Mojo Stumer)

Samantha's LA mansion

(Image credit: VESTA)

Samantha decided to stay in LA and live among the rich and famous in Bel Air. She now resides at 1037 Stradella Road, a contemporary masterpiece situated hillside with stunning views of the LA mountains.

(Image credit: VESTA)

The home is outfitted with modern furnishings, such as the Aelia sofa, by interior design firm Vesta, and was designed with dramatic indoor and outdoor flow, including a massive 3,000 square foot outdoor patio set with a refreshing infinity pool, which is perfect for entertaining – something Samantha still loves to do.

Miranda's New York apartment

Image credit: CORE (Image credit: Quinn PR)

Miranda traded Brooklyn for Chelsea and now lives in Residence 10D at the historic Walker Tower. The overworked lawyer still has plenty of private outdoor space but now can enjoy the luxuries of a top-tier, full-service building.

This 3-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom offers an immaculate combination of indoor and outdoor living with coveted north and east exposures. Exceptional craftsmanship and striking attention to detail combine to showcase 3,199 interior square feet of grandeur. Completing the home is a 1,026-square-foot terrace which boasts unobstructed city views.

The Sex and the City reboot will be launched on HBO Max, made up of 10 half-hour episodes.

Jonathan Adler hopes Joe Biden's White House style is unremarkable. Here's why

Anna Cottrell — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 11:30:05 +0000

With all eyes on Joe Biden's first weeks of the presidency, the Real Homes team is dying to know what the White House interior will look like now it has new residents.

What will the presidential couple choose as the definitive details of their decor, and how might their preferences reflect their personalities? We've asked two interior designers, Jonathan Adler and Benji Lewis, to predict what the Biden administration White House interiors could look like.

A post shared by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (@flotus)
A photo posted by on

First of all, there's Dr Jill Biden's coat – many of the predictions of what the Biden household decor at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue take inspiration from the First Lady's gorgeous teal coat. Benji Lewis, interior designer and founder of virtual design consultancy Zoom That Room believes that the coat might well be an indicator of what to expect from the presidential interior style.

'The strong teal worn by Dr. Biden at the inauguration ceremony indicates that she at enjoys color and the combination of textures – the velvet detail on the boucle coat worked beautifully together,' he says. 'I’m interested to watch and see if her outfit statement tells us something about the manner in which they might decorate the White House.'

An artist's impression of Joe Biden's White House; products and interiors by society6, Sweetpea & Willow, Tolly McRae, Housecosy (Image credit: Future)

Teal pairs brilliantly with gold and rust tones, and Lewis anticipates to see a rich blend of colors and textures. 'Shades of rusty-gold within to create a sense of serenity' and 'velvet, wool and cashmere', weighty and solid fabrics, as opposed to anything floral or 'floaty'.

Overall, the new White House residents are expected to decorate tastefully but sensibly. 'I think that while they’ll opt for a smart and tailored approach, the furnishings will be classic and we’ll see a move away from the statement opulence of the previous administration,' he adds.

'Sofas might be finished in velvet with matched bullion fringe, but there won’t be color clashes or anything jarring. These are steady hands and their interiors will be representative of that.'

This is not to say that the interiors will be stiffly formal. The Bidens are pet lovers and will likely favor a smart yet relaxed decorating style.

'The return of dogs to the White House will mean dog beds beside fireplaces, and comfort and practicality over too much for show. When it comes to lighting, I expect classic table lamps on side tables, with gathered silk shades perhaps finished with a statement trim.'

A post shared by The Washington Post (@washingtonpost)
A photo posted by on

In fact, we're already seeing confirmations of these style predictions in exclusive Washington Post photographs of the newly redesigned Oval Office. As the Washington Post explain, the Office is a 'largely symbolic room', with decor signalling 'a sense of their personality and the type of presidency they hope to have.'

Biden's Oval Office has prominent focal points in busts and portraits of prominent historical figures: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy to the sides of the fireplace, and a painting of Benjamin Franklin on on the walls. Joe Biden has chosen to be in good company, to say the least.

Bluebell armchair, Sofa.com (Image credit: Sofa.com)

We've also asked what designer Jonathan Adler anticipated from Biden's White House décor. His response was a little more, well, succinct: 'I hope that the décor of the Biden White House is ... UNREMARKABLE!!!! I need a break from thinking about politics and I pray that we’re entering a period of boring and efficient political life and that the Biden White House will reflect that.'

We're not sure if we've ever seen anyone put this much emotion into the word 'unremarkable', and it is an indicator of the current mood that unremarkable is seen as such a positive quality. And, after thinking about it for a minute, we can't help but agree! Who knows, perhaps Biden's classic style will set off a revival in traditional, fireplace-centered rooms? We're ready to bet on it.

This Florida mansion has the Feng Shui factor – with a 100 koi carp pond

Anna Cottrell — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 06:00:25 +0000

We all need more positive energy these days, and this dream home in Florida has it in heaps. The fabulous multi-million-dollar mansion has undergone an extensive renovation, but not just an ordinary renovation, mind: best Feng Shui practices have been adhered to in order to bring calm and prosperity to this house.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Element Image for ONE Sotheby's International Realty)

Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, who would say no to a gorgeous koi carp pond and a beautifully landscaped Japanese-style garden welcoming them home every day? Tradition says, Koi fish bring luck and happiness to the household and with 100 Koi living on this property you’ll be swimming in good fortune. Looking at this beautiful pond, we totally believe that.

(Image credit: Element Image for ONE Sotheby's International Realty)

There is plenty of space for outdoor relaxation at the back of the house, too, with a panoramic lake and golf course views with a backyard soccer field, resort-style pool, plus BBQ area and gazebo for entertaining. So, there's space both for tranquil contemplation and for being sociable.

(Image credit: Element Image for ONE Sotheby's International Realty)

Inside, the 10-bed, 11-bath property is pure luxury. There are meticulously thought-out features including book matched marble baths and kitchen, sauna, spiral staircase, movie theatre, elevator, and unique artwork in every room.

(Image credit: Element Image for ONE Sotheby's International Realty)

With a bath like this one, who wouldn't be filled with positive energy at the end of the day? The turn-key home also includes memberships to all the nearby clubs and is listed by Raymond H Bolduc II with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty for $4.99 million

(Image credit: Element Image for ONE Sotheby's International Realty)

This blogger's stunning modern-rustic Christmas decor is holiday home goals

kaitlin.madden@futurenet.com (Kaitlin Madden) — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 10:30:22 +0000

Blogger Jessica Sara Morris of White Picket Farmhouse has amassed tens of thousands of fans who flock to her Instagram account for shots of her gorgeously styled neutral home. Morris's home is stunning, but her feats of design are even more impressive when you consider that her house is a rental built in the 1970s, and she does all of her projects on a budget (you'd never guess by looking).

Because she inspires us to push the boundaries in our own homes on a day-to-day basis, we were thrilled when she agreed to give us an exclusive peek at how she decorates for the holidays. (Spoiler alert: You'll probably want to copy every square inch of her modern-meets-rustic Christmas decor). Check out her gorgeous space, and some of her top Christmas decorating ideas, below.

All image by Jessica Sara Morris (Image credit: Jessica Sara Morris)

Jessica began her holiday decorating this year the way she starts many of her home decor projects: with a single source of inspiration. This year's jumping off point was fresh greenery.

"For so many years I decorated with white flocked trees and garlands as they felt soft and warm," she says. "This year I was craving fresh greens! Even though I typically decorate in mid-November, you can still achieve a real looking tree and garland with faux greenery."

(Image credit: Jessica Sara Morris)

To get the greenery look on her mantle, above, Jessica enhanced a standard garland. "I fluffed out a basic pine garland and stuffed faux cedar, Eucalyptus and leafy greens into it," she says. "To the average eye, it looks very real, but it will last until the end of the season and I can use it again next year."

Re-using her decor is import to Jessica, so it's something she tries to do year-to-year, and also another reason she chooses to keep holiday decorations timeless and simple.

"Every year I try to re-use or DIY as much as I possibly can," she says. "But this year since I wanted to switch themes, I did sell my white flocked tree and incorporated this beautiful 7.5’ Clarksville Fir Tree from Gluckstein Home."

(Image credit: Jessica Sara Morris)

Once she had her greenery in place, Jessica stuck to her roots--in both a design sense and a broader one--to flush out her holiday scheme. "I really wanted to show my Scandinavian roots this year," she says. "This style of decorating means less is more. Lots of wood tones, greenery and minimalism."

In her dining room, this translated to a few festive additions to her usual decor. "Cedar stems in a bowl, a DIY candle holder as the centerpiece on our table and simple candlesticks on our mantle," she explains.

(Image credit: Jessica Sara Morris)

To contrast the Scandinavian-style décor and add some rustic warmth to her space, Jessica incorporated a few favorite vintage items, like the skates hanging in the family's entryway.

(Image credit: Jessica Sara Morris)

Regardless of how you like to decorate for the holidays, Jessica has a parting word of advice for dressing your home for the holidays. "Decorating for the Holidays doesn’t have to be daunting," she says. "Stick true to what you love and the rest will follow."

This Miami dream home has its own private beach –we'd like to be there right now

Anna Cottrell — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:00:11 +0000

If you've got a growing feeling that you'd like to get away from it all, we don't blame you – the world is a strange place these days. And what better place to escape to than an estate with your own private beach?

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: The Carroll Group with Compass)

Yes – this sprawling Miami estate sits on a 1.42-acre lot – located within the exclusive gated community of Tahiti Beach, home to less than 30 estates, with neighbors including NBA star Ray Allen and baseball player Manny Machado.

There's plenty of outdoor space to relax here, with huge outdoor terraces incorporating a heated pool overlooking 500+ feet of water frontage.

(Image credit: The Carroll Group with Compass)

And indoors? It's equally luxurious, with a home theater, two kitchens, elevator, wine tasting room for 450+ bottles, full fitness center and spa with sauna, steam room and massage room plus there are two master bedrooms with a secret staircase that connects them.

(Image credit: The Carroll Group with Compass)

To be honest, we'd probably spend a week just in this luxurious bathrooms before we even moved onto the spa, swimming pool, and beach. This home epitomizes what they mean by 'vacation living', when every day is like a holiday. 4 Tahiti Beach Island Road is listed by Chad Carroll with Compass for $36.5 Million.

(Image credit: The Carroll Group with Compass)

Home tour: take a look at Rob Lowe's just-sold mansion

Anna Cottrell — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:30:20 +0000

Rob Lowe has finally sold his Montecito mansion – and, wow, this is one stunning home we wish we had the $45-odd million to buy. Lowe's home is that rare thing in the world of celebrity houses – both luxurious and understated. Basically, it's the sort of house we can easily see ourselves living in, but with several amazing extras.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Jim Bartsch)

The outdoor area of the Montecito house alone has everything you could possible want: outdoor fireplaces, extensive relaxation areas, and outdoor kitchen, a pool and spa...the list goes on, and it's the sort of outdoor space that would've made coronavirus lockdown more than bearable. There's even a koi carp pond – very Zen.

(Image credit: Jim Bartsch)

The interior decor is remarkably elegant and tasteful, with lounges, eight bedrooms, eleven baths, office, library-music room with bar, family room, various conversation rooms and nooks, movie theater, home gym and expansive wine cellar.

(Image credit: Jim Bartsch)

For us, though, the enormous white kitchen has to be the star of this breathtakingly beautiful home. It's so big and well designed, with a classic wood-and-white-marble look that's impossible to resist. But also, see the extra room in the photo? That's a separate catering kitchen for the many awesome parties that the home has no doubt hosted over the years.

(Image credit: Jim Bartsch)

But wait – just as we thought there was no more to marvel at, there's this: this, folks, is one of the the eleven bathrooms. How's this for your morning shower?

(Image credit: Jim Bartsch)

What we really like about this house is the careful use of materials and accessories throughout, from the warm wood floors to the beautiful designer lamps. Who knew Rob Lowe had such an eye for interior detail? Now we're curious to know where he'll move onto – and who will be the lucky new occupant of this near-perfect celebrity home.

Home tour: this estate is on Mt. Vernon, and it's stunning
Home tour: feast your eyes on John Lennon's NYC apartment

Home tour: take a look around The Godfather mansion

Anna Cottrell — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:30:00 +0000

Few homes recently on sale in LA have the star-studded history of The Beverly, also known as 'The Godfather mansion'. Yes, this is that house used for that scene in The Godfather (if you are from another planet and haven't seen it, we'll just say it involves a horse's head).

And there's more: this opulent home was also used as a set for The Bodyguard, and it was JFK's honeymoon home. Even by Beverly Hills standards, these are some serious celebrity credentials.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: The Agency)

This house is so expensive, though, that it hasn't always been easy to sell it. It went on sale in 2016 for $195 million, but failed to find a buyer. Last we heard, it was on sale again in April 2020 for $125 million, after being owned by financier Leonard Ross for 35 years.

So, what's all the fuss about? Well, there are 18 bedrooms and 25 baths; there are six different buildings spread over 50,000 square feet, with the oldest building dating back to 1927 and designed by the architect of the Hoover Dam, no less.

(Image credit: The Agency)

The swimming pool is Olympic-sized, there are two cinema rooms (as befits a home that is itself a piece of movie history), and – there is an Art Deco-style nightclub that can accommodate more than 400 people. We can only imagine the epic parties that have gone on on there over the years.

(Image credit: The Agency)

The interior style is part Art Deco mansion, part Gothic haunted house – pure Hollywood fantasy, and actually rather cozy, if we may say so. The galleried library is easily our favorite. We do wonder who the lucky new owner is.

(Image credit: The Agency)

Home tour: take a sneak peek at John Legend's stunning Beverly Hills home
Home tour: feast your eyes on John Lennon's NYC apartment

Home tour: take a peek at Sean Connery's stunning South of France villa

Anna Cottrell — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 09:30:00 +0000

This home tour has to be one of the dreamiest we've ever taken: it's Sean Connery's Bond villa, people! Yes, the one that featured in Never Say Never Again. Sir Connery remains the most loved of the nine actors who have played 007, and his off-screen lifestyle, by the looks of this spectacular South of France villa, is just as glamorous as that of the world's most famous fictional spy.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Knight-Frank)

First, there's the location: perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the Bay of Nice. Following the success of the Bond franchise, the Scottish actor relocated first to Spain, and then to the South of France; we don't blame him – the sea views are stunning there, especially when enjoyed from a saltwater outdoor pool.

(Image credit: Knight-Frank)

The main stonehouse villa is built in the classic 1920s style and is covered in wisteria outside. Inside, the the five bedrooms and five bathrooms are spread over five floors, with a grand entrance hall featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with bay views.

The interior style is understated and relaxed French chic, with well-proportioned rooms featuring traditional furniture and windows offering sea views. The upper-level master suite has his-and-her baths, a dressing room, and a private balcony. The bottom level has a fitness complex with gym, hammam and large indoor swimming pool that opens to the gardens, shower and dressing areas.

(Image credit: Knight-Frank)

Speaking of the views – wouldn't you pay $33.87 million just for that view alone? The South of France has attracted artists, actors, and just about anyone who loves the sea for over a century; we don't doubt that this beautiful home will be snapped right up.

(Image credit: Knight-Frank)

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Home tour: this estate is on Mt. Vernon, and it's stunning

Anna Cottrell — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 09:30:00 +0000

An opportunity to take a home tour of a house one a piece of land that once belonged to George Washington, of all people, doesn't come up very often. In fact, houses that once belonged to the Founding Father don't go on sale very often, so taking a look inside this stunning home on the site of Washington's Mount Vernon estate is a very special treat indeed.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Gordon Beall for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Firstly, the location. Washington once said, 'I had rather be on my farm than emperor of the world', and we totally get where he was coming from. The River View estate sits on the site of the original Mount Vernon estate that belonged to the President and features 16.5 acres and 400 feet of water frontage of the Potomac river. Terraces with amazing water views are accessible from every room in the house, creating a tranquil atmosphere of being immersed in nature.

(Image credit: Gordon Beall for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

In fact, this may be a historic home, with its fair share of traditional American Federal design, but it has been fully brought into the 21st century: it is now an eco home, with geothermal heating, extensive state-of-the-art well water management, and150 KW full-property back-up generators. It's a smart home, too, with all security systems and utilities controlled from a central computer room. Very impressive.

(Image credit: Gordon Beall for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Another thing that makes this home so special is the fact that it has luxury features to rival a Hollywood celebrity home: there's a home gym with radius views of the river, a games room with a pool table and full bar, a 15-seat movie theater, and a fully functioning spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.

(Image credit: Gordon Beall for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

But for us, it's all about the tranquility and beauty of the natural setting, which can be viewed from the gorgeous French windows. It is said that the estate had the power to calm George Washington's mind, and we're certain it'll have the same effect on its lucky new owner. The property is listed buy Heather Corey of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.

(Image credit: Gordon Beall for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

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Dream home: this restored Californian ranch is a labor of love

Anna Cottrell — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:30:00 +0000

Psst...we think we may have found our ultimate dream home. What if we told you that you could have it both way: live on a working ranch in the middle of a nature reserve and have hotel-style amenities like a luxury pool, a tennis court, and a helicopter pad?

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Hall & Hall)

Rancho Latigo is all of these things – and more. The glorious ranch in the Santa Barbara area sits on 4,675 acres of land (yes, you've read that correctly) and features a 14,000 Spanish Colonial-style home with six en-suite bedroom and a three-bedroom guesthouse.

(Image credit: Hall & Hall)

The working ranch features an 11-stall horse stable, 10,000-square-foot barn, covered riding arena and various turnouts. Mountain lions and black bears roam the regenerated land (we're getting really excited now).

(Image credit: Hall & Hall)

It wasn't always so. Goldman Sachs executive Fredric Steck bought the run-down ranch in 1999, and it didn't look anything like it does now, the land overrun by weeds and over-grazed. The owner hired an eminent ranch specialist from Seattle to regenerate the estate; the result was so spectacular that it was compared to 'a national park comeback'. The property has since featured in Architectural Digest.

(Image credit: Hall & Hall)

This is not to say that the property itself lacks in luxury, or is just for nature/equestrian enthusiasts. Inside, the opulent interiors feature wood floors, French doors opening onto stunning views, and hand-carved detailing throughout. This is quintessential California living, and whoever gets this house when it goes on auction on October 20 will be one lucky home owner. It's currently priced at $24.5 million – sounds pretty reasonable for essentially owning a nature reserve?

(Image credit: Hall & Hall)

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Home tour: J-Lo's new Florida home is a glamorous as you'd expect

Anna Cottrell — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:30:00 +0000

We haven't been this excited about a celebrity home tour in a while, because the women at RealHomes adore Jennifer Lopez. And who doesn't? She's a talented singer and actor, and, really, how does she look this amazing at age 51?

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

(Image credit: Realtor.com)

The star is set to tie the knot with former baseball pro Alex Rodriguez, and their new Miami home is fit for royalty. The Florida mansion sits on nearly an acre of land and offers magnificent views of the bay and the city skyline. The almost 14,762-square-foot home has 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, an elevator, library, wine room, stunning kitchen, family room, a guesthouse and a 100-foot wooden dock.

(Image credit: Realtor.com)

Inside, the decor is classic and warm, with wood paneling, Venetian plaster, and antique fireplaces. This is proper old-school Miami glamor, and the list of previous owners confirms that: the mansion once belonged to Gloria Estefan, and to Don Johnson during his Miami Vice days.

(Image credit: Realtor.com)

Our favorite feature of this home, though, is the outdoor spa that features an infinity pool and breathtaking views across Biscayne Bay. We expected nothing less from J-Lo, who has bought the house for $32.5 million. You go, girl.

(Image credit: Realtor.com)

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Dream homes: these New England homes are perfect for enjoying fall

Anna Cottrell — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:32:23 +0000

Oh, New England – we can't think of a more desirable dream home location for fall, which is so beautiful and colorful on the East Coast. Just think of the nights drawing in, the leaves turning red and yellow, and you, sipping hot chocolate in front of a majestic fireplaces. From woodland cottages to chic Boston apartments, these are the New England properties we're lusting after this October.

Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page