With a shift towards simpler living, having all your tech on display is no longer considered a desirable decor choice. However, we’re not ready to go off-grid and do away with them altogether. Enter, shy tech. A way to disguise all those screens, blinking lights, and technical distractions just out of sight, yet still close to hand.

Shy tech enables you to connect to technology in a positive way. It means you can control when and how you use it, rather than it controlling you.

So, whilst we like a bit of Netflix now and again, we don’t like to feel as though our television dominates our decor. That’s why we’re sharing these 5 clever hidden TV ideas for you to try at home.\nHidden tv idea: built-in storage\nIn the living room, there are few things more stylish than floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving. Not only does this bespoke solution answer all your storage needs, but it also creates a really grown-up feel. And it’s not as expensive as you might think. This \nBilly bookcase IKEA hack\n set @ahousebuiltoncheese just short of £600. If you want to be able to shut your television away completely, include folding cupboards that you can close when you’re done watching. Alternatively, if you’ve got a TV in your bedroom, you could hide it away in built-in wardrobes.

Hidden tv idea: a gallery wall \nThis solution doesn’t make your television completely disappear, but it will prevent it from dominating a wall or room. Imagine the tv is one big painting and create a gallery wall around it, strategically placing your favourite art, prints and posters around it, the same as you would with any other frame. It doesn’t completely hide it, but it will mask the effect of a big, black square on an otherwise blank wall. Take a look at these \n10 gallery wall ideas for some inspiration\n.

Hidden tv idea: a freestanding cabinet \nAssuming you don’t have a 75-inch screen, you could always disguise your tv in a freestanding cabinet. This is one of the most stylish options, with a wide variety of gorgeous \nmid-century modern style\n units, French bureaus or rattan cupboards to choose from. These can easily be placed in an alcove or the corner of a room, where guests would be none the wiser until you opened its doors and popped the telly on.

Hidden tv idea: tapestry\nIn the bedroom, you might want to go for something a little softer or more tactile like a hanging tapestry to disguise your tv. All you need to do is hang a curtain pole and hang your preferred tapestry from it. The idea of hanging a tapestry at home might feel a little Medieval, but there are some really stylish options. From Indian to Moroccan style influences, to the famed 18th-century French tapestries, which, when mixed with modern furnishing, can create an eclectic mix. Roll it up or pull it to the side when it’s time to watch.

Hidden tv idea: high-tech solution\nSometimes a shy tech problem requires a high-tech solution, in the form of inventive technologies to make a tv not look like a tv. Nowadays, you can disguise your tv as everything from a watercolour painting to your favourite piece of art or even a decorative mirror above the mantelpiece—all transformed for your viewing pleasure at the press of a button.\nOther high-tech options include a pop-up tv concealed in your bed or a remote retractable screen. These are all costly options, so if you’re not a frequent channel surfer and use it more for viewing the odd movie, why not opt for a projector instead?

So, whilst the tv hasn’t had its day, it’s definitely no longer pride of place. These shy tech, hidden tv ideas will help you incorporate your tech into the home, without it taking over.

Move over Danish pastries and step aside Scandi style decor, our new favourite Nordic export has all the saccharine sweetness of a pic ‘n’ mix stand. We’re talking about Danish pastels, of course. The decor trend sweeping our screen on Tiktok, Instagram, and Pinterest, we’re seeing more and more of our decorating community lean towards these soothing sorbet shades and quirky \nwiggly designs\n.\n
Whilst the \nScandi-style decor trend\n is all about muted neutrals and breezy whites, Danish pastels embrace every shade of the inside of a bag of Dolly mix. Content creators like \npastel-lover Lindsey Isla\n and Copenhagen-based \nSimone Noa Hedal\n show us how to style these fun and youthful palettes. From statement lamps to quirky candles, if you want to inject a little Danish cool into your home, take a look at our guide to the Danish pastels trend. 

Colourful prints \nColourful pastel artwork, particularly with floral or natural motifs, is a key component of the Danish pastel trend. It’s pieces like \nMatisse’s corals\n (available in a range of pastel hues). We love how \nLindsey Isla\n has styled her Danish pastel-inspired gallery wall, full of floral prints with vibrant mix and match frames.

Pastel colour palette \nFrom gentle pinks to milky yellows, soft lilacs to mint greens, the Danish pastel colour palette is sugary sweet and totally uplifting.

If you’re looking to incorporate a Danish pastels colour palette through painted walls and furniture, our \npastel sample box\n is a great place to start.  Remember, if you don’t want to paint your entire home floor-to-ceiling in pastels, why not opt for a feature wall or colour blocking. We love \nRina Sawayama\n’s ombre wall feature. Very Danish pastel vibes.  

Murano lamps\nIf your Instagram is anything like ours, it’s probably been inundated with adorable Murano glass mushroom lamps. Popularised in the 1970s, if you want to buy an original be prepared to spend upwards of £600. That said, you can pick up lots of modern-day replicas, like this \npistachio green lamp on Ajouter\n for a fraction of the cost.

Statement vases\nThe Danish pastel trend is all about making a statement through your accessories and nothing does this better than a stand-out vase. This \npink ‘gingham’ vase by &Klevering \nhits the nail on the head.

Wiggly candles and candle holders \nAnd the same goes for candles and candle holders. In line with \nthe wiggly decor trend\n, Danish pastels shows off candles that are almost too gorgeous to burn. Like these gorgeous \npink twisty candles by Lex Pott via MADE.com\n, handmade by the Dutch designer in his Rotterdam studio. Or what about \nAnna + Nina’s beautiful lilac and yellow piped glass candle holder\n? Top with a colourful pastel candlestick to complete the look.  

Shell motifs\nBe it prints, cushions, candles or lamps, shell motifs and pearlescent finishes are another key component when it comes to the Danish pastel trend. We’re currently obsessed with this \noyster shell table lamp, also by ajouter\n (their whole aesthetic screams Danish pastels), and \nthis Liars & Lovers shell candle in peach.\n 

Colourful mirrors\nFrom wavy to painted, colourful mirrors are \nin\n and very much a part of the Danish pastel decor trend. We love this \nRipple Lacquer Mirror available at Jonathan Adler\n and are currently obsessing over \nSimone Noa Hedel’s painted mirror artwork\n.\n


If the Danish pastels decor trend sounds like a bit of you why not take a look at our guide on \nhow to use pastel colours in your home\n for some peachy perfect interior inspiration. 

To paint or to wallpaper? It’s one of the oldest questions in the decorating world. From \nhow to hang wallpaper\n to every wallpapering tool you'll need to do it, we're here to make decorating easy). So if you're in a muddle about whether to take the plunge or you're tempted but unsure about how to prepare your walls for wallpaper, take a read of these 10 creative ways to use wallpaper throughout your home.\n\n\nShop our full range of designer wallpaper\n

Wallpaper your entire room\nWallpaper was all the rage in the early 20th century when would-be home-decorators would paper their houses top to bottom. So why not go classic and take some inspiration from its early origins and wallpaper your entire room?\n\nNot only will it have a dramatic effect but, by blurring the lines around the edge of the room, it can actually make a small space appear bigger and inject some fun into \ndownstairs bathrooms.\n Quirky designs make ideal \nwallpapers for nurseries or children's bedrooms\n, and today, with greater durability, you can even \nwallpaper your kitchen.\n\n\nShop \nfloral wallpapers\n and \nbotanical wallpapers\n

Wallpaper a feature wall\nIf you're not ready to commit to an entire room, why not create a feature wall? A popular look when it comes to \nbedroom wallpaper\n, it's a great way to add pattern and style without worrying about overwhelming the space. We like to think of our wallpaper as wall art. From floral wallpaper to \ngeometric wallpapers\n, think about selecting your wallpaper like you would a piece of art. It's all about freedom of expression and what your wallpaper says about you.

Wallpaper above your picture rails\nA fun idea for a living room or dining room, wallpapering above your \npicture rails\n can create a feeling of grandeur. Choose a modern design, and it will add a contemporary twist to this classic decor style. Check out our \nmodern dining room decor ideas\n for more inspiration.\n\nIf you’re going for a \nfloral wallpaper design\n, read our guide on how to style floral wallpapers with colour and check out the best bedroom floral wallpapers.\n \n\n Shop living room wallpaper\n

Wallpaper above your dado rails\nThe same applies to \ndado rails\n. Wallpapering above them is a great way to add visual interest without papering the entire room whilst updating a popular period style. This looks especially stylish in a hallway. Why not create a mood board with our easy-to-use \npeel-and-stick paint samples\n and \nwallpaper samples\n to create a cohesive palette?\n\nShop \nhallway wallpaper\n

Wallpaper your ceiling\nNow this one is a real conversation starter. Transform an otherwise big, white, blank canvas and lie back to enjoy the view with a \nwallpapered ceiling\n (yes, there are lots of reasons why you should wallpaper your ceiling) A novel way to incorporate your favourite patterns without wallpapering the entire room, yet still adding a splash of pattern and colour. It's out there, but we love it.

Wallpaper those awkward attic walls\nMake a feature of awkward attic walls by wallpapering them. You only need to dip your toe into Pinterest to find pages and pages of dreamy floral boho-inspired attic rooms. Lean into the eccentricities of what can be an otherwise difficult space to decorate by wallpapering your walls and transforming it into a one-of-a-kind retreat.

Wallpaper your furniture\nDid you know that wallpaper was originally used for covering the inside of wardrobes and drawers? Why not pay homage to this traditional wallpapering trend and use your wallpaper offcuts to upcycle your furniture.

Wallpaper behind your fireplace\nTurn your fireplace into the centrepiece of your living room by wallpapering the chimney breast. If you’ve got a period fireplace, go for a classically inspired wallpaper, or if your space is more modern, try a contemporary design. Alternatively, create contrast with a light or dark wallpaper design, depending on your fireplace fitting.

Wallpaper your stairs\nWhat better way to make an entrance than with a wallpapered staircase? From maximalist \nfloral wallpapers\n to heritage chinoiserie designs, get inspired by \nsome of this year’s hottest wallpaper trends.\n Opt for one of our wallpaper patterns to create a wow factor in your entrance hall.

Wallpaper inside your bookshelves\nTransform your home office by wallpapering the inside of your bookshelves. It’s a little time consuming, but the end result is well worth it.

We hope these 10 creative ways to use wallpaper throughout your home have helped inspire you along your decorating journey. Ready to start your wallpapering journey? 

Symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the oncoming spring, the Hindu festival of Holi is a time when children and adults take to the streets in pristine white \nkurtas\n and throw \ngulal\n (coloured powder) to celebrate together. If you’ve been lucky enough to ‘play’ Holi then you’ll know it’s a \nlot\n of fun, not to mention very, \nvery\n messy.\n\nTraditionally, the colours were made from flowers, spices, and herbs, but today they’re mostly synthetic (and much more difficult to get out of your clothes)—although more recently, there’s been a return to natural alternatives. And, just as with colour psychology, there’s a symbolic significance behind each of the Holi colours. So read on to take a closer look at the meaning behind the colours of Holi.

Green: the first colour of spring\nThe festival of Holi demarcates the beginning of spring and coincides with some smaller agricultural festivals across the country. Therefore green - the first colour of spring and new beginnings - is prominent in its celebration. And it’s not just according to Hinduism. \n\nSimilarly, according to colour psychology, it represents peace and serenity, nature, as well as new beginnings and new growth. Charlotte, our International Color Consultant, explains how “green represents peace and harmony, a colour we have seen many gravitate towards over the last couple of years. It is a gentle reminder of new beginnings, not just in mother nature but in our homes/ourselves too”. This idea has even made its way to everyday speech: there’s a reason we describe someone who is new or inexperienced as being ‘green’!

Blue: the God’s\nThe blue skin of some of Hinduism’s most powerful gods and goddesses represents the infinite and immeasurable, like the apparent endlessness of the sea and sky. Much like in colour psychology, where it can be linked to our intuition, along with a sense of reflection, serenity, and clarity. The colour blue, or indigo to be precise, is also hugely significant throughout Indian handicrafts. In fact, it was the latter of the two ‘blue mutines’, led by Mahatma Gandhi, that would ultimately lead to Indian independence in 1947. So in many ways, it is the colour of freedom.

Saffron: purity, victory, chastity\nYou’ll find a deep, yellow-orange, known as saffron, prominent throughout Hinduism. Symbolic of purity, strength, courage, and chastity you’ll spot it on the robes worn by Hindu holy men, marigold garlands used for religious ceremonies, and on India’s national flag. \nCharlotte explains how “according to colour psychology, yellow is all about our emotions, whilst both yellow and orange can be mood-boosting and benefit our self-esteem”. You only need to pair it with the rest of the Holi colours for a seriously smile-inducing palette. 

Red: the life-cycle\nAnother integral colour according to the Hindu religion, red symbolises the life-cycle: fertility, marriage, and death. According to colour psychology, red symbolises warmth, passion, and courage. So it comes as no surprise that red is often connected to Durga, a warrior goddess in Hindu mythology who symbolises strength and power. In India, Hindu brides wear a red sari and traditionally, a married woman would apply a red \nsindoor \nin the parting of her hair. When a woman dies, she is cremated with a red veil covering her body.

Pink: “the navy blue of India”\nOne of the more modern additions to the Holi colour palette. From magentas to cameos, whilst pink doesn’t have a specific religious meaning in India, it is ever-present across the country. No better described than when legendary Vogue fashion editor, Diana Vreeland, described it as “the navy blue of India” due to its ubiquity.\n\nPink is also not gendered in the same way as it is in European countries, being a common turban colour choice for celebrations.

As Charlotte explains, “light pink is nurturing and soft, symbolising motherly love, whilst stronger pinks like magenta are empowering and strong”. The \nGulaab Gang\n, (gulaab is Hindi for ‘pink’) a group of female vigilantes, epitomises this combination of maternal love with power and strength.

And there you have it—the meaning behind the colours. Wherever you are in the world, we hope you have a happy Holi. Bring on the spring!

All images credited to Netflix\n\nAs one of the most hyped-up TV shows of 2021, Bridgerton had everyone feeling inspired. Set in the Regency era, the show encompassed hyper-realism with an artistic license that exaggerated colour and drew in the modern audience, filling the TV frame with pure delight.\n\nThe Bridgerton team produced a stunning array of vibrant sets and cherry-picked the perfect locations. With season 2 on the horizon and the anticipation of more drama, romance and charming colour palettes, we share our thoughts on the colour theory and psychology behind the sets, and how you can incorporate these eye-catching palettes into your own home decor.

The Bridgerton’s drawing room is where many of the iconic scenes are set. The Bridgerton women often gather here to discuss their latest endeavours, the men that caught their eye and speculations on who Lady Whistledown could be.\n\nMonochrome is very much the popular colour harmony within the framework of the drawing room's interior; using delicate pastel tones of blue that simultaneously \nadd calm and strength\n to establish the Bridgerton’s presence in society. During the Recency era, blue was also considered a feminine colour. Muted accent colours are woven seamlessly into the palette, with \nsoft pinks\n signifying a nurturing presence, and \npurples\n representing their regal status. \n\nWhen it comes to the wallpaper used in the room, \na damask design\n is framed within wallpaper panels. What goes around comes around, and we are already seeing the revival of wallpaper in panels.

The Featherington residence offers the same bold and flamboyant presence as the family which inhabit it. Their maximalist style home is all about standing out from the crowd and garnering attention, much like their outfits too.\n\nAlthough the Featheringtons head into season 2 with money problems due to Lord Featherington’s gambling, they are considered a new money family. With no ancestral background to adorn the walls, portraits and inherited furniture, they have characterised the space with ornate plasterwork to display opulence and shiny new high society accessories. You can see this in the finishing details of shiny materials, gold and highly varnished furniture.\n\nColour is represented in a positive form for the Bridgertons, but the Feathertons colours take on the negative connotations. Green is used a lot for envy, and in the wrong hue can be emotionally draining. And using yellow is about value, wealth and is symbolic of worship and winning.\n\nTypically, interior designs take inspiration from the colour wheel, and this palette is no exception and harmonies with the analogous colour theory, with greens, yellows, and oranges sitting proudly together.\n\nWhile viewing this colour palette together can seem overwhelming - and it certainly feels unapproachable to place all these colours in a modern home, especially in one room - if you want to incorporate this into your own space, I’d suggest building the colour around many elements. The green can be represented in greenery, orange can be within your furniture/wood tones, and pink could be your accent against the serene \nWhite 03\n coloured walls.

The controversial Queen Charlotte boasts power, confidence and a larger than life personality. With her flamboyant costumes and monumental wigs filling the frame, the queen demands attention in every setting. But, the palace is where she truly belongs. To create the bigger picture, the sets and locations are complementary and guide the character through beautiful stately rooms, tying everything together with a huge gorgeous red bow.\n\nYellow and gold are used throughout the palace, with yellow being an emotionally stimulating and optimistic colour and gold being long associated with wealth and worship. Within the palace walls and on the walls the abundance of gilded gold is on everything to establish power and the abundance of money. Using the right amount of yellow is key to bringing the correct balance, as too much can be irritable and depressive.\n\nRed is used frequently in the carpet, drapes, upholstery and chairs, which is all about attracting attention as the most visible colour in the spectrum. You may also notice white and cream used primarily on the walls, these colours have always been associated with the rich because of the upkeep of purity and cleanliness.\n\nEverything is loud and big in the Queen’s rooms, and the artwork is no exception. When it comes to choosing pieces for your home, I’d suggest going large with art, filling your walls with beautiful squares that make you smile and make you stop and wonder.

At the end of the first season, it was revealed that Lady Whistledown was none other than Penelope, so her office doubles up as her bedroom too. It’s no secret that Penelope is always dressed in the fashionable colour of the decade, yellow. This colour is chosen on her behalf to stand out with the debutante community. As the colour palette within her costumes is of the \ncitrus variety\n, it's nice to see that they have calmed the hues down in her bedroom set. Most likely to represent a more gentle nature of the character.\n\nPink and green feature heavily which, as complementary colours on the colour wheel, make them naturally appealing to the eye. The room is then accented with yellow to lift the design. Yellow can be known for having negative connotations, representing deceit and jealousy, which is quite fitting and coincides with Penelope’s storyline.\n\n\nPatterns\n are also a big part of Penelope’s room and will likely be a huge decorating trend. The success of pulling this off is to keep threading the same colourways throughout the scheme, and you can have as much or as little pattern as you want.\n\nThe focal point and framing of the bed is another trend growing in popularity, and Penelope’s bed demonstrates this beautifully. Consider large headboards, drapes (we think you should hold out on the swags for the moment) and then there's paint - colour blocking and \nadding an accent wall\n behind your bed is very now.

From balls to \ngarden parties\n, hosting or attending grand events are all part of the Regency era experience. The last garden party luncheon thrown by Queen Charlotte saw plenty of drama as she bet on Simon and Daphne producing an heir and questioned Eloise on the identity of Lady Whistledown.\n\nIn the season 2 promo pictures, we’re treated to a shot of another upcoming garden party that’s filled with reds and pinks. These colours are most often associated with love, tenderness and passion and, interestingly, the Featherington women all appear to be wearing varying shades of red and pink. Could this mean that romance is in the air? Let’s hope so!\n\nSoft yellows are also featured in the garden party decor with yellow drapes and blankets, which provides us with \nrefreshing splashes of optimism\n that this would be a happy occasion.\n\nSeason 2 will no doubt treat us to even more vibrant colour palettes, feature patterns, and interior decor to complement the new storyline and characters. With such a huge following, this show will undoubtedly inspire many home interior enthusiasts to add a splash of colour to their homes.

This South Yorkshire property is home to Cheryl, a graphic designer & studio manager. Living with her husband, they have owned and cherished this modern, Georgian-style new build for the past 15 years. Boasting four bedrooms, open plan living, and a large garden; their home has been an ongoing renovation project to keep it up to date with Cheryl’s interior preferences.\n\nBefore they moved in, the property was very basic and had only had minimal work done to it; therefore, it was the perfect opportunity to put their own stamp on it and really make it their own. Since moving in, Cheryl and her husband have replaced the bathrooms and kitchen, as
well as building an extension to the back of the house; adding extra space to the open plan living area, complete with bi-folding doors. \n\nCheryl describes her interior style as contemporary with a Scandinavian influence. She loves to keep up with the ever-popular Scandi trends, and this proves a massive hit with her Instagram followers, too. She isn’t shy of getting her hands dirty, and often works with her husband to create lust-worthy DIY inventions and budget-friendly alternatives.

A Neutral Kinda’ Love\nCheryl has always loved neutral tones, and feels like these calming colours are where her appetite for interiors really gets the opportunity to flourish…\n\n“I’m pretty scared of colour, and always have been! I once painted a wall in my home black, but it wasn’t that colour for long and I soon went back to my neutral comfort zone.”\n\n“After ordering some of the sample patches to help make my decision, I eventually chose ‘\nWhite 02\n’ and ‘\nBeige 03\n’, ‘\nBeige 03\n’ is way darker than I would usually go for, but it’s very complementary to the white and works really well. I was feeling brave!”

Neutral Nest\nThe Lick makeover allowed Cheryl to brighten their hallway, as there is no natural light and the space can sometimes feel very dull and dark – especially during the winter months. They wanted to paint the staircase, as well as the walls, so they had quite a hard graft ahead of them. \n\n“Starting with the woodwork, we gave it a good sand and clean in preparation for the eggshell paint to be applied. We already had a light colour on our walls, so the only preparation we did for that was filling and sanding the necessary areas.”\n\nHer favourite part of this project was the DIY panelled door which sits at the bottom of the staircase. Using ‘\nBeige 03\n’, they painted the wood batons so that it matched the staircase, and added coat hooks as a useful styling accessory. This simple, inexpensive design has added such a show-stopping feature to their hallway, and allows the ‘\nBeige 03\n’ accent colour to have a little more limelight!

As you will see from the rest of Cheryl’s home, the rooms are lovingly styled with 50 shades of neutral! From beautiful textures and materials to timeless furniture and accessories – we just love her eye for detail.\n\nThe living room is a popular feature on her Instagram grid, with lots of swoon-worthy accessories and styled layering. Finished in a limewash paint, the walls create a textured canvas for some seriously cosy vibes!

Their bedroom is another inviting space that we just can’t get enough of – just look at that feature wall! We love the unique placement of the wooden moulding, finished with the DIY piece of art which hangs over the bed. This space is a dreamy location for a good night’s sleep, that’s for sure!

Cheryl’s Favourite Space\n“I think my favourite room in the house is our downstairs open plan living. I took my time designing this area and did little bits at a time to make sure I loved every part of it. Sometimes, if you add too much at once, it can blur the creative vision you originally started out with.\n\nI also created multi-functional zones, using panelling and paint colours. This allows us to achieve different purposes from the living room, but a common theme remains throughout.”

Check out Cheryl’s Instagram @cb_loves_interiors_20 to see more of her beautiful home and DIY transformations.\n


Ahoy there! If you’re all at sea over what exactly nautical decor is (and how it differs from coastal decor), we’re here to put your worries at bay. We’re really pushing the boat out with this one, from the history behind the trend to its key characteristics and how you can implement it in your home. So if you’re ready for things to get a little nautical, read on:\n\nWhat is nautical decor style?\nNot a fan of this peppy intro? Well, that’s sort of what nautical decor is all about. Defined by a natural colour palette inspired by the sea, unlike coastal decor, which reflects the natural elements of coastal living through your interiors, nautical decor focuses more on its motifs. Think cabana stripes, seashell accents, and \nmaybe\n even a lifebuoy hung on the wall (more on that later). You get the idea. There’s an upbeat, preppy energy to it. It’s Dad in a Captain’s hat on his annual two-week boating holiday. And just like Dad, you can’t help but love this trend.\n\nThe history behind nautical decor\nOriginating in the holiday homes of the Hamptons, New England, and Cape Cod, nautical decor had a real moment back in the 1980s. But with modern-day homeowners gravitating towards the great outdoors, more and more people are turning their holiday homes into their primary homes. It’s no surprise then that the trend has seen something of a resurgence in recent years. Only this time around, it’s a little less kitsch and a lot more chic. Gone are the ceramic shell soap dispensers or light pulls (you know the ones). The contemporary nautical decor trend hones in on a natural colour palette combined with layered textures and organic materials.\n\nKey characteristics of nautical decor\nBlue, white and red colour scheme\nWhen it comes to your colour scheme, you want to go a little bolder than coastal decor. Whilst you can still incorporate a \nneutral colour palette\n as your backdrop, be sure to use lots of bold \nblues\n against bright \nwhites\n, with some warming \nreds\n and coral-inspired \nterracottas\n to prevent it from looking cold. Remember, this doesn’t have to all be implemented through your \npaint colours\n. You could go for warming \nWhite 05\n walls, with a sink-into navy blue sofa and red and white striped cushions. Find out \nhow to make a mood board\n so you can create the look at home.   

Stripes, stripes and more stripes\nSpeaking of stripes… Whether you’ve got a home in the Hamptons or not, a tasteful use of stripes will emulate that instantly recognisable Hamptons style. Avoid going overkill by being sparing with where and how you use them and avoid being too ‘matchy’. Time-tested fabrics like ticking stripe or Breton stripes will give your home a fresh yet lived-in feel. If you want a look that will hang around, why not consider striped wallpaper.

Nautical references\nGone are the overt nautical references. Instead, contemporary nautical decor is about more suggestive nautical representations. This could be anything from supporting local artisans with coastal-inspired artwork or sculptures made from driftwood or shells. Or again, what about incorporating the theme through your wallpaper with our range of sea-inspired wallpapers.

White shiplap cladding and wooden elements\nFinally, the nautical decor style is all about wood panelling, specifically white painted \nshiplap cladding\n. Not only does this give your home that beachy, Cape Cod feel it makes it appear lived in, no matter what its age. 

If you’d like to feel the freshness of a sea breeze every time you walk into your home, why not get inspired by these \ncoastal decor living room ideas\n.

Hot off the press: We’re officially partnering with one of the coolest online design brands out there - MADE.com. Yep, we’re excited to announce that we are now MADE’s \nexclusive\n paint partner in the UK (insert raise hand emoji). 

Tell me more \n\nAt Lick, our mission is to modernise + simplify how you can shop for and decorate your home. We couldn’t think of a better partner for this than MADE.com. A hugely exciting and innovative brand in the home decor space, MADE makes it super simple for you to fill your homes with unique furniture and homeware. All from the comfort of your couch. 

So, what exactly does this mean for me? \n\nFrom today, you can find  our range of Lick paints on MADE.com. Take the hassle out of trying to work out whether your walls will complement your furnishings and vice versa - find them all in one easy place. \n\nPair your fave pieces from MADE with Lick colours and you’re all set for a highly gram-worthy home transformation. With access to both our ranges in one place, you may find yourself more open to trying new trends and unique colours. And more creative combinations that you may initially have thought of. 

Look out for content collabs \nWatch this space - we’ll also be partnering with MADE on helpful decor content and inspo from our colour experts. You know, to get those creative decor juices flowing.\nWe’re \nvery\n excited to work closely with MADE.com to achieve our shared vision: making the world of home decor more accessible so it’s easy for you to transform your spaces. Without stepping foot out the door. 

Our home is our sanctuary. There is nothing more peaceful than coming back from a hard day at work, busy networking event, or even a long trip, and finding yourself in this safe place where every item reveals an aspect of your personality. We all have a favourite piece of furniture or decoration in our homes. Whether it’s a sofa or a tea mug, we’re somehow attached to it and we love building an environment around it, where we highlight its significance to our daily life. Here we’ll introduce you to five ways that will help you style your room around your favourite statement furniture. \n1. Be bold\nBe bold, be adventurous, and don’t try to fit into any norms. Experiment with colours and shapes to make your favourite statement furniture the star of your home (after you of course). If you’re a naturally fun, outgoing and out-of-the-box type, then your rooms should speak for you. Shine on you crazy diamond. 

2. Bring nature into your home\nWho would say no to a walk in the woods, a warm tropical rain, or simply waking up feeling charged by nature’s energy that’s flowing all around? If your favourite statement furniture is in deep, earthy colours like green or brown, then you can easily adapt all interior and style your room in the same way to create that zen vibe everyone talks about. Bonus points if you have a solid, leather couch in your living room; you can literally create magic with it. Check out how with our ideas below. 

3. Black is the new black\nVery few things are more stylish than the good old black. If your home is spacious and you have high ceilings, then you can afford to use this colour as much as you like. We don’t recommend focusing on it for small rooms, as it will make them ‘shrink’ and look even smaller. Here’s our all-black collection for you to get inspired. 

4. Scandinavian minimalism\nWhite, beige, grey, black - what do they have in common? This is the palette of the contemporary Scandinavian interior design - the one that makes us swoon and mentally teleport in cold and cozy Sweden. Simplicity is essential and if your favourite statement furniture is within the aforementioned colour palette, then you have it. You can experiment with contrasts, like a white bed and a black wall behind it (bring out that Pia Wallen blanket!) or go all natural and focus on just one main colour, adapting all furniture and accessories around it. We recommend some wooden details to make the rooms less sterile and more ‘earthy’, some illustrations, photographs and the good old typography posters to make the walls or floors more fun. Just remember - keep it clean and minimal, just like the Swedes do. 

5. Follow the Pantone Colour of the Year\nYou simply love changes and you want to keep your home trendy and stylish... sounds familiar? Then this one's for you. Pick your statement furniture by following the Pantone Color of the Year. This will give you the freedom to experiment with different pieces of interior design, wallpapers, wall colours, and to mix and match everything from the sofa in the living room to the napkins in the kitchen. 

Need help with picking the right colour for your home? Look no more. With Lick you can have samples delivered to your door, so you can enjoy your hot tea and plan the future of your living room in peace. \nCheck our colour and wallpaper range at lick.com. \n

Without question, one of the best things about Christmas is getting your friends, family, and loved ones around the dining table to eat, drink, and be merry. What’s on the menu is a massive part of Christmas celebrations, but there’s more to it than simply \nwhat\n we eat. For a meal to remember, why not transform your dining table into a feast for the eyes with these 6 festive tablescape ideas.\nFestive tablescape idea: foraged foliage \nDecorating your Christmas table with foraged foliage is a triple threat. It’s free, it gets you outside, and it looks great. We’ve talked a lot about how bringing the outdoors in is one of \nthe biggest 2022 interior trends\n and this is yet another way of using nature to decorate our homes. In the UK, you’ll find lots of holly and conifers, like pine or pine cones, yew, and cedar trees to use to create your foraged tablescape. \n\nFor a minimalist style, keep things all green with a few white pillar candles or if you want to go full-festive, pile on the pine cones, dried oranges, and cranberries for a traditional look or try your hand at making a festive wreath.


Festive tablescape idea: make it scented \nWe know that dining is a sensory experience. We eat as much with our eyes and noses as we do with our mouths. Crisp white table cloths and heavy silverware will (apparently) make a meal taste better. But it’s about setting the scent as much as it’s about setting the scene. \n\nWhilst you want to stick to non-scented candles at your dining table (heavily perfumed candles could overpower the food and confuse the palette), a subtle whiff of Christmas as your guests sit down will get them in the mood for a full-on festive feast. \n\nIf you’ve gone foraging for your foliage, pine has a distinct and festive aroma, whilst oranges or clementines stuffed with cloves, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks all look and smell like Christmas come early.

Festive tablescape idea: make it edible \nTo complete the sensory festivities, why not make your tablescape edible too? No need to worry if you’re running late with the main if your guests can tuck into the table. Find your balance between fun and stylish. \n\nFrom chocolates and candy canes to scattered nuts, clementines and cranberries​​—whilst gingerbread or candy canes are an adorable alternative to place settings. If you want to go all out, you could even include a gingerbread house. 

Festive tablescape idea: mixed height candles\nA dining table is not set until the candles are lit, so why not create visual interest by using mixed height candlesticks. There is such a wide variety of candlesticks at the moment, be it brass palm style, animal motifs, coloured glass or painted ceramics. \n\nFrom pillar to tealights and colourful tapered candles, you can mix and match your styles and candlesticks to create an eclectic, layered look. \n

Festive tablescape idea: reuse Christmas decorations\nWho said that Christmas decorations were just for the tree? Decorate your festive dining table by borrowing a few baubles and arranging them on your dining table for some unmistakable festive charm. \n\nOther Christmas decor additions could include DIY paper chains (a great way to use up leftover wrapping paper) or eco-friendly tinsel. This festive tablescape idea is fun, frivolous, and will appeal to the child in us all. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about? \n\nIf you’re looking for some DIY Christmas projects learn \nhow to make handmade Christmas cards using leftover paint\n or why not take a look at these \n5 easy DIY Christmas decorations to try at home\n. 

Festive tablescape idea: go neutral \nIf your style is a bit more muted, then why not go for a neutral look for your festive tablescape? Christmas decor doesn’t have to be all red, green, and sparkles. Ultimately, it’s about creating a welcoming environment in your home, and that can be done with tactile fabrics, cosy lighting and warm colour palettes. Create a textured look with a burlap runner and chunky pillar candles or ditch the table cloth completely for a rustic look. If you’re doing this, create visual interest with your place settings; for example, pairing seagrass placemats with striped ticking napkins. \n\nTake a look at these \n6 neutral living room ideas\n for some inspiration.

Hopefully these 6 festive tablescape ideas have got you ready for Christmas and in the mood for a full on feast. If you like the look of these, why not try out these \n7 Christmas tree decor ideas\n?

Get inspired by our easy-to-follow and inspirational guides with decoration ideas, the latest colour trends and the most beautiful interior spaces.

Inspiration & Decorating Ideas - Paint & Wallpaper Trends

Image courtesy of @flocoeinteriors\n\nThe proverbial ‘heart of the home’, nowadays kitchens are used for more than just rustling up a plate of something tasty. They’re for entertaining, for play, and more recently, Zoom calls. In short, it’s a room you spend a lot of time in. That’s why finding the right kitchen decor for your home is so important. Whether you’re \nwallpapering\n, \npainting\n or attempting to nail a kitchen makeover on a budget, we hope you’ll be inspired by these 7 kitchen decor styles and find the one for you.\nKitchen decor style: Scandi\nA Scandi style kitchen is all about functional, often \nopen-plan living\n. It’s cosy yet practical, calming yet welcoming. It emphasises the importance of texture rather than colour, so opt for \nwhites\n and \nneutrals\n in favour of bolder paint colours. Use untreated woods and rustic metal finishes to contrast the light and airy colour scheme. \nKitchen open shelving\n is a typically Scandi way of displaying your indoor plants, ceramics, and kitchenware. Just try and avoid it becoming too cluttered! Try these \n5 ways to recreate a Scandi kitchen\n for the complete look.

Kitchen decor trend: minimalist\nFor those of you that want to keep your kitchen clutter-free, a minimalist kitchen might be the decor trend to go for. Modern in style, a minimalist kitchen uses a \nneutral palette\n or \nmonochromatic colour scheme\n as well as high-tech appliances for an ultra-sleek look.\n\nGood storage is essential to hide away your utensils, so if you decide to go for open shelving, use it to display kitchenware that adds to the aesthetic. Think ceramics or glasses, rather than cereal boxes or sundries. Be discerning about your design choices, with a few thoughtful ornaments like an oversized fruit bowl or large indoor plant. Try these \n6 tips to create a minimalist kitchen\n to get the complete look.

Kitchen decor style: industrial\nMore than any other room in the home, kitchens lend themselves to industrial styling. You can go full utilitarian with an oversized stainless steel hob or stainless steel countertops. Pair them with exposed brick or a dark and moody colour palette—something from the darker end of \nKelly Hoppen's neutral paint collection\n, like \nGrey 10\n or \nTaupe 01\n for a warmer feel. Unsure how to incorporate this look? Take a read of our guide on \nhow to style these timeless neutral paint colours\n in your home.\n\n\nShop kitchen paint colours\n

Kitchen decor style: retro\nLike them or loathe them, there’s no denying there’s something seriously cool about a retro kitchen. Whether it’s the air of nostalgia or a feeling of fun, if you decide to go retro you’ll need the right colour palette. Opt for rich reds, oranges and a pop of blue for a true retro style home.\nOr what about daring to wallpaper? Our high-quality rolls can withstand almost anything. We think \nMars Meadow 02\n or \nElectric Poppies 01\n are the answer to turning your kitchen totally retro.\n\n\nShop kitchen wallpapers\n

Kitchen decor style: Maximalist\nOn the other end of the decor scale, there’s Maximalist design. Not one for the retiring wallflower, a maximalist kitchen is a sure-fire way to make a statement. Our brightest colour palette yet, \nPalette 05: Maximalist brights by Yinka Ilori\n, will wake you up in the morning before you’ve even reached for the coffee. Use these kaleidoscopic colours to \npaint your kitchen cupboards\n or create a feature wall or designated dining space with \nGreen Palms 01\n or \nReflection 01\n. 

Maximalist decor is all about throwing out the rulebook, so feel free to fill your kitchen with artwork, ornaments, or even the odd neon sign. For more maximalist inspiration, take a look at our complete guide on \nthe maximalist decor style\n, or get inspired by Tom from @themellowmaximalist, who shows us how it’s done. 

Kitchen decor style: Japandi\nCreate a sense of calm in the heart of the home with a \nJapandi interior style\n kitchen. Celebrating nature and all her imperfections, Japandi interiors take their inspiration from the clean lines of Japanese design and the philosophy of \nwabi-sabi. \nThis, combined with a cosiness borrowed from Scandi decor and elements of \nbiophilic design\n, means it is a perfect blend of some of our favourite decor styles.\n\nFocusing on soft neutral colours and tonal hues, to incorporate this look in your kitchen, think about playful contrasting of light and dark shades. Add visual interest by using plenty of natural materials, like wood and stone, including some indoor plants, and ensuring you keep your countertops clutter-free. Take a look at these \n6 neutral kitchen ideas\n for further inspiration.

Kitchen decor style: country\nWhether you live in the sticks or the city, a country kitchen is perennially popular and a great family kitchen option. Ideal for effortless hosting and casual dining (or even the odd bit of homework), these traditional-style kitchens are homely and cosy, year-round. Think timeless designs like butler's sinks, wooden or marble countertops, traditional \nkitchen wallpaper\n, large kitchen islands, and stone flooring.\n\n\nKelly Hoppen's neutral paint collection\n is certain to stand the test of time, or if you want a little colour go for \ngreens\n, \nteals\n, or \nblues\n on your kitchen cabinets. Country kitchens can withstand a little clutter, even the odd muddy paw print, so you don't have to be too precious with them. Open shelving or hanging racks can display anything from copper pots and pans to French flea market finds. There's one thing that's for sure, country kitchens have been around forever, and they're very much here to stay.

So, if you’re feeling inspired by these 7 kitchen decor styles take a look at these 5 kitchen makeovers for some real transformations or for some practical advice, our guide on \nhow to nail a kitchen makeover.\n

A great way to showcase all your favourite photographs, posters or prints whilst making a striking design statement, gallery walls add personality and a pop of colour to bare walls. It’s a more is more look, ideal if the \nmaximalist decor trend is your style\n. \n\nThey can be used to create a feature wall as an alternative to wallpapering or colour blocking—but most of all, a gallery wall tells your story. From travel memories, movie posters, vintage prints to original artwork, a gallery wall is a representation of you. \n\nIf you’re thinking about curating your own, we hope these 10 gallery wall ideas give you the inspiration you need to get you going.\nMix up the styles or sizes of your frames \nCreate an eclectic look with a mix of colourful, rustic or vintage style frames. Or mix things up with different frame sizes. These are two of the easiest gallery wall ideas to get right, as you can make a puzzle out of their differing sizes, thanks to their mix-and-match style. Grow your collection over time and simply add each frame into the space it best fits.

Mix photography, artwork, and textures \nOn the other end of the decor sale, you could create a gallery wall through an eclectic mix of photography, artwork, mirrors, and even hanging macrame or plants for a multi-layered, textured gallery wall. Very much in the spirit of the \nboho decor style\n, this gallery wall idea really allows you to tell your story and create a personal decor narrative.

Arrange your frames on a picture ledge\nAnother unique way to display your artwork is by arranging your frames on a picture ledge. Not only does this create a multi-layered look, it means you can incorporate other items like hanging plants, vases, oversized letters and candles: whatever trinkets catch your eye. We love this look above the bed in a bedroom or above the sofa in a living room.

Keep it unified with the same frame colour or size\nIf your style is more unified, keep things matching by using the same frame colour or size. This style works well if you’re displaying a series of artwork or photography, for example, a collection of horticultural prints, or you’re trying to unify a range of work through cohesive framing. \n\nEither way, if you’re hanging the same sized frames, it’s more important than ever to make sure they’re properly spaced. So make sure you get out that measuring tape in the process!

Cover the entire wall\nGot one wall that needs some excitement? Create the ultimate gallery wall by covering the entire thing. Perfect if you’re after a feature wall effect. By hanging your artwork below the eye line, it gives things a playful, non-conformist feel. Vive la révolution.

Go chic with black and white photography\nKeep it monochrome with black and white photography. This creates a seriously chic aesthetic and one that is loved in homes with \nmonochromatic colour schemes\n You can support photographers by purchasing their work either directly from their websites or platforms such as The Affordable Art Fair to discover new talent. It’s coffee table book style, on your wall.\nCreate a staircase or entrance hall gallery wall\nA guaranteed way to make an entrance is with a staircase or entrance hallway gallery wall. This adds character to what are sometimes known as “dead spaces”: those little nooks and corners in your home you don’t know what to do with. Well, now you do.\nFor more hallway inspiration, check out these \nhallway decor ideas\n.

Create a gallery wall with mirrors \nA subtle way to bring light into a dark bathroom or add drama into a dining room, not only is a mirrored gallery wall something a little different, it can make a room appear bigger by reflecting natural, artificial, or candlelight.

Create a playful display for a nursery or kids bedroom\nPlayrooms are all about creating fun and visually stimulating spaces, and a novel way to do so is with a playful gallery wall display. It doesn’t have to be artwork, you can use fabric toys or textured materials. Whatever you think your little ones will enjoy.

Create a gallery wall with ceramics or baskets\nNo, we're not talking about your grandmother's old plate display (although we're into those too). Ceramics and woven baskets are having a real comeback right now. Great in a kitchen or a living room, it's a stylish way to display your collection and adds depth and texture to the blandest of backdrops.

There you have it, 10 gallery wall ideas guaranteed to curate an art gallery out of the barest of spaces. If you want to make a statement but are after something a little different, why not take a look at these \n8 colour blocking ideas to liven up your space\n.

There is a misconception around studio apartments that they cannot be both functional and beautiful. But we at \nMy Bespoke Room\n, UK's #1 rated interior design professional, are here to prove this theory wrong!\n\nRecently, our Head of Design, \nLucy Henderson\n visited Lick’s Lead Colour Specialist, \nTash Bradley\n and created some incredible videos as they toured her stunning studio apartment in South London. Check out the \n#MeetTheExperts \nvideo series and take a look below to see our top tips for both renters and buyers of studio apartments.\nConsider how you use your space\nMake sure that before you dive into our fantastic ideas that you know which space is most important to you. For example, if you often play host to your friends and family then it’s important to prioritise your entertaining space, like your \ndining\n and \nliving room\n areas. If you often watch movies with your guests then you may want to leave a wall clear and instead use a projector to host your next movie night. It’s cheaper, practical and has a certain excitement and nostalgia to it.\n\nLikewise, if you value a good night's sleep, then make sure you separate your bedroom and living space to allow a place to wind down. This was the first thing on Tash Bradley’s list when she moved into her beautiful studio apartment, as she wanted the bedroom to feel separate from the rest of the flat. After all, when you live in a studio, an \nopen plan kitchen and living room space\n is absolutely fine, but in the bedroom, you want that feeling of going to bed. Use a more soothing \ncolour scheme\n and a relaxing \nlighting scheme\n to help ease your mind from the soaps on TV and a long day's work.

Studio apartment idea: build your own walls\nOne of the simplest ways to separate rooms is by visually blocking sections off. Many people buy plastic room dividers but this can look very basic. You can \ncarve out space in your home\n by using some of our more innovative interior design techniques.\n\nWhy not use a bookshelf as a makeshift room divider? Not only will it look more sophisticated but also means you can create as much or as little privacy as you like by decorating the shelves with house plants, \ncurated memorabilia\n and obviously, books!\n\nIf you’re looking for something that will take up very little space or maybe something more flexible, then you may want to think about using curtain dividers. These are especially popular for separating the bedroom area from the rest of the space. You can either set up a curtain rack to divide the area or even attach curtains to the ceiling around your bed.

Dividers are great for creating zones but they often make the separated room quite dark as you’ve blocked the natural light. One way to get around this is to use panelled glass wall dividers. These are fantastic for creating a “\nbedroom zone\n” while letting light in and giving some small degree of privacy.\n\nIn fact, Lick’s Head Colour Specialist, Tash Bradley uses this in her incredible studio apartment in South London. Tash gave Lucy a tour of her stunning home – \nclick here to take a peak.\n\nStudio apartment idea: create the illusion of space\nIt’s incredible what you can do in your studio apartment to make it look like you have more space than you do. Mirrors, glass or tiles reflect not only the space you already have but also the light, which makes all the difference!\n\nThe more natural light you have, the more spacious and soothing your space will feel. Try to keep from blocking this precious light with bulky furniture. Opt for pieces with a slim profile and with legs rather than bulkier options to cover as little floor space as possible.\n\nThere’s some seriously ingenious multipurpose furniture out there that can help you use less space than usual, like ottomans which can be both a coffee table and have an additional soft footstool section. However, be warned that you shouldn’t use too many multipurpose items as it can become impractical. You may find yourself spending most of your time folding and unfolding combination tables and moving furniture around to serve multiple purposes. Make sure you keep it simple!

When \ndesigning small spaces\n, scale is key. If you have low ceilings, choose lower height furniture to give the illusion that there’s more height than there actually is. Other tricks that will give the illusion of tall ceilings are hanging your curtains well above the window and having them drop all the way to the floor. This creates the feeling of airiness and height. Paint tricks such as painting the skirting boards and above a picture rail the same colour as the walls will give the same effect. Soon your studio apartment will seem twice the size!

Studio apartment idea: zone using paint and pattern\nA lick of \npaint\n can make all the difference! There are multiple different approaches you can take when designing a studio apartment. We recommend \nzoning your room\n with different patterns, prints and colours. You may want your dining room zone to have an energetic shade of blue while your bedroom may have a softer hue, like \nPink 01\n or \nBlue 01\n, for a relaxing sanctuary. Discover more \nbedroom paint colours\n.\n\nPainting the walls and furniture isn’t the only way to zone your space. You can also select rugs to section parts off as well as using different lighting intensities in each section depending on its purpose. For example, bright lighting will be needed in the kitchen but the living room can have a more cosy and ambient lighting scheme.

You could go in another direction completely and decide to paint the room, furniture and all in one colour to blur the lines between each space and make the room appear bigger. This can look a little bland and uninspiring but an excellent solution to this is to paint a \nthree-quarter painted wall\n all the way around your studio apartment.\nStudio apartment idea: opt for problem-solving storage\nIt may seem obvious that \nstorage is crucial\n when living in a studio apartment but you may not know how many storage solutions are available to you!  We suggest you use all the available space you have, including your walls. You can use shelves, but also use your walls to store your dining chairs for easy access and to not clutter your floor space.\n\nBuilt-in storage is always a massive help but it either comes with the apartment or you have to spend a fair amount of money building it. However, you can solve this by purchasing multi-purpose furniture. Divan beds, benches, ottomans and even nesting tables can all come in really handy for saving space. You want to keep your flat as minimalistic as possible but you still need to put your belongings somewhere!

Studio apartment idea: use everything!\nLeave no stone unturned when it comes to decorating your studio apartment. Everything should be incorporated into your design scheme and everything should have a purpose when space is scarce.\n\nEven your kitchen appliances can be decorated too to match the look you’re going for. You can decorate your fridge with curated pictures of your family or even paint part of it to match your colour scheme and use rent-friendly wallpaper to decorate another part. Or you can completely hide your kitchen with the use of built-in doors - like magic!

Need an expert to help you transform your space into a stylish home? Our professional designers will help completely transform your room and help you make the most of every inch! Get started today by completing \nthis 15 minute brief on MyBespokeRoom\n or booking in a \nvirtual colour consultation\n.

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5 ways to style your room around your favourite statement furniture

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