For as long as I can remember, I've used cotton sheets on my bed. That's what my parents bought for me as a child, and as an adult, I've never tried anything different. That is, until I tested Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set – and now I'm a changed person.

Ettitude is a lifestyle brand that has set out to reinvent traditional home essentials like bedding, blankets, and bath towels by means of material. You see, the brand makes products with their signature 'CleanBamboo' fabric, a patented lyocell made from organic bamboo that's hypoallergenic, free of harmful toxins, and above all else, incredibly comfortable. Their Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is no exception – not only does its bamboo lyocell fabrication ensure a cool and cozy night's sleep, but its sateen weave invites a level of luxury to your slumber. And lucky for me, I had the pleasure of sleeping on them for the past month.

Although they're already on our list of the best bed sheets, I want to give you an in-depth review of Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set so you can understand why these sheets are so highly praised and well loved. Read on to discover whether these dreamy sheets are right for you (spoiler: they probably are).

Ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set review

I've organized this review into several sections so you can understand all of the standout details of Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set. First, I'll give you the rundown on the specifications – from sizing and material to color variations. Next, I'll give my opinion on who these sheets would suit, and what it is like to sleep on them.

I'll also analyze how these sheets rate online based on reviews from other people who have tried them. Finally, I'll give you the verdict – should you buy Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheets, or not?

Ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set specification

Who would the Ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set suit?

• Hot sleepers or those living in warm climates: the Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is made with Ettitude's CleanBamboo lyocell – a naturally cooling and breathable material. It wicks moisture and regulates temperature throughout the night. If you find yourself having night sweats, these cooling sheets ensure comfort as you rest. Similarly, if you live in a warm climate or don't have air conditioning, these sheets should ensure comfortability even on the hottest nights of the year.
• People who care about ethically and sustainably made sheets: unlike bamboo viscose which is made with harsh chemicals, Ettitude's sheets are made of bamboo lyocell, an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative that's safe for use in close proximity to your skin. Not only that, but Ettitude makes their products with the environment in mind, too. Since bamboo is considered a weed that grows 10x faster than it's harvested, it's an ideal material to use for production. Plus, Ettitude's bamboo is grown with rainwater in a closed-loop system that recycles water and saves a significantly higher percentage of water than bamboo viscose.
• Those who like the silky feel of sateen: Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is made with a sateen weave – a design meant to mimic the luscious feel of silk with its three-thread-over-one-thread-under pattern. Sateen sheets typically have a lustrous sheen to them, and that's evident with Ettitude's sheets. Because of the weave, sateen sheets are known to trap heat, however since Ettitude's sheets are made from bamboo lyocell, they ensure breathability and a cool feeling throughout the night.
• Anyone who has never paid any attention to sheet materials in their life: buy these, and you just might become a sheet snob.

What is it like to sleep on Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set?

I've always wondered what it might feel like to sleep on a cloud, but after testing Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set for the past month, I'd say I've come pretty close. These sheets are dream-like – they're ultra soft, extra breathable, and endlessly comfortable.

I specifically remember my first night sleeping on the Signature Bamboo Sheet Set. I had put the sheets on my bed in the morning, gone off to work, straight out to dinner, and after I came home and showered, I climbed into bed – forgetting that I had swapped my sheets. And let me tell you – what a pleasant surprise it was to lay my head against the smooth bamboo lyocell pillowcases and feel the silky sateen top sheet surround my skin.

Like I mentioned before, I've always bought cotton sheets for myself – partially because I never paid any attention to the many different types of bed sheets that exist. However, sleeping on these bamboo sheets is like sleeping on cotton bedding with the best thread count – silky smooth and comfortably cocooning.

Now, as someone who always feels cold when I sleep, I was a bit worried that these sheets wouldn't keep me warm enough throughout the night because of the naturally cooling properties of their bamboo lyocell fabrication. However, the thermoregulation of these sheets is impressive. I could sleep in shorts and a t-shirt and not feel cold, and that says a lot coming from someone who sleeps in a sweatshirt and sweatpants regularly. I was so surprised at how comfortable I felt in these sheets, and how receptive my body was to a new material.

How does the Ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set rate online?

I'm not the only one obsessed with Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set. On the brand's website, these sheets have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating, with over 5,000 5-star reviews. Not only that, but they're a designer-approved choice, too. I recently asked interior designers the best thing they've bought for their bedroom in 2025, and designer Gabriela Eisenhart raved about these sheets, saying they'll 'change your life'.

Many other reviewers praise the quality and materiality of these sheets, calling them 'soft', 'comfortable', and 'cool but not cold'. One reviewer called them 'phenomenal', and said now that they've tried them, they'll never use anything else.

Aside from the glowing praise surrounding the sheets themselves, people have nothing but good things to say about Ettitude's customer service. 'I had a problem with my order and they replaced my sheets without any problems,' one reviewer wrote. 'I am very pleased with Ettitude, and their sheets are awesome. Very soft and comfortable.'

There are lots of reviews praising Ettitude's attentiveness to customer needs, and thousands more ranking these sheets as the best out there. And as someone who has slept on the sheets myself, I am in complete agreement with the positive reviews of these sheets online.

Should I buy the Ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set?

My immediate answer to the question of whether or not you should buy Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is yes, you definitely should. After being able to sleep on these for over a month, I can confirm that these sheets live up to the hype. They're ultra soft, and they keep me cool when I'm sleeping hot and warm when I feel cold. Not only do they look great and fit my queen bed perfectly, but it puts my mind at ease knowing they're good for the environment, too.

Despite the sateen weave, which typically produces sheets that feel a bit heavy, these sheets are super lightweight on the body – they have a comforting and cocooning effect when tucked in. They're quite thin, too – which can be both positive and negative. The thinness of these sheets enhances their breathability, but I do worry that they might be more prone to rips or damage. After reading hundreds of reviews, it seems like Ettitude's customer service team would be happy to help if any damage ever occurred.

One potential downside to these sheets is the detailed care instructions – you shouldn't wash bamboo bedding as you would cotton sheets. Instead, wash them delicately, and line dry if you can. If you live in a small house or apartment, this might cause more difficulty, however it's worth washing as Ettitude recommends to ensure your sheets stay in the best condition possible.

Another potential downside – they're expensive. The queen set is $359, which is a steep price for bed sheets. However, sheets are a critical factor for a good night's sleep, and these sheets might be the best out there. I can confidently say that they're worth the price. But keep an eye out for bedding sales, and you might be able to score these luxe sheets for a discounted price.

How we test bed sheets

At Homes & Gardens, we are committed to providing our readers with thorough and detailed reviews, regardless of the type of product we are testing.

When it comes to bed sheet reviews, we assess look and feel, thermoregulation, and durability. We test sheets over the course of a month to ensure we have ample information to provide you with an in-depth review of the sheets themselves. While testing Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set, I wrote weekly notes – highlighting how the sheets felt against my skin, how they felt after a wash, if they regulated my temperature while asleep, and even how they held up against my constant tossing and turning. Using this information, I was able to come to my ultimate ranking of a 90% for these sheets – only subtracting points for the high price point and thinness.

We know how important it is to read reviews before making any purchase, especially a purchase as important as bed sheets. That's why we write our reviews with as much detail as possible, so you can make an informed purchase and feel confident while doing so.

Designing a guest bedroom can sometimes be challenging. The room is typically used to accommodate all types of guests, so it can be difficult to create a space that feels inviting and personal. We often consider our own needs when designing, but creating a neutral room that suits everyone is no easy task.

When we're faced with design dilemmas such as these, interior designer and homeware founder Shea McGee usually has the answers. She's long been designing everyday spaces that feel cozy yet elevated, meaning she has a real plethora of rustic and contemporary creations under her belt.

Shea recently took to Instagram to speak about the process behind her guest bedroom process and named a few key design tips to keep in mind. 'I like to look for creative ways to style a guest bedroom so that anyone can feel welcome,' she says. So, let's take a look at her advice which will make your guests want to extend their stay.

Shea recognizes the initial hurdles when it comes to designing this space. Without one clear person in mind, it's almost impossible to envision what they may want or need. She says that guest bedrooms 'pose a unique challenge in that you don’t have one single point of inspiration or one guest using the space.'

In a way you want to take yourself out of the space, you aren't designing your bedroom but a space that will work for many. Shea outlines the two different looks that differentiate the spare room from the main bedroom, saying, 'I am going for more inviting and cozy in a guest bedroom than I am a stately retreat which is the goal in a primary bedroom.'

You want a guest bedroom to feel elegant, yes, but you first want it to feel really welcoming – a less serene sanctuary more cozy cocoon as Shea rightly points out.

Moving onto her decor choices, Shea selects certain styles that will add to the cozy feel of the guest bedroom. Bearing in mind the intended user, Shea says 'I often do a little bit of a lower headboard. I don’t always pick the largest or tallest one that I would in a primary bedroom.'

By choosing a less dramatic piece, it's more likely a guest will feel at home as its neutrality will align with almost all tastes. Lower headboards can sometimes feel less harsh and more inviting, which is another key element to consider when picking your bedframe.

To finish off the bed space, Shea explains, 'There’s the opportunity to style above the bed with artwork too which adds personality.' While art can be a gamble, it's important to bring some character to the space as you don't want it to feel too neutral or avoidant of personality. Choosing art for the home isn't always simple when you want to ensure all types of guests will enjoy it, but we suggest opting for pieces that aren't too much of a statement, like a scenic landscape or a colorful abstract painting.

Shop Shea's guest bedroom look

Comfort is key when creating a guest room as you want a guest to feel at home. If you're struggling to design a cozy scheme, adopt the guest's mindset and pinpoint exactly what you need and look for during a stay.

Collecting antiques is a fantastic way to infuse your home with one-of-a-kind charm – it's also a skill that can take practice and some patience. If you want to grow your collection of antiques and vintage pieces you do want to have some knowledge of what to look out for.

If you love decorating with antiques, you will know the ideal is scoring vintage items that are worthwhile investments, while also being trend-forward (and of course timeless). And if you're aiming to achieve both objectives with your purchases, you're in luck.

We got insight from industry experts on the vintage items that are on the rise, and which exact pieces you should be looking to decorate with right now.

1. 20th century lighting

Lighting is one of the biggest and boldest ways to make a statement in the home, so it's no wonder that it's top of the list for what to look out for when shopping for antique and vintage pieces.

'One of the areas our shoppers have been drawn to lately is lighting, specifically from the late 19th century into the mid 20th century, a period that spans a wide variety of styles, of course, and verges out of the ‘antique’ into vintage,' says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs. 'Technically, an antique is at least one hundred years old.'

When it comes to vintage lighting ideas, he says, 'The most popular pieces are by notable designers, who were creating pieces that were at once functional (electricity had only recently come into people’s homes and light was a new medium for designers to explore!) and highly sculptural and statement-making.'

2. Sculptures and vases

Anthony also notes that antique sculptures, vases, and vessels continue to garner interest. Decorating with vases is a big trend for 2025, and using vintage finds is a sure way to add some texture and character to however you display them.

'They are traditional forms of fine decorative art that can hold pride of place in a room, whether on a mantel or prominent table,' he tells us. 'These include fine Lalique glass, Barovier & Toso Murano picture frames, Tiffany vases and desk accessories. Plus, icons of the mid-century, including Objects by the likes of Bitossi and Walter Bosse; and quirky Post-Modern Design, like playful vases and serveware by Gaetano Pesce.'

3. Japanese screens

Room dividers have been used for centuries; in fact, the screen dividers originated in the 4th century in China, spreading to Japan to be used in tea ceremonies in the 7th century. Standing the test of time, Anthony tells us that antique Japanese dividers are on the rise in 2025.

'Room dividers are not only highly practical pieces to incorporate in open-plan spaces, but antique ones feature beautiful designs, making it excellent decor as well,' Hebe Hatton, Homes & Gardens' Head of Interiors explains. 'My only piece of advice when shopping antique screens is that they can be quite delicate, so if you plan to move them around a space regularly rather than just have them as a display piece ensure that they are sturdy enough in design and material.'

4. Tapestries

Also on the rise are tapestries, which are an excellent alternative to wall art or photographs. They provide textural interest and antique tapestries typically come with fascinating histories, making them talking pieces in the home.

'Antique tapestries are experiencing a significant resurgence in interior design for 2025, as homeowners embrace meaningful, artisanal elements to bring warmth, texture, and a sense of history into their spaces,' says Andria Mitsakos, founder and creative director of Anthologist. 'Whether used as wall hangings, bed covers, or layered over furniture, tapestries offer versatility and the ability to transform a room.'

Andria recommends looking for specific materials when shopping for tapestries; quality is paramount. 'When sourcing antique tapestries, it’s important to focus on their story and craftsmanship,' she explains. 'Handmade textiles crafted from natural materials, such as wool or silk, are particularly prized for their artistry and integrity. Embracing the imperfections of antique pieces – such as fading or small repairs – adds to their authenticity and charm, making them even more special.'

5. Early modern functionalist furniture

Some furniture pieces are simply timeless, and that goes for early modernist furniture (a staple in mid-century modern design). From Eames chairs to Noguchi tables, these functional and chic pieces are guaranteed investments for the home.

'Early modernist functional furniture holds a timeless appeal because it embodies simplicity, utility, and beauty – principles that resonate even today,' explains Ben Harvey, principal designer and CEO at Harmonia Living. 'As an interior designer, I’ve always admired its ability to balance form and function seamlessly. These pieces often feature clean lines, honest materials like wood, metal, or leather, and a design language that prioritizes purpose over ornamentation.'

He continues, 'When sourcing early modernist furniture, I focus on craftsmanship and authenticity. Look for well-preserved or expertly restored pieces from iconic designers like Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, or Eileen Gray. Pay attention to the proportions, joinery, and material. True modernist pieces were made with precision and intention. A patina of age adds character, but avoid anything too damaged to preserve the original aesthetic.'

We've seen these items permeate interior design trends year after year, so it's safe to say that the above items are worth their value. Any antiques that are made of fine materials require adequate care, so make sure you are giving them the attention they need for their longevity.

I never considered that the placement of my bed was going to be one of the biggest challenges I'd come up against during our home remodel.

But after months of tossing and turning and the room just feeling "off", I turned to the ancient art of Feng Shui (and Google) for help. And what I learned about bedroom Feng Shui completely transformed both my bedroom layout and my night's sleep.

As it turns out, the placement of your bed and the energy flow you create in your room play a crucial role in creating a sense of calm and balance. So to learn more, I've spoken with Homes & Gardens' contributing Feng Shui expert Suzanne Roynon of Interiors Therapy to get the low-down on how to create a relaxing bedroom with her very best Feng Shui bedroom layout tips.

Is Feng Shui the secret to a better night's sleep?

I've been fortunate that the remodel of my bedroom is on somewhat of a slow renovating trajectory. I say this because it has given me that age-old benefit of time to truly live in a room and see how it works and feels.

This means that while it can be rather frustrating to not yet have a finished bedroom, by moving in with a camp bed and no carpet for a few months, I was able to realize that the wall I'd been planning to put my bed against just didn't feel right.

And the laws of Feng Shui furniture placement agreed. After plenty of Googling "best bed placement for sleep", I realized that the orientation of the bed was what left me feeling uneasy in the room. This is when I learned about the command position.

The command position is a Feng Shui concept that suggests you should always place your bed so you can see the door. Then, when your bed is in the right position, it should foster a better sense of security and relaxation.

'First and foremost, you need to feel secure in the bedroom and this means positioning the bed in what’s known as the ‘command position’,' Suzanne, who is a member of the International Feng Shui Guild, explained to me.

'This means that when you are in bed you can see the door and are immediately aware if it opens. Psychologically, this gives you reassurance that you are safe and this makes it easier to achieve quality sleep.'

The key, however, is not to have your bed (and head) along the same wall – and therefore in line with – the bedroom door. Which was where I was getting it all wrong, leading to a bedroom renovation I regretted.

'All that said, it is preferable not to have the door opening in direct line facing the foot of the bed,' Suzanne adds. 'This is known as the ‘corpse’ or ‘coffin’ position and it’s said to drain your energy away as you sleep. If there’s no option other than to have a bed in this position, place a tall piece of furniture at the end of the bed, or a round rug between the bed and the door to deflect some of the energy.'

Which, if you're following, means it doesn't leave you with too many options as to the best bed position to follow. You want to be facing (but not directly facing) the door, not have it opening along the same wall as your head, and according to Suzanne not beneath a window either.

'Locate the bed on a solid wall and always factor in a tall, comfortable headboard,' she continues. 'This has a variety of purposes, not least a comfortable cup of coffee on Sunday morning, but as with everything Feng Shui, there is more to it.'

'The headboard protects the head and neck from drafts, knocks, and bumps, and in Feng Shui terms, attack from behind! Again it’s about feeling secure,' Suzanne adds. 'This is why we never recommend placing a bed under a window – your subconscious will always be on alert and quality sleep will be hard to achieve.'

Inspired by these insights, I got my husband on board with the idea and rearranged our bedroom, plug sockets and all, to align with these principles – and the results were surprisingly immediate.

After just a few nights I noticed a significant difference in how well I slept and how I felt upon waking up by just simply repositioning our bed. Now, we have it along a solid wall (no windows or doors), with a clear view of the door adjacent to us, and are instead facing the fireplace. A happy accident that gives us a much nicer view and more room to maneuver around the room.

It almost instantly felt more restful, inviting, and well-balanced. Whether you're a Feng Shui expert or a novice who fell down a TikTok hole like me, there's no denying that putting a little more thought into your bed position can enhance the overall ambiance of your sleep space.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips From An Expert

Here, Suzanne shares her tried-and-tested tips for arranging your bedroom in line with the principles of Feng Shui – and some of them might surprise you.

1. Keep clear of clutter

'Always make sure the bedroom is clear of clutter,' says Suzanne.

'Clutter brings both chaotic thoughts and lifestyle so try to keep the bedroom clean, and fresh and have a specific place for makeup and products (and make sure they are returned to it after use),' she suggests. 'A floordrobe is never a good look and it’s far from romantic to step into a room where you have to pick your way between piles of stuff. If you’re remodeling a bedroom, be sure to include lots of efficient storage and then use it.'

Suzanne also warns against underbed storage ideas. 'Under the bed should be a no-go area, however, if space is at a premium and you’ve chosen a storage bed, limit the contents to out-of-season clothing, bed linen, and towels – and nothing else!'

2. Remove anything from above the bed

'Don’t hang pictures, mirrors, or cupboards above the bed,' Suzanne advises. 'This will interfere with sleep and increase the risk of headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain. The downward pressure can be very destructive.'

This is a rule that shocked me, as I had been planning to source a lovely large piece of art or a tapestry to fill the wall above my headboard.

Additionally, Suzanne suggests that mirrored wardrobes are always best avoided. 'If you’re stuck with them, either change the doors or invest in adhesive frosting,' she suggests. 'Mirrors are said to do several unfortunate things – when they reflect the bed, they invite in the energy of a third person... and they also drain the energy of the person who sleeps reflected in them.'

3. Choose your nightstands wisely

I also asked Suzanne if, according to Feng Shui, bedside tables should match. The answer was a resounding yes.

'On either side of the bed, you’ll want matching nightstands and a lamp – and be sure to use nightstands in proportion with the bed,' Suzanne suggests. 'Too high and they will feel overpowering, too low or too small and they are too insignificant to provide the element of balance and harmony you deserve.'

'I always suggest having a nightstand with a drawer to tuck all the bedside gubbins into - this means you can keep the top clear of detritus, eye masks, tissues, etc., and enjoy the clarity a clear surface brings.'

'In addition, if feng shui is fully implemented the energy of the room may change slightly each year, and it’s much easier to uplift the energy when a space is easily adaptable.'

Finally, Suzanne recommends you treat the bedroom as a sanctuary from the big wide world. 'You don’t need a library at the bedside, or pet toys, tech, projects, or indeed anything which does not relate to sleep and intimacy. Plants are not helpful, and please don’t display photos of anyone you wouldn’t want to see you naked. This is not the time and place for your Mother-in-law to be gazing upon you!'

If you're also struggling with restless nights, it might be time to consider whether your bedroom is working for or against you too with these expert tips on finding your zen with Feng Shui.

With every new season, McGee & Co. fans (me included) eagerly anticipate a fresh new drop of pieces in Shea's signature style, and her Spring offering is no exception.

Breathing new life into one of their very first Studio McGee projects, Crestview House, Shea and her team worked their magic on this San Diego home peppering it with new styles to showcase the McGee & Co. Spring 2025 collection and bring us a lookbook of new and inspiring spaces to drool over.

Character-filled, coastal, and cozy, whether you're looking to layer in some new Spring pieces with your existing decor or go all-in for a full fresh, this coastal style edit has you covered. But heed my warning, with such high demand, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the rush and fill up that basket.

Everything you need to see from the McGee & Co. Spring collection

As a style and shopping editor, checking McGee & Co. is part of my daily rounds as I search for new and exciting trends and drops to bring you. In fact, I rely on Shea McGee as somewhat of a guiding light of spring style.

Blending California casual style with modern charm and vintage-inspired decor, this new collection feels laid-back, luxurious and so very Shea. Much like her Target spring collection, you'll find plenty of florals and plaid prints, a mix of rattan, marble, and some delightful new lighting to shed new light on your home.

Here are the 18 pieces I think are a must-see.

From airy linens to handcrafted ceramics and statement furniture, Shea's spring collection for McGee & Co. offers something for every room and every style, making it easy to embrace the new season without too much fuss.

Finding affordable furniture that's both stylish and long-lasting can be tricky. While there are many budget-friendly options, they are not always the most effective choice. Some fast furniture can only last a handful of years due to a lack of durability, often down to cheap composition. However, when I think of affordable yet reliable furniture, IKEA is one of the first names that springs to mind.

IKEA has long been at the top of furniture trends. They design with practicality and style in mind, making the store a great place to start when shopping for staple pieces. I love scrolling through IKEA room ideas and eyeing up its newest collections and have discovered so many examples of high-end-looking furniture and home decor.

So I will share my findings and have curated a list of my top choices that are bound to make any home feel more expensive and sophisticated.

9 expensive-looking IKEA pieces

From wicker-style bed frames to luxurious bar cabinets, there's something here for all styles of homes. These high-end-looking pieces prove that IKEA creates lasting furniture at affordable prices.

I grew up striving for perfection – not in other people, but myself. It began at school with my grades, then as a journalist, and later as a wife, mom and homeowner. I was, and remain, my own worst critic.

It’s safe to say this internal pressure has not been great for my well-being and over time, began to negatively impact my chronic health conditions. This was especially true where my personal expectations of ‘housekeeping perfection’ came into play as I am limited on mobility and have lots of pain.

It’s only after lots of self-work and therapy that I’ve realized being houseproud is one thing, but that doesn’t mean you have to always be perfect with it. It was only when I embraced the philosophy that ‘good enough’ really is enough that my housekeeping perfection fell to the wayside. I have since felt happier than ever with my home and now find cleaning tips useful, rather than guilt-inducing.

What is ‘housekeeping perfection’?

It’s very much what it says on the tin. Housekeeping perfection is accepting only absolute perfection when it comes to your weekly household chores and tasks. For example, ticking everything off your spring cleaning checklist without room for adjustment, or deciding you have to declutter your closet all at once, instead of chipping away at in over a number of days or weeks.

This can build your internal pressure and make cleaning feel overwhelming because the standard you are holding yourself to is so incredibly high.

I was certainly subconsciously worried about a fear of failure, for instance being unable to complete a cleaning task such as cleaning the fridge in one go, and this often led to chore procrastination. It felt too overwhelming, especially when my physical pain and fatigue was so limited, so I buried my head in the sand for a while instead of getting on with cleaning the kitchen, or cleaning the bathroom.

The self-imposed perfectionism was actually more of a hindrance to my housework, than a help. In fact, this bad housekeeping habit actually made the task harder in the long run, because the fear of failure made me put things off. That delay meant, for example, removing limescale from faucets, or scorch marks from my electric stovetop were harder as I’d delayed the job and there was more build-up to tackle.

What changed for me

After lots of therapy I realized doing something such as cleaning to a ‘good enough’ standard was much better than not doing it at all due to worry, anxiety or overwhelm and I began to adapt my processes to take that into account.

For instance, instead of committing to fully tidying when expecting guests, I used pretty wicker baskets with lids, available at Amazon, as holding zones for my surface mess that I would deal with later when I had the time and energy to find a home for everything. It meant when loved ones were coming over, I could instead give my time to making my entryway more welcoming, or cleaning the guest bedroom, both of which made me feel like a better host.

The benefits

Dr Meg Arroll, psychologist and internationally renowned author not only recommends ditching housekeeping perfectionism, she prefers it. She explains, ‘Doing ‘good enough' cleaning is actually better than perfection as this more balanced approach allows us the time and energy to notice the small joys in life that tend to pass us by when we're preoccupied with housekeeping perfection.’

She says aiming for good enough, rather than housekeeping perfection will improve your quality of life as not only is the job done, but you’ll have more time for other things you like to do.

‘Whether this is going outside to observe a particularly beautiful crisp winter's day, or having the time and headspace to fully engage with loved ones,’ Dr Meg explains, ‘aiming for 'good enough' cleaning peppers our days with multiple opportunities to notice the little things in life, which, after all, is what life is about.’

How I did it

I have certainly noticed this shift in my own expectations has brought positive change. My husband and I started a WhatsApp chat on our phones dedicated to our daily ‘glimmers’, little positive observations and thoughts we might have quietly to ourselves that we never would usually share with each other in the busy days we spend parenting, working and taking care of our home.

The impact has been subtle, but profound. Before, where our daily messages and reminders to each other were typically about the top chores to do and things to remember, now we have a dedicated space for noticing things that make us feel happy or grateful.

It’s an active mindfulness practice that promotes wellbeing and I can attest to that. The more I’ve done these glimmers, the more my brain looks for them day-to-day. I am also better able to enjoy things more in the moment. This also promotes ‘anticipatory nostalgia’ – where I note something sweet or special now, knowing in the future, it’ll bring me or my husband and child happy nostalgia.

Curbing my housekeeping perfection and strict expectations of myself has opened up the mental space to enjoy more life. Though it’s ideal and often said to be something people with tidy homes never do, it’s OK to go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink every once in a while. And honestly, abandoning this from time to time has felt great.

We do it on nights we’re both tired and spend that time relaxing together instead, which brings us closer.

• Shorten the length of time you’re willing to give the job.
• Reduce the frequency.
• Use tools to get it done quickly or more easily.
• Abandon it altogether if you need to.
• Be kind to yourself in harder times and know you can return to your usual standards when you’re ready, or continue being flexible on it.
• Ask for help.

The key to dialling down your housekeeping perfectionism is changing your golden rules for decluttering or cleaning in a way you can live with. Whether that’s reducing the frequency you clean an area (for instance, you really don’t need to clean your floors daily), giving yourself the grace to abandon a task and finish it later, or taking a cheat here and there such as hiding clutter for sorting out when guests have left – find what works for you.

If you are to invest in any type of homeware, let it be your bedding. Since we spend so much of our lives asleep, these products have a direct impact on our overall well-being – but Martha Stewart has made it possible to have the best of both worlds. With her bedding collection, we don't need to splurge to benefit from high-quality pieces.

Martha Stewart's collections are renowned for their quality and affordability, but arguably, nothing epitomizes this ideology quite like her bedding. This section (available on Amazon) offers everything you need for a luxury hotel-quality bed, and every product is a testament to Stewart's deep understanding of the bedroom and what we need for a restful slumber. 'Sleeping well and getting enough sleep is a big part of being healthy, and really nice sheets help create a cozy bed,' she shares.

'Well-made sheets are a big part of part of being comfortable in bed, so find these and other ones you’ll love from the Martha Stewart collection.' We noticed some of her most beloved pieces are quietly reduced on Amazon now – with some of our favorites listed for under $40. They're some of the best sheets, duvets and pillows on the market at a surprisingly low price point.

Small room ideas may be limited in size, but they are some of my favorite spaces to decorate. We have curated our favorite small room trends to help turn that awkward room into something elegant and sophisticated, whatever its shape and proportions.

Though small rooms can present many design challenges, compact living has several benefits. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a larger space, with all the coziness and comfort associated with family living.

With a focus on enduring materials, sustainability, and design pieces with permanence, the latest interior design trends for small rooms in 2025 are anything but fashionable fads.

The best small room trends

One of the main advantages of a compact space is the convenient accessibility of everything needed. Easy maintenance is another bonus to having a small room.

Often people don’t know what to do with a small space. It can feel harder to transform than a large room, but it just takes planning. Some of my favorite spaces are small rooms – when done well they feel really tailored to the owner and the house.

My edit of the 2025 small room trends focuses on both the fresh ideas brought forward by designers as well as the long-lasting styles and influences that consistently remain at the heart of interior design.

1. Be bold with color drenching

For far too long, many homeowners would only decorate with white – and similarly pale colors – in small rooms believing that bright, bold colors would make the space feel overwhelming. However, these days, designers want us to be brave with our color choices. It makes for a more interesting space.

Bold color is one way to grow a space that physically has a small footprint. 'In this guest house, the small kitchen is narrow, so I wanted to make it a star,' says Matthew Boland, principal, of MMB Studio. 'The color – Sherwin-Williams’ Energetic Orange – grabs your attention and allows your eye to travel the entire length and height. The smallest spaces can be the most memorable if you keep the focus strong. Here, the focus was the paint color and we used it with vigor.'

2. Swap freestanding for bespoke-made fitted furniture

Fitted furniture works really well in smaller spaces because it can be more efficient than freestanding pieces that have gaps around them and it also looks more unified. In a tiny bedroom, for example, you might want to box in the bed with a fitted closet.

'I love bespoke joinery in a small space, but I think it looks really smart if you keep all the colors the same so it’s not broken up,' explains Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake.

This beautiful wall of bespoke joinery painted in a moody hue is hugely characterful and provides plenty of open and closed storage. ‘We used a deep smoky color on the walls and joinery of this north-facing space’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director for Sims Hilditch. ‘The aim was to embrace the darkness of this space, transforming it into a moody and cozy haven. Soft wall and overhead lighting add to the ambiance of this snug room.’

3. Use light-reflecting materials

The ongoing trend for luxe metals such as copper, brass, and steel has led to some eye-catching designs available. We are already seeing more designers opting for light-reflecting colors and materials in small rooms this year.

In this space, designed by Lucy Mayers, decorator, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, light-reflecting colors and materials work together to make a small kitchen look bigger.

'Using the same strong cabinetry color on walls and ceilings is an effective way to trick the eye, enhancing depth and height. To help balance the dark walls and cabinets, the choice of backsplash was of utmost importance. These porcelain tiles look like brass but are easier to clean and have a brilliant reflective quality, beefed up with under-cabinet lighting. The surface injects a real sense of glamour while helping to bounce light around the space. Avoid overdoing statement surfaces, sometimes having less of something can make it feel even more luxurious.'

It's a small room decor trend that we started noticing at the end of last year, and one that I expect will endure in 2025.

4. Layered lighting schemes instead of using the 'big light'

Illumination is one of the most important considerations when designing a small room scheme.

You have to pay close attention to lighting in small spaces, especially as they often lack natural light. If it’s a cozy bedroom, you can lean into the fact that the lighting is naturally darker.

In any space, always plan a layered lighting scheme so you have levels: a table lamp, a floor lamp, or something on the wall, as well as ceiling or wall lighting. A directional surface-mounted spotlight can work brilliantly in a low space, such as an attic bedroom, and I love a swing-arm wall light if there’s no space for a bedside table.

In rooms with low ceilings, flush mounts are great, as they don’t hang down. If you don’t have space for lots of lighting fixtures, consider joinery lighting, as it’s tucked away.

Personally, I love to enhance bijou spaces with one oversized fixture. The dramatic chandelier in the small living room of this Albion Nord-designed home adds intrigue.

Small rooms often benefit from larger-than-life elements – many people think a small space should be simple, but I think a small space needs more not less emphasis.

5. Delight with decorative details

Introducing decorative details, patterns, and color clashes will distract from a room feeling small, and ensure it feels cozy and inviting. Nothing should shout louder than anything else so that the eye is not drawn to one feature and the space will not feel too busy.

Eva Sonaike, creative director of Eva Sonaike shares my penchant for decorating with patterns in a small space.

'I like to play with patterns and colors in small rooms. For example, I might use patterned scatter cushions on a sofa alongside occasional chairs and poufs upholstered in fabrics of your choice. These themes can then be echoed in accessories such as ornaments with colorful designs.’

Little Greene's creative director, Ruth Mottershead, prefers to add decorative moments to the entrance of her home.

‘Small entryways can often be narrow with little natural light so consider using color and pattern to create a design scheme that brings warmth and light to the space,' she says. 'The hallway is a fantastic place to create a first impression for guests, but also the first area you enter when returning home, so consider how you want your home to make you feel: calm and cocooned or cheerful and vibrant? Don’t forget to consider the views into the hallway from other rooms, how much do you see and how will the design you choose for the hallway flow into the rest of the house?’

A small room provides a fantastic opportunity for experimentation. These oft-overlooked spaces are ripe for rediscovery, so mix patterns, clash colors, and go bold.

Shea McGee has been designing and creating thoughtful, sophisticated, and bespoke spaces for years, making her our go-to person when we need styling advice. Having founded her studio over ten years ago, Shea understands the importance of practicality, yet never neglects her elegant aesthetic. Her guidance is always refreshingly useful and easy to replicate in your own home.

Shea has once again delivered and provided us with her top tips for how to style a bed. Focusing on the main feature in the room, she talks through her bed-making process and the importance of the quilt. 'When you’re building a bed you need to know how you like to sleep and also the environment that you’re in. I am going to show you how to use a quilt on your bed in two different ways,' she says.

We're all guilty of being somewhat conventional when making a bed and not using it to really elevate the bedroom. But Shea's tips allow you to switch up your usual bed display with her go-to quilt styling methods.

Put the quilt underneath the duvet for a pop of pattern

Shea starts with a more unconventional way of styling the bed – putting the quilt underneath the duvet. Whilst this may sound strange, it's actually a clever way of emphasizing the duvet itself, which is enhanced by the little peek of the quilt.

First, Shea says to tuck in the quilt, by 'bringing it up quite far so that when I fold my duvet I get a little slither of this quilt pattern showing.' Remember to pull the quilt up the pillows to ensure it's not entirely covered by the duvet.

The beauty of this hack is its versatility. Shea chooses a floral block print design for her quilt and says 'I love the pattern and color palette of it. But you could go solid, you could go stripe, there are so many options.' Shea opts for a complimentary duvet color, which she describes as 'a really beautiful rust color.'

Arranging the duvet, she says, 'I’m going to pull the duvet cover so you get the reveal of the bed frame and you get draping around the bed.' This will prevent the bed from being entirely covered and allow the frame to complement the bedding. Focusing on the top of the duvet, Shea says 'You can do a fold in half' but she prefers to use a forward and back motion to get an 'extra fluffy band across the bed.'

Position the quilt on top of the duvet for a bolder scheme

The second look is likely more familiar to you. It's a classic style that we all know and love. Shea shows us the styling process of her bed, but this time with the quilt on top.

Shea is clear that she doesn't have one go-to style and likes to style beds both ways. Referring to the quilt, she says, 'This look is all about the pattern, so you just choose what the focus is.' If, like Shea, you have a block duvet and a patterned quilt and wish to create an overall color-blocked look, then the first style is best for you. 'The other way is more about saturated color, having a bold moment with the rust.' she says.

However, if you want to bring pattern and delicacy to the bed, then bring your quilt forward. 'Here it's all about the pattern and the color of the quilt.' Style your patterned quilt with matching pillows, or position some contrasting, bright-colored cushions for a pretty clash of pattern and color.

'So go either way.' says Shea. Remember to consider the overall design goal and what the bedroom may need aesthetically and always invest in the best sheets you can afford to work as the perfect base.

'I always use a duvet personally because I like the fluffiness that it adds and it’s cozy to sleep with. However, if you really wanted to you could just do a coverlet but you need to know that it’s going to look very flat. And for me, a luxurious bed has layers and some of that down fluffiness that really adds to the look,' is Shea's last piece of advice.

Shea's quilt styling tips are small but mighty. Despite being easy to implement, her tips can drastically change the feel of your bedroom and provide you with a sometimes much-needed refresh.

When decorating the smallest rooms in a home, it can be tempting to opt for a reserved palette of light neutral paints, in an attempt to offset the room's limited proportions and create an 'airy' feel.

However, we're advocating for a more daring approach in 2025. Switching things up entirely and going for dark paints, specifically black paints, can be one of the most effective uses of color in small rooms.

Not only can black paints help to create a cozy space, but they can actually feel calming, according to Tash Bradley, Lick's Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist. If you're looking to switch up the paint ideas in any small space this year, read on to learn why Tash recommends going bold.

Why should you decorate with black in small rooms?

'Black doesn’t have to be a daunting, scary color to use when it comes to decorating. It’s actually super versatile, it’s a really calming color,' Tash tells me.

Granted, black probably isn't the first color to come to mind when you think of the most relaxing colors. Easily conjuring images of high-contrast, harsh interior schemes that are far from soothing, black can indeed feel jarring in certain contexts. However, when used thoughtfully, Tash assures me that warm black paints (the undertones are key) can make for a gentle and restful room.

'The way that we see color is light. Black absorbs all of the light rays and so anything that you layer on top of black will become the focal point. So it’s a really powerful color if you have a statement sofa, bed, or artwork – anything that you want to draw attention to,' explains Tash.

'Having black as your backdrop can be one of the best things to do. It makes for a very calming space, allowing the eye to be drawn to those other objects in the room,' the color expert adds.

While black can make for an undeniably powerful color choice in many rooms, small rooms are where this bold hue can really come to life. In these space-restricted rooms, you can easily lean into a moody, cozy feel, while allowing the larger and more social spaces in your home to feel brighter.

'Small spaces in the house tend to be the rooms that you don’t use all the time,' continues Tash. 'So they tend to be a downstairs bathroom, a pantry, a utility room, a guest bedroom, or wardrobes. I always feel these spaces lend themselves to going a bit bolder and a bit darker. The bigger, larger rooms I like to keep lighter, and so the smaller rooms go darker – then you're creating this wonderful movement throughout the house playing with different weights and tones of colors. It creates this very designed look when you're going from room to room.'

How to decorate with black stylishly

'It can look incredible when decorated in the right way,' Tash assures of using black paint. While working with light neutral paint colors can feel less daunting and a lot safer when it comes to avoiding decorating mistakes, the right shade of black paint can do wonders for any small room in your home.

The first decorating tip from Tash is to opt for a black paint color with warm undertones rather than anything too cool or harsh. 'Our Black 02 has that red undertone so it has that warmth to it which looks lovely on all of the walls,' she says.

Color-drenching ideas can come into play here too. This paint trend achieves a cohesive space that avoids harsh contrasts, creating a cocooning look that tends to feel cozier. However, Tash adds that you can always opt for a warm white paint color for the ceiling if you don't want to go too bold:

'Include your woodwork, so paint that in black, and if you are worried about light, go for a soft warm white, so White 05 on the ceiling that will just help reflect more natural light around the room.'

You should consider your paint finishes too, warns Tash. Sheened paints are a good way to go since they help reflect light throughout the space, whereas matte finishes can appear flat: 'If you choose it in an eggshell finish, again that’s got more of a sheen so it will help reflect more natural light,' adds Tash.

While black may not be the first color you reach for when decorating a small room, we'd encourage you to try it out this year. You may just find it's the perfect way to create a cozy and moody space that packs a punch.

On the peaceful shores of a natural lake, with the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains not far away, this luxurious cabin home sits comfortably in its South Carolina landscape.

The lakeside home was built in 2023, its house design and aesthetic are inspired both by luxurious cabin and rustic modern styles. The owners planned to use the lakeside retreat as a place to vacation, unwind, enjoy nature, and entertain family and friends. To get the results they were after they called in interior designer Brad Ramsey, who had worked on their four previous properties.

'The goal was to design and build a comfortable yet modern lake house that would be functional for their large family, with indoor-outdoor living and plenty of space to hang out when entertaining,' says designer Brad. Take the tour, as he explains how he gave cozy cabin decor a luxurious, contemporary twist for this new-build home.

'The owners gave me a lot of free rein on what to do,' says Brad. 'I guided them through my plan to make the house textural, comfortable, and relaxed in order to balance the modernity and they pretty much went with all of my selections.'

Living room ideas here in the great room certainly showcase a comfort-filled rustic look, creating a calm environment for anyone lucky enough to spend time here.

Throughout the house, Brad and his team say they tried to be intentional about designing with colors and materials that complement the natural elements outside. 'The result is a house that seamlessly flows between the indoors and outdoors,' he adds. 'It feels as much like it is set in the woods as it does set on a lake, so we really tried to strike a balance between the two.'

This architectural space makes a big impression. Huge steel-framed windows, rafter beams, and a fireplace in Lake James North Carolina stone veneer and limestone accents with a 6ft opening, all add up to the perfect open-plan living room for entertaining and relaxing.

'The great room is open to the kitchen, dining, and exterior porch so, we tried to create as much seating as possible,' explains Brad. 'Probably the best seat in the house is the custom chaise we had made by Hallman Furniture to float in front of the window. It is the perfect nap place with the best lake views.

'Of all the spaces in the house, I am most fond of the massive covered upper porch that has powered screens so the space can be completely open, or screened off. This allows the fold-away doors in the dining room to be opened completely, which essentially doubles the living and entertaining space.'

Brad admits that when he received the plans for the home he was initially concerned about the volume of the space considering the home's relatively small footprint. However, by giving careful consideration to his kitchen ideas he overcame that: 'We decided to shiplap the ceiling and surrounding walls just up in the highest portion of the kitchen,' explains Brad. 'This brings some warmth to the space, but also avoids it feeling like a huge white void.'

The result? Cabin coziness, with a balance of luxury – it's what this project is all about.

Rift cut white oak cabinets from Grabill Custom Cabinets, topped with Cambria countertops in Inverness Frost Matte, and a Kitchen Aid range and hood, all add up to an envy-worthy kitchen that exudes style, practicality and comfort.

For his dining room ideas designer Brad opted for a huge handmade dining table from ClubCu, softening it with slipcovered chairs that provide comfortable seating for 10.

'To balance all of the other linear angular lines in the space, we added the large scale Vines chandelier from Sonneman to bring back the nature-inspired, organic feel,' adds Brad.

Every bedroom in the house is an ensuite, so the powder room just services the main entertaining spaces.

'We wanted to make it memorable and fell in love with Arte's Hover wallpaper with the flying cranes on it. It is just the right amount of quirky, while also honoring the vibe of the rest of the house and a whimsical nod to the animal life found on the lake,' says Brad.

The vanity was custom-made by Grabill with leather drawer-pulls sourced online. The mirror is from Arteriors.

The second story of the house was designed for the homeowners' three daughters, each with their own ensuite, and a separate sitting area with a TV.

'The colors, materials, and selections we used stay neutral and textural like the rest of the house,' says Brad, 'but instead of the green and brown accents, there are soft peach, pink and blue tones that reflect each of the girls' personalities.'

Among the designer's bedroom ideas for this peach-toned room are a bed, nightstands, and artwork by Four Hands, with lamps by Visual Comfort. The walls are painted in Sherwin Williams' Origami White shade. The rug is from Loloi.

'The primary bedroom suite has been turned into the perfect sanctuary for the vacationing homeowners,' says Brad.

The designer's carefully considered main bedroom ideas encompass modern elements, such as the paneled bed wall, but also soft and welcoming touches with the rest of the textile, color, and furnishing selections. With such a stunning view of the lake, there's no need to overpower or overcomplicate the space, but the artwork from Elysian Tree Study Photography is the perfect choice to merge the outside and inside worlds.

At the opposite side of this bathroom is a floating vanity in oak that warms up the expansive space. But the bath is the real showstopper here.

'Sitting in a niche that offers sunset views of the lake and a place to unwind, the tub is perfectly placed,' says designer Brad.

Which brings us back to the starting point for this home – its stunning lakeside setting, and creating a balance between the natural world outside, and the practical realities of the inside of this home. How do you balance the two, and how do you maximize the enjoyment of both spaces? Getting that right was crucial.

'It was incredibly important for our client to have usable outdoor spaces. They come to vacation at this house to be outside, on the lake, and entertain,' says designer Brad. 'The lower and upper levels each live differently with the upper porch relating to the main living and dining with its fireplace and grilling area. The lower porch is adjacent to the pool and walking distance from the dock on the lake. It has a bar, large seating area to get out of the sun and a custom swing for lazing around on nice days.'

Two porches on two levels, serving two different purposes? We think that's the perfect solution.

Interior design: Brad Ramsey Interiors
Photography: Inspiro8 Studios/Rebecca Lehde

Princess Diana had one. George Michael had one. All 350 first-class cabins (and 39 suites) on the Titanic had one. You'll find a Vispring mattress in high-end hotels, from the Dorchester to the Beverley Hills Hotel, as well as the homes of elite athletes, A-List actors, and members of the nobility.

Vispring invented and perfected the pocket-sprung system for pressure relief. Since 1901, they've been making natural, non-toxic mattresses in all shapes and sizes. If you're prepared to pay for it, Vispring will make you a mattress with cut-out corners to fit around a four poster, curved ends for a French bed, or slanted edges to fit into nooks and crannies in yachts or private jets.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I've traveled the world to see how a mattress is made. I've visited a vertical manufacturing facility in Glendale, Arizona, and a small family-run factory in Köping, Sweden. Today, I'm heading to London, England, to visit the Vispring mattress showroom and try the best luxury mattress for myself.

My visit to the Vispring mattress showroom

Before we begin, a quick disclaimer concerning costs. You'll read some reports that a Vispring mattress costs $10,000: no, $50,000: even as much as $100,000. The truth is that the price of a Vispring mattress depends on the exact model and size you select. For the most up-to-date information on pricing, I suggest you request a Vispring brochure.

I asked Andrew Soule, Showroom Manager at the Vispring Flagship Store, to tell me what makes a Vispring mattress so special. According to Andrew, it's what's on the inside that counts. Inside each Vispring mattress, you'll find hundreds of springs, arranged in a pocket spring system. Each spring is wrapped in fabric and individually pocketed, so when you apply pressure to one spring, the others aren't affected. This minimizes motion transfer (good news for couples and light sleepers) and provides pressure relief for aches and pains.

Depending on the mattress model, you might find one, two, or three layers of springs inside a Vispring mattress. Whether other mattress brands buy their springs from wholesale suppliers, Vispring makes their own at their factory in Plymouth. That's where bespoke mattresses are made, using no fewer than 74 spring types and 9 wire gauges to create a soft, medium, firm, or extra-firm feel. If you share a bed with someone who prefers a different mattress firmness, you can commission a dual-firmness mattress: soft and medium; medium and firm; or firm and extra-firm. Remember, there's a difference between US and UK beds: British beds tend to feel firmer and their size system is a little confusing.

Surrounding the springs, you'll find 100% British wool. Andrew estimates that Vispring uses four full sheep fleeces per mattress. Wool makes a great thermoregulator, so it's good for hot sleepers, especially those who suffer from night sweats. According to the Woolroom Clean Sleep Report, organic wool is naturally moisture-wicking, able to absorb up to 33% of its weight in water (or sweat) to keep your body and your bed clean and dry.

Vispring only uses natural, non-toxic materials for deep, clean sleep. Andrew explains that horsetail adds a million more springs, enhancing bounce and making it easier to get into and out of bed. Bamboo adds strength and Turkish cotton adds sheen to the mattress cover, while hypoallergenic silk feels luxurious and soft on your skin. Vicuña wool adds warmth, while mohair and cashmere add a touch of luxury. No fiberglass or chemical treatments, here: Vispring uses M-Pure, made with biologically-based ingredients, as a natural fire retardant.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I'm often asked: 'what is the best mattress firmness?' My answer varies depending on a whole host of factors: how much you weigh; how you tend to lie on the bed; whether you suffer from aches and pains. Over the past two decades in the luxury mattress industry, Andrew says he knows just how firm a mattress should feel.

'The ideal mattress firmness is one that lets you slide your hand under the hollow of your back with just a bit of resistance, says Andrew: 'not too easily, but not completely blocked, either. This balance helps keep your spine properly aligned, relieving pressure points and preventing sagging. It also ensures that the mattress contours to your back's natural curves without feeling overly soft or uncomfortably firm.'

Andrew says that 'people often mistake firmness for support. A soft mattress can be supportive, as long as it contours to your shape and follows your natural curves. Perfect support is when your spine is straight and your entire body is evenly supported. If your mattress is too soft, then your spine will bow downwards, creating pressure around the hips. Too firm, and your spine will bow upwards, causing pressure around the shoulders and knees.'

For the full Vispring experience, you should set your mattress on a branded divan: a special sort of bed frame, founded on pocket springs, set within a timber frame, and finished with coir, cotton, horsehair, and wool. If you like, you can even supply your own fabric for the headboard, as long as it passes Vispring's fire tests.

A Vispring bed is truly bespoke: you can choose whether to incorporate drawers into the bed base, how high or low to set the legs on the divan, what pattern or print to put on the headboard. 'We can make divans in four sections to negotiate narrow or spiral staircases,' says Andrew: no request is too big or too small. I ask Andrew whether shoppers ever feel spoiled for choice, and he nods: that's why it's so important to visit a showroom and get the expert insights of a Vispring employee, he says.

As a matter of fact, you can't buy a Vispring mattress online: you need to visit a mattress showroom, so that you can try each mattress firmness in turn and work out which feels best for you. Within moments of my walking through the door, Andrew had assessed my height and weight to recommend me a soft mattress.

If you follow the weight guide advice you receive in-store, you should end up with the right mattress tension. If you decide to pick a different tension, and regret that decision within the first 90 days of use, you can switch to something softer: that's the Vispring comfort promise.

'We don't sell people what they want, we sell them what they need,' says Andrew. 'A Vispring mattress is a major investment, so you want to get it right the first time.' I ask Andrew how to test a mattress, the Vispring way. He asks prospective shoppers to try each mattress for at least 10 minutes. If you're feeling shy on the shop floor, you can retreat downstairs to a discreet second showroom (the 'Secret Wardrobe') with dim lighting and cozy blankets. Andrew recommends you lie on the mattress properly in the position you normally sleep in. Don't perch on the side or press your hand against the surface and expect to get a good feel for the mattress.

Is a Vispring mattress worth it?

Vispring's most expensive mattress, the Diamond Majesty, retails for around $100,000 for a Queen. Even if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't buy it − because I personally felt more comfortable on the Regal Superb, which goes for more like $10,000. If I slept on a Regal Superb mattress every night for seven years (the average lifespan of a mattress, but likely a Vispring would last far beyond that), that works out to $4 a day. Some people spend more on their morning coffee.

When you're buying a mattress, it's less about the size of the investment and more about how long that investment will last. Vispring offers a 30-year mattress warranty, whereas the industry standard is more like 10 years. Andrew tells me that most customers return after 20 years, but some Vispring mattresses are much older. I heard about Vispring customers who sleep in the same bed for 30, 40, 50 years, hoping to pass down their mattress to their children or grandchildren. If you can find the right tension, I think a Vispring mattress is a worthy investment.

We all want our bedroom to act as a calming haven at the end of a long day, and when you're a busy, high-profile member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, you take your sleep sanctuary very seriously indeed.

Kendall Jenner's bedroom in her Mulholland Estates home is exactly the peaceful, minimalist space you'd expect, right down to the intentional styling of her nightstand. The curated vignette is visually calming, but besides its aesthetic beauty, sleep experts say it could teach us a vital lesson about the importance of a minimalist, clutter-free nightstand.

If the surface next to your bed is currently host to dirty mugs, paperwork, or empty food or cosmetic packets, take Jenner's bedside table idea as a sign to rethink your tabletop. After all, a tidy space really does equal a tidy mind.

Shop the look

Jenner is the epitome of the viral 'clean-girl' aesthetic, so it's hardly surprising that her minimalist bedroom is the interior design equivalent. The earthy, tonal space feels so serene with its arched doorway, wooden beams, and sumptuous taupe scheme, all of which offer a delicate contrast to her black nightstand.

For most of us, the bedside table is something of an afterthought, but that's clearly not the case for Jenner. Instead, the dark, elegant piece of furniture acts as a great focal point in her warm-beige bedroom.

'The understated design seamlessly ties in the dark curtain rod and wooden ceiling beams, adding a grounding element to the space,' explains interior designer Elana Mendelson. 'Its rectilinear form contrasts beautifully with the soft, inviting curves of the bed and lounge chair, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes.'

Jenner's eye for styling is evident, too, with the blue table lamp and a small vase of burgundy foliage offering a delicate splash of color in the otherwise neutral room. According to Elana, simple touches like these add character and soften a space. 'The result is a space that feels thoughtfully curated yet effortlessly comfortable,' she says.

But there's more to a minimalist nightstand than aesthetics alone. A visually clean, clutter-free tabletop could actually help us to sleep better – according to science.

'Having a minimalist, clutter-free nightstand can make a surprising difference in how well you relax before bed,' explains Dr. Shelby Harris, Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. 'When your space feels calm and organized, your mind is more likely to follow suit, helping you unwind after a busy day. '

A cluttered nightstand, on the other hand, can trigger anxiety or distractions before sleep. If you lay your eyes on paperwork at night, for example, you're unlikely to relax. 'Stick to just the essentials – like a small lamp, a good book, or maybe a glass of water,' says Dr Harris. 'Keeping things simple creates a sleep-friendly vibe and helps set the tone for a restful night.'

It seems that Jenner's showroom-worthy nightstand is more than just a pretty face. Minimalist nightstand styling is, in fact, the answer to a more serene, sleep-inducing space that results in a better night's rest. If there was ever a reason to give your bedside table a tidy-up, this was it.

As we step into 2025, now's the perfect time to set practical resolutions that will help make your home cleaner, fresher, and easier to maintain.

Professional cleaners have shared seven tasks – both big and small – that they think are the perfect ways to transform your home and your cleaning habits over the next 365 days and beyond.

From creating easy routines for high-traffic areas, to finally tackling those hidden spots that gather dust, these resolutions will help you create an achievable cleaning routine today that will last all year.

New Year's resolutions for a cleaner home in 2025

A good thing to remember going into these cleaning resolutions is that they can be worked on throughout the year, rather than piling all the pressure on yourself in January, or, worse, trying to reset after hosting a New Year's Eve party in a hurry.

Chipping away at your house-cleaning goals will helps you clean without feeling overwhelmed, meaning your new habits are more likely to stick long term.

1. Incorporate the 1-in-1-out rule

If your main home issue is building clutter and has an increased need for frequent clear-outs, try the one-in-one-out method as your New Year resolution.

Ashley Kider, cleaning expert and COO at Dashing Maids explains, ‘When you buy something for the home, get rid of something you already had. The best thing you can do to keep your house orderly is to reduce the number of things you have to clean and clean around.’

This is also a great closet decluttering tip, helping you avoid piles of clothes you barely wear anymore. For more, visit our fabulous decluttering library.

2. Start closing shifts

If you find yourself overwhelmed first thing and struggling to organize your morning routine, or you would prefer to wake up to a tidier house generally, then consider adding a closing shift routine to your resolutions list.

Ashley Kider, cleaning expert continues, ‘Put the house to bed. At the end of the day, before you crawl into bed, tidy up the home. This will look different for everyone but it should not take more than five to 15 minutes and will make all the difference in your mood when you wake up the next day.

‘Some things you can do are emptying the kitchen sink or running the dishwasher, wiping down counters, generally tidying the home (putting miscellaneous things away where they belong so the surfaces are cleared, or sweeping the kitchen floors.’

If you have run out of energy, keep a decluttering desire path style drop basket so you can clear your surfaces into it, and return tomorrow to put things away.

3. Set the goal to do a full declutter

If you would rather set yourself a challenge, rather than a habit change, you could go for a whole house declutter. This will look different to everyone. Some might like to attempt to declutter a whole house in one day (although organizing experts generally advise against this lest you end up decluttering when you feel overwhelmed), while others might like to try the different day, different room housekeeping schedule instead.

Either way, Marla Mock, president at Molly Maid USA explains that ‘Setting a goal to declutter your home in the new year will ensure a clean and comfortable space year-round. Clutter is the result of procrastination, and causes unnecessary stress and anxiety, so start your year on the right foot by tackling this head-on.

‘Though the task may seem daunting, dividing up the tasks by category will make it more manageable. For example, go through your clothes first, then food, papers, etc.’

4. Start a sanitizing routine

If you find yourself always trying to clean a house when you’re too busy, you can set a resolution to focus on target hygiene and create a good cleaning routine from there, suggests Ashley Kider, cleaning expert. Why not start by tackling the things to clean in January, for example.

They say, ‘Schedule weekly reminders on your phone to sanitize your phone, car keys, and high-touch points throughout your home (such as light switches, door handles, cabinet handles, and stair railing).

'It only takes a few minutes to wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaning solution and a microfiber towel. Cleaning these surfaces will reduce the likelihood of sickness among your household ensuring a happy and healthy 2025.’

5. Start small

If you find that you always start with good intentions but your cleaning habits drop off throughout the year, set a resolution to start with small cleaning tips and build up to bigger tasks. This way, you are more likely to stick to your new daily cleaning habits for a tidier home.

Carolina Kazimierski, Co-Owner and President of Sophia’s Cleaning Service says, ‘My top tip for these types of resolutions is to keep it super simple and easy to stick to. Your resolution can be your starting point – there's really no need to set huge, ambitious goals.

'I've found these are usually the type that people fail to keep up on. Setting a smaller goal like cleaning the bathroom for 15 minutes every evening is going to be so much easier to stay consistent and make a habit, and you can build different cleaning routines from there.’

A good example of this, Marla Mock, cleaning expert, says is to ‘Make it a goal for the new year to make your bed every day. Not only does it make your room look more organized and create a comfortable space to return to at the end of the day, but research has proven that this small accomplishment sets a positive pace for your day.’

Skipping making the bed is something people with tidy homes never do.

6. Make to-do lists more purposeful

If you are always making to-do lists but finding them overwhelming and never end up ticking them off, everything off, it might be a good idea to work on how you use them, suggests Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Cleaning.

She recommends, ‘breaking larger cleaning tasks into smaller, doable goals to avoid burnout. List one or two things to tackle each week – whether it’s cleaning vents, dusting baseboards, or decluttering a specific area. This will make it easier to track progress and keep motivation high.

‘Bonus points if you choose green cleaning products or DIY cleaning solutions to keep your cleaning resolutions as eco-conscious as possible.’

7. Clean as you go

If you spend too much time on chores per week and want to develop smart habits to spend less time cleaning and detox your cleaning routine for the new year, consider making it a goal to clean as you go, suggests Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert.

‘It may sound simple, but cleaning as you go can keep the home feeling fresh every day. Whether it’s rinsing dishes right after use or wiping countertops while cooking, small actions make a big impact. To help form this habit, try setting a timer for a quick, daily 10-minute tidy-up – this approach makes cleaning manageable and sustainable.’

Perfect this habit, and you might finally end up enjoying chore-free weekends.

Pairing these cleaning tricks with the New Year’s resolutions you need to stay organized will result in a perfectly tidy, easy-to-manage property this time next year – and who doesn't love that.

Next, learn how to embrace the Japanese cleaning tradition of Oosouji for the New Year.

If you're hosting overnight guests over the holiday period then a sleeper sofa is going to be prime real estate in your home as of next week.

Whether it’s close family or surprise guests, your multi-functional spaces often become the unsung heroes of the season. But knowing how to style a sleeper sofa to make it exude the same level of sophistication as the rest of your interiors – and your own bed – can be hard to master.

To help you create a home away from home for your loved ones we've sought the help of the experts to divulge their very best sleep-inducing tips.

How to style a sleeper sofa

'When hosting this Christmas, styling a sofa bed is all about blending comfort and functionality with subtle festive charm,' says Rhiannon Masters, head of brand at Piglet in Bed.

From selecting the right textiles to perfecting the art of accessorizing, these expert-backed tricks will make your sleeper sofa look more expensive while ensuring your guests feel like they’re staying at a boutique hotel. Sleepover season has never looked so chic.

1. Treat it like any sofa during the day

Your sleeper sofa doesn’t have to scream “guest bed” when it’s not in use. So treat the sleeper sofa as a permanent part of your design rather than a temporary fix to help you host guests without a guest room.

'A sleeper sofa should be treated and styled like any other sofa to ensure it feels intentional and cohesive within your space,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.

'Pair it with side tables and lamps to create balance and provide practical surfaces for lighting and decor. Beautiful throw pillows in a mix of textures and patterns can soften the look and add personality,' she adds. A high-quality rug can also anchor the sofa in the room and help it feel like a more cohesive part of the design.

2. Choose bedding wisely

Investing in beautiful, well-made bedding rather than pulling something from the back of the linen cupboard shows your guests that their comfort isn’t an afterthought.

Start with breathable, high-thread-count sheets, and avoid old, mismatched bedding; instead, opt for a set that coordinates with your room’s decor – whether that room is your living room, office, or family room. And be sure to get them the best pillow and comforter you can afford.

'Scalloped detailing on bed linens and trimmings adds a charming touch that effortlessly elevates the overall aesthetic,' suggests designer Gray Walker. 'This design element strikes a perfect balance between whimsy and timeless elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both playful and sophisticated.'

3. Add layers of cozy textures

You don't want your guests to feel like they're staying on a makeshift bed but instead a guest room that feels inviting, cozy, and thoughtful.

'Start with layers of cozy textures,' adds Rhiannon from Piglet in Bed. 'Think luxury linen sheets, wool blankets in warm earthy tones paired with accent cushions that echo the feels of the season – rich greens, deep reds, and striped patterned accents.'

'For a truly inviting touch, drape a linen quilted throw or a knitted blanket of your choice across the foot of the bed,' she continues. 'This adds a cozy farmhouse feel with a modern twist and is also practical for those colder nights when your guests want to pull over an extra layer.'

4. Don't forget pattern and color

'People often set up a sofa bed with basic bedding, plain sheets, a duvet, and pillows, however, we’d suggest dressing your sofa bed in the same way you would any other bed,' Rhiannon continues.

'Texture paired with pattern adds depth and nostalgic charm which will make your guests feel a sense of homeliness.' Pattern and color bring personality and charm to your sofa, making it feel intentionally styled.

Even if the sleeper sofa itself is neutral, adding bold cushions or throws can completely change its vibe. Stripes, plaids, and florals are versatile prints that can fit a range of interior design styles while feeling festive enough for the holidays.

5. Finish with little luxuries

In order to be a really great host, try to predict their needs and mimic the experience of a luxury hotel with sleep-ready scents, a stack of books, and even fresh flowers.

'So your guests feel more special than ever, keep a small side table nearby with essentials like a carafe of water, a scented candle, and a phone charger to create that home-from-home experience,' suggests Rhiannon.

Not everyone likes to sleep at the same temperature so provide a basket of extra blankets and throw cushions. Blackout blinds are essential but often forgotten in rooms that aren't typically used for sleeping, like a home office that doubles as a guest room and dimmable lamps provide both ambiance and reading light.

'Don’t forget to layer in accents like a cozy throw, a nearby floor lamp, or a small piece of art to create a polished, inviting space,' Marie advices. 'These final, thoughtful touches help your sleeper sofa feel like a centerpiece rather than an afterthought.'

Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or just preparing for impromptu visitors, your guests will appreciate all the effort you’ve put into making their stay special.

The countdown to Christmas is on, and celebrations are in full swing. The late nights and the big meals make a welcome change from the daily grind, but they might be impacting your sleep quality.

I asked an expert panel of bedding designers and sleep scientists how to sleep better in cold weather. Their advice ranges from making easy, affordable upgrades to better insulating your bedroom to investing in warm bedding to see you through the winter.

Cold weather sleeping mistakes − how to fix your sleep routine

These are just a few of the cold-weather sleeping mistakes you might be making. My expert panel offers simple steps to get better sleep in cold weather, so that you can keep warm in bed this winter.

1. Not switching to your winter duvet

'Before you drop hundreds of dollars on a space heater, I would first recommend looking at your current bedding and seeing if it's suitable for the winter,' says Chris Ailey, Founder of Laud Sleep. 'If you're wondering when to switch to a winter comforter, I can't give you a set answer. It depends what the weather is like and how hot or cool you tend to run.'

If you're struggling to sleep in the cold, you need the best warm comforter. Feather and down are best for retaining heat, and all the little air pockets create natural loft for a nice, puffy bedspread. If you're allergic to feathers, you should consider down alternatives: this could look like anything from moisture-wicking wool to cozy microfiber fills.

Once you've settled on a fill type, it's time to work out which duvet tog you need. 'Tog' stands for 'thermal overall grading' and it's a measure of how warm a duvet will keep you, on a relative scale of 1 to 15. Chris says that 'A 13.5 tog duvet is typically the best option for the winter or anything above 10 as a good rule of thumb. Exactly where your duvet insert falls on that scale could depend on the temperature of your bedroom and how cold you get during the night.'

Then, if you're still cold, you can consider adding a heated mattress pad for extra cozy warmth, or adjust your heating to the perfect thermostat setting for sleep.

2. Sleeping under synthetic materials

'The materials you sleep in can greatly affect your comfort and restfulness,' says Sam Tamlyn, Sleep Expert at Shutterly Fabulous. 'Natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, are better at regulating body temperature and keeping you warmer throughout the night.'

Out of all the bed sheet types, polyester is the worst for cold sleepers and winter weather. 'Polyester traps moisture,' explains Sam, 'which can leave you feeling colder.' You're looking for moisture-wicking materials to move sweat away from your body and out of your bed.

3. Leaving the windows open

'While ventilation is important, windows shouldn't be opened for more than 10 minutes a day in very cold temperatures,' says Sam. 'Leaving windows open during cold weather can significantly lower your room temperature, making it difficult to stay warm.'

'Thermal curtains or shutters are great for providing an extra layer of insulation,' Sam continues, 'allowing you to keep your windows open for slightly longer without impacting room temperature too much.'

Chris concurs that 'cold temperatures can detrimentally affect your REM sleep state, which is important for learning, memory, and emotional processing. Keeping the room temperature slightly warm is important for more than just comfort.'

'However, it's also important not to be too warm during sleep,' says Chris. It's a fine balance: 'If you do need some extra coolness in the room, crack the window open slightly, or invest in a room fan for a light breeze.'

'Your choice of sleepwear is also important, as well as the materials they are made out of,' says Chris. 'Polyester, for example, can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort, so you should look into some more comfortable nightwear to suit your needs.'

'You can also try adding extra layers to your bed during really cold nights, so consider looking into thick wool blankets for enhanced warmth and comfort overnight.'

The long, cold nights are creeping in, and getting into and out of bed is becoming close to unbearable. I live in an eighteenth-century apartment unit with terrible insulation. My bedroom is boiling over summer and freezing in the winter. Out of necessity, I've picked up tips and tricks to keep warm in bed over winter.

Of course, I could just put my hand in my pocket and pay for more heating, but that feels like an expensive short-term solution. I'd rather invest in the best warm bedding and work out ways to insulate my bedroom on a budget, so I can feel warmer throughout the winter weather.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I've been lucky enough to sample some of the world's best bedding. I've cuddled up under the best comforters, snuggled under the best bed sheets, and made my bed with the best blankets. I've sorted through my linen closet to bring you the best warm bedding to help you make the switch between the seasons.

How to keep warm in bed over winter − expert tips and tricks

I've shopped at all the best places to buy bedding to bring you the pieces that suit every bedroom and every budget. Still, some of the best ways to keep warm in bed over winter are totally free. Take a warm bath or shower before bed: fill a hot water bottle or wrap your feet in a pair of cozy bed socks. Something as simple as moving around in bed should help to generate heat and keep you warm.

1. Switch to a winter duvet

As a sleep writer, I'm regarded as a bedding authority amongst my friends and family. Every year, they ask me when to switch to a winter comforter. My answer varies depending on where you live and whether you tend to run hot or cold. I'm a hot sleeper, so I wait until the last possible moment to switch from my best cooling comforter to something warmer for winter.

Here's how to choose a duvet for winter. Favor thicker fills made from dense natural fibers, such as down, feather, and wool. Size up from a Full to a Queen or a Queen to a King to achieve an oversized drape for extra warmth on either side of the bed. If you're wondering, 'what duvet tog do I need?', then make sure to consult our expert guide before you buy.

I've ranked and reviewed six of the best warm comforters for cold sleepers and winter weather. My favorite fill type is down for cozy comfort and natural loft, but you might prefer the natural thermoregulation of wool, silk, bamboo or eucalyptus.

2. Buy warm bed sheets

Certain bed sheet types are more suitable for cold sleepers and winter weather. For natural thermoregulation and moisture-wicking, I favor brushed cotton, wool, and bamboo. You want something that can keep you warm without overheating. Polyester microfiber makes an affordable alternative, but it's not the best for night sweats: the shiny fabric isn't very absorbent.

It's not all a matter of materials: the way in which the fabric is woven informs the look and feel of the sheet. For example, cotton sateen is a nice, tight weave (three-threads-over, one-thread-under), which traps more heat than looser weaves, such as cotton percale (one-thread-over, one-thread-under).

You can also use the hotel method to layer bedding and stay warm without turning up the heating, which will work even better when paired with the perfect thermostat setting for sleep.

3. Switch on your electric blanket

If you tried to upgrade to warmer bedding for winter, and you're still shivering, then it could be time to turn up the temperature with an electric blanket or heated mattress pad.

Sure, you could pick up a heated blanket from your local home retailer, but it's worth spending a little more money to get some special features. I've seen electric blankets with adjustable heat settings and automatic shut-off.

The best heated blankets are pretty, as well as practical. You want something that looks just as good spread over the end of your bed as it does draped over the arm of your sofa or chair.

4. Better insulate your bedroom

By this, I don't mean that you need to rip open the walls and start laying down insulation rolls. There are plenty of easy and affordable ways to make your bedroom feel warmer in winter.

I like to open my bedroom window in the mornings to let fresh air circulate around the room. It's part of my morning routine at the height of summer or the depths of winter but I make sure to close my window at least an hour before I go to bed. For extra insulation, swap your blinds for heavy curtains. That way, you can block out light and noise and retain heat to create a warm and cozy sleep space.

Seal drafts around doors and windows using Rubber Weatherstrip Seals, like these ones from Walmart, and close your bedroom door before you sleep. For more inspiration, it's worth learning how to keep a bedroom warm without heating.

Alternatively, you can also move your bed placement to stay warm at night, away from any exterior walls and windows.

Whether you're in the middle of a remodel, or you're simply looking to switch up the look and feel of your bedroom for the colder seasons, you need to know: 'how do I make my bedroom cozy?' Play with color, texture, and lighting to create a beautiful boudoir.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I get thousands of emails every week from marketing professionals, pitching the latest sleep product they say will change my life. Over time, I've learned to tune out a lot of the jargon and get my hands on the product as soon as possible, so I can test it on its own merits.

Here's a snippet from one recent email that caught my attention. 'I represent Eight Sleep, the world's first sleep fitness company, trusted by Mark Zuckerberg and Lewis Hamilton. They've recently launched the Pod 4, a cutting-edge smart mattress topper with built-in tech for active heating and cooling, heart rate monitoring, HRV, sleep stage tracking, and more.'

It felt too good to be true. I'm in the middle of a deep dive into the world's best mattress toppers, testing for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. I suffer from night sweats, so I'm always on the hunt for cooling bedding to keep my bed and my body cool and dry. I've been looking for an alarm clock so I can start leaving my phone outside the bedroom, and the Pod 4 has a thermal alarm built in. It felt like the Eight Sleep Pod 4 was made for me.

Eight Sleep Pod 4 review − tried and tested

Skeptical of celebrity endorsements and known to balk at a four-figure price tag, I set up a meeting with their representative to learn more about how the Eight Sleep Pod 4 really works. They'd supply the mattress cover and the hub. All I'd need to do is fill up a tank with water, which the hub would heat and cool at strategic intervals throughout the night to regulate my body temperature. This smart system costs $2,948 for a Queen, though you could save a couple hundred dollars in the mattress sales. To make automatic temperature adjustments, access your health and sleep reports, and set vibrational or thermal alarms, you need to pay a monthly subscription fee of $17.

Setting up the Eight Sleep Pod 4

The Eight Sleep Pod 4 arrived in two cardboard boxes: one containing the mattress cover, and another containing the hub. The elevator in my apartment block was broken (story of my life), so I ended up having to carry each box up three flights of stairs. I managed it, with a lot of huffing and puffing. If you struggle to lift heavy weights, then you might want to ask a friend or family member to help you out, or opt for white glove delivery.

Between the main boxes, the interior boxes, and the Styrofoam innards, the packaging soon piled up. Inside one of the boxes, I found a card with a QR code to download the Eight Sleep app. I'm a bit of a technophobe, but even I can admit that setting up the Eight Sleep Pod 4 was easy. The app takes you through each stage of set-up, from placing the hub in your desired spot (mine was down by the foot of my bed, near a power outlet) to attaching the mattress cover (just like a fitted sheet, making sure to keep the water cable as straight as possible).

Next, I connected the hub to Wi-Fi and activated my membership. The Eight Sleep app asked for my age, biological sex, and whether I share the bed, as well as my preferred bed temperature and sleep schedule. That might sound like a lot of information, but it's pretty standard for sleep tech, and it provides important context for your stats. If you share a bed, you can send your partner their own log-in where they fill out

I had to fill and refill the water tank a couple of times to prime the system. Finally, after 30 minutes of set up, I was ready to set my sleep routine. The Eight Sleep app asked me when I tend to get into bed, when I go to sleep, and when I get up. It asked me whether I run hot or cold and how warm I'd like my bed to feel at different stages of the night on a scale of +10 to -10. If you prefer, you can toggle to see real temperatures in Fahrenheit: the highest you can set is 110°F and the lowest is 55 °F.

First impressions of the Eight Sleep Pod 4

Confession: I'm a sleep writer, and I hate wearing sleep tech. I've tried headphones, wristwatches, and everything in between, but I always end up ripping them off in the middle of the night. Plus, even the best wearable tech can't make any intervention to improve your sleep routine. I think that's why I was drawn to the Eight Sleep Pod 4: its thermoregulation is proactive, rather than reactive.

Here's how it works: the Pod 4 comprises a thick fitted sheet and a computer hub. The hub pumps cool water through a grid of tiny tubes on the fitted sheet. When I say 'tiny', I mean it: I really couldn't feel any ridges when I lay down on the mattress. The hub heats and cools the water in the tank depending on your body temperature. Over time, the Pod 4 learns how you sleep to heat you up and cool you down at strategic intervals.

I particularly recommend the Eight Sleep Pod 4 for women going through perimenopause or menopause. As your hormones fluctuate, you're more susceptible to night sweats and hot flashes. Even the best cooling mattress would struggle to regulate such extremes of temperature, but the Eight Sleep Pod 4 can. When my mom came to stay at my apartment, she said she felt a real difference in thermoregulation from the Eight Sleep Pod 4: her hot flashes abated for the week.

I regularly hear from couples contemplating sleep divorce. One runs hot, one runs cold, and neither of them can get comfortable in the night. From now on, I'll be recommending the Eight Sleep Pod 4 (as long as they've got a few thousand dollars to spare). This smart mattress cover features two separate zones on either side of the bed. You and your partner can set and save your own ideal temperatures, so you both get a good night's sleep.

I was particularly intrigued to try the Eight Sleep Pod 4 thermal alarm. I imagined waking up in a cold sweat as temperatures plummeted across the mattress cover. The reality is much more pleasant. It's a gentle increase in temperature while the mattress cover vibrates beneath you. To turn it off, you tap the pad on the side of the Pod. The first night, I set a back-up alarm on my phone, because I didn't trust I'd wake up. By the end of the first week, I could confidently leave my phone charging in the other room, safe in the knowledge that I'd wake up gently.

Side note: I had a little trouble activating my membership, so I reached out to the Eight Sleep customer services team via email. I sent my request late at night, while I was setting up the Pod, so I wasn't expecting a quick response. By the time I woke up the next morning, I had a reply from a customer services rep telling me exactly what I needed to do – and it worked. For more immediate advice, you could contact Eight Sleep via the chat function on their website or by calling +1 (888) 699-4015.

One month in with the Eight Sleep Pod 4

I really have noticed a difference with the Eight Sleep Pod 4. One month in, I can tell that I'm waking less and sleeping for longer. As a hot sleeper, I feel that my night sweats are kept under control: I'd put the Eight Sleep Pod 4 up there with the best cooling mattress toppers and pads.

For me, though, the best thing about this piece of smart sleep tech is that I don't need my phone to use it. Once I'd figured out the target temperature that works for me and set a realistic sleep routine, I was able to trust Eight Sleep Autopilot to take it from there. I used to use the excuse of needing my phone in my bedroom to set my alarm. Now, I can leave my phone to charge in another room and turn off my alarm by tapping the pad on my side of the mattress.

Our verdict of the Eight Sleep Pod 4

For me, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 is prohibitively expensive. I'm not in the same tax bracket as these tech moguls and elite athletes. A Queen-sized cover retails for a little less than $3,000, which amounts to three months' rent for my apartment. I also struggle to justify the ongoing subscription costs, though if you love data, and you want to invest in your sleep health, you might think it's worth it.

Still, I can't deny how well I'm sleeping. If you've tried everything to solve your sleep problems, but you still can't nod off, then the Eight Sleep Pod 4 might be your answer. Whether you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you share a bed with a partner whose sleep style is totally opposed to yours, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 has a setting for that − and it might just make all the difference.

As an interior stylist, I’ve had the pleasure of styling hundreds of rooms over the years, from those in modern apartments to historic manor houses.

No matter the style or age of the property, when styling lived-in homes my aim is always to create calming, beautiful, and welcoming spaces that pay homage to the owner’s aesthetic and the property. The key when styling is to take inspiration from the architecture and the owner's possessions, carefully curating and displaying their pieces alongside a few extra additions to create a balanced space. You want a home to feel effortless, as well as elevated.

To help you style and decorate your home like pro, here I’ve shared my top tips that I always follow when working on a project, along with some advice from professional interior designers.

Where to start with home styling

When styling lived-in homes there are certain things I always to do make homes look instantly more inviting. I begin by clearing out clutter – once you have a blank canvas it's far easier to build up a visually pleasing scheme and create displays that really show off artwork, cherished possessions and collectibles. During the interior planning phase, it’s essential to factor in plenty of concealed storage space to ensure surfaces like sideboards, coffee tables, and open shelving are clear and ready to create elegant displays.

When decorating shelves and sideboards arranging objects in odd numbers and at varying heights is always handy – start with the big items and work from there. Fresh seasonal flowers and greenery are always a must, as are plenty of cushions and throws along with collectibles and accessories with texture and stories to tell. With accessories like table lamps I find often having larger pieces and less of them is the best way to style – too many small items and rooms can feel cluttered.

Ultimately it’s all about balance, whether it be with color, texture, or form – it's a bit like creating a three-dimensional painting. The key is knowing when to stop. One mistake people often make is to over-fill. The fashion designer Cocoa Chanel famously said ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off’ – I think the same approach can be useful for home styling.

1. Nothing beats fresh flowers and greenery

Nothing brings a space to life like fresh flowers or greenery. Whether it’s a fabulous bouquet, an urn cascading with natural foliage, a selection of house plants, or even just a few stems arranged in bud vases, flowers, and foliage always make rooms sing.

I always use flowers and greenery that are in season, often picked from the garden, as it helps to connect a home with its setting. Don't overthink flower arranging. I often find that loose and wild arrangements bring more life and movement to a room, plus they look wonderfully sculptural. I arrange them in an assortment of vases and place them on dining tables, mantlelpieces, coffee tables – really wherever there’s a blank surface or a dull corner in need of some cheer. Place vases or posies at different points around the room and at different levels, but more than three arrangements and things can look cluttered.

When it comes to decorating with vases and vessels I love to use a variety of materials, shapes, and textures, taking inspiration from the theme of the room. Glass vases always look timeless and smart and I love using rustic urns and old stoneware jars in country homes, but don’t be afraid to think a little outside the box (provided they hold water).

‘We love styling with vintage pieces. Rather than going to a high street store and buying vases, we prefer to use things like old French comfit pots because they add texture and bring a sense of history,’ says interior designer Sean Symington. 'I think playing with different heights is really good too. Rather than use just one type of plant or foliage we use a variety in vases of heights and we often group things together.'

Alternatively, when it comes to styling a console, entryway table or deep windowsills often just a few branches in a large vase can really make a statement.

2. Add coziness with fabrics and textures

When styling you should never underestimate the power of layering textures and fabrics, especially in a bedroom or living room where coziness is paramount. Cushions and throws instantly create a warm welcome. For best results mix up your designs and textures – use plain alongside a mix of patterned and trimmed designs and always mix up materials. That said, sometimes, if you're looking to create a smart and sophisticated look just a couple of cushions placed square on can look simple and elegant.

In spaces with plain walls, cushions, and throws are a wonderful opportunity to inject color and pattern. When decorating with patterned cushions be sure to choose a mix of designs combining hero designs with smaller-scale prints and geometrics and plains for balance. Here I layered a mix of designs from Birdie Fortescue in green and rust tones to complement the rich walls.

When styling living rooms and bedrooms it's good to switch things up throughout the year to keep the space looking fresh. Cushions and throws can easily be switched up to reflect the seasons with cozy textures adding warmth in winter bedrooms and lighter linens perfect for summer.

'Your bed is a key focal point in your room so always try to dress it beautifully with a great bedspread, cushions and a throw across the bottom of the bed,' advises Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company.

'I change the throw and cushions depending on the time of year, white faux fur in winter and a lighter weight more pashmina style throw in the summer. Textured layers always look fantastic on a bed. And why not pile up cushions this will always make the bed feel so inviting.'

Think about texture and layers of texture: I love natural textures slubby linens and cozy cashmeres, the softest wools.'

3. Style with books

Books have always been a go-to styling prop for me, they make a home feel instantly lived in and welcoming. When styling shelves books set horizontally can make lovely little podiums for groupings of ceramics, ornaments, and decorative objects.

I look for vintage designs from flea markets with colorful, aged covers but it’s also always nice to have some large inspiration books for styling a coffee table or ottoman, too.

'Books are such an important part of a home, we love using them in our projects. Not only do they make a space feel lived in but they are a great way to insert pops of color in a room,' says interior designer Kate Guinness.

'The best way to decorate with books, regardless of whether you've organized them or not, is by sourcing the most attractive copies you can. Creating a picture-perfect bookcase is certainly an art, arranging them by color looks good whilst ensuring you don’t pack too much in when combining them with other objects.'

4. Invest in luxury bedding

I’m a stickler for luxurious bedding and I’d always advise to invest in the best to give your home that boutique hotel feel. Crisp white cotton sheets over pillows and duvets in feather or down don’t just feel lovely to sleep in, they also look sophisticated, timeless, and they work with every scheme.

Cheap, poor-quality bedding can easily become tired and miss-shapen and can easily let down a beautiful bedroom scheme. It's often thought that the higher the thread count the better quality the sheets, but it's worth thinking about breathability says Rebecca Udall, founder of the eponymous British homeware brand.

‘Cotton is my preference, always. I like my sheets to be really breathable so nothing over 600 thread count however one of my favorite sets at home is 300 thread count – I don’t believe more is always better with this element,' says Rebecca. 'The quality of the cotton fibers are much more important for super soft, long-lasting, and decadent sheets. The finishing techniques utilized with the fabric is also key.'

Timeless white bed linen always works well in wallpapered rooms or those with large statement headboards, as they don't detract from the designs. Try white bedding with a textured throw and a few subtle cushions that coordinate with the patterns or fabrics.

'Tactile cushions in textured fabrics work well to offset crisp linens. Equally, in colder months I like to add a quilted layer. The juxtaposition of smooth, white linens and a beautiful quilt is incredibly cozy,' adds Rebecca. 'I always have four pillows on a bed, either four rectangular or half square, half rectangular. This adds depth and a sumptuous look to the bed. Beside the bed, again I like to combine textures: photo frames, florals in small bud vases, and rattan accessories to soften the crispness of white sheets.'

When buying bedding think about the finishing and the style, too, there are all sorts of designs from pretty lace-edging perfect for vintage bedrooms, to more formal Oxford designs.

'A deeper Oxford border is more traditional and something I would lean toward in heritage-style interiors. I would then choose a design such as hemstitch or corded option,' advises Rebecca. 'For contemporary décor, variations on classics are fun – for example, we have a Frame design which is a take on a traditional two-cord, with a shorter Oxford border. Scallops are versatile and, in my opinion, suit both traditional and contemporary schemes.'

5. Layer ambient lighting

I say this so often that I must begin to sound like a cracked record, but lighting is the key to any interior scheme. Adding in plenty of ambient lighting will instantly lift the mood of any space. Table lamps and floor lamps alongside wall lamps and ceiling lamps on dimmers offer ample light sources for every task and mood.

I particularly love portable, wireless table lamps as they can easily be used to add warm pools of light in any room. They work particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms which can so often feel cold and sterile.

'You need two types of illumination: shadow-free task lighting for cooking and prep, and ambient lighting for when you simply want to unwind or entertain. A dimmable pendant – or, for a dramatic look, a row of pendants - is useful for switching from functional to relaxation mode, whether over your dining table or central island. Consider also accent lighting to highlight areas of interest – it’s a great way to showcase a collection of china, or wall art,' says Charlie Bowles, director at Original BTC.

'Paired with a central lighting source and space-saving wall lights, portable lights make a great addition for relaxed ambient lighting for when you simply want to unwind or entertain.'

Table lamps can also be wonderfully decorative and serve as functional art. I love oversized designs as they offer a confident design statement.

'We love statement table lamps that add a pop of color and gloss to a room,' says interior designer Sean Symington. 'Adding a large statement lamp makes a room feel cooler and more updated. Feel free to use a fun patterned shade to add depth and interest to the room as well. I like to source lamps from Penny Morrison, Vaughan, and Pooky.'

Candles are also an essential, adding a warm glow and subtle fragrance. ‘Trays are always useful with styling. On ottomans we always use big trays and then add books and a lovely candle - Diptyque is a personal favorite,’ adds Sean Symington.

The secret to an inviting bed is styling it with a mix of textures. Throughout my time working at a luxury linens boutique, I learned that layering unexpected materials is a fail-proof recipe for creating this cozy and lived-in, yet elevated feel we all crave in our bedrooms. In Jennifer Aniston's former bedroom, her designer, Stephen Shadley, nails the look.

Shadley took to Instagram to share an image of Aniston's bedroom. He states: 'A bedroom I designed with Jen. We set the bed inside a walnut plinth and raised it all above the floor on a carpeted platform.' Though the bed itself is gorgeous, it's the bedding that makes the natural wood stand out all the more. The designer has combined a light gray linen duvet with a textured darker gray and white woven blanket. A set of purple velvet pillows take centerstage, drawing the eye up. They are the perfect contrast to the white, padded headboard behind the bed.

If you are hoping to learn how to style your own bed in a similarly eye-catching way, you've come to right place. One of the most interesting and well-kept secrets I learned working in the bedding industry, is that many interior designers, no matter how talented or well-educated they are, know very little about buying bedding. Instead, they rely on industry experts. The sizing, and number of pieces needed to make a bed look fully 'polished' can feel opaque and confusing, even for those who pride themselves on design knowledge.

Shop the Look

Thus, the first lesson to decode the complexities of Jennifer Aniston's cozy bed is understanding the number of pieces that went into the design. One of the most common bedding mistakes I see people making is underdressing the bed, with only pillowcases and a duvet. This almost always looks overly casual, and can undercut even the most beautiful designs.

To create a similar, layered look, you will need at least 13 items. These include: a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, a duvet cover, a down or down alternative comforter, a throw blanket, 2 pillowcases, 2 decorative shams, and 4 pillow inserts. It's important to note that luxury bed sheets are often sold separately, while more accessible lines tend to sell fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases as part of a set.

If you want to make a bed look more expensive, as stated above, texture is key. In this bedroom, the mixture of relaxed linen with luxurious velvet in particular creates an interesting contrast that gives the bed its relaxed yet sumptuous feel. Velvet pillows are one of my favorite ways to bring in texture because their reflection of light always makes a space look more interesting. You could also try an alpaca or cashmere throw, silk sheets, or a quilted duvet to elevate a simple design.

If you like the structured, uniform look of Aniston's bedroom, you must design with symmetry. Be sure to consult with a bedding expert to ensure you have enough pillows to go along the front of the bed for an intentional, linear design.

Whether or not Jennifer Aniston's bed is your style, choosing the right pieces and integrating texture will steer you right in your bedroom design every time.

Last winter, I looked around the living room one day and thought, it looks like an explosion in a toy factory in here. That overwhelm crept up on me multiple times in the colder months as my family naturally spent more time indoors.

After one too many days of utter chaos, I made some changes to our daily habits and it thankfully brought the mess under control, and this winter, things are much more organized. It's especially important as I am a busy mom in chronic pain and need my house to work for me, without a pain flare daily.

Here are five of my top tidying tips that keep my home organized all winter long, and how you can use them to great effect in your home, too, whether you have pain or not!

1. Use drop zones

In a dream world with all home organizing golden rules followed 24/7, we'd put everything away immediately. But that's not reality, is it? Certainly not in my busy little house, anyway. And sometimes, I am just in too much physical pain from my health conditions to move an inch.

That's why drop zones are vital in our home. These are strategically placed baskets to hold a bunch of items that need moving from one place to the next, or dedicated organizers to keep a little corner of chaos at bay.

Karina Toner, operations manager and professional cleaner at Spekless says, 'For anyone dealing with chronic pain, the last thing you want is to make multiple trips up and down stairs. Drop zones consolidate items so they stay contained, until you’re ready to put them away.

This works even better if you set a regular schedule for clearing out the drop zone be it daily or weekly, depending on how much clutter typically gets collected, to avoid these areas becoming cluttered 'catch-all' spots in the home.

In my home, one drop zone is on our stairs to keep the items we need to take upstairs looking neat and tidy until one of us goes upstairs and is cleared multiple times a day.

Professional organizer Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life calls this an 'elevator basket. She explains, 'It’s our catch-all for items that need to go up or down from the main floor, making organization a breeze! It’s typically filled with kids’ clothing shed throughout the day or paperwork headed to the upstairs office. This simple system has made a big difference!

The other is a tray, such as a small acacia tray on Amazon, in my office to gather up my many coffee cups and plates in one spot till I'm ready to take them downstairs to the kitchen at the end of my work day.

I also have a mail organizer, such as a wall-mounted wall organizer on Wayfair, for incoming mail that has been read, but not yet been sorted away or anonymized and recycled. We do this once a month, when it gets full.

I use a bestselling stamp anonymizer from Amazon to avoid identify thieves using my discarded paperwork causing havoc and fraud on my credit file.

2. Everybody does their bit

Once upon a time, I carried the mental load of our entire household. That meant thinking, worrying and sorting out the majority of our decluttering, cleaning, organizing and anything to do with our daughter's clothes, bedroom and toys. In our house, that meant organizing high-traffic areas, tidying up daily, and deciding when it was time to declutter, sell or donate things I decluttered from the kitchen and bathroom.

But last year, at the start of my daughter's school year, I had a long chat with my husband and we agreed to split that mental load.

Karina says, 'I love this idea and always personally recommend it to others as well. This truly relieves the mental load and makes it easier to keep up with daily tidying, so the house stays more organized without all the responsibility falling on just one person.'

When it came to our daughter, she is only eight, but has some age appropriate responsibilities, as excluding her is something people with tidy homes never do.

We now use a chore chart with five things she does or organizes when she comes home from school, which is stuck on our fridge, including reading, math games, putting her uniform in our laundry organizer (a great way to keep laundry organized), and putting her coat, shoes and school bag away. If she ever feels overwhelms, she knows to ask for help and we give it.

Karina adds, 'This simplifies the 'coming home' routine by giving kids one clear spot to stow their essentials. Setting them up for success with this simple organization system helps them take on these tasks confidently and builds a solid foundation for more responsibilities down the road. I recommend this freestanding shoe and coat rack from Amazon.'

I also have a magnetic shopping list and white board on our fridge to keep track of items for our weekly grocery shop, to help us avoid food waste. It's something every fridge needs to stay organized if you ask me.

Everyone has their part to play and it's helped immensely. It's especially important in our house as I have a number of chronic health issues that leave me seriously injured with dislocation, suffering burning nerve pain and extreme fatigue.

Ashley adds it's important for everyone in the household to have appropriate responsibilities. She says, 'This builds a healthy sense of contribution, not only to your family but eventually to a broader community. I often remind my kids that while I’m here to support our home and manage what they can’t, I’m not here to clean up after them. For couples, tools like the Fair Play Game, available on Amazon, are invaluable for initiating conversations about sharing the mental load of household tasks.'

3. Tidy away before next activity

As part of my daughter's good habit building, we implemented a tidying rule for her that is non-negotiable. She has to clear away her activity before starting a new one.

Ashley says consistency is critical for chilren's activities, adding, 'Everything has a designated spot, so kids know where to return items after use. We emphasize cleaning up before transitioning to another activity to prevent being overwhelmed and frustrated. This system helps them manage their space and keeps games and puzzles intact for continued enjoyment.'

We have boxes of Lego, crafts, and puzzles, under our sofas in the living room in clear storage bins she can easily pull in and out and that's part of our household's daily routine – a good way to organize board games.

Karina adds, 'This habit is great to build. It helps keeps clutter under control by making tidying simply part of the routine. For families, it’s especially effective because toys, crafts, and work items can add up fast and easily become overwhelming.'

Karina also recommends budget-friendly under-bed storage bags from Amazon, which you can also use under sofas like I do. She says, 'These storage bags are typically slim and designed to slide easily under most beds, making them easily accessible but also tucked away and out of sight.'

I couldn't agree more! Doing this helps us avoid clutter overwhelm and clutter blindness.

4. Pick up and place rule

This one is easy peasy. If you can pick up and place an object back in it's home now, don't delay. Just do it. Grab that cup from the table and put it in the dishwasher, take that laundry upstairs, or pop that jar back in the pantry. If you can't quite manage to get it to its proper home, getting it in front of the right cabinet, or room is good enough.

The idea is even getting an object picked up and placed near its home is better than leaving it where it is right now, and further from where it eventually needs to go.

Karina adds, 'This rule is deceptively simple but very effective, especially if chronic pain makes larger cleaning sessions tough. Even small actions like moving an item closer to its destination as you pass by can really make a big difference.

'I personally keep a rolling cart from Amazon by our hallway closet, whenever I see something that’s out of place, I can just toss it in the cart instead of making a separate trip right away. It’s like a mobile 'drop zone'. I just roll the cart room to room, putting items back in their places in one efficient trip.

'You can also use this for tip #1 about using drop zones: simply gather up items throughout the day, whether it’s books, toys, or mail that needs sorting and you can easily move it from one room to another by the end of the day or week.'

I'm definitely stealing the rolling cart idea.

The shift in mindset from perfection to good enough can also be a game-changer for busy households. Ashley explains, 'Embracing things being “good enough” is essential. The goal of living organized is not perfection but the ability to locate what you need when you need it. I stand by the saying: Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Striving for functional and practical systems is far more achievable and stress-free than pursuing flawlessness.

5. The 30-second rule

I think this is my favorite one and really transformed how I deal with organizing things in my home. If you can complete a household chore or task in less than 30 seconds, don't delay, just do it.

I tried the 30-second rule for chores and it was like magic.

Karina explains, 'Setting a mental time limit is one of the best ways to get started on organizing because it makes the task feel more manageable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a seemingly endless to-do list, you’re committing to just a small chunk of time – 30 seconds – which is easy to tackle.

'By doing quick, regular sessions, you’re gradually chipping away at clutter, and each session can often times yield visible results, which is incredibly motivating.'

There you have it! None of my tips are time-consuming and they're low energy, low effort and totally impactful during the winter months when we're all stuck inside. Best of all, none of them trigger a pain flare that'll knock me for six. Hurrah!

Ashley Hines, pro organizer agrees, adding, 'Living organized doesn’t have to be stressful. It should naturally integrate into your routine. When you create systems that align with your family’s natural flow, organization becomes part of your lifestyle, not an additional task. It simplifies life and complements the habits you already have.'

Next, delve into our in-depth guides on home organizing ideas and the tidying rules professional organizers want us to ignore. I've also dug deep for the tidying tips I know at nearly 40, that I wish I'd known in my 20s.

It's the time of year where we all like to cocoon, hunker down in our homes and turn them into welcoming sanctuaries. Any a key part of this sem-hibernation? A throw blanket.

As well as being a must-have for extra warmth, a throw blanket can of course be a stylish addition to a living room or bedroom, adding color, pattern and texture. When it's not wrapped around you, following you from room to room, how you style a throw can really elevate a room, making it look more luxurious and expensive.

We asked designers for there top tips on how to use a humble throw blanket to really elevate your cozy rooms.

1. Casually drape a blanket over an ottoman

Whether your throw is plain or patterned it can be turned into a feature within a space. You can choose a design that matches your walls for example or has one color that's similar.

Neatly folding anything will give it a rather formal feel, a bit like when you go into a home store and see throws piled up in stacks, placing one on a rattan pouffe as shown here is a good casual option. The folds are far apart which makes it look relaxed – and ready to be used when the evening draws in.

2. Ensure every seat is cozy

Create a cozy ambience by adding a throw blanket to each armchair you have. It will add layered of texture, but also mean whoever sits in the chair has a throw of their own to keep them cozy.

As designer Lauren Lerner explains, 'Throw blankets are a great way to make a living room feel extra warm and inviting. Draping them over accent seating helps the space feel cohesive and invites guests to get cozy by the fireside.'

3. Make it look effortless with the waterall effect

This kind of look has a name – 'the waterfall' and that's the effect to try and create. It's relaxed and informal, but still looks purposeful rather than messy.

Fold up your throw lengthwise and then drape it across one end of your couch but so it falls unevenly like a waterfall. Tuck some of the blanket into the side crevice of the couch and place couch pillows for extra comfort.

4. Drape a throw over the back of a chair in a guest bedroom

Whether it's a guest room dressing table or the one you use daily, adding that extra bit of comfort to the back of a chair during the colder months is worthwhile. Plus, it's gives a lovely, luxurious feels to the space, like a cozy hotel, and your guests can use also use the throw elsewhere in the room during their stay.

'Keeping a throw blanket in the guest room helps ensure their comfort during their stay. I like to drape it over the desk chair to help keep it out of the way, but it's within easy reach whenever they need it,' explains Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors. 'It also helps to signify that everything in the room is at their leisure for a comfortable stay, not just the bed.'

5. Add extra layers to the end of a bed

Perhaps one of the most natural places for a throw, layering up on a bed is the ultimate spot. As Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages explains, 'Placing a throw at the foot of the bed adds a cozy, layered look that enhances the overall comfort of the room.'

It's also a good opportunity to create an accent. Jamie adds, 'When the throw mirrors the wallpaper, it creates a cohesive color palette, tying the space together and making the design feel intentional and harmonious.'

Just be aware, there is a difference between a bed throw and blanket. Generally speaking a bed throw is more for color and decoration, whereas a bed blanket is much bigger and covers most of the bed – and ideally you want both to create that lovely, cozy, layred effect.

6. Soften a bench in an entryway

Throw blankets are just reserved for bedrooms and living rooms, they can be a simple way to make an entryway bench look more inviting in the colder months.

'For a more curated look, fold the throw neatly along a bench, and don’t be afraid to mismatch fabrics and patterns, it’s that added depth that really gives a touch of effortless elegance,' suggests Sue Jones, co-founder of OKA.

'I always think that soft furnishings play a huge part in adding that final touch of luxury to the home, and throws are a great addition for much more than comfort purposes. A well-placed throw can instantly make a space feel more polished, and they’re a great tool for layering color and pattern,' she adds.

7. Go over the back to break up a sectional

Sectionals, whilst practical, can visually create a large block of color that can take over the rest of the space. Throw blankets can help make such a large piece feel softer and less dominant.

Michelle Murphy, principal of Demi Ryan Interiors suggests, 'Folding and tucking a throw blanket behind the back cushion of a sectional adds a clean, intentional touch while still bringing warmth and texture to the space. It creates a tailored look, and it also balances out the cozy feel without the messiness of a draped throw.'

You could easily use two throws and if you're having a gathering add a couple more so your guests feel cozy, there's nothing nicer than wrapping a throw around you in the evening. If your sectional is plain consider striped or checked throws, Michelle adds, 'It is especially nice for adding visual interest to a room, and a subtle way to soften the structure of the furniture.'

8. Cozy up a window seat with a really chunky throw

A window seat is the perfect opportunity to create a cozy vignette, and a cocooning space to relax with a book. With these smaller spaces, the best way to use a throw is to go big and chunky so it really fills the space.

'A window seat is a perfect reading nook and promises uninterrupted time to bury yourself in a new novel or the papers – add a few comforts and you have the perfect perch. It’s all about the textures, and nothing beats a cozily thrown blanket made from faux fur, cloud-like cables or cashmere. Pop in a few matching couch pillows for extra comfort,' advises Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer at The White Company.

Styling your throw rather than just letting it live wherever it was last discarded can make a room, especially in fall and winter when you really want to up the layers and the cozy feel. Follow these easy tips to ensure your blankets are always looking chic and effortless.

It isn’t uncommon for me to put off small tasks to save my ‘spoons’ – a way of describing the finite amount of energy I have as a disabled person living with fatigue and chronic pain.

But that means little chores can pile up and before I know it – the mess makes me feel fed up and overwhelmed, leading to procrastination. That’s why I was intrigued when one of the home experts in a cleaning article I edited here at Homes & Gardens mentioned their 30-Second Rule.

This easy and effective cleaning tip simply states never to put off a job around the house that you can complete in 30 seconds or less. Is there a more low-commitment tidying or cleaning tip? I gave it a whirl and loved how it banished not just the pockets of clutter and dirt around my home, but did away with my propensity for procrastination.

What is the 30-second rule for household chores?

Jenny He, home improvement pro and co-founder of Ergeon says the 30-second rule is a 'game-changer', explaining, ‘If a task takes less than 30 seconds to complete, I do it immediately. Whether it’s putting away a dish or responding to a quick email, these little tasks add up if left unattended. It’s like dealing with a small fence repair right away rather than letting it turn into a bigger issue down the line.'

Here is what happened when I gave the 30-second rule a go around my home.

1. My paperwork got sorted

I had been putting off dealing with the drop zone for our mail. That pile of appointment letters pictured above, right, had become a point of anxiety for me because managing chronic illness and pain is a full time job in itself, but one without a boss to push for overdue tasks. It's easy for these to pile up on you.

However this particular evening, instead of walking past the pile of doom to go upstairs, I stopped for 30 seconds and grabbed the appointment letters I needed to pop into my digital calendar before filing or recycling the letters.

I used my anonymizing stamp from Amazon to hide my personal details before recycling to avoid identify theft – a must when organizing paperwork. I must say, it was a relief to have a better grip on my calendar appointments as well as whittling down my paperwork pile some.

Professional organizer Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life says, 'Tackling tasks in small steps rather than letting them pile up can be a game changer. Often, we feel overwhelmed because we let tasks accumulate, when many can be woven into our day-to-day routines.

'For example, folding a small basket of clothes here and there is far less intimidating than facing a mountain of laundry on the weekend. I focus on making my future self grateful by handling things now. I often remind myself, I’ll thank myself later for doing this today.'

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. My laundry was finally done

Next, when I was putting my daughter to bed, instead of walking past my laundry bin and ignoring the compartment with black clothes that needed dealing with and emptying, I grabbed it and took it downstairs. I loaded it into the washer and wondered why on earth I’d procrastinated and put off washing my dark laundry for the past three days.

Pro organizer Ashley adds, 'This strategy also has roots in a powerful leadership principle I learned in the corporate world: if something takes two minutes or less, it’s best to do it right away. The mental burden of unfinished tasks often far outweighs the time it takes to complete them.'

I must say, using my new 90 liter Joseph Joseph laundry organizer, available on Amazon, was a real game changer and made this task truly possible in 30 seconds as the laundry had pretty much been sorting itself out all week. With the colors already separated, I simply dumped out the items of the pull-out bag dedicated to our dark laundry, popped it in the washer with liquid detergent, and turned it on. Easy peasy!

It’s good to know that failing to separate your colors is a common laundry mistake that’s easily avoidable with a compartmentalized laundry organizer like mine.

3. I dusted a vital area

Just before getting into bed, I grabbed my essential oil based homemade cleaning spray and wiped down my nightstand and my husband’s with microfiber cloths, available at Walmart.

For the previous few nights, I had noticed the dust on the stand, but only after I'd got into bed and was about to turn my lamp off. After using the 30-second rule to dust before I got into bed, it felt great going to sleep with a clean space where I kept my water and other essentials overnight.

I use a few drops of geranium essential oil from Amazon, a drop of dish soap such as Dawn, available at Walmart, and water to make my own cleaning spray. It makes my bathroom smell like a spa when I use it, too.

My verdict on the 30-second rule for chores

This task rule couldn’t be simpler and the 30 second rule means even for somebody as chronically unwell as me, none of my limited spoons (energy) got zapped – meaning, it wasn’t physically labor intensive, or mentally stressful.

What Jenny said was really right, as doing these 30-second-or-less tasks didn’t snowball into bigger jobs like three loads of laundry in one day, or a massive pile of letters to anonymize and file in one go, or dusting an entire room in one turn.

Ashley says, 'Integrating tasks and habit-stacking like this not only builds efficiency but also creates a rhythm that lets us manage daily responsibilities smoothly. When doing tasks alongside activities like supporting your daughter, this approach can be especially helpful for juggling responsibilities effectively. A little tip to make it enjoyable? Try adding some energizing music to make even routine chores feel more engaging.'

Next, learn how I tried the Didn’t Know decluttering method and sorted out the messiest areas of my home, guilt-free, and see how Today's Top Three Chore Challenge can transform your routine.

Waking up feeling groggy can set the wrong tone for the rest of your day, and your bedroom setup might be part of the problem. So, how do you set up a bedroom to beat morning grogginess?

From lighting to bedding, sleep scientists have revealed that even the smallest of adjustments can help you wake up feeling more refreshed and energized, ready to take on the day.

Here, they detail the best adjustments you can make to sleep better and help beat morning grogginess – even in the dreary winter months.

How to set up a bedroom to beat morning grogginess

Beating morning grogginess takes more than finding ways to improve sleep. Every detail from your bedroom lighting ideas to organizing a bedroom can help you wake up on the right side of the bed each and every day.

1. Add a sun lamp

Being pulled out of sleep suddenly to the sound of a blaring alarm can easily start us off on the wrong foot. To prevent grogginess, Thompson Maesaka, owner and clinician at The Neural Connection, a neurological rehabilitation clinic suggests putting the best SAD lamp into your bedroom instead.

He explains, ‘These lamps simulate the gradual increase in sunlight in the morning, which helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. The natural rise in light encourages wakefulness by triggering the brain to realize it's time to wake up. It should be noted that there is a small period of time when people will need to move from a sleep state to a wakeful state, but it shouldn't last more than five to 10 minutes if you have a restful night's sleep.

‘We suggest trying the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, at Amazon or Hatch Restore, also at Amazon. They will combine both light and sound options that gradually increase to simulate natural sunlight.'

2. Limit blue light in the evenings

One thing in your bedroom to get rid of now and beat grogginess is any blue light devices. This includes your phone, televisions, and tablets.

Thompson Maesaka, clinician, continues, ‘Exposure to blue light from screens (phones, TVs, or tablets) at night can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. Melatonin is very sensitive to light, which is why it’s so important to monitor and eliminate as much light as possible while falling asleep.

'When melatonin levels are disrupted, it can make it harder to fall asleep and result in grogginess the following day due to altered sleep patterns and an inability to get adequate sleep. Limiting blue light for at least an hour to 90 minutes before bed can help your body maintain its natural sleep-wake cycle.’

He adds, however, that, ‘If you're someone who needs to be on a tablet or phone, we suggest our patients use blue light-blocking glasses or apps like f.lux on devices that reduce blue light emission in the evening. There are also ways to modify the iPhone using accessibility settings to change the background colors to a deep red, which will also allow a deeper sleep overall.’

All prices correct at time of publlication.

3. Let more natural light in

SAD lamps and alarm clocks and limiting blue light are great ways to make your bedroom better for sleep, but you can also increase natural light in your home – especially if you don't need to wake up with an alarm, says Dr. Chelsea Perry, owner of Sleep Solutions and diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

They explain, ‘A gentle way to kickstart your mornings is by letting more natural light into your bedroom. When your body senses sunlight, it starts adjusting your circadian rhythm, making it easier to feel awake when it’s time. In fact, I switched to thinner curtains last year, and waking up feels more effortless with the early sunlight creeping in.’

4. Set a thermostat schedule

Setting your bedroom to the best temperature for sleep is a great way to fall and stay asleep, but it also makes it harder to wake up. For this reason, Fatemeh Farahan, licensed psychotherapist and author of Wired For Happiness (at Amazon) suggests setting a thermostat schedule to start warming your bedroom up before you get up for the day.

They say, ‘Ever notice how it’s easier to wake up when it’s a little warmer? That’s because your core body temperature naturally rises when you’re about to wake up. By setting your thermostat to gradually warm up 30 minutes before your alarm goes off, you can help speed up this process and beat that heavy, groggy feeling. It’s like giving your body a nudge, telling it, “Hey, it’s time to start the day!” without that shock-to-the-system approach.’

Investing in a smart thermostat makes this easier, and will help you to cut energy bills at the same time.

5. Incorporate fresh morning scents

When picking the best and worst bedroom scents for sleep it is important to select two types – relaxing scents such as lavender and chamomile for the evenings and a bright, invigorating scent for the mornings to help wake you up reminds Fatemeh Farahan, licensed psychotherapist. ‘We usually think of aromatherapy for winding down, but certain scents – like citrus and peppermint – can do wonders for waking you up.

‘A timed diffuser that releases these scents in the morning can help stimulate your brain and get you feeling more alert. It’s like nature’s version of an espresso shot without the jitters.'

While these simple switches might not make you become a morning person, they should help to make you feel a little more alert when you first wake up. Decluttering your bedroom can also improve sleep, so having a weekly tidy-up will also make all the difference.

Given that dirty washing piles up quickly, and that doing laundry is a regular household task, it's no wonder that energy costs can often stack up.

When trying to save money and cut back on energy consumption, it might seem like laundry is the enemy. We can't simply stop doing laundry, after all. But, are there ways to cut costs and keep energy bills lower?

Here, we spoke to sustainable cleaning experts and energy pros to find out how to do laundry to save energy and money – and be kinder to the planet.

How to save energy when doing laundry

Saving energy when doing laundry also means saving money when doing laundry too, making it a win-win for you and the planet.

1. Use eco-cycles

One of the best ways to save energy when doing laundry is to pick eco-wash cycles, recommends Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol. 'They'll use a cooler temperature and less water, so you'll be saving money,' she explains.

'And don't panic if the cycle time seems longer, it just needs more time to get the job done whilst using less water and heat. But rest assured, you'll still get a great level of clean by the time it's done.'

There are, however, items you should always wash in hot water, such as bed sheets and towels, to successfully kill bacteria and sanitize materials. 'Remember to run a hot cycle every now and again, perhaps when washing your bedding, to prevent bacteria from building up in your machine,' adds Green, as bacteria will cause odors in your washing machine which may affect your laundry. Therefore, it's important to know how to clean a washing machine that smells.

Catherine also points out that most washing machines will let you turn down the temperature across any cycle type, and a 40°C (104°F) wash instead of a 60°C (140°F) wash can cut your energy use in half. 'Go even lower, say, 20°C (68°F) and you'll save up to 66% more energy!' adds Green. 'It's a simple swap with a big impact on both your bills and the environment.'

When washing with low temperatures, Green recommends using smol laundry capsules available at smol, which are designed to give a powerful clean even when washing on a cold wash.

2. Wait for a full load

It can be tempting to throw on small washes of sweaty gym kit or muddy trousers, but you should not do laundry every day, and waiting until you have a full load means you can run your washing machine and dryer less.

'It takes just as much energy to run a washing machine with one pair of jeans or a whole basket of clothing,' says Kat Garside, sustainability expert at Integrity Energy. 'Waiting to wash a full load limits the number of cycles run, leading to lower energy use.'

Running smaller loads of laundry could also mean wasting significant amounts of water if you forget to switch it to a small-load setting, continues Garside, and is therefore a laundry mistake to avoid.

3. Soak and use a stain remover

As one of the golden rules of stain removal, soaking and pre-treating stains makes them easier to remove, meaning you can wash items less to get them clean.

'Soak heavily soiled items in water with a bit of soap before washing,' recommends sustainable cleaning expert Catherine Green. 'Give the stains a gentle scrub before throwing the clothes in the machine,' using a soft-bristled brush such as The Laundress Stain Brush available at Amazon, to help loosen the dirt.

For particularly tough stains, using a pre-treatment stain remover will ensure you can avoid running the wash cycle multiple times or cranking up the heat, and Green recommends the smol bleach-free stain gel available at smol. 'Cleaner clothes, fewer rewashes,' she says.

And, if you're wondering is hot or cold water better for stain removal, it's usually best to opt for lower temperatures to avoid setting stains for good.

4. Clean the lint trap regularly

Forgetting to clean your lint trap is a tumble dryer mistake that will not only affect the efficacy of your dryer, but may also be a fire risk.

Energy expert Kat Garside says, 'Keeping your lint trap clean not only helps improve air circulation in your dryer, but it also prevents fire hazards.' If you're not sure how to clean a dryer, our dedicated guide details how to do so step-by-step.

'Periodically use a best vacuum nozzle to remove the often-forgotten excess lint that collects below the lint filter as well,' Kat adds. 'Don't forget to clear lint from any exterior vents as well to keep your dryer running at peak efficiency.'

5. Use energy efficient machines and detergents

How long does a washing machine last? Experts say around 10 to 13 years, but this is heavily affected by how, and how often, you use it.

Energy expert Kat Garside says, 'If your laundry machines are having trouble cleaning and drying your clothes efficiently, it might be time to consider an upgrade, so look how for any signs its time to replace old appliances. 'When choosing new laundry appliances, look for models bearing Energy Star certification.

'Energy Star is backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indicating it meets their strict efficiency standards. Washers with Energy Star certification use 25% less energy and 40% less water per load than traditional models

If you are comparing different models, Garside points out that front-loading washing machines are nearly always more energy efficient than top-loading options, as they let gravity do some of the work for them as the drum rotates, therefore saving energy in the process. You may also want to consider opting for a larger drum size, says Green, as you will be able to wash more clothes in fewer loads, saving on both water and energy.

'High-efficiency machines need high-efficiency detergents,' adds Garside. 'If you choose to upgrade to a highly efficient washing machine, make sure you choose a high-efficiency laundry detergent as well, which produces fewer suds and is quick-acting,' making them the perfect companion for efficient washes that use less water and have shorter cycles.

6. Line-dry washing

There are so many benefits of air-drying laundry, and it's a great way to save money at home, too.

'Skip the tumble dryer as much as possible and take advantage of free drying methods like line drying,' says sustainable cleaning expert Catherine Green. 'Sunlight and fresh air are free!'

If the weather is bad outdoors, Green recommends drying clothes inside out on an airer, such as the Joseph Joseph Eclipse indoor clothes airer, which is perfect for small spaces, placed near a radiator or tower fan (available at Amazon).

'Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run, so the less you use them, the more you save,' adds Green. 'And, if you're thinking of a heated clothes airer, make sure to check its wattage – the lower, the better.'

I tried a heater airer and I will never use my tumble dryer again, and we recommend the Heated Clothes Drying Rack available at Amazon if you're looking for ways to cut energy bills.

7. Use dryer balls

If you prefer to use your tumble dryer, energy expert Garside explains why you should be using dryer balls.

'Dryer balls are a great replacement for traditional dryer sheets, which are harmful to the environment,' she says. 'Choose wool or rubber dryer balls to improve air circulation and reduce drying time.'

Dryer balls work by keeping clothes separate in the tumble dryer, while also reducing clothing static. 'Wool options can also be infused with essential oils to add a pleasant, clean scent,' she adds. I ditched dryer sheets for this natural essential oil hack, and my laundry has never smelled better.

8. Use a high-spin speed

'Use a high spin speed on your machine to extract as much water as possible,' advises sustainable cleaning expert Green. 'This means your clothes will come out almost dry, reducing the time they need to dry, which means if you're using a tumble dryer or a heated airer, you'll use less energy.'

Green warns, however, to be cautious and careful when spinning delicate fabrics, as this may cause damage. If you're unsure, our guide to washing machine settings explains each setting to avoid making any washing machine mistakes.

9. Use off-peak hours

Finally, check your energy tariff to find out whether washing at certain times could be costing you more than others.

'Did you know that your utility company or supplier might alter energy rates based on energy demand?' asks energy expert Garside. 'This is called time-of-use pricing, and it offers lower energy prices during periods with lower energy demands and higher energy prices when demands reach their peaks.'

These peak periods are often the late afternoon or early evening, as people head home from work and begin cleaning and doing laundry, and washing at these times can lead to more expensive energy bills.

'If it's an option, run your washing machine during off-peak hours to cut down on energy costs,' says sustainable cleaning expert Green. 'A little planning with your laundry schedule could make a noticeable difference on your bill.'

You should not, however, leave clothes in the washing machine overnight or leave washing machines unattended when on, so bear these factors in mind when deciding what time works best for you to wash.

The same goes for drying laundry, if you are wondering how much it costs to run a tumble dryer.

FAQs

Why is my washing machine using so much electricity?

If your washing machine is using a significant amount of electricity, or more than expected, it is probably down to the size of the loads you are washing.

Heating water to wash clothes accounts for a large portion of your machine's consumption, particularly if it is heating water which is then being wasted or unused.

Instead, only wash full-loads, which is a thing people who are good at laundry always do.

There are many other ways to be sustainable at home – from recycling and repurposing household items, to shopping secondhand and turning the heating down.

It's a good idea, too, to investigate your emissions to find out where you are spending the most. You can do so by investing in a smart meter, and regularly carrying out maintenance tasks to lower your energy bills.

Whimsigoth is the latest decor style making waves in the design world – and for good reason. Filled with layered textiles, warming hues, and a sense of collected style, it's the perfect way to create visually appealing, personalized interiors.

If this year's interior design trends are anything to go by, lived-in style is the epitome of great design. And as this new style emerges, blending the softness and layered elements of whimsical decor and the moody drama of Gothic interior design, it's clear this is an aesthetic that will last into 2025 and beyond.

If whimsigoth sounds like you're kind of style, we've turned to experts to discover the elements that are core to the design aesthetic and showcase a few inspiring spaces that nail the trend.

What is the whimsigoth trend?

Eclectic and cozy are two words that perfectly describe whimsigoth style. It's not as dark as Gothic but still features moodier tones, and it has a softer feel that gives it a more comforting and homey appeal.

'Gothic decor tends to be more serious and somber – often featuring hard surfaces and a cold color palette – whereas whimsigoth introduces a sense of enchantment, joy, and offers a warmer, more playful twist on the aesthetic. It’s like infusing a sense of childlike wonder into a gothic setting, which I think is very appealing to younger generations and anyone who isn’t afraid to embrace their inner child,' says Aino Heinäsuo, head of design at Redecor.

The timeliness of this trend is no coincidence – this time of year reminds many of us how much we love those darker details in our homes. 'Those who have a love for Halloween and darker aesthetics have found an interest for whimsigoth decor as it allows them to find balance and keep these designs alive all year round,' Aino adds.

What are the main design features of whimsigoth interiors?

Whimsigoth style encompasses a few different aesthetics, so it's about taking the right elements from each and blending them seamlessly. 'It combines rich dark colors like purples and blacks with vibrant jewel colors like peacock greens, turquoise, and lots of gold as an accent. It’s dark and moody but sexy and glamorous too,' says Annie Sloan, paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint.

Beyond color, the furniture, fabrics, and textures are really important to creating an authentic scheme. Furniture is robust, featuring lots of wood – often pieces are thrifted or vintage finds, while textiles and upholstery should introduce an err of luxury.

'Furniture-wise, look for ornate pieces with intricate carvings upholstered in luxurious fabric like velvet or silk. The look is complete with antique chandeliers and rugs, dark oil paintings, quirky trinkets, and piles of old books,' adds Annie.

How you style each piece together is just as important as the designs themselves. Remember that whimsigoth is a layered, cozy style, and each element of the interiors adds to the overall look, whether it's how fabrics are introduced, or how they pair with wall decor.

'This style frequently incorporates intricate patterns like damask, paisley, or florals, combined with luxurious textures such as velvet, lace, and brocade. The result is a harmonious blend of softness and elegance, with an added touch of the mystical and fantastical,' explains Aino.

5 examples of whimsigoth interiors

Wondering how to bring all the elements of the whimsigoth trend together to create a cohesive room? These five examples are the embodiment of this eclectic, cozy design style.

1. A whimsigoth living room with wood details and collected pieces

Approaching whimsigoth style starts with the bones of the room. If you're working with an older property with intricate details already installed, you're onto a winner. But even without period details, ornate details can be introduced through furniture, cabinetry, and even wallpaper and textiles.

'I love the whimsigoth aesthetic. It combines the dark mystery of gothic with the whimsical romance of fairy tales and folklore – two trends I fully embrace,' says Annie, whose home, pictured above, really captured the essence of the aesthetic.

'I’ve also heard whimsigoth called moody maximalism and I think that describes my house exactly. I love the Victorian look. It’s dramatic and gorgeous and the complete opposite of minimalism. I am a collector, and I love dark-painted furniture with accents of gold,' she explains.

2. A bedroom decorated with luxurious whimsigoth tones

The right colors will instantly introduce that luxurious coziness synonymous with whimsigoth style. Think rich moody tones paired with lighter shades – in this bedroom, a darker color on the walls pairs beautifully with red and yellow textiles on the bed.

'Whimsigoth has a very maximalist approach and plenty of fun pops of color with vibrant shades like magenta, burnt orange, sage green, and rich blue. These colors can be applied to walls to establish the room’s overall mood,' says Aino.

'Deep, rich hues set a dramatic backdrop, while vibrant and pastel colors work well as accents or feature walls. Overall, whimsigoth decor employs a rich and varied color scheme throughout all elements, including paint, wallpaper, textiles, and accessories.'

3. A side table filled with whimsigoth decor

As with any interior design style, decorative pieces are the finishing touches that tie everything together. But in the case of whimsigoth, it's another opportunity for layering and decorating with vintage pieces.

'I would incorporate decorative elements throughout the space to enhance its magical ambiance, such as crystals, wall art, unusual sculptures, and natural elements like dried flowers or branches,' says Aino.

This side table shows how a curated selection of decor pieces – statues that bring in the gothic elements and florals and china for the whimsical – bring a scheme to life. There's also an opportunity here to introduce celestial pieces, bohemian motifs, and nature-inspired designs.

4. A formal lounge with layered furniture and decor

A collected, layered design is core to the whimsigoth trend. From rugs laid on top of each other to different fabrics on furniture to wall decor hung dramatically, showcasing a mix of old and new, big and small, really adds to the aesthetic.

'Unlike traditional gothic decor, which often focuses on uniform antique or classical pieces, whimsigoth embraces a mix of eclectic and vintage items to create a distinctive, whimsical style. In a whimsigoth space, furniture can span from vintage to bohemian, often featuring dramatic or ornate touches. Expect to find pieces with carved wood, intricate details, and plush, comfortable cushions that contribute to the room's unique and inviting character,' says Aino.

In this space examples of layering can seen in every corner. Wallpaper, tapestries, and artwork sit on top of each other on the walls, white different patterns and textures layer on furniture to create a cozy, collected feel. The space is busy without feeling overfilled, and every item has a story.

5. A living room dressed with luxurious fabrics

When it comes to textiles, think luxurious and sumptuous. Thick fabrics come into their own, while delicate ones add decorative details and add to the layered look. 'Ideal fabrics for whimsigoth decor evoke luxury, comfort, and a hint of fantasy. These often feature rich textures, ranging from delicate to opulent, including velvet, lace, and silk,' says Aino.

'Adding heavy velvet curtains in deep, rich colors will create a dramatic effect or layering lace curtains under heavier drapes can add a soft, ethereal touch. For throw pillows, I would mix and match fabrics like silk, velvet, and lace in various shapes and sizes to enhance the whimsical, eclectic feel. And I would even add deep velvet sofas in striking shades to enhance the space.'

While velvet adds a serious dose of luxury, think about how you can balance this thicker fabric so the room doesn't feel overwhelmed. In this living room, a velvet sofa is paired with a more organic material through the rug, and wooden elements through paneling and tables.

Whimsigoth is a trend that's here to stay, combining the best of several aesthetics that are considered timeless for many reasons. Whether you introduce the luxurious textiles, cozy style, or the collected aesthetic, there are plenty of design cues to take from this transformative trend.

I have a habit of late-night shopping online and after years of it, my bedroom had become a bit of a mess. After serious decluttering, I realized I wasn't utilizing the storage space in my ottoman bed properly and it was a real lost opportunity to get organized.

That's when I delved into storage solutions that were perfect for my long dresses, out of season clothes, sentimental items and much more. After lots of trial and error, these are the four storage items that have turbocharged how I keep things in my ottoman bed and helped clear my messy closet.

Under-bed storage ideas are fabulously useful if you need more space to stash your things, and don't want to add freestanding units or build in items that will take up floor space.

1. Vacuum storage bags

I store out of season clothes such as coats, jumpers, summer dresses and swimwear in vacuum storage bags such as the Cozy Essential Store 20 pack on Amazon and it's a game-changer. Simply store your clothes inside to the capacity indicated on the packaging, zip shut, and use your vacuum hose to suck the air out of the whole bag.

Once it won't shrink down anymore, pop the cap on to keep it vacuum packed. Now you have all your out of season clothes stored under your ottoman bed at a quarter of its previous size. It's magic.

My top tip for this is to wash them all before you seal them so when you take them out next time, they're ready for use. Forgetting to clean them before storing is something people with nice smelling closets never do.

I've found the luxurious clean laundry smell I get from scented laundry beads (such as Downy Light Orange Blossom laundry beads on Amazon) or using a cheap essential oil dryer hack stays with the items right through to next year, even if it's a year from now.

It's best however to avoid storing delicate silk items or things with hard edges in these bags.

All prices correct at time of writing.

2. Garment bags

When having our fitted floor-to-ceiling small closet idea built for our small primary bedroom, I opted for my space to be split between hanging rail and drawers underneath. However, it means there is no space for long dresses to hang without being folded, as pictured below.

I instead utilized the storage space under my ottoman bed to keep these packed away because let's be honest, I'm not going anywhere fancy often enough to have my evening gowns hanging in my wardrobe ready to go at the drop of a hat.

I use linen bags and store the dresses flat in my under-bed storage area, on top of the other. The material let's them breath, but I have included moth balls with no clinging odor, available on Amazon, in each after one horrifying moment when I saw a moth take flight when I took out my wedding dress to check over.

3. Clear storage boxes

I use clear, lidded plastic storage boxes under my ottoman storage bed space to house clusters of items for particular tasks, such as wrapping gifts or posting parcels. Having a clear box that is lidded means you can spot what you need easily and lift it out to use, without spilling its contents everywhere.

I used a plastic box I packed items into when moving house and had a label on it showing what's inside, so it doesn't matter that my lid, pictured above, is not transparent.

however, if you're purchasing a new one, pick a clear one or use Amazon's Choice label maker to clearly mark what's inside.

I place the plastic boxes I need the content of a few times a year at the foot of my ottoman bed storage space so I'm not having to scramble halfway in to get what I need, so consider your placement for ease of use.

4. Reusing boxes and zipper bags

Instead of investing in all-new bedroom storage ideas, I used the boxes I had laying around, either stacked on drawers, by my bed or elsewhere in the room and my house to house things I want to keep but don't always need immediate access to, as pictured above.

This helped declutter my bedroom, and keep my sentimental items such as photo albums, baby clothes and my pregnancy scans and diaries somewhere safe that isn't at risk of spoiling. For instance, there are things you should never store in a basement as they usually lack climate control and can be prone to condensation or moisture.

Take a look around your home and see what you can move to, or utilize well under your ottoman bed. I also re-used plastic zipper bags with handles that pillows and other bedding are often shipped in to keep hold of items such as my daughter's baby shoes.

Next, delve into small bedroom storage mistakes to see how you too can clear out space and bolster your room's funtionality.

'I'm going to sleep on the world's most expensive bed. Guess how much it costs.' This is the question I asked my colleagues in the run-up to my mattress testing trip. I watched as they furrowed their brows in thought.

These are seasoned shopping writers, who think nothing of recommending home and garden goods that costs hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. $10,000? $30,000? they guessed. The highest bid was $40,000. So, imagine their shock and skepticism when I told them that the world's most expensive bed – the Hästens Grand Vividus, which launched in 2020 − can cost as much as $1 million. When I came back from my trip, everybody wanted to know – is it worth it?

My answer: yes and no. The Grand Vividus is seriously sumptuous, made from the finest natural materials, but it isn't my favorite mattress that Hästens makes. That accolade belongs to the Maranga, a $10,000 alternative, which is a far better match for my sleep style (and price point).

The Grand Vividus gets all the glory, but I wonder whether such intense media focus on one mattress creates an incomplete impression of Hästens. The ultra-premium bedding company didn't spring into existence, fully formed, in 2020: it was founded in 1852 by Pehr Adolf Janson, a saddle-maker with a vision for the future of horsehair (the current CEO, Jan Ryde, is his great-great-grandson). And while you'll find Hästens in the homes of Swedish royalty and A-List celebrities, there are millions of ordinary people who have chosen to put their hard-earned wage behind a Hästens. Since visiting the Dream Factory in Köping, Sweden to see how a mattress is made, I can understand why.

My trip to the Hästens factory

Before we begin, a quick disclaimer concerning costs. You'll read some reports the Hästens Grand Vividus costs $400,000: others estimate $600,000, and a few say as much as $1 million. The truth is that the price of a Hästens mattress fluctuates as the costs of their materials rise and fall. The patterns you pick and the size you select also impact the price of your mattress. For the most up-to-date information, I suggest you request a Hästens catalog.

The night before

In the absence of a direct flight to Köping, I spent the night in the Stallmästaregården Hotel in Stockholm. I've always wondered, 'what mattresses do hotels use?' and now I know that the Stallmästaregården is one of many hotels across the country and around the world that partners with Hästens. Closer to home, you'll find a Hästens sleep system in the Lotte New York Palace and the Thompson Dallas.

The term 'sleep system' might sound like marketing jargon, but it's the most accurate representation of a Hästens bed, which comprises three components: a top mattress, a middle mattress, and a bed base. I was sleeping on an early version of the Hästens Maranga, filled with layers of hand-teased horsehair, wool and cotton, and founded on 1,380 springs.

Beat from a long day and an early flight, I didn't sit on my Hästens mattress so much as collapse into it. Immediately, I could feel a bit of bounce from the spring coils. It's been a few years since I've slept on an innerspring mattress − I'm firmly attached to my memory foam model – and I started to worry that the springs would make for motion transfer as I tossed and turned. I never sleep too well my first night in a new place, especially with a time difference, and I was nursing a crick in the neck from a nap on the plane. All this to say that the odds were stacked against me getting a good night's sleep.

But that's exactly what I got. As I awoke to the sound of my alarm, I realized that I hadn't woken up throughout the night. I was lying on the same side of the bed, in much the same position as the night before. Even the pain in my neck had disappeared, without the intervention of memory foam. I felt well-supported, well-rested, and a little bit silly. I've spent much of my life trying to figure out how to sleep well away from home on sleeper sofas and air beds, and now I realize that a good mattress is a non-negotiable. As I boarded the train from Stockholm to Köping, I was sold on the benefits of the Maranga sleep system, but I didn't know if I'd spend half my annual salary on it.

The factory tour

I was chauffeured from Köping station to the Hästens factory in a trademark blue-check Mercedes SUV. For the benefit of the uninformed, the blue-check is the Hästens calling card, a pattern that adorns many of their mattresses and much of their bedding. It's a sharp contrast against the plain whites, beiges, and creams you see in most mattress factories, and there's a practical benefit to this USP. Following the blue-check makes it much easier for the mattress makers to position their stitches at perfectly regular intervals.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. The Dream Factory, as it's known, adjoins the Hästens Head Office, and that's where I was headed first. The office walls are lined with letters from happy customers, along with a series of certificates. A closer look and a quick translation told me that these certificates were warrants from the Swedish Royal Court. Hästens was appointed Purveyor to His Majesty the King of Sweden in 1952, I learned, and their relationship is still going strong 70 years later.

So, Hästens appeals to European royalty, and Hollywood royalty, too. Another wall of the office, playfully known as the 'Wall of Fame', is covered with framed photographs of musicians, actors, businessmen and tech moguls who own a Hästens sleep system. There isn't enough space in this article to list all their names, and at any rate, I'm not allowed – I signed an NDA before I took two steps into Head Office. The gossip in me is disappointed, but the media lawyer understands. Unlike a lot of mattress brands, Hästens doesn't do freebies in exchange for exposure. Each of these celebrities paid good money for their Hästens sleep system, and they aren't interested in free advertising.

Some celebrities are more vocal than others about their love for Hästens. Tennis star and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova bought her first Hästens sleep system in 2004. Now, 20 years later, she's teamed up with Hästens to launch their Sleep to Perform talent program. 'Sleep is essential to performance, regardless of industry or where people may be in their careers,' says Maria. 'My first big purchase after a tournament win was a Hästens mattress. Even though it was an investment, it was one of the most important purchases of my career.'

As I stepped from Head Office onto the factory floor, I was struck by the serenity. I've toured American mattress factories where the whirring of machines and the beeping of forklifts is enough to overload your senses. Things feel a lot calmer at the Dream Factory, where most of the work is done without mechanical intervention. Between the busy hands, the beechwood benches, and the matching outfits, the whole operation calls to mind a grown-up of Santa's workshop.

I was an elf for the day, learning my craft from Hästens' most experienced mattress makers. I started work on the top mattress, which is filled with sandwiched layers of cotton and wool for comfort, plus horsehair for thermoregulation and support. Each hair acts as a micro-spring, helping to bear your body weight. The hair is steamed and heated to burn off any dust or dirt, then knotted and twisted into little coils. The mattress makers take clumps of horsehair in their hands and tease it out into even layers. The top mattress I helped to make had two layers of horsehair between three layers of wool and cotton, but the exact arrangement may vary, depending on the mattress model.

While the top mattress was stitched into its cover, work began on the middle mattress. No springs just yet: those come from the bed base. I watched as more layers of wool, cotton, and horsehair were fed into plaid fabric and stitched for security. Following a deft demonstration, one of the mattress makers asked if I'd like to have a go at stitching the side of the middle mattress. Gamely, I agreed. What took him five seconds took me at least five minutes, as I poked, pulled, and pushed the needle to make a single seam. My fellow mattress maker congratulated me, then quietly unthreaded my stitch while I celebrated.

The middle mattress is founded on a pocket spring system to minimize motion transfer (ideal for couples and light sleepers). Depending on the mattress model, your spring system might go on top of or inside your pinewood bed base. This is the only aspect of a Hästens sleep system that is constructed and assembled outside of the Dream Factory. The pine is sourced from northern Sweden, where it grows tall and tough during harsh winters. Then, it's fashioned into bed bases by an unnamed partner company and transported to Köping, where Hästens workers add a dust cover and a few more finishing touches. For example, the corner springs inside the bed base are cushioned with flax, which works to reduce static electricity, so you don't get a nasty shock from your bed frame.

The ideal Hästens worker is a jack of all trades, able to turn their hand to the technicalities of a dozen different mattress models. Only the most proficient workers are trusted to work on the Grand Vividus sleep system. Much of the production process is a closely guarded secret and takes place tucked away in corners on the Hästens factory floor, where photos and videos are prohibited.

Here's what I can tell you. The Grand Vividus is filled with horsetail hair, wool, and cotton, much like any other Hästens sleep system. The headboard is expertly upholstered with lustrous mohair and finished with poplin piping, while the mattress handles are covered in stingray skin. My tour guide openly admitted that this material serves no practical purpose. In fact, the Grand Vividus is so heavy that the handles are just for show − and the stingray skin makes that show all the more spectacular.

For the final stop on my factory tour, I visited the packing station. I embarrassed myself by asking whether the sleep systems were compressed into cardboard, like a box mattress. My tour guide told me that the intricate, intensive work that takes place at every stage of the manufacturing process is carried through to the packing room.

First, the top mattress and middle mattress are wrapped in plastic for protection against dust and dirt. Then, the bed base follows suit. Where some companies make their mattress fit the box, Hästens makes the box fit the mattress. A cardboard case is constructed around each section of the sleep system, which arrives in two parts, delivered to your door. Then, the real work begins – getting your sleep system upstairs. My tour guide is due to move house next month, and he has no idea how he's going to fit his Hästens into his new place. Still, he's determined to find a way − he refuses to give up such a good night's sleep.

The mattress showroom

A short drive away from the Dream Factory stands the Hästens flagship store in downtown Köping. Inside, I found almost every Hästens mattress in a range of firmnesses to suit all sorts of sleepers. This wasn't so much of a showroom as a sleep spa. My tour guide encouraged me to swap my sneakers for a pair of down-lined booties so that I could pad from bed to bed while he dimmed the lights and fluffed the pillows.

Before my tour guide could get me into bed, I asked him to explain the enormous poster of a naked woman hanging above my head. He didn't blink. 'All the better to show her spinal alignment,' he explained. He talked me through the picture, showing me how a Hästens sleep system is designed to dip beneath your shoulders and hips to better support your lower back. Sure enough, I could track the straight line from the model's neck along her spine all the way down to her toes. After I found the right Hästens, my spine would be straight, too, though my tour guide assured me I could keep my clothes on.

In order to help me find my perfect match, a member of the Hästens sales team offered me an impromptu sleep consultation. First, he wanted to learn about my sleep positions. When I told him that I tend to sleep on my stomach, he frowned: 'That's a sure sign that you aren't sleeping on the right mattress.' I stood my ground: I can never fall asleep on my side, though sometimes I manage it lying on my back.

Considering my age, weight, and sleep style, my sales associate recommended a medium mattress. In spite of the old adage that firmer beds are better for you, most people at Hästens believe that medium is the best mattress firmness. 'Softness and support aren't mutually exclusive,' he told me: it's all about finding the right balance.

We moved slowly around the store, considering the merits of each mattress to help me lie comfortably on my back. I was surprised to find that, actually, I could – on the right mattress, and only when I had the best pillow. Lying on the Hästens Herlewing (prices start from £17,890, or roughly $24,000), I could feel my hips sink into the surface while my legs and lower back were lifted, keeping my spine in a straight line.

Still, my favorite was the Maranga sleep system from the hotel. Trying it again the next morning, I immediately felt the relief of those supportive steel springs. My sales associate relented and told me it wasn't so bad to sleep on my stomach, as long as I found the right pillow − fluffy and flat to keep my neck from straining.

Full disclosure: I tried the Grand Vividus in the Hästens showroom, and I wasn't a fan. When I admitted this to my sales associate, he wasn't surprised: he thought it was too firm. He told me that 'most people go wrong when they try to buy the best mattress, which they think is the most expensive mattress, without working out whether it is the best mattress for them.'

Is a Hästens mattress worth it?

Even if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't buy a Grand Vividus, because it isn't the right bed for me − but I might buy a Hästens Maranga. I can't overstate how well I slept in the hotel and how supported I felt in the showroom. I could justify it in terms of cost per use. If I slept on a $10,000 sleep system every night for seven years (the average life span of a mattress), that's only $4 a day. Most people spend more than that on their morning coffee.

For me, though, it's less about the size of the investment, and more about what I'm investing in. You'll trade in a fast car after a few years, your designer clothes will go out of style, but good sleep is forever. I heard about Hästens customers who have slept in the same beds for 20, 30, 50 years. Their investment paid dividends for their health and well-being. Some customers even pass down their sleep systems to their children and grandchildren to give the gift of better sleep.

To answer my colleague's earlier question: is it worth it? If I bought a Hästens Maranga, and I slept for 50 years as well as I did that first night, I'd say it's money well spent.

I am obsessed with bringing a welcoming, elegant, English country feel to my home, and Rowen & Wren's 2024 autumn collection just made it a whole lot easier

As an Interiors Editor, you might think it would be tricky to land on a design style I love the most. What look do you choose for your own home when every day you are surrounded by new trends, new products and new beautiful spaces? Well actually, for me I have been trying to create the same style in my home for decades.

Modern rustic, modern farmhouse, French country, English country, cottagecore – it's a look that's had many names over the years but it's always been high up in the interior design charts. And no matter what label it's given it's a timeless style that never dates.

That effortless, slightly country, and slightly rustic but at the same time elevated and considered is a style that I am constantly trying to achieve. So when I got a sneak peek at Rowen & Wren's autumn collection and saw it was a whole range based around the exact vision I have for my spaces, I was thrilled.

The new autumn collection is made up of beautiful furniture pieces, gorgeous bedding that would add an elegant touch to any style bedroom, and decor pieces that look like you could have picked them straight out of an antique sale.

Each piece is timeless and would work in the home all year round, but they are perfect for giving your home a cosy update for the change in seasons. The colours are warm and welcoming, the fabrics soft and inviting.

H&G's edit of Rowen & Wren's autumn collection 2024

You can shop the whole collection right now on Rowen & Wren, but these are a selection of my favourite pieces that are perfect for updating your home for the change in seasons.

I get such joy from changing my home with the seasons and always feel so ready for it when the time arrives. When buying new pieces for my seasonal switches I do always consider the style of my home throughout the whole year too, I like to invest in pieces with longevity that will last more than just a season. The entire Rowen & Wren collection is just that, it's timeless, but so perfect for going into autumn and winter.

Mattress protectors are designed to make cleaning our mattresses and maintaining good sleep hygiene easier. But that only works if you actually remember to clean the cover at least every once in a while.

Washing a mattress protector semi-regularly not only helps to keep your sleep space clean, preventing illness and skin irritation but extends the lifespan of your best mattress, too.

So, how often should you wash a mattress protector? Laundry and sleep experts reveal the optimal washing routine that will protect your sleep hygiene and ensure a good night’s rest.

How often should you wash a mattress protector?

Even the best mattress protectors need regular washing to maintain their effectiveness – and forgetting to do so is a common bedding laundry mistake. According to Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, this means washing your mattress protector every one to two months under normal usage. However, he adds that ‘this can vary based on individual sleep habits and environmental factors. For instance, if you have allergies, share your bed with pets, or experience night sweats, you might need to wash your mattress protector more frequently – about every two to three weeks.

‘Regular washing is essential to maintain a clean and healthy sleep environment.’

This will also mean that mattress protectors that are not used as frequently, such as in guest bedrooms, can be washed less. Washing two or three times a year is often sufficient if you are not having guests every weekend.

Conversely, if your mattress protector gets stained, or has something spilled on it, you will need to do laundry sooner. If you don’t have a waterproof protector, you might even need to clean a mattress in the case of spilled liquids to prevent long-lasting damage.

Even if you cover your mattress protector with the best bed sheets and the best mattress topper, washing the protector regularly is still important. Dr. Sham Singh, a sleep expert at WINIT Clinic, explains, ‘It is important to clean your mattress protector on a fairly regular basis for a number of reasons. It helps in cleaning out allergens, bacteria, and dust mites which may otherwise build up over time and increase one's vulnerability to allergic reactions or asthma. Good maintenance also prevents the mattresses from building up sweat, body oils, and dead skin, causing odors and irritations.’

Of course, washing your mattress topper regularly will only have an effect if you remember to wash bed sheets every one to two weeks, and wash them correctly to kill bacteria. Changing your pajamas regularly will also help, especially with skin conditions and allergies.

If you're like me and almost as soon as a room is finished you start to get itchy feet, boredom-proofing your interiors is going to change your life. If you find yourself adjusting and readjusting shelves and rethinking decisions you previously labored over purely because you feel a little bored of the interior design style in that space, you're not alone.

The good news is, that ensuring your living spaces feel fresh and exciting doesn’t require a full renovation every 6 months. Instead, it’s about making smart choices and introducing some interior design tweakments, flexibility, and newness for enduring appeal.

Here, I share my 6 top methods and tips that you can very easily copy and implement in your own home for when that wave of boredom hits you.

How To Ensure You Never Get Bored Of Your Interiors

Personally, my current favorite method to ensuring I never get bored is to embark on an endless slow renovating journey where no room truly ever gets done, and there is constantly something new to introduce or update. But that's just me.

If you're lucky enough to have a finished home, here are my favorite methods I've employed in my past homes (and some tips I've learnt from the experts) to keep your home feeling fresh and far from boring.

1. Mix timeless and trending

Now I'm the first person to admit I can get really sucked into trends. Perhaps due to my background in fashion, where a new shoe style is easier to invest in, but when it comes to my interiors I do like to also dip my toe into the latest fads.

Introducing some of the latest interior designer trends to your home, like a pop of unexpected red, is a great way to make a space feel renewed. Mixing classic interior design styles with these trendy accents ensures that your interiors always look updated.

If you anchor your home with timeless foundations with your larger furniture pieces and wall colors, you can easily swap out trendy items as styles change, keeping your interior fresh and exciting without significant expense.

2. Use neutrals as a foundation

If you know you're prone to wanting to redecorate often, the biggest advice I can give you is to try and stick to decorating with neutrals for your paint colors. I know the maximalists among us are going to recoil, but hear me out, as this gives you the freedom to refresh your space with minimal effort and expense.

Think of your home as a canvas that can be continually updated with new furniture, artwork, textiles, and decor pieces that reflect your evolving style – without you having to call in the decorators.

A neutral palette allows your style to shine through in other ways like with unique furniture or decor items. By using neutral colors as a base, you can easily layer in more vibrant or trending accents without overwhelming the space.

3. Flexible furniture

Flexible, modular, and adaptable furniture is a game-changer for reinventing spaces. Sure, there's a lot to be said for custom banquette seating and corner couches that fit perfectly into your nook, but if you should want to move them around you're pretty stuck.

Unfitted furniture pieces are designed with versatility in mind, allowing them to serve multiple functions or be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs and minds.

Modular sofas, for example, can be rearranged to fit different room layouts or to create new configurations. While a farmhouse table instead of a fixed kitchen island can simply be moved, repainted, or swapped for something else entirely without any damage to your flooring.

4. Rearranging vignettes and displays

This is my favorite and most frequently employed tip to update a space. It sounds so simple, but it is so effective to give your displays and vignettes a fresh new perspective.

If you're wondering 'what is a vignette', it is simply a term for small curated arrangements of objects. These can be set up on coffee tables, mantels, bookshelves, or any surface that lends itself to a bit of decoration. Updating these can have a big impact on the overall feel of your space.

Start by shopping your own home. Move items from room to room to create new combinations and looks without buying anything new. Whether it's rotating through new coffee table books, switching out a lampshade, or displaying travel souvenirs, vignettes can be refreshed to reflect what's meaningful or inspiring to you at any given time.

5. Seasonal switches

Seasonal decorating is something you might only consider at Christmas time, but what about the rest of the year? I don't know about you, but I always feel like my house feels really empty and a little sad after taking down holiday decorations so I'm looking to create that feeling year-round.

Of course, there are obvious moments like Halloween decorating or Easter decorating that can bring something different to your interiors. But also don't forget to celebrate the current time of year and bring elements of that indoors.

In the spring, this might mean incorporating fresh flowers, light fabrics, and pastel colors. Summer decor ideas would focus on vacation and coastal-inspired decor and more vibrant hues. For fall decor, think a few cozier textures, warm woods and toasty tones and through winter, I like to bring in festive touches as early as I'm allowed. This keeps everything feeling new.

6. Throw pillows and blankets

My final and most easy to implement hack is to keep a basket, box, or cabinet with different throw pillows, cushion covers, and blankets to update and elevate beds, sofas, and seating areas.

These items not only add comfort and warmth but also offer an almost instant way to inject a new color, texture, and personality into any room. By changing out these accessories regularly, you can keep your space feeling vibrant without the need for a new couch.

This is especially useful for those of us who enjoy experimenting with different styles or moods. For instance, if you're pining after a bold green living room but have just had it painted blush pink, switching out the textiles in the room will let you try out that color without a huge commitment. Or you might like to opt for bright, bold patterns in the summer and switch to rich, cozy textures in the fall.

Making your home a space you never grow tired of might be an impossible task, especially if it is your 'forever home' or somewhere you intend to stay at for years. But, by embracing a few of these simple tips you should be able to keep your rooms feeling fresh and inviting as your mood or the seasons change.

Host of the Olympic Games 2024, Paris is getting a lot of worldwide attention. And while the games are on my TV screen morning, noon, and night right now, I am a total Francophile all year round.

French fashion, French food, and French interiors. I love it all and unashamedly try to replicate the effortless style in my wardrobe, my cooking, and my home. I am fully aware I will never be able to recreate the je ne sais quoi that the French are famously known for but that doesn't stop me trying.

So of course, when I spied that one of my favorite paint brands, Sherwin-Williams, had paid homage to the streets of Paris in their most recent color palette, I was all ears.

The palette, named 'Parisian Promenade' is almost neutral, made up of creams, beiges, and mauves. But there's the slightest hint of color in there with blues and greens and even a grounding soft charcoal gray. If you are love decorating with neutrals, but looking to add in a touch more interest with color, this is the perfect scheme.

'With the Olympics going on right now, it's no surprise that all things Parisian are trending – and this chic color palette is no exception!' says designer Kathy Kuo when I asked for her thoughts on the combinations. 'I love how the neutral Mauve, Creme, and Ivorie tones set a warm and bright foundation for the pops of blue and green, and the moody contrast of the Noir. Like all of the 2024 Olympians, these luxe colors show the beautiful results you can get when you work as a team!'

The new palette is made up of six shades – French Moire, Perle Noir, Crème, Parisian Patina, Chaise Mauve, and Ivoire. What I love so much about this palette is it's a mix of everything – color and neutral, warm and cool, light and dark – it's full of interest, and yet so subtle and timeless.

As designer Benji Lewis explains, 'The combination of colors used here is really clever. Referencing the color wheel for inspiration, what’s been done here is beautifully subtle. Pink and green work well together, we know that, but by knocking all sharpness out of both colors in this instant, the effect is gentle but terribly sophisticated.'

'There's a suggestion that every interior should include some black and white and for the scheme here Sherwin-Williams has fulfilled this brief,' he adds. 'But in keeping with the toned down effect the color combo suggests, the black chosen has a slightly chalky look and instead of bright white they've used a cream.'

As a neutral lover, that's what really draws me to this palette, it's so soft and muted despite having such a mix of tones. Benji goes on to say, 'I know it's not found favor amongst les français but there's something Emily in Paris'ish in the color combo. Sylvie's offices are often painted in similar pinks or blues, possibly because they work so perfectly as a backdrop to showcase the wardrobe choices.'

'The Parisian 'Promenade' palette is calming yet balanced as the Creme and Ivory provide a neutral base to be balanced out with the cooler tones of the French Moire and Chaise Mauve while the Parisian Patina and Perle Noire ground the palette,' explains interior designer at De Rosee Sa, Eliza Davey.

'The balance of tone and color creates a sense of harmony within a room. These colors provide the base tone, middle tones, and deeper accent colors that bring it all together as can be seen in this bedroom [above]. The palette results in a calming space, but not cold as the mauve tones in the throw balance out the soft green of the bed bench and bedside with the deep grey on the window seat and ironmongery detailing offset with the soft blue in the artwork.'

Murude Katipoglu, Founder of design studio MURUDÉ also praises the palette for the easy-to-use, yet impactful combinations, explaining: 'Our design studio is known for creating spaces that are both calm and inviting. We love working with neutral color palettes, but we also enjoy incorporating muted shades of green and blue tones into our designs to add visual interest and a distinct identity. Both green and blue hues have a calming effect, enhancing the serene atmosphere of our spaces.'

So how would you use the designer-approved Parisian Promenade Palette? I think it's a fail-safe color palette and you can't really go wrong with it. Benji makes a good point however you do have that darker shade in there, Perle Noir, and even the green, Parisian Patina, is on the deeper side. So there is the potential to be quite dramatic with it.

'It'd be interesting to see how the colors were ultimately used as there's a lot of different looks you could go for here. By making the black paint the dominant shade the impact in the room would be most dramatic; if however, the dusky pink was the lead color the effect would be way softer.'

'However, something to be aware of if you are going to let the more neutral, softer colors be the stars. When embarking on a project where subtle colors like these are to be combined, the importance of texture is going to really play its part.'

If you are after an effortless, soft color scheme the Parisian Promenade palette is the perfect place to start. It's a great example of how just slightly departing from a totally neutral scheme and adding in some cooler, earthier, and darker shades can add instant interest and a touch of drama too. It's calming, cool, and effortless, just as you would expect from a Parisian-inspired color scheme.

There are a few key bits of insider information you'll need when it comes to how to style a bed in front of a window. This is not an easy layout to work with, and one that should be approached with caution, in case you end up blocking the light, making it difficult to reach the window treatments or worse still, end up lying in a draft. 

Happily, designers have been working around unfortunate window placements for years, and have honed their skills for making a bed in front of a window look not just like a necessity, but intentional. 'The goal is to enhance the bed and integrate the windows into the overall scheme, rather than making it appear as a last resort,' says interior designer and founder of House Nine Jojo Barr. And this is how to get this tricky bedroom layout right.

1. Create the illusion of height

It's a clever optical illusion, but sometimes using a bed to hide part of the window can actually create the sense that there is more window than there is. As seen here in this project by Dallas-based Amy's Interiors, the high headboard and equally high curtain rail – much higher than the actual window – immediately trick the eye into thinking the windows are massive. It's a brave approach, but works here due the room being dual aspect, and there still being plenty of light flooding in from the side of the bed.

'The bed was placed in front of the window out of necessity because this Park Cities home was built in the 1920s,' says the studio founder Amy Smith Atkins. 'The bedroom is a downstairs bedroom which is an asset. This was the most comfortable bedroom layout which is always a priority when we are space planning. And we love when someone wants to work with the integrity of an original home so this was the best solution. It works great and we loved the way it turned out!'

2. Choose blinds for ease

It can be hard to get behind a bed to curtains if it's right up to the window, so a blind is more practical choice. As seen here in this room by the Florida-based practice Calimia Home, it allows you to close it with a side-fastening mechanism, rather than having to stretch across.

'We chose a Linen Roman Shad over curtains for ease of opening, especially with the bed against the window, and to maintain a balanced focus between the window, bed, and sconces,' says Monique Miller, the studio's Creative Director and Founding Partner.

3. Make the placement look intentional

While placing a bed under a window may not be the first choice, it shouldn't look like the only option. The goal is to enhance the bed and integrate the windows into the overall scheme, rather than making it appear as a last resort. In this teenage boy's bedroom designed by House Nine, the studio decided to paint the window frames black, creating a striking impact and incorporating the windows as a key design element.

'While placing a bed under a window is usually a last resort, in this loft bedroom, it was the only available wall for the bed,' says the studio's founder and creative lead Jojo Barr. 'By making the window a focal point, we've created an intentional look. The window acts as a decorative headboard, framing the bed and achieving a similar effect to a traditional headboard.'

4. Ensure the windows are sealed

When placing a bed in front of a window, it's important to remember how this will feel, as much as how it looks.

'It's crucial to ensure your windows are well-sealed to avoid drafts,' Jojo says. 'Imagine what it will feel like lying in bed – you don't want any drafts. If you have old windows, such as sash windows that are difficult to seal, use heavy, well-lined, and interlined window dressings with blackout properties to prevent light leaks.'

5. Complement the window with the bedding

Admittedly, Studio Peake placed this bed up against the window instead of in front of it, but founder Sarah Peake used a decorative approach so clever and simple that it can – and should – be applied in layouts that more closely fit the headline of this article. By matching the color of the bedding to the window frame it makes the two work as one, and helps to ensure the placement reads as more intentional. 

'I love using textured throws on beds for an extra layer of color and interest,' Sarah says. 'It’s easy to forget about beds when you’re putting together fabric schemes but they are such a big expanse in a bedroom so I put a lot of thought into what goes onto them. This mohair throw from Loewe was perfect and worked so well to pull in the other colors in the room.'

6. Keep the headboard low

Of course, in order to maximize the daylight as much as possible, another approach is not to block the windows at all. A low headboard will mean that even if your windows are not as high as these ones, they are still as unhampered as they can be, despite having a large piece of furniture sat in front of them.

It helps that the window frames are painted the same color as the walls here, cutting down on the amount of visual distraction and allowing the small windows to seem bigger than they actually are. 

7. Pick a cohesive color scheme

The grays in this bedroom all have a very subtle pink tint to them, a mauve tone that makes them warmer than blue-toned grays (which tend to read more 'Scandi' and have a coolness to them). This makes them kinder for a bedroom, as they seem a little more welcoming. It helps that they are enhanced by the pink of the curtains which also have a grey tint to them, lending a beautiful feeling of harmony. 

Remember to think of the window dressings as part of the scheme, particularly when placing a bed in front of the window. It adds to the effect of being cohesive. 'If using traditional window dressings like curtains or blinds, ensure the fabric complements the bedding and overall design scheme,' Jojo says.

Having a bed in front of the window may be a tricky layout, but it's one that has plenty of ways around. The key it to ensure it doesn't feel too disjointed, you want the bed to look as if it's meant to be in that position rather than it was the only option. Following these simple, yet effective designer approved tips will ensure you get this layout spot on.

It's said that the average person spends around 26 years of their lifetime sleeping – which amounts to a lot of time spent in our beds. So, it's only logical that we would want to keep our sleeping spaces as hygienic and germ-free as possible.

But keeping your bed and your bedroom clean isn't just about washing your sheets once in a while. Everyday bad habits could be making your bed a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens.

From simple actions like drying your hair before bed to regularly airing out your linens, there are several steps you can take to ensure your bed stays fresh as a daisy. Here are four common habits that might be making your bed unsanitary and how to fix them:

1. Sleeping with wet hair

'If you are sleeping with wet hair, you may risk your pillow becoming moldy,' warns Rhiannon Johns, Head of Brand at Piglet in Bed. 'As you sleep, your pillow will absorb the moisture from your hair, and as we know, moisture and warmth breed bacteria.

Whilst you might not be able to see it, the unsanitary consequences of sleeping with wet hair could begin to affect your skin, eyes, and even your airways,' Rhiannon explains. 'So, whilst I would always recommend drying your hair before bed, if this is not an option, make sure to remove your pillow from its cover first thing in the morning and air them both out.'

It's also recommended to wash your pillows once every couple of months to keep them fresh and sanitary.

2. Sharing our beds with our pets

'Every dog owner is guilty of swearing they will never let their dog sleep in their bed until they fall victim to the puppy dog eyes,' says Rhiannon. 'But with dogs comes dirt, and with dirt comes bacteria, and letting them sleep in or on your bed will most definitely make your bedroom dirtier.'

But no one expects you to banish your pets to the floor completely! Just keep your pet's health in check and wash your bedding as often as possible (weekly is recommended). Of course, if washing your bed sheets so regularly isn’t feasible, you could also invest in a second bedding set to rotate and wash both bedding sets bi-weekly.

3. Wearing socks to bed

Wearing a cozy pair of socks to bed might seem harmless, but this habit can actually make your bed unsanitary. Throughout the day, our socks pick up a variety of germs, including fecal matter, which can transfer to your sheets. Over time, these germs accumulate, creating an unhygienic sleeping environment filled with bacteria and dust mites.

So, while wearing socks to bed isn't a significant health risk, it's far from clean. To keep your bed sanitary, consider alternatives like wearing indoor slippers or using a hot water bottle to stay warm. Of course, if you're still committed to wearing socks, please just make sure they are clean and wash your feet before bed!

4. Sitting on the bed in a towel

Most of us are guilty of getting out of the bath or shower and sitting on the bed as we get ready for the day. But much like sleeping with wet hair, your bedding will absorb the moisture, making it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

'To avoid this, find a new procrastination spot, and before making your bed in the morning, throw back the duvet to aerate it,' recommends Rhiannon. 'For a more thorough freshening, hang it over your washing line outdoors to air dry when the weather allows. The sun will help to kill bacteria too, so make the most of any sunshine.'

How many of these bad habits do you unintentionally make? Fear not, if you learn to deep clean your bed, it's possible to keep your sleep space fresh and clean year-round.

It is perhaps no secret that the desire for open-plan living has influenced how we design our spaces in recent years – but Nicole Kidman has taken the trend one step further: to the bedroom.

While thoughts of this layout often involve an open-plan living room and kitchen area, the Practical Magic actress has merged her sleep space with a living area – complete with a velvet brown sofa, a television, and a sleek fireplace (which doesn't happen to be lit in this shot). The living area flows directly to the bedroom, where we see a white bed with a view over a balcony.

While it is not conventional to see living and sleeping areas exist in such close proximity, the luxurious design quirk is growing in popularity, and Kidman is trailblazing the trend.

'Open-plan bedrooms are a noticeable trend for compelling reasons. Merging the private sanctuary of a bedroom with the communal vitality of a living space, this innovative layout redefines contemporary living,' comments designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'There are various benefits to open-plan bedrooms that make them so appealing and help explain why more homeowners are opting for this fluid design.' First is its ability to maximize light.

Since Kidman's bedroom is surrounded by windows and, consequently, natural light, emphasizing this is not a problem. However, in smaller bedrooms or those that are naturally darker, we can use this layout to enjoy an airier, lighter feel.

'One of the most significant advantages of an open-plan bedroom is the seamless flow of space and light. By eliminating walls, natural light can permeate the entire area, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere,' Lichtenstein says. 'This uninterrupted light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes smaller spaces feel more expansive. For urban dwellers with limited square footage, this design can transform a compact apartment into an airy, spacious haven.'

Secondly, this layout is more social than its broken-plan alternatives – meaning it encourages a more connected living experience with the ones we are closest to. 'The absence of barriers allows for easy interaction between the bedroom and living area, making it ideal for couples or roommates who value spending time together,' Lichtenstein says.

'This layout encourages a harmonious blend of relaxation and socializing, where one can transition effortlessly from a cozy reading nook in the bedroom to a lively conversation in the living room.'

While labeling a layout as a 'design trend' can often feel risky, there is no denying that these qualities are increasingly sought-after. Renovating our bedrooms in such a way is no quick job, but if our space allows, we can make the change knowing that it will only become more sought-after in the future.

'The allure of open-plan bedrooms lies in their ability to redefine traditional boundaries, offering a blend of practicality and modern elegance,' Lichtenstein explains.

'By maximizing light and space, enhancing social interaction, and providing flexible living options, this layout caters to the needs and desires of contemporary homeowners. As we continue to seek out living spaces that adapt to our dynamic lives, the open-plan bedroom stands out as a testament to the beauty of open, interconnected living.' We saw it with Kidman first.

Shop the luxury bedroom edit

Creating a luxury bedroom space goes beyond our chosen layout. These quick buys will instantly upgrade any sized area (whether it's open plan or not).

An eclectic collection of artwork serves as the perfect finishing detail for any home. Whether your tastes lean minimalist and modern, or expressive and over the top, there's room in every space for a piece of art or two (and sometimes, a gallery wall of 20). But some types of art get a bit more love than others, and 'tiny art' is due for its turn in the spotlight.

Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon, the mind behind this year's takeoff 'Unexpected Red Theory' trend, recently took to TikTok to celebrate tiny art in all its glory. Showing off images of small-scale (but no less stunning) pieces of art across a wide range of design styles and spaces, Taylor says 'there's no such thing as art that is too small.' When it comes to decorating with art across the home, we can't help but agree that tiny art makes for a larger-than-life impact. Here's what we love about the look.

What's to love about tiny art?

Where you display artwork, and how much you use, has an incredible impact on the overall space. And according to Taylor, less is often more. Instead of overcrowding a space with a sprawling gallery wall or big, imposing pieces, she's a fan of the tasteful use of 'tiny art' throughout the home.

Framing small pieces and placing them in otherwise empty spaces draws the eye to a precise location, and lets the rest of the design scheme breathe. Plus, the tiny pieces make a whimsical, unique design statement that's sure to start conversations. 'I love when people incorporate tiny art in places where normally a larger piece would fit,' says Taylor, starting off the video.

'This really comes in handy when you're putting something above your bed,' Taylor says, referencing an image of a wood-paneled bedroom with a small framed print hung above a black bed frame. 'Some people don't like to have a really large piece hanging above their bed as they sleep, which is totally understandable. I think this is a great use case for having a smaller tiny art above your bed.'

Although we're often tempted to pick out a statement bed frame that does design's heavy lifting or choose a large piece of art to hang centered above the pillows, Taylor's tiny art trick makes the bedroom a bit more interesting. In the video, she shows another bedroom with a 'super tiny' piece of art hung above a large bed, calling the look 'almost tongue-in-cheek' but still 'refined.'

Not into the tiny art look? Taylor says you might want to try a tiny mirror instead. Showing a bright, vibrant bedroom with a small, wavy mirror hung above the minimalistic bed frame, she says a tiny mirror 'adds such a fun little touch.'

Tiny art works best in spaces that 'you would otherwise leave bare,' she adds. Although small pieces can act as statements when left alone in large spaces, they have the most impact when placed in locations you'd normally overlook. Adding a bit more visual interest and personalized style to small or awkward wall space, tiny art is an easy (and amusing) addition to the corners of your home you're not sure what to do with.

Tiny art doesn't need to be left on its own to be a success, though. Adding small pieces into a larger gallery wall, and getting creative with the range of sizes found throughout the wall, can make for an eclectic and collected look that'll endure the test of time. In this living room, pictured above, large paintings, a mirror, and small-scale plates all contribute to a cohesive (and quite stylish) final look.

There's so much to love about tiny art, and introducing it into your home is a fast route to a characterful, visually interesting design scheme. Select a few spaces throughout your home that could use a little more love, and bring in a small-scale work of art – and remember, there's no such thing as too small.

West Elm are officially kicking off the summer months with their second installment of the sunniest collaboration with Los Angeles-based fashion label Rhode.

After the sell-out success of last year's collection, the Rhode + West Elm collab is back with 73 fresh new products that are equally as floral and fanciful as 2023's line-up. 'We are so pleased to bring back RHODE + West Elm,” says West Elm’s president, Day Kornbluth. 'The new collection includes the most-loved pieces from last year along with new fresh prints and patterns for a bright summer assortment.'

As a long-term fan of fashion designers Purna Khatu and Phoebe Vickers, the women behind this covetable fashion brand, I couldn't be more excited to invite some of their most beloved vintage-inspired prints into my home.

For those unfamiliar with the vacation-ready brand Rhode, their motto is 'sunshine never goes out of style'.

Founded by two best friends, Phoebe Vickers and Purna Khatau, they set out to create an optimistic collection bursting with energy and a vibrant curiosity to discover, relax and enjoy. Sounds rather lovely, doesn't it? Today the brand is worn by fashionable women the world over, and celebrated for its prints and signature styles that are bold yet ready to throw-on-and-go.

Fans of last year’s collaboration – I hope you managed to secure some pieces before they sold out – will be happy to see the return of signature scallops, block prints, and ruffles in 2024's offering.

'We embedded the playful Rhode spirit into even more decor staples to mix and match,' explains Purna.

There's so much to choose from: wallpaper (new for 2024), bathroom accessories (there's a shower curtain that's sure to turn some heads), bedding, tableware, and darling decor. Each piece feels bespoke as a stand-alone or pairs vibrantly as a collection.

Once you sift through my edit of the best 12 picks from the collection, I'm sure you'll get on board too. With palettes and patterns designed to be mixed and matched, you can be free to fill your basket with goodies to fill every room of your home, safe in the knowledge that they'll pair perfectly.

Shop The Rhode + West Elm 2024 Collaboration

The new and improved Rhode + West Elm collaboration blends cottagecore and Californian casual ease in a much more afforable manner than the brand's fashion pieces. Playing with print and color, scallops, ruffles, and wiggles, this is collection is a summer's dream. Run, don't walk to the checkout.

When looking at living room placement, designers often reiterate the same rule – keep the sofa away from the wall. This placement brings otherwise 'dead' space to life and creates breathing space that will make our room appear more spacious (even if it's just a couple of inches), and, is even said to make a space feel bigger. But just how does this rule translate to the bedroom? Johnny Galecki may have the answer.

We have already discussed how the Big Bang Theory actor's space, designed by Pierce & Ward, has already broken layout conventions by having the bathroom in the same room as the bed (yes, there is no wall between the two areas). However, Galecki has reimagined bedroom layout norms once more via the placement of his bed.

Unlike most bedrooms we see, Galecki has chosen to position his bed away from the back wall, more towards the center of his room. This creates space to walk around the bed and makes clever use of the central area that would otherwise go empty – something that may be particularly beneficial in smaller bedrooms (though working with a compact space is not the case in Galecki's gothic Nashville abode).

We love the unusual layout of Galecki's daring space (and it ticks all the boxes in terms of design), bedroom Feng Shui experts urge us also to consider what it means for our energy.

'In feng shui, the placement of your bed is crucial to one's well-being as it is believed to impact your health, relationships, and overall energy. Generally, it is recommended to place your bed against a solid wall to provide the energy of stability from behind, symbolizing support and security in all areas of life,' comments Energy Alignment Specialist, Erin Ratliff.

'Ideally, the bed would be in the "command position" so that you can easily see the door without being directly in line with it. This creates a comfortable, relaxed, and safe energy. Being in line with the door should be avoided as it would expose you to excessive chi (energy) flow, causing sleep disturbances.'

Ratliff adds that placing our beds away from the wall (and more towards the center of the room) also 'holds potential energy of vulnerability' and instability or the feeling of being 'out to sea.' However, with that said, there are some cases where we may be able to enjoy the practical (and aesthetic) benefits of this layout without negative impacts on our room's Feng Shui.

'More modern school of Feng Shui might offer some flexibility and room for interpretation here. Exceptions could be made for oversized bedrooms would could accommodate balancing, harmonizing design elements such as room dividers, large headboards, and cordless lamps for side tables,' Ratliff reassures.

'In feng shui, there are rarely strict rules and absolutes. The most important thing is to consider the unique energy flow and layout of a space as well as the inhabitant's personal energy needs.'

Shop the Galecki-inspired edit

Feng Shui aside, we can tap into Galecki's bedroom via his olive green color scheme. We love these perfectly-hued pieces that will work in any sized space (wherever we place our bed).

Diane Keaton has proven, once again, that nobody does monochromatic decorating like she does in her Los Angeles abode. The rustic farmhouse plays with stark juxtapositions through its black and white colored rooms (including the kitchen of our dreams) – but naturally, the palette begins outside.

In true-to-herself style, the Annie Hall actress painted her front door a bright white hue that foreshadows the color palette behind the exterior walls. When it comes to front door colors, white is an eternal classic. However, curb appeal qualities aside; experts say it has psychological benefits that will create the first impression we should all want from our homes.

'Firstly, there is a strong psychological connection behind the color white, which gives the impression of a fresh, clean, and welcoming appearance. Ideal if you're looking to sell. It's a similar effect to the association we have seeing fresh linen on a bed,' comments exterior design expert Kristian Goodenough. 'White is an immensely popular choice for homeowners and versatile enough to accommodate almost any architectural style.'

White front doors, like Keaton's, are the simplest way to incorporate this soothing hue into our exterior. However, we don't need to stop with this feature. Stacy Becker, the president and design director for White Label Interiors, encourages us to take this color's power one step further by painting our home's entire exterior.

'One of the main benefits we discuss with our clients regarding white-painted homes is the emphasis on the landscape and beauty of the natural surroundings,' she says.

'We liken the approach to a gallery – where the walls are all white to highlight the art. When a client has a lovely garden or canopy of trees surrounding the home and property, a white house really does let Mother Nature sing her best song. In addition – the house itself has a strong profile to accentuate the architectural lines and looks perpetually classic.'

And Becker isn't alone in her encouragement of using this color in ways beyond our door. While it's the perfect starting point, Goodenough adds that a white painted exterior can make our property appear 'both brighter and larger' – something that's particularly significant if it's north-facing and is situated in a shady spot.

'On the other hand, if the property was in a particularly sunny position, white exterior walls can reflect up to 35 percent more heat, keeping it cooler and more comfortable to live in.'

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I get to take a lot of duvet days. I'm always looking for ways to make my bed look and feel even better, which is how I stumbled across the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' on Instagram reels. The brainchild of lifestyle blogger and professional shopper Anni Vanderbeek, the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' promises fluffier sheets and comfier sleep.

Anni dreamt up a social media series, 'Unnecessary Necessities', to document the finer things in life she just can't go without. The 'Cloud Bed Recipe' is one such installment that proves the odd elevation, here and there, can instantly upgrade your bed. Featuring just six 'ingredients', the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' is easy to follow at home, and each item is far more affordable than you might think.

I've sampled some of the best bed sheets, curled up under the best comforter, and laid my bones upon the best mattress topper, and I'm seriously impressed with Anni's selections. To get the luxury look and feel for less, you can purchase each 'ingredient' from Anni's storefront on Amazon, which is one of the best places to buy affordable bedding.

'Cloud Bed Recipe' − how to recreate at home

If you didn't know, Anni is in the midst of remodeling her Miami home. Faced with a blank slate of a bedroom, she chose to remake it in the image of a luxury hotel. 'I wanted it to have resort vibes, I wanted it to have spa vibes, I wanted it to be peaceful,' she said. So, she tracked down the softest sheets and the coziest comforter, and the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' was born.

'In order to create a cloud bed, you have to have fluff coming from every direction,' says Anni. That's why the first ingredient of the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' is also the most important: a super-plush pillow-top mattress topper. This thick and fluffy layer could totally transform the feel of your bed for the fraction of the price of a new mattress. I suggest you steer clear of foam, which feels sticky and squishy, and opt for down or fiberfill. Anni likes to take her mattress topper out of its packaging and throw it straight in the dryer to unlock its 'full fluff potential'.

Now, it's time to spruce up your sheets. Anni swears by Feather & Stitch sheets, which are as pretty as they are practical. 'The top of these sheets are finished on both sides, so it doesn't matter in which direction you layer the top sheet,' she explains. Anni likes to tuck in her top sheet super tight, the way they do it in high-end hotels, for that snug-as-a-bug feeling in bed.

Next, Anni takes a lightweight blanket and layers it over her top sheet. This step is optional, and you might choose to skip it in the summer, but the waffle knit adds a nice touch of texture to your super-smooth bedspread.

'Here's the other crucial part – you're going to want to size up on your duvet insert,' advises Anni. That way, you get a dramatic drape over the sides of your bed, without any lumps, bumps, or cold patches. Anni opts for the DWR Luxury Down King Comforter and wraps it in a luxe jersey knit cover, but I suggest you choose your duvet insert depending on your sleep style. The best warm comforter should keep you warm in winter, but the best cooling comforter is more suitable for hot sleepers.

Anni tops it all off with two adjustable pillows from Coop Home Goods. She keeps hers thick and fluffy, stuffed with extra fiberfill for that Cloud Bed finish, but you might prefer yours a little thinner and flatter to avoid neck strain.

Anni has linked everything you need to follow the 'Cloud Bed Recipe' in her Amazon storefront, Anni's Amazon Favorites. To save you scrolling, I headed straight to her 'Miami Bedroom' mood board and picked out the only six ingredients you need – you're welcome.

Final thoughts

If you love the look of the 'Cloud Bed Recipe', and you're keen to commit, you should consider investing in the best cloud bed. That's an industry term that refers to any low-slung, upholstered bed frame (you know, like the one from Restoration Hardware).

If you're keen to upgrade your sleep experience, but you're not sure where to start, I recommend you shop from my shortlist of the best luxury bedding. We're talking silk comforters, sateen sheets, and plush pillows for cloud-like comfort, every night of the week.

For some (like us), styling a bed can be as exciting as styling an outfit. Selecting materials and colors for a duvet is crucial to not only the way a bed looks, but the way it makes us feel. 

Kristin Davis, AKA Sex and the City's Charlotte York, likes a layered bedding look, as evidenced by a recent TikTok. The actor and star of the revival series ...And Just Like That posted a video of herself reading in her bed, complete with several fluffy, white pillows, a matching white duvet, and a chunky, woven blanket placed on top. The assortment of luxury bedding and linens looks, in a word, blissful.

Even for those with an affinity for neutrals, maximalism can manifest through thoughtfully layering linens – and experts say the more is more phenomenon is right on trend.

'Layers are back,' says General Manager of Design at Sheridan, Joanna Ross. 'We see it in fashion and our homes are also benefitting – layered looks are key. Take a relaxed approach and have fun with contrasting weights, fabrics, and textures.'

A layered look on a bed is definitely visually pleasing, but there's some practicality to this styling, too (particularly for those of us who run hot or cold in the night).

'This trend is also a pragmatic one,' Ross explains. 'As we move between seasons, weather events, lifestyle changes we use combinations of layers to bring comfort, or simply reflect a new mood or season.'

Layering allows for change; pieces can be taken off the bed or placed back on depending on temperature or our body's needs. This goes for materials, as well – opt for heavier materials in bedding like wool or even a heated blanket to retain warmth, and linen or cotton for a cool sleep. Alternatively, try both at once, like Davis has done with her mix of warming and cooling bedding materials.

Finally, appreciate the nostalgia that layered bedding provides – the process itself of styling a bed can be meditative, and the outcome is always satisfying.

'Bedding solutions are adaptable in style and function,' Ross states. 'In some cases, we see a move back to the way our parents or grandparents may have made the bed, with bed covers and old fashioned blankets and throws again under the spotlight.'

Shop the Davis-inspired edit below

Below, find some essential bed layering pieces to create a comforting and cozy, night-time oasis. They'll impress in bedrooms far beyond Manhattan...

Washing a dog bed can be a serious undertaking. Not only does pet hair make the task unnecessarily difficult, but fitting big beds in a washing machine or drying them afterward means it is a task we are likely to put off. 

However, given that we wouldn't want to sleep in the same bedding for months on end without changing it, we shouldn’t give that treatment to our furry friends. So, how do you wash dog beds properly to remove hair, tackle odors, and kill bacteria? 

We asked pet experts to share their best cleaning tips to ensure your dog beds come out as good as new.  

How to wash dog beds

We might not want to consider it, but our pets are dirty (which is why you should always think twice about letting your dog sleep in your bed), begins Maleki Burke, founder of Snootiful Hound:

‘Everything your dog walks through or rolls in inevitably ends up back in the bed that they spend hours each day in, so naturally it gathers dirt and grime extremely fast,’ they remind us. ‘If left unattended, this problem will only fester and your dog can get sick from poor hygiene.’

1. Wash regularly

Of course, the best way to wash a dog bed is to do so regularly, preventing the build-up of bacteria and hair that will only become harder to remove with time, begins Sadie Cornelius, pet expert at Canine Journal. At the very least, this should be at least once a month or every time you wash your dog, vacuuming weekly and spot-treating as required between washes. 

‘Regular cleaning helps remove allergens like pet dander, dust, and pollen that can accumulate on the bed as well as build-up of pet odors that can be unpleasant. Washing helps eliminate bacteria, fungi, and other germs that can thrive in dog bedding which reduces the risk of skin irritations or infections for your pet,’ she explains.

2. Vacuum first

Before throwing your dog bed in the washing machine, you should vacuum with the best vacuum for pet hair first. This not only helps the washing machine penetrate dirt but prevents your machine from becoming clogged with hair and pet dander, helping to expand its lifespan and make cleaning a washing machine simpler. 

Vacuuming regularly between washes will make this step quicker, adds Maleki Burke, of Snootiful Hound – ‘not every clean has to be a deep clean, perhaps you can do this every other week and give it a shake and a vacuum in between washes to remove most of the dirt and hair that has built up.’

3. Let the washing machine do the work

Where the size of the bed allows, throwing the dog bed in the washing machine when doing laundry is the quickest and easiest method. 

When washing dog beds or their covers, avoid washing any other household items along with it to avoid hair transfer. It also helps to use a pet-safe or baby-safe laundry detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that might irritate your pet’s skin or airways. 

4. Hand wash larger beds

If you have a big dog bed, then the chances are it will not fit in your washing machine. If you aren't able to have it professionally cleaned or take it to a commercial-sized laundrette, then the only option is hand washing, says Julia Benning, grooming advisory board leader at Well Groomed Pets:

‘Fill up a large basin or bath with enough hot water to completely submerge your dog's bed then soak the bed with a non-toxic, pet-friendly detergent for 10-15 minutes. Scrub with baking soda to remove any lingering odors, using a toothbrush to get into the corners or any spots that are extra dirty. 

‘Finish up by fully rinsing the bed, making sure to remove all the detergent to avoid irritation.'

If this is not a step you can do monthly, then you can turn to a steam cleaner to help kill bacteria – especially for beds that advise against washing, adds Sadie Cornelius, pet expert. ‘Use a handheld steam cleaner to sanitize and deodorize the bed without using harsh chemicals.’ 

5. Allow to dry fully

Once the bed is clean, it is best to allow them to air dry out in bright sunshine suggests Dr. Kathryn Dench, VetMB, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins: ‘‘Whenever possible, allow the bed to air out in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and can help eliminate lingering smells.’ 

When the weather doesn't permit drying outside, placing the bed on a drying rack above a dehumidifier is your next best bet, helping to dry the bed thoroughly and quickly while mitigating any lingering odors.  

6. Deodorize and finish with a pet-safe fragrance

If your dog bed still has a funky smell after washing, then it can help to do an extra clean with baking soda to deodorize without the need for harsh chemicals, Dr. Kathryn Dench, VetMB, recommends. ‘Sprinkle baking soda on the bed and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it off,’ she suggests.

Then, if you really want to make a home smell nice, you can spritz the bed with a pet-friendly, non-toxic fragrance, Julia Benning, grooming advisory board leader adds. ‘There are several odor-eliminating dog bed sprays on the market. Just make sure it is nontoxic. Also, keep in mind that your dog's nose is more sensitive than our noses, so try to avoid over-saturating the bed with too much fragrance as it may deter them from laying there where the smell is so strong.’ 

FAQs

What temperature should I wash dog bedding? 

When washing dog bedding, it is better to use hotter water – around 60c/140f – to help kill bacteria and any pests that may have made themselves at home there, but be sure to check the care label first to make sure there are no materials unsuitable for high temperatures.  

Can you use fabric softener on dog beds? 

When washing dog beds, it is best to skip the fabric softener to avoid giving your pet any irritation from the chemicals. Instead, opt for a pet-safe laundry detergent and add in some pet hair dissolver if your furry friend is a shedder. This will be more than enough to clean the bed and leave a fresh scent.  

To make this laborious task a little easier, there are several things you can do when buying a dog bed. Buying a bed that has a removable cover, for a start, will make the washing process far simpler – you might also be able to get replacement covers so that the bed can still be used while you are doing laundry. Alternatively, if you can’t find a suitable bed with a cover, you can cover a bed with blankets, tucking them around securely, so that you only have to wash the blankets, rather than the padding beneath.  

When you move from a small space to somewhere bigger, it can be an overwhelming change. So, when upsizing your home, how do you evolve your style and furniture to fit the new space?

Moving house is always an adjustment. And while there is lots of talk about how to downsize, it can be tricky to know how to make the most of your space when moving into a larger home. What furniture should you buy? How can you style a larger room without it feeling empty?

If you're upsizing your home this year, we've spoken to interior designers to discover their top tips for making the most of a bigger property, and how to maximize all the extra space.

9 tips for upsizing from a small home

Whether you're wondering which furniture to prioritize or how to fill a large room, these upsizing tips from interior designers will ensure your new property feels like home in no time.

1. Live in the space before shopping

Moving into a larger space comes with lots of excitement, but there is no better way to understand your new space and how you use it than simply living in it first. The way you utilize a larger home will differ from a bijou space, so try to consider this before splurging on new furniture and decor.

'Try not to be hasty in purchasing everything all at once as it might surprise you how you use the space. How are you utilizing it on a daily routine? Are you maximizing each space to its full potential? Are there any spaces that you crave to have such as a reading nook, craft area, etc?' says Maria Vassiliou, design principal at Maria Zoe Designs.

'If the space is open for entertainment, how have your guests navigated eating and sitting? Sometimes these simple actions and questions can turn a space that felt very forced into something that flows beautifully,' she adds.

2. Plan your space carefully

Once you've lived in your space for a while, and you've figured out how the space works for you, take the time to really plan out the layout and design of each room.

'With more space to work with, it's important to consider how you want to use each area and how you can optimize the space to suit your needs. Take measurements, create a floor plan, and think about the flow of the space to ensure that your furniture and decor choices complement the size and layout of the room,' suggests Tara Brien, of Roo's House.

'By planning ahead and thoughtfully designing your new space, you can create a comfortable and functional environment that you'll love spending time in,' she adds.

3. Take your time choosing wall decor and treatments

A bigger home means more wall space, and decorating them the right way will not only add personality to your scheme but will instantly make your home feel more cozy.

'Consider all wall treatments, bookcases, large wall art, wall panelling or wallpaper which can make bare walls more inviting. Long curtains will also dress a room and give it that interior-designed look,' says Tara.

Window treatments, in particular, are key to ensuring a room feels warm and welcoming, rather than cold and stark. 'If there are tall ceilings, a key focus to soften the space is to add window treatments like fabric curtains so it can accentuate the height but also create a warm and inviting feeling,' adds Maria.

4. Create zones in large rooms

Depending on the size of your rooms, you might find it useful to create zones or nooks to utilize every corner. This will ensure your rooms don't feel empty, and offers a space for all your hobbies and needs.

'In a large room think zoning the space for different activities, a reading area with two wing back chairs and lamps, an arrangement for entertaining with plenty of seating, and if you have the space, a feature like a piano or table for floral arrangements. Then anchor each space with lighting and rugs,' suggests Tara.

Whether you introduce a dining nook in a kitchen, are reading corner in a living room, or a dressing room section in a bedroom, adding additional functions will help to make the space feel more lived in.

5. Upgrade your furniture

If you've been living in a small apartment, it's likely your furniture is to the same reduced scale. When moving to a larger space, pieces like sofas and beds can feel lost and leave the room feeling empty, so prioritize upgrading these pieces.

'When moving into a larger space, your current furniture probably won’t all fit scale-wise and you will need to fill in with additional pieces. To begin with, prioritize those items you love and inventory them with photos and dimensions so that you can lay out your new space with those items included. Some items will fit, and some will have to go or be repurposed for a different area,' advises interior designer Amy Youngblood.

'In any space, big or small, prioritize your anchor pieces that you'll be using day in day out. When upsizing, maybe now is the time you get the larger sofa or sectional you've always wanted, or the time to upgrade from a queen-size bed to a king-size one,' suggests Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.

These are investment pieces, but if you choose the right design, they are truly timeless and will last for years to come. Avoid bright colors, instead opt for neutrals that will evolve with your style. 

6. Consider built-in units

Built-in cabinet ideas have come a long way – they're not the bulky, unsightly installations you might imagine, and they work particularly well in large rooms. The right design can feel luxurious, and can create a decorative moment.

'Built-ins or large case goods such as bookcases or credenzas are excellent pieces for filling in those blank spaces in living rooms and dining rooms. Utilize that empty wall, and create intrigue with collected items,' suggests Maria.

In this scheme, built-in units create two bookshelves with closed storage beneath, and a fitted desk area fits in the middle. Painted dark, the space feels welcoming and curated, with a sense of understated grandeur. Not only does it function well, but it covers the whole length of the wall, so it doesn't feel vacant or underused.

7. Take advantage of extra storage space

Gone are the days of maximizing storage in a small space – upsizing means you have more breathable space for more aesthetically pleasing storage solutions. Be creative with where you add it, and don't be afraid to introduce more decorative units.

'Consider investing in storage pieces such as dressers, cabinets, or shelving units to keep your space organized and clutter-free. Armoire's and linen presses are also a great way to fill the walls and create interest, particularly where you have a large hallway or landing area,' says Tara.

This is a great place to introduce vintage furniture – the design can have its moment while having a more functional element. And if the hallway is large enough, add a boot room area to keep outerwear by the door.

8. Introduce decorative furniture

In a small home, almost every furniture item is introduced for function, but with more space to play with, you can have fun adding items for more decorative purposes.

Consider a vintage bureau to fill an empty hallway, or an accent chair to add a cozy appeal to a social room. 'Adding accent chairs or unique furniture pieces can add personality and visual interest to the room, with lots of cushions to make it more inviting,' says Tara.

This approach offers the opportunity to add more statement pieces that don't need to be multifunctional – opt for a statement coffee table rather than an ottoman or storage bench, or let shelving be purely decorative rather than providing space-saving storage.

9. Don't feel like you have to source everything at once

Buying a lot of new furniture and decor comes hand-in-hand with upsizing, but it's important to remember you don't have to purchase everything at once. Focus on the essentials for each room, and buy the additional luxuries later down the line.

'In the bedroom, a sturdy bed frame and comfortable mattress are crucial for a good night's sleep and overall relaxation. Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so don’t scrimp on the big stuff. You can always just get a divan to begin with and then add a headboard and valance later to add that interior designed look and save a little on your initial outlay,' suggests Tara.

Not only is this a wallet-friendly way to upsize, but it also allows you to live in the space and understand the aesthetic you want to create. A larger bedroom opens the doors of opportunity for colors and decor, so don't be hasty with the decision-making.

Upsizing to a bigger home is a fun experience, and allows you to introduce decorative details that just don't work in a small space. With a comprehensive plan, a clear understanding of how you use the space, and a creative mindset, you can make a big home feel personalized and live-in in no time.

Looking at this home in the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, overlooking San Francisco Bay, would you guess that its recent redesign owed its look to bespoke Saville Row tailoring and the classic British sports car brand Aston Martin? Perhaps not, but the elegant and livable house design was inspired by exactly those things. 

The young homeowner approached interior designer Benjamin Dhong, asking for a modern revamp of his home, to create a space where he could entertain his friends in style. 'I think modern design can be so sterile without a strong point of view,' says the designer. 'The client was a young English investment banker. He was quite polished, wore fine suits and drove an Aston Martin, and I felt that we should give him a more cultivated and sophisticated home. He wanted both a home to impress his friends but also feel comfortable and livable. He says that we gave him both in abundance.'

Take the tour, as the designer explains how he balanced these seemingly opposing style elements in his transitional design scheme. 

Every room in this home now includes a pleasing mix of modern and traditional furnishings, nothing clashes however in these expertly curated spaces. 

Explaining his dining room ideas, designer Benjamin says: 'We mixed classical and modern here to elevate the space. A modern Knoll table paired with Louis XVI chairs is both unexpected and chic. And a contemporary plaster pendant from Alexandre Logé is more interesting than a boring and predictable crystal chandelier.' 

The wallpaper is a modern Swedish design, but adds extra glamour with its gold elements. Overseeing it all is a plaster bas-relief of King Gustaf of Sweden.  

The working part of the kitchen was in good condition so designer Benjamin was able to focus his attention on the room's dining nook and seating space. 

The key to his kitchen ideas was to create a more open layout for easy entertaining.  'The previous homeowners had added a sofa for TV watching in here, which cut the room in half,' says Benjamin. 'We removed that and created a 20-foot-long banquette, which allows both for dining and lounging. The client can entertain 20 people here now.' The flexible layout allows the space to be configured as a smaller eat-in kitchen with an adjoining lounge area for more cozy gatherings. 

'We made this space feel more like a London club, ' says the designer, talking about his living room ideas.' A vintage game table brought life and function to a dead open space. Layers of blue in various textures of grasscloth, velvet, and fabrics create an ambient cocoon.'

The grasscloth wallcovering is by Phillip Jeffries, the scalloped edge mirrors are from Downtown Co. in LA.

At the other side of the living room, there's a more contemporary vibe, with statement swivel chairs and a blocky coffee table. 'We removed a rather large and unattractive glass display space and created a nook for a banquette – perfect for gossip and flirting,' says the designer, who sourced the sofa and staircase photo from Restoration Hardware. The Nickel floor lamps are from Abbey Lighting.

Contemporary and traditional styles merge in the designer's playful home office ideas. 

'I call this the Master of the Universe office, from the Fritz Lang movie Metropolis,' says Benjamin. 'Rivet wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries brings a decidedly masculine mathematical grid to the space and provides a handsome background to the pieces. A desk from Restoration Hardware, based on an old airplane wing, brings in adventure, and a French antique desk chair makes it all Steam Punk. We reproduced a very old photograph of the moon and printed it on aluminum and you would think you were traveling in space. A mid-century table lamp is extra tall and the round ball repeats the moon imagery. A French horloge desk lamp completes the steam punk vibe of an office of the future.'

Among the entryway ideas creating a lasting first impression with a touch of sass, is a serpent mirror by Carvers Guild, Nuvole wallpaper from Cole & Son, and a new faux bois demilune console from Oly Studio. 

Up on the second floor is a second sitting room, a family room that can double up as an extra bedroom when needed. Here, the designer truly went to town with an Eastern-inspired theme featuring a de Gournay wallcovering and a chinoiserie daybed from Ceylon et Cie. Gold accents layer on the opulence. 

In contrast to the rest of the home, the main bedroom is a quieter space, but nonetheless luxurious. Designer Benjamin explains the thinking behind his bedroom ideas. 'This room is tailored and masculine. We designed an extra tall modern canopy with round brass mirrors by Curtis, a nod to a captain's cabin,' he says.

The cozy fireplace alcove is beautifully curated to reflect the transitional old and new style blend. 'La chaise by Eames is like a piece of sculpture in the room, while a modern version of a Louis XVI commode has been reinterpreted in oak with lucite pulls to create modern classicism,' says Benjamin. 'Draperies are plain but as they're wool sateen, they are quietly sumptuous. We did not want distracting pattern in here so a pair of grisaille panels provides the art and interest.'

There's an unexpected pop of color in the guest room, which was one of the first spaces Benjamin redesigned. The bed is from Restoration Hardware and the lamp is by Visual Comfort. 

It's a small space, but there are plenty of lofty powder room ideas worth a steal in here. 'We started with a tree of life console which we turned into a vanity with a vessel sink based on the dome of the pantheon,' says Benjamin 'A directoire mirror above in blue brings a classical element, while the sconces add a1930s vibe. The dark blue faux bois wallpaper makes it a bit less formal.'

Interior design: Benjamin Dhong Interiors
Photography: Lisa Romerein

Most of us will have a weekly routine for washing our bed sheets, and of course, we all know the importance of making our bed in the morning for our mental health. But one sleep hygiene task that often falls to the wayside, is ensuring we thoroughly air out our bedding. And in fact, it’s probably far more important than you think it is.

While washing your bedding is obviously essential (and there are many bedding laundry mistakes you should avoid), airing your bedding on a regular basis is probably something you've rarely considered – and as such, is something that many of us don’t actually do. But according to the experts, airing every component of your bed out will likely help to prolong the life of your bedding, prevent mold and other nasties, and put simply, should make for an all-round more pleasant sleeping experience.

So how should we actually be airing out your bedding (and how often), and why do we really need to be doing this? 

Why you should be airing out your bedding

Consider just how many hours you clock up bed each week, month, and year – and then the kind of nasty build-up that might accumulate as a result, over time. Because of this, airing out your bedding is a brilliant way to keep your sheets fresh between washes and ensure you're properly sanitizing your bedding and keeping it fresh, alongside a regular wash routine, of course. 

'Airing out your bedding helps to remove moisture and odors that can accumulate over time, whether from sweat, spills, or environmental factors,' Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Cleaning explains. 'This prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant smells and potential health issues, like respiratory issues.'

Properly airing out your bedding is also a helpful way to get rid of any nasty dust mites that like to live within your undisturbed sheets, Marten Carlson, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Mattress Clarity says.

'Regularly airing out your bedding can also help prevent dust mites from accumulating, as they tend to thrive in warm and damp environments. Dust mites can make symptoms worse for allergy sufferers and keep them up throughout the night,' he explains. 

And that’s not all. Airing out your bedding regularly can actually help to maintain its quality over the long-term, therefore also ensuring it lasts longer.

'Proper airing out of bedding helps to preserve the quality and lifespan of your sheets, pillowcases, and comforters,' Vanessa says. 'It prevents the buildup of oils, dirt, and debris that can weaken fabrics and cause them to deteriorate over time.'

So, while most of us are well aware of how often we should be washing our sheets – how often should we be airing our bedding out? Julia Forbes, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleep Advisor suggests doing this as often as possible.

'I recommend airing out your bedding as often as you can. If you can’t air it out every day, then try to do it twice a week if possible. But remember; while airing out your bedding is helpful, ultimately washing your bedding every one to two weeks will keep it the freshest.'

How to air out your bedding

When planning how to properly air out your bedding, the most important thing is  to make sure to address all the different components of your bed, including everything from your pillows to your mattress, to your sheets and your duvet. Leaving no stone unturned will ensure that moisture and build-up will have nowhere to hide!

So what are the best methods for airing out your bedding on a regular basis? 

1. Make sure to shake and rotate your bedding

One of the best ways to properly air out your bedding is simply to give it a good shake in the fresh air, and to rotate the items, to make sure that you’re evenly distributing your usage of them.

'I recommend rotating and shaking out your bedding regularly, ideally every week. This helps to fluff up pillows, blankets, and comforters while also allowing any trapped dust or debris to be released at the same time,' Vanessa says.

This process is even more important for your pillows, Drew Miller, a representative at Sit 'n' Sleep points out. 'Regularly airing out pillows is crucial, because most cannot be machine-washed. To help release trapped moisture, remove the pillowcases and fluff the pillows. Then, air them out in a well-ventilated location,' he suggests.

Not only can shaking and rotating your bedding be an excellent way to rid it of any allergens or dust mites in a flash, but it can also help to keep your bedding materials looking as good as possible.

Jade Piper, Operations Manager for BetterCleans says, 'not only will shaking your bedding help to get rid of any stale air, but it'll also help to prevent clumping, making your bedding look neater and more polished.'

2. Put your bedding in the sun

If possible, laying your bedding outside in the sunshine is one of the best ways to air it out, especially when it comes to zapping any lingering bacteria. 

'On a sunny day, take advantage of natural sunlight and fresh air by hanging your bedding outside to air out,' Vanessa says. 'UV rays from the sun have natural antibacterial properties that can help kill germs and eliminate odors. 

'However, be sure to hang bedding in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.'

This is a particularly helpful option for pillows, given that certain pillow filling fibers cannot be machine washed – in this case, the sun can provide a healthy dose of sanitization.

3. Open windows and doors

If you’re not able to place your bedding outside to air, opening up your doors and windows for some ventilation is an equally good option.

'If outdoor space is limited, or if the weather is bad, you can use a clothesline or drying rack indoors to air out your bedding,' Vanessa says. 'Ensure there's enough space between items for proper airflow, and consider placing a fan nearby to aid in circulation, too.'

In fact, this trick can be especially useful for airing out your best mattress, which can be especially vulnerable to moisture, dust and germ build-up thanks to the fact that they it can't be washed in the traditional way.

'Although it may not be something you've done before, it is seriously beneficial to let your mattress air out by keeping it uncovered for a few hours, to let it any moisture dry out,' Julia says.

4. Invest in breathable materials

If you're keen to achieve the best results for airing out your bedding in the future, you might also want to consider whether buying new bedding could be helpful – particularly if your current bedding feels and looks past its best (perhaps it feels heavy with sweat, yellow stains, or has a bit of a smell, for example).

'If you can, invest in breathable bedding materials,' Vanessa says. 'Choose bedding made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, such as cotton or linen, to help regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup.

'These materials are more resistant to odor and bacteria growth, making them easier to air out and maintain for the long term,' she explains.

Choosing the best bed sheets can make a big difference to how your bedroom looks and the quality of sleep you have.  

Since announcing his departure from Queer Eye, interior designer Bobby Berk has kept busy – between traveling the world and doling out advice on home improvement app Thumbtack, it's a wonder he's also found time to create gorgeous interiors. 

But as part of an ongoing collaboration with Tri Pointe Homes, Bobby's designed several stunning homes – some of which are already for sale. And lucky for us, he just shared a bit more about one of his latest projects.

Bobby says this home is Scandinavian-inspired but still packed with powerful pops of color, a combination we just can't get enough of. Both playful and sophisticated, clean and characterful, this space is a perfect example of Bobby's anti-trend, feeling-first style. Here, we take a closer look at the space, and hear from Bobby what makes it so unique.

'The development that I want to talk about today is our Vertex Development. We took a cool, serene, Scandinavian style, but we infused a lot of pops of color – blues, reds, oranges, yellows. There is color everywhere in this place,' Bobby says in an Instagram video exploring this delightful space.

Sticking to a bright yet muted color palette, Bobby has infused just the right amount of excitement into the space – despite the energy each pop of color brings, the overall aesthetic remains relaxing and calm. The Scandinavian interior design influence is apparent, too, with sleek, clean lines and a clutter-free mindset on display.

Though color is a defining feature of the space, it doesn't take over. Fit for those who aren't quite ready for maximalism but still appreciate some vibrancy, Bobby says this space strikes a careful balance between all-out and pared-back design.

'The way we made it still, I would say, kind of neutral is with some of the main pieces, we used gray fabrics and a lot of neutral tones. We were able to infuse a lot of color but still keep it not overwhelming,' he says.

The home's dining room is beautifully illuminated by floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass doors and a sculptural modern light fixture. Paired with a light gray-green shade on the walls and bright red Scandinavian-style dining chairs, the room's clean, sleek lines are given an invigorating upgrade.

A favored place for Scandinavian sensibility to shine, the kitchen is clad in light blue tile backsplash and glossy white cabinetry. Perhaps the most neutral space in the whole home, it's a gorgeous example of modern interior design at its best.

'If you like bright color, if you love pop art but you also love minimalism, I think this is the house for you,' Bobby says in the video.

Located in Summerlin, Nevada, this 2-bedroom home is made to feel much larger with ample natural light and bright, clean colors. The entryway is a welcoming embrace, and just a small taste of what's to come in the rest of the space. A bright orange accent wall and sculptural console table greet visitors with just the right bit of whimsy.

The home's bedroom makes a bold statement, with navy blue paint applied in an angular, geometric shape that reaches up to the ceiling. A speckled area rug picks up on the overall color palette, and two burnt orange ottomans bookmark the bed. A bright neon sign above the bed serves as a fitting finishing touch, emulating the whole home's atmosphere.

The hub of the home, the space's living room is bright, airy, and inviting with an expansive sectional and lush, color-blocked rug. An asymmetrical modern coffee table allows plenty of room for inspiring coffee table books, drinks, and more, and the sofa is stocked with the perfect selection of throw pillows and blankets – ready and waiting for relaxing evenings.

There are so many more projects completed by Bobby and Tri Pointe Homes to explore, and if this is any indication, they're sure to be aesthetic successes. This space serves as a welcome reminder that design is meant to be playful and characterful – the end result should feel just like you.

When American actor Josh Brolin, star of Dune, and a regular feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealed his Malibu home, we were pleasantly surprised to see that certain color feature throughout the space. Mood-lifting and warm, yellow brings energy, confidence, and optimism to the heart of the home. Josh Brolin's yellow Malibu kitchen is the ultimate design blueprint.

There is a touch of nostalgia appearing in schemes recently. Maybe intentional, maybe accidental, but the colors of the mid-1970s are back. Decorating with yellow is having a welcome renaissance.

At the lighter, bolder end of the spectrum, yellow is a color of optimism. ‘Yellow room ideas can create a mellow and uplifting interior all at the same time. It transports us back to long lazy sun-drenched days in the Californian sunshine and it can brighten us up on gloomy days.

A champion of decorating with so-called 'ugly colors', the interior design duo at Pierce & Ward, who crafted this yellow kitchen, often seeks beauty in earthy, muddier room color ideas, and they are certainly making a comeback throughout the US.

Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to really lift a space and create interest and features. It reflects all lights well, and makes a room feel very warm and inviting. It’s known to induce creativity and playfulness, so it’s fantastic for busy spaces, such as kitchens.

The versatility of yellow makes it a favorite element in decorating schemes for interior designers. In her book, Recipes for Decorating, Farrow & Ball's color consultant Joa Studholme notes that we are embracing stronger shades when decorating our homes. Much research has been done into how colors affect our mood. Yellow inspires optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with warm taupes and emerald green for a contemporary look.

Architect Richard Parr suggests choosing a natural palette that will enrich yellow, rather than work against it. ‘We recommend paring yellow with earthy and deep tones, from terracotta to rust, incorporating natural materials such as rich timbers and warm metals that will pick up and enhance the color.’

Choosing the right yellow can make all the difference, says Susan Deliss, textile designer and interior decorator. ‘To use yellow or ochre, you need to think of it as the “neutral” in the scheme; as a foil to set off other colors, not to overpower everything else. Avoid anything that says canary or banana and go for something that sets off the architecture or warms up a cooler space.’ 

In Brolin's kitchen, the soft, pale yellow is surprisingly calm and subtle; a modern version of the one from many '70s childhoods.

Shop the yellow edit

An earthy golden yellow is a shade that shines, but it also creates rooms that are rich and enveloping – it is a hue that's like a warm embrace. If you don't plan on repainting your kitchen, then shop the yellow edit instead. 

If you're in the process of designing a bedroom, you'll appreciate just how many decisions there are to make. From color schemes to fabric choices – and let's not forget the all-important bed. But there's one thing that is certain for all interior design styles: it must be a calming space to wind down and curl up. 

Instantly comforting, French country bedroom ideas do just that. With a focus on natural beauty and effortless elegance, these bedroom ideas blend the super sophisticated (think ancient chateaus) with rustic, rural farmhouse style to embody the well-loved French country decor. 

From weathered wood to delicate floral patterns, layered textures, plush linens, and timeless vintage finds, all on a bed of soft neutrals, here are interior designer's 7 top tips to help you evoke the romantic allure of the French countryside in your bedroom.

7 Ways To Achieve A French Country Look In Your Bedroom

Simultaneously rustic and refined, creating a French country bedroom can seem like a hard task. But while these expertly designed bedrooms might look picture-perfect, the scheme couldn't be simpler. It's all about creating an eclectic mix of texture, print, vintage, and generally, just pieces you love. With a keen eye for warmth, the space should be centered around a soft, plush, layered bedscape that invites you to linger a little longer. 

If you're feeling suitably inspired, good. Here we asked the experts for their 7 tips to nailing this welcoming bedroom aesthetic. A checklist if you will. Let us begin.

1. Start with a refined, statement bedframe

As the central spot in your bedroom, the bed frame should be the focal point of your room. The best bed frames for a French country aesthetic echo the quintessential nature of the design style. Vintage, upholstered, rustic wood, four-poster, canopied with flowing fabric, tufted and button-backed - so long as it has some defining character that makes it feel more charming than contemporary, you'll be fine.

'Start with a luxe bed frame replete with French country details, like intricate woodwork on the headboard, or a four-poster bed style,' suggests renowned interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'Complete the look with French linen duvets and sheets and lightweight woven throw blankets. Prints of muted florals and toile also help to accentuate a French country vibe,' she adds.

A statement bedframe not only anchors the room but also sets the tone for the entire aesthetic. Whether you prefer the romance of a fabric bed or the rustic charm of a distressed wooden frame, the key is to create a statement with your bed ideas that you can then build the rest of your scheme from.

2. Focus on romantic linens

Once you've sorted your bedframe or headboard, the next step is to dress your bed with luxurious linens. Adding romantic fabrics and intricate patterns can instantly elevate the look and feel of a bedroom, creating a welcome bedscape.

Neutral and natural linens are popular with the French, with the best white bed sheets having delicate embroidery, lace, or monogrammed trim for a touch of luxury. Pastels are conducive to rest and relaxation, but don't forget to layer on soft quilts or coverlets with floral, toile, or stripe patterns. A bed skirt or valance is essential. Mixing and matching patterns and textures adds a sense of whimsy and personality to the bed, reflecting the eclectic feeling of French country style.

'For a romantic antique vibe, dress your bed with beautifully monogrammed lace-edged linen sheets,' suggests interior designer Benji Lewis who works on projects across the UK and France. 'They're lovely and cooling on a hot night, the brocante fairs are rammed with them. Complete your bed dressing with an antique quilt in a pretty floral print or ticking stripe,' says Benji.

3. Embrace a soft, tranquil color palette

A trademark of the style – no matter if you're designing a bedroom, a French country bathroom, a French country living room, or even a French country kitchen – is decorating with neutrals. Whether you choose a palette of warm neutrals like creams, hushed pinks, and decorating with beige, or cooler neutrals like grays, blues, and greens, soft pastel walls are a must.

'Starting with a soft, muted color palette creates a tranquil bedroom atmosphere,' says Denise Morrison of Morrison Interiors. 'Incorporate rustic elements like weathered wood furniture and wrought iron accents for a touch of vintage elegance, and layer linens with subtle floral patterns for a classic French aesthetic,' she suggests. By introducing these soothing tones on the walls, bedding, and accessories, you can create a soothing space that promotes relaxation at the end of a busy day.

'If you’re not into strong color and pattern, contain your palette to warm natural neutrals like ivory, tan, and soft gray but remember to include good textural interest – linen, cashmere, cotton, and wool with a rug laid on the floor,' suggests Benji. 'Texture is key in this look, so layering various woven materials in a neutral color palette is a great place to start.'

4. Create layers of textile and print

From velvet to tapestries right through to whimsical floral prints, a mix of textures and patterns elevates the bedroom's aesthetic, infusing it with warmth and whimsy. A good floral is non-negotiable, so look to cottagecore ditsy prints and traditional garden florals, and get creative with classic ticking stripes. The key is to anchor the room with a neutral foundation and stick to a soft color palette when mixing and matching motifs so everything feels harmonious.

'A classic French country bedroom is layered in texture from fabrics to finishes in a mix of eras,' explains interior designer Gray Walker. 'Consider a mix of patterns from garden florals to tailored stripes with upholstery and an antique or two covered in their original tapestry.'

'Bedframes with an abundance of drapery are so charming and look very at home in a French country bedroom, be it in a farmhouse or a chateau, they just look splendid,' adds Benji. 'Additionally, use wallpaper, preferably in a pretty toile or a Directoire-style print.'

5. Lighting should play a starring role

Good bedroom lighting can elevate the entire atmosphere of a room, adding warmth, depth, and drama to the overall design. From elegant chandeliers to rustic lamps, the right lighting fixtures can enhance the charm of a French country bedroom.

'Never assume overhead lighting alone is going to suffice,' notes Benji. 'In your bedroom, you absolutely want a predominance of low-level lamp light and a handy floor or table lamp beside the bed for reading,' he suggests. 'Pro-tip: a rustic, vintage chandelier is a great way to fast-track your transition to this style.'

Be sure to include a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to achieve a balanced lighting scheme. Ambient lighting, such as "the big light" or wall sconces, provides general illumination and sets the tone of the room. Task lighting, on the other hand, such as bedside lamps will cast a soft and inviting glow while spotlights above your vanity table can provide targeted light.

Consider installing a decorative chandelier or pendant light with vintage-inspired details to add a touch of elegance to the space. Opt for lamps with soft fabric shades and wood or metal bases in antique finishes to complement the country aesthetic.

6. Add in antique furniture and decor

Look to gather and curate small pieces of antique furniture like a nightstand, lighting, picture frames, and ornaments from flea markets and antique shops for unique finds to create a French country bedroom that tells a story. Whatever you collect, it is guaranteed to add that transitional design feel that is such a hallmark of French style.

'No French bedroom is complete without a small antique sofa at the foot of the bed – even if the fabric has had it, give the seat pad or cushions you put on it a good plumping and it’ll look fantastic,' suggests Benji. 

'Antique commodes or chests of drawers are very much a French country bedroom thing,' he continues. 'And while they're not always in great condition, they can nevertheless be made good use of if you have a good carpenter in your phone book.'

From intricately carved armoires to vintage bedside tables, decorating with antiques adds a sense of authenticity to the space. 'Adding heritage pieces can contribute to the overall charm of French country style. This will create a space that feels deeply meaningful and uniquely yours,' adds Denise Morrison.

7. The finishing touches complete a French country bedroom

The finishing touches, such as accessories, artwork, and styling, play a crucial role in refining the aesthetic of a bedroom and creating an inviting ambiance. By considering thoughtful styling techniques, you can create a French country bedroom that feels curated and designed, with each small touch contributing to its overall charm. Vintage mirrors, porcelain figurines, and decorative trays are perfect for adding a touch of old-world charm to the bedroom.

Fresh flowers are also essential for French country decor. They add a beautiful touch to any room, but even more so when placed on your nightstand as the first thing you see when you wake up. 'Unquestionably allow for cut flowers, and showcase these in a crystal glass decanter or an antique porcelain vase,' says Benji. 'There’s nothing as charming as waking up to a posey of roses beside your bed.'

'I always put a sheepskin mat beside my bed so when you get up you’ve got something snuggly to put your feet on,' he adds. 'I also love a pared-back approach for window dressings like shutters or hung vintage linens.'

Finally, pay close attention to the placement of furniture, accessories, and textiles in the room to create a sense of balance in the space. Layering fabrics, arranging decorative pillows, and styling vignettes on bedside tables and dressers add personality to the room.

French country bedroom style is both effortlessly elegant and lived-in. Every element in a French country bedroom whispers soft, whimsical, and romantic. Far from matchy-matchy, it's a hodge podge of vintage, rustic textures, and breezy linens that you might already be using in your home. While the design style itself draws from rural, countryside French living, it's actually rather simple to achieve this side of the pond, too. 

It's a known fact that how we decorate our bedrooms can profoundly impact how these spaces make us feel and the quality of our rest. But did you know that the items you keep by your pillow and the nightly rituals you partake in can also impact your sleep?

Whether it's kicking your sneakers off as you climb into bed or endlessly scrolling on your cell phone, there are certain items and actions that we could all benefit from keeping out of our sleeping spaces. 

Below, we look at 4 objects you shouldn't keep by your pillow, according to global superstitions and cold hard facts. 

Objects you shouldn't keep by your pillow

It goes without saying that your bedroom layout is profoundly personal, and what works for one person may not work for the next. But as a rule of thumb, these are the four objects that you may want to think twice about keeping close to your pillow on a nighttime: 

1.Sharp Objects

Keeping sharp objects like knives or scissors away from our sleeping spaces is more than just a practical safety measure. The tradition of removing sharp objects from our nightstands is grounded in the belief that these items can disturb the energy required for a restful sleep. 

This concept is echoed in the principles of bedroom Feng Shui. According to this ancient Chinese philosophy, sharp objects emit 'sha chi' or negative energy, which can interfere with the flow of 'chi', or life force, within the bedroom. So, by removing sharp objects from your bedroom, you can set yourself up for a more restorative night’s sleep. 

2. Books or Electronics

Many of us enjoy reading a book or scrolling through our phones before bedtime, but this can have a surprising impact on our dreams and subconscious minds. The stories and information absorbed from these activities can sometimes shape the narratives of our dreams and affect the quality of our sleep. So, perhaps think twice about reading a thriller shortly before bed or keeping it on your nightstand.  

While books can stimulate our imagination, the blue light from phone screens is scientifically proven to disrupt our sleep patterns and affect sleep quality. Similarly, the content you consume, like social media or unsettling news, can linger in your thoughts and influence what you dream about. So to fall asleep fast, it is recommended that you stop looking at your phone an hour before sleep. Better still? Have a digital-detox and stick to light bedroom reads instead!

3.Shoes

Across the globe, plenty of wisdom can be found about keeping shoes away from our beds, much of which seems to be rooted in a shared concern for cleanliness and the ‘spiritual integrity’ of our sleep spaces. 

In both Japan and throughout Scandinavia, it's common for people to remove their shoes before entering a home. This speaks to both cultures' deep reverence for maintaining clean and sacred living environments, and this respect is naturally extended to the bedroom. Because the bedroom is viewed as a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, it should be undisturbed by external influences. Shoes – which serve as a constant reminder of the outside world – are, therefore, a no-no. 

Of course, from a practical perspective, sleeping with shoes by your bedside can also present a tripping hazard. Likewise, no one wants to be walking muddy boots across a clean bedroom rug, so learn a lesson from Japanese homes and leave your shoes at the door. 

4. Mirrors

There is plenty of folklore and superstition surrounding mirrors in the bedroom. Throughout history, mirrors have held various symbolic meanings. For example, in the 1800s, mirrors were considered portals to other realms that could attract or trap unwanted spirits. In Britain and parts of the US, this led to the practice of covering mirrors in a house when someone died to prevent the deceased’s spirit from getting trapped (especially in the bedroom, where many sick people spent their final days). 

Feng Shui mirror rules discourage placing a mirror opposite a bed, as it is believed that they reflect energy back at us while we sleep, leading to restless nights and disturbing our slumber. Similarly, mirrors are thought to bounce all kinds of energy, not just light, creating an active energy that can be too stimulating for a restful bedroom environment.

On a more practical note, having a mirror positioned next to you as you sleep can be unsettling for many people. Waking up in the middle of the night to see one’s reflection can be disorienting or even frightening!

Other popular home superstitions include blowing cinnamon through your front door and painting your porch ceiling blue. Whether or not these practices truly impact our lives remains to be seen, but their origins are fascinating nonetheless!