Innehållsförteckning för May 2025 från Ideal Home

Of all the seasonal switches, the shift from winter to spring has got to be my favourite. At this time of year, spring is in full swing, and even if the weather isn’t playing ball, there’s the promise of summer on the horizon. I’m day-dreaming about al fresco dinners with friends, garden reading nooks and having my morning coffee on the patio. The endless optimism about the British summer never fails to surprise me, and I’m as guilty of it as the next person! Maybe this will be the year we’re treated to endless sunny days, but after some disappointing summers, I’ve got a plan B up my sleeve and that’s top of our DIY projects list this month. In a bid to weather-proof our outside space, we’re going to…

STYLE DIRECTION“With such a rich wall colour, use a soft putty tone rather than stark white on the ceiling and window frames”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ENVELOPING EFFECT Painting woodwork and walls in the same rich paprika tone will create a comforting, immersive feel in a living room. Pair this strong wall colour with neutral upholstery and organic textures, such as wood and stone pieces PICK A PATTERN Use playful patterned wallpaper to introduce uplifting colours in a breakfast room. Pulling out the warm cayenne red and orange tones to use on furniture and soft furnishings throughout the space creates a bold look ADD NATURAL ACCENTS Contrast earthy paprika and cinnamon tones on walls and furnishings with woven rattan, textured wood and stone to create a connection with nature. Look for woven-fronted…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Azure has a light and airy quality that can make even the most compact of spaces feel bigger and brighter, while its calming nature helps to promote relaxation. Whether you use the colour on the walls, or in accents through textiles or accessories, it instantly brings a touch of the great outdoors in.’ ANNA HILL, BRAND DIRECTOR AND COLOUR CONSULTANT, FENWICK & TILBROOK ‘Azure blue is incredibly versatile, and great for spaces where you want to create a colourful, sophisticated interior – for rooms where you might want to create an exciting backdrop, such as a living room or bedroom.’ DOMINIC MYLANDS, CEO, MYLANDS ‘Azure blue is commonly associated with peacefulness, and some medical research has suggested that the colour…

Go two-tone Disrupt the traditional approach of wall colour and white trim by putting a darker tone on woodwork and a harmonious lighter tone on walls. For a cosy feel, extend the trim tone onto the wall behind a sofa or bed for a panel effect. Give it a twist… In a high-ceilinged room, repeat the warmer tone above the dado for a striped look. Customise a cabinet Turn a basic into a bespoke piece. Give simple hobby drawers a makeover with paint in three tones of one colour, then fix the unit to a set of legs. Give it a twist… Use contrasting colours for a patchwork effect, or use masking tape to paint each drawer front in different-coloured diagonals. See doors differently Unexpected flashes of colour are a…

1 “Trust your instincts” ‘I love to cook and host, and so the kitchen and its generous island is the hub of the house. One of the first decisions I made was to have the walls painted pink; it brings me so much joy.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Westgate kitchen painted in Cathedral Stone, from £35,000, Herringbone House. Walls in Jonquil emulsion, £66 for 2.5ltr, Edward Bulmer. Christie bone china pendants, £625 each, Original BTC. Windsor bar stools, £215 each, Chair Supply 2 “Don’t be afraid to mix old and new” ‘My interior designer Holly Vaughan introduced me to vintage furniture – and now I’m hooked! Everyone comments on this cheery rattan sideboard when they come through the front door.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Folie Chambre for similar vintage…

When investing in a new shower, there are plenty of options to consider – from electric and mixer to overhead and body-jet designs. Even if you already have a vision in mind, you’ll have to take factors such as plumbing systems, boiler type and the size and shape of your bathroom into account. This isn’t the most exciting part, but if you get both the style and substance right, you’ll be on your way to shower shopping success. We’ve rounded up the key things to think about. 1 WORK OUT YOUR WATER PRESSURE If you’ve ever experienced a disappointing dribble in your old shower, you’ll know how important water pressure is. All showers will have an indication of the pressure range that they can work with on the product description.…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ While some of the best vacuum cleaners are indeed corded, their cordless counterparts should not be overlooked. They offer the freedom to move from room to room and clean untethered from a plug socket, and enable you to vacuum stairs without running out of cord half way. What’s more, many cordless vacuums now pack a serious power punch. ■ Knowing how to vacuum efficiently starts with choosing the right machine for the job. Many cordless vacs on the market fall within two popular categories: stick and upright. Stick vacuum cleaners are handhelds that you add a wand to, extending the reach – then add a brush head to clean floors or a smaller tool for cobwebs and hard-to-reach spots. Upright cordless vacs look more traditional, but…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Hollow tine lawn aerator, £26.99, Crocus ■ Specialised grass seed, from £19.75 for 2kg, The Grass People ■ McGregor 12ltr lawn spreader with adjustable flow rate, £25, Argos While scattering lawn seed is fairly standard practice if you have patchy grass, did you know that doing this – and in a big way – in spring could result in much better growth? ‘Overseeding is, quite simply, the act of spreading lawn seed to help thicken lawns and encourage healthier growth,’ says Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra Garden Machinery. ‘It can encourage a thicker, more vibrant lawn as it fills in any bare or damaged patches of grass, helping to improve its overall appearance while reducing the amount of weeds and moss.’ But what’s the best…

Some belongings come with deep emotional ties to a person or time in your past (or both). You want to stay connected to them, but they might be swamping your space or stopping you from embracing the now and finding happiness in the present. There are myriad ways to streamline and tidy your home, but we asked three professional organisers with expertise and experience in the psychological aspects of decluttering for their advice on how to get rid of emotional clutter. Cher Casey of The Mindful Organiser reveals, ‘The most common categories of “emotional” clutter that I see are kids’ artwork, clothes and toys, items passed down by deceased family members, things from a person’s childhood or a meaningful occasion or life stage (wedding, uni or pre-divorce), and jewellery. Books…

Roast carrot & goat’s cheese salad SERVES 2READY IN 29 MINS FOR A TWO-DRAWER AIR FRYER ● 350g carrots ● 1 heaped tbsp harissa paste ● Olive oil ● 2 flatbread ● 85g rinded goat’s cheese ● 150g seedless red or black grapes ● 1 bunch of soft herbs (30g), such as coriander, tarragon, flat-leaf parsley ● Red wine vinegar ● Extra virgin olive oil ● 1 small ripe avocado 1 Wash the carrots and halve or quarter lengthways, depending on their size. Place in the large air-fryer drawer and toss with the harissa, 1tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 20 mins at 180C, or until tender, shaking halfway. Add the flatbreads to warm through for the last couple of minutes.…

Decorating with colour is a fairly straightforward task. The sole difficulty lies in choosing which shades to combine, and for that you can calmly refer to a colour wheel for fail-safe advice. Pattern... well, that’s a different beast altogether. For starters, pattern comes in so many different forms. There’s fabric, wallpaper, tiles and accessories, then you’ll find a vast selection of designs in a virtually endless choice of motifs, in all shapes, sizes and repeats. Talk about overwhelming! To clear up any confusion around decorating with pattern, we’ve created this booklet which covers the four main pattern motifs available (plus kids’ pattern, too), giving advice on how and where to use them, as well as including explainers on a variety of decorating techniques. And if you’re looking for more general…

Ever wish it was easier to picture your perfect scheme? Perhaps you’re torn between two furniture pieces, unsure which will fit? Or maybe you’re craving a lick of paint, but can’t decide which colour is best? Good news – technology can help you make up your mind. From augmented reality to 3D modelling software, the tech once reserved for professionals is now accessible to us all through websites and apps for smartphones and tablets, allowing us to visualise design ideas at the click of a button. With so many options available, we’ve rounded up the best platforms that go some way to making those difficult design decisions feel a little easier. 1 PINTEREST (IOS AND ANDROID STORE) Whether you use it to create moodboards for your scheme, stay on top…

WHEN TO CHOOSE IT Stripes are a classic addition to interior design schemes, but it’s their versatility that keeps us coming back for more. They’re a great choice if you’re looking to refresh your space with a playful energy – you might use vertical stripes to add height to a scheme, or create a polished environment with subtle ticking patterns. WHERE TO USE IT Whether you drench your walls in striped paper, or just add subtle accents on furnishings, stripes can slot seamlessly into any room. Just ensure you pick the right scale for your space – when working with a large room, consider using bold, bright stripes for a striking look. However, if space is limited, small-scale ticking stripes or pinstripes might be a safer choice. Essential elements DON’T…

SPOTLIGHT ON The rural idyll If anyone knows how to do country living, it’s Laura Ashley. An old hand at romantic, farmhouse style, the brand has nailed it again this season with the Rural Dreams collection. Wallpapers and murals set the scene, including the Bernwood mural just seen here, with its soft green and rich ochre hues. And the assortment of decorative bowls and accessories is perfect for elevating dressers and sideboards with country charm. We also spotted the joyfully yellow-striped Cambridge chair elsewhere in the range, which would make the perfect addition to a cosy kitchen corner. IH LOVES... Footed bowls Hand-painted serving bowl, £30, M&S W hat to do this month... READ Imagine taking an exclusive tour around the private gardens of some of the UK’s most influential…

You’ve probably heard of colour drenching – the paint trend that uses one colour to flood every inch of a room. Now there’s a new technique in town, and we’re hooked. Double drenching is an exciting trend that focuses on using two or more colours in different hues. The colours can be as bold as each other, or from the same family, but they must carry different undertones. ‘Double drenching takes the classic colour drenching technique one step further to create something new,’ says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made. ‘It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with bold colour pairings or just can’t choose one favourite. This creative approach adds character, especially in modern homes where architectural details might be lacking.’ When choosing your colour…

This boho number also comes in white for a softer style…

MEET THE EXPERTS LISA MARCONI, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF DESIGNLED STUDIO ‘You know you’ve succeeded when your kid wants to hang out in their room all the time, whatever their age.’ ALEX TOLOFSON, DIRECTOR OF NOA & NANI ‘The best children’s bedrooms have a mix of practical furniture, clever storage and a touch of personality.’ JOANNA LANDAIS, DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF EKLEKTIK STUDIO ‘It’s time to move away from the notion that kids’ bedrooms must be decorated in neutrals to achieve harmony.’ Just as you’ve finished cleaning the paintbrush, ironing the new curtains and assembling the desk, you hear: ‘Can we buy one of these/I didn’t think it would look like this/My BF has just painted her walls pink…’ and your heart sinks. Children are prone to changing their…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Jaisie Needham, a programme manager for an academy trust, lives here with her husband, Matt, who works in financial services, and their children, George, 12, and Freya, nine. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom detached house in Sprotbrough, South Yorkshire, built in 2012. having spent a lot of time in their previous home during Covid, Jaisie and Matt Needham felt the time was right, in June 2021, to move into a bigger house, rather than start spending money on a property that wasn’t going to be their forever home. WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON THIS HOUSE? ‘We weren’t looking to move, but Matt spotted a “For sale” board at a development of five houses he’d always loved. Estate agents were limiting viewings to serious buyers during the…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Chile Mlemchukwu-Roberts lives here, with her husband, James Roberts, and their one-year-old twins, Zuri and Emerie THE PROJECT Redesign and renovate a small kitchen and lean-to without extending, to create a practical yet beautiful space TOTAL COST £80,000 From the moment they bought their terraced cottage in southeast London in 2018, Chile and James had dreams of renovating the kitchen. Several years later, with twins on the way, the time came to turn those dreams into a reality – albeit on a tight budget. ‘The kitchen was dark with tired, badly laid-out 1990s laminate units, the lean-to conservatory at the back was falling down and the downstairs loo had an Astroturf floor. It wasn’t pretty!’ says Chile. The couple worked with interior designer Mia Spencer…

Opening a door between two areas of a home typically requires enough space for it to swing fully. But there’s an alternative way to separate rooms from one another – doors that slide into a wall cavity so they’re hidden when open. The internal doors of a home create privacy, reduce noise transmission and make rooms feel cocooning, and they’re also an important element of its decor. Pocket doors can deliver on all these counts, along with being a sophisticated choice. For small rooms, as well as those in which you’d like to be able to position furniture more freely, pocket doors can also prove a great solution. Our guide has all the know-how you need about choosing, buying and fitting them. 1 WHAT IS A POCKET DOOR? Quite simply,…

To find out how to spruce up your RENTED GARDEN and for tips on where to DONATE unwanted homeware, turn to pages 132 and 133; if you’re buying a new APPLIANCE, don’t do anything until you’ve read about Quiet Mark certification on page 136; then skip back to page 135 to discover how to INVEST your money in PREMIUM BONDS; and finally, if you need to REORGANISE your shed, our expert advice on page 137 is essential reading...…

■ PRESERVE FUTURE FLOWERING BY DEADHEADING ‘Deadhead clumps of daffodils and tulips, so that energy is concentrated back into the bulb for next spring,’ says Marcus Eyles, resident gardening expert and horticultural director at Dobbies. ‘Leave the foliage in place to die back naturally as this feeds the bulbs.’ ■ MULCH BEDS & BORDERS ‘Warmer temperatures will herald the appearance of weeds. The quickest and easiest way to control them is to hoe them off before they have a chance to get established, applying a thick layer of mulch over the soil to help keep weeds at bay,’ explains Marcus. By covering the soil with mulch, weed seeds struggle to come into contact with the soil when they land. This, combined with depriving them of light, means they can’t germinate…

If your garden has become a bit of an eyesore over winter, now’s the time to knock it back into shape for the summer. From a grubby-looking patio to tired furniture, you may be faced with a long list of things to tackle. You might automatically think projects like these cost loads of money… not always. There are heaps of ways to spruce up your outdoor space without spending a fortune. Start with a good clean, from scrubbing your patio to tidying up your topiaries. Then you can move onto the more fun job of decorating. Here are a few of our favourite ways to get a garden looking great on a budget… 1 REFRESH OUTDOOR FURNITURE WITH PAINT Outdoor furniture can look tired if left exposed to the elements…

“Dunelm’s Conscious Choice label is on products made from at least 50% more-responsibly sourced materials” Eco-friendly edit Dunelm’s The Edited Life is no stranger to these pages – the entire collection has been designed with quality materials in a timeless style, to encourage people to make more responsible choices with products that are made to last a lifetime and more. The collection is focused on four key areas of the home – bedding, home décor, kitchenware and lighting – and each piece has been produced using responsibly sourced materials, including duvet sets made from 100% recycled cotton and curtains using 100% recycled polyester. GREENER GARDEN This season, Cox & Cox has introduced a range of sustainable planters and pots to its garden collection. Made from recycled plastic in a variety…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Air fryers are basically ovens that make cooking more efficient. They may be small, but there’s plenty of variation between models, with some air fryers able to perform up to 15 different functions to make cooking all sorts of foods easier than before. They work just like a convection oven, cooking your food evenly from every angle. ■ If you’re looking to buy your first air fryer, you should look for one with user-friendly controls to make keeping an eye on temperature and timings easier. For example, auto-stop and keep warm functions can also be useful for beginners. And, if your budget allows it, most of the more expensive machines will feature touch screens rather than dial controls to help with accuracy while cooking. Additionally, a…

WHEN TO CHOOSE IT Popular for their timeless aesthetic and versatility, floral patterns are a classic addition to any room. If you’re looking to add texture, charm and colour to a space, this design is an excellent choice. Whether you choose subtle accents or take a maximalist approach with bold blooms, floral patterns are guaranteed to breathe life into your home. WHERE TO USE IT It’s easy to assume that these patterns are reserved only for traditional looks but, while floral chintz still has its place in some schemes, modern spaces also benefit from the addition of flowery fabrics. For a country style, use small-scale ditsy prints in your bedroom or living room, paired with pastel hues and brushed brass furnishings. Or, take a contemporary approach by adding floral wallpaper…

WHEN TO CHOOSE IT This print is perfect if you want to evoke a sense of calmness. Designs draw on the stems and foliage of a plant, so they’re a great alternative to floral prints. Plus, you don’t have to be restricted to a green palette – choose vibrant hues for a personal spin. WHERE TO USE IT Whether you pick English gardens or jungle prints, the versatility of botanicals will add an uplifting feel. Large blooming designs bring an eye-catching element to lesser used rooms, like a cloakroom, so that you don’t tire of the bold pattern. Or, use a small-scale print in naturally light spaces – such as your bathroom – to achieve a softer feel. Essential elements ENVIRONMENTAL ESSENCE Botanicals are all about bringing the outdoors in…

This is the year for embracing maximalist design choices, so it’s no surprise that pattern drenching is in. It’s a bold and brave choice – one which involves covering most or all elements of a room in one or more patterns. While the look is quite similar to the tried-and-tested colour drenching trend, it takes a more playful approach by using fun prints to elevate any room, as opposed to just one block colour. It might sound easy enough to submerge your space in the same print, but nailing this look is a skill. So what’s the secret to successfully pattern drenching your scheme? The experts reveal all. 1 DITCH THE DIRECTION If you’re intending to use just one pattern to achieve a drenched look, opt for a print with…

WHEN TO CHOOSE IT Decorating your child’s room is a chance to let your imagination run wild. Work with your child while embracing your own creative side as you mix together playful patterns, bold colours and stimulating prints. But remember, the key to creating an effective bedroom scheme lies in striking a balance between choosing a look that your child will love and capturing a timeless essence so that they don’t grow out of the scheme too quickly. WHERE TO USE IT Whether you opt for a vibrant palette or more muted tones, the use of patterned fabrics and wallpaper in your child’s bedroom is guaranteed to transform the space. Try layering a striking patterned wallpaper or bedding with soft textured rugs and bright accents of paint for an uplifting…

1 ‘Stripping old wallpaper? Use a scoring tool to mark the paper – this makes it easier to remove.’ MADDIE BALCOMBE, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 2 ‘Add a set of artist’s paint brushes to your decorating kit to use for precision touch-ups.’ SARAH HANDLEY, RENOVATION EDITOR 3 ‘Always use a wallpaper calculator to work out how many rolls to buy. If in doubt, get more than you need - provided you don’t unwrap the roll, you can always return it for a refund.’ GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR 4 ‘Stretch an elastic band over the top of a paint tin and use it to remove excess paint from your brush.’ HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 5 ‘Use the back cover of a magazine as a floor protector when painting skirting - it’s so easy to…

I come as a bar stool, too…

1 CREATE A STYLISH SEATING AREA Soak up the early spring sunshine by making an outdoor seating nook for you and your guests to enjoy. Add comfortable chairs or sofas, and soften the space with cushions or an outdoor rug to bring a homely feel to the garden. To elevate the space, paint fence panels to zone the area and add a pop of colour. 2 PAINT AN ACCENT WALL If you want to revive a room but don’t have time to re-style the whole space, focus on just one wall. For an easy refresh, cover the wall in a wash of bold colour, or get creative and paint a set of multi-coloured stripes above the skirting. Use vibrant yellows, pinks and oranges to make a stylish statement just in…

1. STRIKING FLOORING Your outdoor patio may not have a big footprint, but that makes it easier – and more affordable – to incorporate standout floor tiles. Not only will they add character to a small space, but if you choose a large-format design, it can actually help create the illusion of the area being bigger than it actually is. 2. ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING Whether your patio is shaded by a neighbouring property or you simply want to add a bit of atmosphere, lighting is key to brightening up the space and creating interest at different levels. Hang solar-powered lanterns on trees, string festoon lights overhead or along a fence, and dot hurricane lanterns around for a magical feel. 3. VERTICAL STORAGE When space is tight, use your walls for both…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Becci Graham lives here with her husband Dean and their children, Ivy, six, and Kit, three. THE PROJECT Updating a tired, cold bathroom into a space that’s both practical for family life and luxuriously inviting. TOTAL COST £7,500 When Becci and Dean Graham moved to their new house four years ago, the bathroom was a good size and perfectly liveable, so the couple started redecorating elsewhere in the property. But when niggles started to mount up and their second child arrived, it was time for a revamp. ‘There was just no real storage,’ says Becci, ‘which meant things were always feeling untidy and it was cold in there all the time. It felt damp and towels never really dried. It wasn’t a space that you…

It goes without saying that your choice of cabinets is a crucial element of your kitchen design. But there’s more to consider than just how they look. In fact, deciding on the best materials for kitchen units is key to ensuring that your project remains within budget and has longevity, too. Kitchens need to be hard-wearing and functional, so it’s important to pick durable materials that also look the part. The choice is vast, so to help you narrow your search we’ve rounded up the best kitchen cabinet materials to use. 1 SOLID WOOD They may come at the top of the budget scale, but if longevity is your primary focus, then investing in solid wood units is a great idea. However, be aware that different species of wood have…

An orderly shed will make your garden more productive and efficient – so you can spend less time weeding and more time enjoying the beautiful space you’ve created. You’ll also use your shed more, rather than avoiding it for fear of being greeted by an avalanche of clutter – or worse, spiders! Start by taking everything out and laying it on your patio or lawn. Go through your tools, getting rid of anything that is no longer useful, and sharpening and cleaning the items you intend to keep. Clear out any broken pots, old seed trays and out-of-date seeds. Back inside the shed, sweep away spilt compost, cobwebs and dust before scrubbing the walls and floor with a brush and a bucket of warm water and washing-up liquid. Leave it…

1 ADD LIFE WITH A BUNCH OF FRESH FLOWERS Whether you splash out on a posh bouquet or simply add a bunch of cheap and cheerful blooms to your shopping trolley, a vase full of fresh flowers (or a lush leafy houseplant) is guaranteed to perk up your surroundings. 2 SPRUCE UP YOUR SHELVES There’s no avoiding the fact that open shelving gathers dust and clutter. Clear everything off, clean the surfaces thoroughly, do some decluttering, then have a go at a mini style reshuffle. Re-order items back on the shelves for a visual refresh... then bask in the warm glow of achievement. 3 REFRESH YOUR BEDROOM WITH SOME NEW LINEN One of life’s simplest pleasures is crawling into a bed made up with freshly washed linen at the end…

YOU WILL NEED ● A selection of wine corks ● Craft knife ● Chopping board ● Wooden skewer ● Sharpie pen Using the craft knife on a chopping board, carefully slice off a third of the cork lengthways to create a flat surface. Next, insert the pointed tip of the skewer into one end of the cork, then gently push in the skewer while slowly twisting the cork until the cork is fixed securely. Finally, use the Sharpie pen to write the name of the plant on the flat side of the cork then pop the marker into the soil in your garden or in your chosen plant pot.…

The actress and author lives in Manchester with her Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer fiancé Gorka Marquez and their two young children WHAT DO YOU DO THE SECOND YOU WALK THROUGH YOUR DOOR? I am massive on people taking their shoes off before they come into the house, so it’s shoes off, shoes away under the stairs and slippers on. That signifies that I’m in comfy mode. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE HOMEWARE SHOP? B&M or The Range in Bury. It’s three storeys and everything you could ever want is in there. WHAT IS YOUR HOME PET PEEVE? Our underfloor heating. I’m a big fan of a radiator with a simple on and off. The underfloor heating drives me mad because it’s either boiling hot or freezing cold. It’s connected…

WHEN TO CHOOSE IT Incorporating geometric shapes into your interiors may seem a bold choice but, when used effectively, they can add depth and balance to your space. The pattern’s clean lines are versatile, lending themselves well to both mid-century and modern schemes. Or use graphic shapes to add textural flair while tapping into the re-emerging 1970s trend. WHERE TO USE IT Whether you’re using swirls or chevrons, the playful nature of geometric shapes means that these patterns are intended to draw the eye. They work well all over your home, but consider using geometric designs in accent areas for a stylised approach. Hang wallpaper in alcoves, add graphic tiles to a kitchen splashback, or pick some quirky cushions for the sofa – these thoughtful details can transform your home…

Modern chintz is back and with that comes an influx of pattern clashing. While interior designers make it look oh-so-easy, when it comes to putting your own perfectly imperfect scheme together, it might not end up looking the same as the vision you had in your head. Just like the best colour combinations, pattern is at its best when used in multitudes, but knowing how to layer them is the tricky part. Throwing together random patterns without any thought isn’t going to create the chic, eclectic look you’re after. So how do you pattern clash successfully? We’ve asked the experts for their top tips. 1 SWITCH THE SCALES If you want to simplify the process of pattern clashing, pairing large and small-scale prints next to one another will create a…

While pattern can be used to create immersive maximalist schemes, it’s also great for adding functionality and flow to your space. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to break up a room, why not try using pattern to divide it into zones? While zoning isn’t a new design trick to define and separate areas within a room, using pattern to do this puts a fresh spin on this classic technique. It’s particularly useful in a large open-plan space or in a smaller room, when you want to draw attention away from an area by focusing on another. Whether you achieve the look by using wallpaper, rugs or decorative accessories, here’s how the experts recommend using pattern zoning to strike a balance between personality and practicality. 1 PICK…