Latest news with #HomeDecor
Daily Mail
02-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
I struggled to sell my two-bedroom London home for six months until I made one crucial change - the flat was snapped up just 10 days later for the £625,000 asking price
A Victorian flat that was languishing on the market for six months with no offers has sold for its £625,000 asking price within 10 days of being staged. Homeowner Kathryn had been struggling to sell the two-bedroom two-bathroom property in West Hampstead, London, and decided to 'dress it up' as a last resort. While some buyers can look beyond the surface and imagine the changes they want to make to a property, many are looking for homes they can instantly imagine themselves living in. So, Kathryn hired a team to jazz up her home - including dressing the rental furniture, adding vibrant pops of colour through décor, and incorporating accessories such as rugs, mirrors and stylish artwork to showcase the potential of each room. In the kitchen, new utensils and pots were decorated neatly on the kitchen counter, while still maintaining a largely clear surface area. The bedrooms were glammed up with patterned pillows and colourful throws. Artwork and mirrors were also added to brighten up the space as they were matched with complementary lighting fixtures and lampshades. The living area was jazzed up with bright cushions, a rug, swanky coffee tables, and decorative vases. Together with plants and wall hangings, the smartly laid-out dinner table added to the welcoming feel of the room. Other small touches in the bathroom - like fresh towels and potted plants - made a huge difference to the vibe of Kathryn's home before she relisted the property in January. Her estate agent quickly arranged 12 viewings and, just 10 days later, three offers were made resulting in a best and final offer at the asking price of £625,000. Kathryn bought the flat in 2001 for £195,000 and undertook a huge renovation, transforming it into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat. A year later, Kathryn moved out and rented the property for 20 years, which took its toll on the decor. Last year, Kathryn decided to sell the flat and put it on the market for £575,000 - discounted to take into account that it needed work. Six months later, the property still hadn't sold - forcing Kathryn to reduce the asking price again. 'Everybody could see that it needed quite a bit of work,' Kathryn said. 'It was too much of a project and so we didn't get any offers at all even though it had been on the market a long time at a significant discount. 'I was nervous of Capital Gains Tax rising in October so I was desperately trying to sell it pre-budget and it just wouldn't, so I realised I was going to have to bite the bullet and renovate it myself.' After spending £55,000 on the renovation, Kathryn felt the state of the flat was dramatically improved but still looked empty and bare. She enlisted the help of ThePropertyStagers to give it a makeover and the flat sold within 10 days for £625,000. The staging significantly enhanced its appeal, particularly on RightMove, contributing to its quick sale. Kathryn said: 'I was aware of property staging, and the flat looked really sad and empty, so I contacted a couple of companies, one of which was ThePropertyStagers and I really liked their responsiveness and I warmed to what they said they were going to do for me. 'The flat was also partially furnished because I kept some of the furniture in case it didn't sell again and I needed to re-rent it. They were very flexible, working around my furniture, which was very helpful. 'When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat. It was unbelievable what they did!' For Kathryn, it was a huge relief as she wanted to complete the sale before the Stamp Duty changes in April. She said: 'We wouldn't have had that much interest had the flat not been staged, because it made each of the rooms stand out in the photos we used on RightMove. 'There were lots of similar flats on the market but mine really stood out, which I don't think it would have done without the staging.' Liv Conlon revealed that when it comes to selling a home it's all about sticking to neutral tones, clearing clutter and adding pops of colour, texture and pattern with soft furnishings 'Their team used a colour scheme that I would never have thought of myself, with lots of bright yellow, which against the navy kitchen and the grey bathrooms, really looked great - especially in the photos, which drew you in and made you look.' Liv Conlon, who was crowned The UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 after founding ThePropertyStagers at just 16, says staging a property to sell is very different to how people live at home. The team uses props including artwork and accessories to make houses more appealing. The 25-year-old revealed that when it comes to selling a home it's all about sticking to neutral tones, clearing clutter and adding pops of colour, texture, and pattern with soft furnishings. Liv, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives in Marbella, said: 'Property staging can make the difference between a home not selling, and being sold in just days - I've seen it happen so many times. 'Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult. 'ThePropertyStagers staged the kitchen and dining area with bright accessories, bold artwork, a cosy rug, as well as oversized vases, and giant mirrors. 'We also set up the dining table with crockery, and added colourful cushions on the sofas. In the two bedrooms, we dressed the double beds, adding blankets, lamps, vases and artwork.
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Shoppers are racing to their local supermarket after spotting half-price Yankee Candle bundles with 6 full-sized items
TESCO shoppers are rushing to snap up a luxury Yankee Candle gift set and fans say it's 'perfect for Christmas pressies'. The Home Inspiration Yankee Candle Mega Buy Gift Set is now just £20, down from its usual £40, and it's already causing a stir among savvy shoppers planning ahead for the festive season. 2 Included in the bundle are six full-sized treats – with scents like Strawberry Waffle Cone, Lemon Lavender, and Pink Sands – all wrapped up in a beautifully designed gift box. The set comes with a medium jar candle, a small jar candle, a stylish tumbler, two filled votives, and a wax melt, ideal for those who want their homes smelling like heaven on earth during the colder months. One thrilled customer wrote: 'Wow, great for Christmas pressies x.' Another added: 'So cute!' while a third said: 'Ooooh these are so good.' The bundle features Yankee Candle's Home Inspiration line, which promises premium wax blends and room-filling scents that last for hours. It's designed for all occasions, whether it's a birthday, housewarming or just to say thanks. And let's face it, who wouldn't love unwrapping one of these under the tree? The set includes some of Yankee Candle's most-loved fragrances like Sugared Blossom and A Calm & Quiet Place, all chosen to suit any home and mood. Shoppers are 'sprinting' to Tesco to nab £3.75 buy that makes your house smell 'incredible' but so much cheaper than £35 The White company scent Tesco customers say it's not only a treat for yourself but a clever way to tick off multiple names on your Christmas gift list in one go. To bag this bargain you'll need to be signed up for a clubcard as this is for clubcard members only. What can I get with Tesco Clubcard? TESCO'S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop. These points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food at the supermarket, or discounts at other places like restaurants and days out. Each time you spend £1 in-store and online, you get one point when you scan your Clubcard. Drivers using the loyalty card get one point for every two litres spent on fuel. One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you a £1.50 money-off voucher, for example. You can double their worth when you swap them for discounts with "reward partners". For example, £12 worth of vouchers can be swapped for a £24 three-month subscription to Disney+. Or you can swap 50p worth of points for £1 to spend at Hungry Horse pubs. Where you can spend them changes regularly, and you can check on the Tesco website what's available now. Tesco shoppers can also get Clubcard prices when they have the loyalty card. The discounted items change regularly and without a Clubcard you'll pay a higher price. These Clubcard prices are usually labelled on shelves, along with the non-member price. But it's worth noting that just because it's discounted doesn't necessarily make it the cheapest around, and you should compare prices to find the best deal. You can sign up to get a Tesco Clubcard in store or online via the Tesco website. You can pick it up from the Tesco website here, but stock is flying off fast, so you'll want to be quick. Christmas at Tesco If you're already getting into the festive spirit, Tesco has just unveiled a first look at its full Christmas food range and it's packed with new treats. Highlights include a Turkey Curry Pie for £4, which is inspired by Boxing Day leftovers, a Free Range Easy Carve Turkey with stuffing for £44, and indulgent Chocolate and Gingerbread S'mores Tarts for £3.50. There's even a £20 Alpine-Inspired Grazing Platter for impromptu guests, loaded with cheese, cured meats and crusty sourdough. So whether you're prepping for presents or planning your party platters early, Tesco has you covered this Christmas. And it's not the only retailer gearing up for the festive season. Last month Lush stunned shoppers by bringing back one of its most iconic festive favourites five months ahead of schedule. Bottles of the much-loved Snow Fairy body mist have already been spotted on shelves across the UK and beauty lovers can't believe their luck. Normally reserved for the wintry build-up to December, the sweet and sugary scent has landed smack bang in the middle of summer. IF youre' looking to save cash, you've come to the right place, as here, Gemma Bird has shared her top tips that'll save you £2k before Christmas. Set a budget: Track your spending and create a realistic budget. Cut unnecessary costs: Cancel unused subscriptions and avoid impulse buys. Meal planning: Plan meals to reduce grocery bills and avoid takeaways. Sell unwanted items: Declutter and sell items online for extra cash. Cashback and discounts: Use cashback sites and hunt for discount codes. DIY gifts: Make personalised gifts to save money and add a personal touch. Pick up a seasonal shift: A really easy way to pick up a bit of extra cash in the winter is to find yourself some seasonal work. Follow these practical tips from Gemma Bird to boost your savings before the festive season!
The Sun
29-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Amazon is selling fantastic summer gadget for ‘night sweats' to keep you cool through hot summer nights
AMAZON is selling a fantastic summer gadget that will help with night sweats and keep you cool on hot summer nights. With temperatures soaring, shoppers are rushing to buy this product which is available for a bargain price. 2 Amazon's Cooling Blanket for Night Sweats can be yours for just £10.99 and is available in a variety of sizes and colours. Breathable and lightweight, the blanket is designed with special materials to promote airflow and stop overheating. Its lightweight design means you can stay cosy without feeling weighed down. This summer gadget can regulate your body temperature and humidity. It helps you keep cool and dry by absorbing and disposing unnecessary body heat. Great at circulating airflow, it's a great bedding decision for hot sleepers and you can avoid that sticky feeling on hot summer nights. What's better is that it turns your room into an inviting space with its simple and elegant design. You can drape it over a chair, settee, or bed to add a stylish touch to your living room or bedroom. And it comes in a range of colours so you can decorate different furniture. The different colourways include blue, green, grey, pink and red. For £10.99 you'll get the biggest size measuring at 2 metres in length by 2.3 metres in width. Other sizes are also available with the smallest available for just £7.99. You can machine wash the blanket in cold water too or even hand wash it meaning it's easy to clean. The blanket has received five-star reviews online too. Amazon's Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus watches your front door & doesn't need any wires One happy customer said: "Lightweight and so silky and most importantly it works. "It keeps you cool and allows a comfortable sleep." Another added: "I love this blanket! "It helps with my hot flashes, keeping me cool and comfortable all night long."
WIRED
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- WIRED
The Joybird Eliot Sleeper Sofa Looks (and Sleeps) Great
Back in 2020, my colleague Scott Gilbertson tried the Joybird Eliot sofa. And he hated it. Ever since, the Joybird Eliot has been the only pick in the 'Avoid' section of our couches buying guide. When Joybird reached out explaining that it had revamped the Eliot (and its customer service—more on that later), I was skeptical about trying it. But I did it for you, reader, and I'm happy to report that after three months of testing, this improved couch earns a passing grade in my book. From Swatch to Finish Photograph: Louryn Strampe Every Joybird Eliot couch is a custom, made-to-order affair. The Eliot is available in several styles and configurations. I opted to try the Sleeper Sofa, since I've been on the hunt for a good couch with a built-in bed for our buying guide. Joybird sent me a swatch kit full of delightful little fabric squares in a rainbow of colors. (Customers can get this kit for free, too.) There are nearly 80 different fabrics to choose from, including pet-friendly options and lush velvet affairs. Some of these fabrics add an upcharge. After sifting through the swatches for a few days, I opted for the Royale Berry, a durable and plush pink velvet that was labeled pet-friendly and stain-resistant. The mattress had two options—Standard or Tempur-Response Memory Foam (yes, from Tempur-Pedic). The website has helpful tools like AR visualization, plus specific dimensions so you can measure for your space or for delivery. There are some benefits and some drawbacks to this process. Since the couches are bespoke, the manufacturing process can take weeks. But on the positive side, these couches come with in-person white-glove delivery, wherein a team will come in and place your new sofa wherever it needs to be. This adds an additional fee that varies in pricing depending on where you're getting the couch delivered. Once the couch is ready, you can set a delivery date. Make sure the area where your couch will live is clear, and the team will handle the rest. Delivery of my couch took less than 10 minutes, and the team took the packaging materials with them. The couch looked even better than I was envisioning, with well-constructed cushions and even stitching. It has two seat cushions and two back cushions, with a pull-out sofa bed. I like the mid-century modern styling, which blends in well with the rest of my house, and the hot, berry-pink velvet fabric is soft and plush to the touch. It's also durable and stain-resistant, and it's held up well to numerous spills. I love the way it looks in my living room, and I've had many houseguests say the same thing. From Sitting to Sleeping Photograph: Louryn Strampe One of Scott's biggest complaints regarding this sofa was uneven filling distribution, which Joybird has since reworked. The company said it redesigned the corner blocks, adjusted cushioning, and worked with the supplier to improve the tufted buttons. Some specific Eliot models got further tweaks, like an added support beam. My couch has even fill distribution, and even though I'm the kind of person who sits in the same spot on the couch for hours every day (I usually work from the living room), mine has held up well and remains comfortable to sit on. It's a little on the firm side, which I like in my couches—I don't get that sinking, stuck-in-the-couch feeling that I have with some previous sofas I've tested.
Digital Trends
22-05-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
This Samsung TV is a home decor staple, and it's $500 off
While most TVs are thin enough for the average bear, there's a special category of television designed to blend in with home decor. Samsung's The Frame QLED started this boutique TV craze, and now brands like Hisense and TCL have followed suit. As luck would have it, you can score one of Samsung's Frame sets for a discounted price this week. As long as the sale is still live, you'll be able to purchase Samsung's 55-inch The Frame 4K QLED (2024) for only $1,000, which is a $500 discount off its original $1,500 price. Why you should buy Samsung's The Frame First and foremost, The Frame comes with Samsung's Slim-Fit Wall Mount, which allows the TV to sit as flush to the wall as possible. When it's powered off or displaying art or family photos, you'd swear it was an actual museum piece. The high-matte display gives The Frame an iconic look, and the screen's anti-glare coating keeps the picture quality strong, even in the brightest of rooms. Once connected to the internet, you'll have access to Samsung's Art Store, which is home to numerous digital art prints. Should you want even more options, you'll need to sign up for an Art Store subscription, but you can also display your own photos by uploading them to the TV. The Frame (2024) does a nice job of upscaling low-res content to look clearer and more colorful, too. While three of the four HDMI ports are only 2.0 certified, the fourth is an HDMI 2.1 connection, which is what you'll want to hook up your PS5 or Xbox with. The Frame also has a native 120Hz refresh rate and exceptionally low input lag when set to Game Mode. We're not sure how long this sale is going to last, so today might be the last day to save this much on a Frame TV for quite some time. Take advantage of the $500 markdown when you purchase right now! You should also take a look at our lists of the best Samsung The Frame TV deals, best Samsung TV deals, best Samsung deals, and best TV deals, too!
