Latest news with #interiordesigner
The Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's the little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover
NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. So if you're looking to spruce up your place with a fresh revamp, then you might want to take note. 3 Experts have revealed that there is a little-known paint secret that can completely level up your DIY home makeover. While many of us are guilty of just picking a paint or a colour and calling it a day, there is a trick that designers use to take it up a notch. And it's all about picking the right finish. You might not realise it, but this can make a huge difference in each room because it reflects how the paint will look on your wall. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from V&CO Paint has revealed the simple tricks for choosing the right paint finish. And she also shared her tips on how to avoid common decorating mistakes. She said: "The existence of so many different finishes emphasises how important it is to pick the right paint for each area. "It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space. "It's also about how it plays with light, and how much wear and tear it can handle. "So, whether you're planning a massive home overhaul or just sprucing up a single room, taking a moment to understand the difference between paint finishes can seriously elevate your interior game." I'm an interior designer and here's 5 mistakes people make - including the 2010s fad & the print that should be illegal Dead Flat Matt At the moment, Dead Flat Matt is the latest trend in paint finishes, and it can completely transform a room. Lucy says: "It influences how light bounces around, how big a space feels, and even how a surface feels to the touch. "Think of traditional matt paint, and you might picture something with a tiny hint of a shine when the light hits it just right. Meanwhile, Dead Flat Matt is completely flat. "This finish gives your walls a uniform, velvety, and incredibly rich look. It's subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly luxurious. "Dead Flat Matt is the biggest trend right now, and it's perfect for colour-drenching a room too!" Silk and soft sheen For anyone considering revamping the kitchen or bathroom, this is a finish that you might want to keep in mind. The interior expert says: "Silk finishes are well-suited to walls as they are easy to clean. "They reflect a small amount of light and can highlight imperfections on your wall. "Soft sheen paint reflects the same amount of light as silk, but it's much more durable, making it easy to clean and perfect for kitchens and bathrooms." 3 Satin and Eggshell Satin and eggshell paints are popular for interior walls because they offer the perfect balance between durability and ease of cleaning while having a subtle shine. And Lucy explains why they are becoming the new go-to. She said: "Satin finishes are similar to silk but are more suitable for woodwork. "Unlike silk though, it hides imperfections and can make colours appear softer. "Meanwhile, Eggshell finishes reflecting small, delicate amounts of light just like an eggshell! "Typically withstanding staining better than a matt finish, Eggshell is perfect for interior woods and works well on furniture and skirting boards." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' Gloss and Smooth Most of us love a gloss and smooth paint finish because they are durable, easily cleaned, and are great for brightening spaces. And because it has a high level of shine and reflects light, it makes rooms appear larger and more vibrant. But Lucy has revealed another reason why many people are adding it to their homes. She said: "Gloss is most commonly used on wood and metal as it reflects loads of light. "It works well for paler colours but can only be used on perfectly smooth surfaces. "Smooth finishes are almost exclusively used in masonry paint and can withstand harsh weather conditions. "Smooth finishes stay smooth and won't crack, flake, or peel for up to 15 years."
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I had wild sex with interior designer I hired for home makeover after divorce – she wants to move in but I can't commit
DEAR DEIDRE: I HAD a night of wild sex with an interior designer and now she wants to move in with me. I'm just not ready and am still navigating my way through the minefield of my divorce. I'm a man of 41 and I travel with my job. It's well-paid but being away from home was the price I paid for my marriage — my wife cheated on me. She's 36 and had a pregnancy scare at a time when I knew it couldn't be mine, which meant the truth came out. I demanded to see her phone and before I could even click on the messages she started to spill everything. She admitted having countless men because she'd been lonely and while I understood that it had been hard as I was away so often, I also couldn't forgive the lies and deceit. She moved into a flat and I kept the house — but it reminded me of her so much that I decided it needed a makeover. A young woman of 28 had started an interior design business and I saw her work on our local Facebook page. It looked good so I suggested she come over for a consultation. She was full of enthusiasm about what she could do and I liked her company so I opened some wine. After our second bottle and lots of flirting, I went in for a kiss. I wasn't sure how she'd react but she was all over me and we went upstairs and had sex. I had been so off women since my wife but she reignited a spark in me and it felt amazing. She's now transforming my house every day and doing the decorating, it's great. But she also wants to stay over. I've not had the place to myself for two weeks now. The sex is great but I don't want to commit. DEIDRE SAYS: You need to be clear about how you feel. It may just be a fling for you but perhaps her emotions run deeper. It's only fair to be honest. She may decide then that it's purely business and it may be better to leave it at that. I'm sorry to hear your wife cheated on you. You clearly loved her and it will take some time before you are ready for another relationship. Talking to an impartial counsellor will help. My support pack called How Counselling Helps explains more. You can find support from the Divorce Recovery Workshop ( which runs sessions to help you to get over the trauma of divorce. MARRIED LOVER'S SO GOOD IN BED DEAR DEIDRE: DO I stick with seeing a man who is great in bed but won't leave his wife, or the man who can offer me everything except sex when I want it? I've been seeing a married man for four years. We hook up whenever he's in town. I'm a woman of 40 and we met when he came for an appointment at the firm where I'm a receptionist. We went out for a drink one evening and ended up having the best sex together. He told me he was married and didn't want anything serious. Since then, I've met a guy online who is lovely. He is good looking, 43, and runs his own business. He asked me to go on holiday with him but I haven't committed yet. We've had a bit of fumbled sexual play only once. He says he has low testosterone levels so sex is a problem for him but for me, it's a big part of a holiday. I have a high sex drive. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS: You're the married guy's booty call so he's a no. Sex with him may scratch the itch but he's cheating and you're enabling him to do that. If the other guy is a free agent and you like him, talk to him about checking in with his doctor to see whether his testosterone levels can be improved. It's a shame for anyone so young to not be enjoying a good sex life if they have the chance. My pack Reviving A Man's Sex Drive will help. DEAR DEIDRE: MY habit of sending girls sexy text messages has blown up yet another relationship. I thought I was happy and that this relationship had a chance but it doesn't take much to turn my head. I'm a guy of 32 and my now-ex is 29. We met at a padel court where she was partnered with me. She was lively and pretty and when we won our match, we celebrated with a drink in the pub and I then asked her for her number. We started dating but I kept my options open and would chat to other women. I'll ask them for nude pics and sometimes I send explicit pictures to them too. When I was texting a girl online one evening, my girlfriend snatched my phone and the cat was out of the bag. She dumped me there and then. I'm a first-class idiot. DEIDRE SAYS: You have to decide what it is you really want. Are you after a quick fling because the single life holds more appeal for you? Or do you want that long-term relationship? If it's the latter, you need to commit and make your relationship as exciting as it can be so that you're not interested in anyone else. Perhaps you've witnessed bad break-ups through your family so this self-sabotage is ensuring girlfriends don't get too close? My support pack Can't Be Faithful? explores this in more depth. SCARED TO MEET HIS SICK MOTHER DEAR DEIDRE: MY partner's mother suffered a brain injury in a car accident three years ago and I'm dreading meeting her. My partner says she's unpredictable and can lash out. He says it's a little like dementia. She's only 50. My partner's dad looks after her at their home and they have carers come in. I'm 25, my boyfriend is 27 and we've been together for six months. My family have met him and they like him. His sister is having a 30th birthday party and we are invited, along with their parents and my partner's brothers and their families. My partner says I must ignore anything his mother says because she can upset people. They aren't going to tell her I'm going until the last minute because she freaks out when she doesn't know somebody. I'm unsure how to handle the situation. Do I go in, hug her or do I not go near her? I want to meet his siblings and his Dad but I'm scared that I'm going to say the wrong thing or upset his Mum. I'm dreading what should be a happy occasion. DEIDRE SAYS: This can still be a very happy occasion and it's a good chance for you to get to know his family. As she's your partner's mother who he loves very much, he is the person best placed to know how you should greet her so involve him. Take her some flowers so that if she recognises a kind gesture, it will help. It will also give her something to focus on, rather than you. Don't expect much acknowledgement from her but the family will appreciate it. After that, take the lead from everyone else and try to relax. For further help and support, talk with (0808 800 2244), a brain injury charity. And try to enjoy the party!
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
The five interior design trends that can knock thousands off the value of your home, including a popular colour scheme that's 'uninviting' to buyers
When it comes to selling your place, first impressions really do count. While personal touches are what make a house feel like home, a few questionable design choices can be so unappealing to buyers that they end up knocking thousands off your property's value. To help you spot the trends worth dodging, we asked top interior designer at Decor and Decor, Rossella Marzocchella, to share the five features she thinks turn buyers off. From a trendy Instagram storage solution to perhaps the most common colour scheme, here are the styles to avoid if you're planning on selling up… Bold wallpaper While statement walls can add personality to your space, the bolder a wallpaper or design is, the more controversial it's going to be when it comes to buyers. Marzocchella warns against quirky murals or loud prints, particularly in smaller rooms, advising: 'If the décor dominates the space, it's impossible for buyers to imagine their own style and flair in your home.' Instead, she recommends opting for 'soft, neutral tones and subtle patterns that complement rather than overwhelm.' 'There are ways to add personality without it being all-consuming,' Marzocchella adds. 'Classic wallpapers can be accessorised with more out-there hardware, like stylish handles and knobs, to create an elegant look that can be easily tweaked by new owners.' Wall-mounted media Custom media walls with fancy LED lighting and wall-mounted TVs might look bougie, but they date quickly and restrict buyers to a living space with only one usable tech set-up. 'Buyers often look at these bespoke designs and worry they'll be expensive and hard work to move, should they want their TV in a different place,' Marzocchella warns. 'A better idea is to stick to a simple media setup with neutral, timeless fittings and flexible wiring,' she suggests. 'That way, future owners can personalise the space without major rewiring or expensive electrical work.' Open shelving Search #interiorinspo on Instagram or TikTok and open shelves and cupboards are everywhere. From kitchens to bedrooms, we've swapped discreet storage for visible display units that show off your belongings when properly organised – but let's be honest, they aren't always practical. 'Visible clutter is such a turn-off,' Marzocchella warns, 'and not everyone appreciates the constant need to keep shelves perfectly styled – which is essential when you opt for open units.' 'My advice would be to balance trendy open shelving – where you can show off home accessories – with plenty of concealed storage. This will help blend functionality and style, keeping your space neat and making it more appealing to buyers with families or busy schedules.' Converted or removed storage Removing built-in wardrobes or under-stair storage to open up space might seem like a smart solution – but it can backfire, Marzocchella says. 'Storage is one of the most valued features for buyers,' she points out. 'Taking it away can make a home seem less practical and shrink perceived usable space.' She suggests opting for practical but trendy storage solutions – under-stair bookshelves and the like – to balance a clean, airy look with enough room to store your stuff. All-grey interiors Grey was once the darling of home décor – it's understated and goes with everything. But as dopamine-filled, maximalist interiors come back into fashion, an entirely grey home can feel cold and outdated, particularly when paired with budget fittings or poor lighting. 'A grey palette can make a space feel uninviting rather than calming,' Marzocchella explains. 'You need to balance understated colour schemes with warm accents and textures.' 'If you are a fan of grey, white or cream colour schemes, opt for warmer accents like wooden handles or brass knobs to add warmth and interest. Even subtle touches can transform a grey place into a more welcoming home.'
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
From mattresses layered with cashmere to royal Dubai cutlery, how to make your bedroom look like a five-star presidential suite - starting at just £64
Sumptuously soft sheets, bouncy pillows and uber-comfortable beds, there's nothing quite like the indulgence of a luxury hotel stay. But anyone can recreate that five-star feeling at home, without the eye-watering price. With the right touches, your bedroom can rival a presidential suite - with no check-out time to worry about.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I'm an interior designer who works with wealthy, high-profile clients. I rarely see these 7 things in their homes.
I'm an interior designer who works with both wealthy and everyday clients. However, I've noticed a few things my wealthy clients rarely have in their homes. Overly trendy decor, low-quality hardware, and fake plants can all make a space feel less high-end. As an interior designer who works with both high-profile and everyday clients, I know creating a home that feels luxurious doesn't always require a hefty budget. Instead, it's often about avoiding common decorations and designs that can cheapen your space. That said, there are a few things I've noticed wealthy clients rarely have in their homes. If you want your home to feel high-end, you might want to avoid them, too. Overly trendy decor can make a space feel dated. An expensive-looking home prioritizes timeless, simple elements like neutral color palettes, classic furniture shapes, and enduring materials like wood, marble, or leather. Trendy designs and decor, however, can quickly make a space feel outdated. These types of items are best used sparingly as accents, making them easy to swap out as styles evolve. Clutter is a big no no. Clutter can diminish the clean, open feel that defines a luxurious home. To mitigate this, I recommend keeping surfaces like coffee tables, countertops, and shelves intentionally styled with a few high-quality pieces like statement vases, sculptural accents, or a selection of curated books. This creates a refined, curated aesthetic without feeling overwhelming. Low-quality fake plants can distract from even the most beautiful designs. Cheap, artificial plants can detract from an otherwise polished design. Instead, I suggest elevating your space with fresh greenery or high-quality faux plants that closely mimic the real thing. Low-maintenance options like olive trees or fiddle-leaf figs are excellent for those with busy schedules. And if you do choose to use a faux option, be sure to dust it regularly. Mass-produced art pieces can feel a bit cold. Art makes a statement, but in my opinion, mass-produced or generic prints can make a home feel impersonal. Instead, opt for unique pieces that resonate with you, whether they're original works, limited editions, or even family photos in high-quality frames. You can even find beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces at antique markets or on Etsy. Poor quality or outdated hardware can negatively affect the home's aesthetic. Small details like cabinet handles and drawer pulls can dramatically affect the look of a home. That's why I recommend replacing outdated or generic hardware with high-quality options like polished nickel, brass, or matte black. Some of my favorite places to buy high-quality hardware are CB2, Rejuvenation, and Anthropology. Etsy is also great for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. These small upgrades can make even budget-friendly furniture and cabinets look custom-made. Messy cords and exposed wires can make even the most well-designed space look cluttered. There's nothing worse than walking into a beautiful space and seeing messy cords everywhere. Keeping technology concealed maintains a clean, streamlined look that enhances the overall sophistication of your home. I recommend using cable management solutions, hiding wires in walls, or choosing furniture with built-in cord storage. Poorly measured and low-quality window treatments are major faux pas. Windows are a natural focal point in any room, and low-quality treatments or poorly measured drapes can detract from your home's overall aesthetic. However, thoughtfully chosen window treatments can transform and enhance your home's look and feel. I recommend investing in custom options tailored precisely to your windows, such as drapes, Roman shades, or shutters. Fabrics like linen or velvet are my favorites, and I love layering sheer panels with blackout curtains to achieve a perfect balance of style and functionality. Read the original article on Business Insider
