Latest news with #interiors


Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The seven easy and budget-friendly DIY tweaks that can add serious value to your home - from top interiors editor NICOLE GRAY
Selling up or simply want to make your space work (and look) smarter? You don't need a major makeover to see major results - and add value to your home. Having worked as an interiors editor for more than a decade, I've tried all sorts of DIY jobs, so I know which ones make the biggest difference (and aren't a nightmare to do). These seven budget-friendly home tweaks pack a serious punch when it comes to adding value.


Telegraph
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The unexpectedly high-end homewares you can find on the high street
Designer-quality homeware normally comes with a price tag to match – but if you know where to look, there are some gems to be found on a budget this season. Several high-street brands have been raising their interiors game by introducing elevated materials, collaborating with well-known designers and producing limited-edition ranges with thoughtful decorative details. Here are some key collections to have on your radar. Zara Home x Collagerie The debut collaboration between the British shopping platform Collagerie and the Spanish fashion brand Zara was a sell-out success last summer; and the second collaboration, which has just launched, looks to be just as covetable. Designed by Collagerie's chief creative officer (and former British Vogue fashion director) Lucinda Chambers, the collection demonstrates her flair for combining bold colours in a way that looks effortlessly chic, never garish, and her knack for pinpointing the details that give a piece a high-end, handmade look. 'To push the boundaries both in terms of colour juxtapositions and materials and design is very important for Zara Home and Collagerie,' says Chambers, who describes the process of working on the collection as 'joyous'. 'To make things that resonate, excite and stand out as beautiful standalone pieces as well as the collection as a whole is key.' The pieces include furniture, textiles, ceramics and wall art, in earthy tones and tactile textures, with prices starting from £7.99. We predict the blankets, the stripey woven chair and matching footstool, and the chunky ceramic serving dishes that could have come from a market in Deia, will be this year's runaway hits. John Lewis Pieces from John Lewis's autumn-winter 2025 collection are already starting to drop, and its Modern Luxe range is one to look out for. Sofas and armchairs with chocolate-brown velvet upholstery and sleek chrome frames have a loungy, 1970s vibe, and the wooden furniture pieces have a particularly upscale look. Burl wood – which has a distinctive, knotty grain and a glossy lacquered finish – is set to be a key element of the coming collection, and pieces such as the burl walnut coffee (£399) and bedside table (£349) look far more expensive than they are. A little table lamp with a marble base called Porcini isn't exactly cheap at £200, but would potentially cost three times that price elsewhere. H&M Home Shop wisely at H&M and you can find accessories that will elevate a room, yet cost just a few pounds. Clever collaborations with high-end partners – most recently, a summery collection with the Caribbean hotel Palm Heights – help to lend the brand a more luxurious look, but its own-design pieces also include plenty of gems. Right now, there are some chic pieces in materials such as marble, velvet and corduroy, including a marble side table and floor lamp, both £99.99, and trays, kitchenware and candlesticks from £6.99. Look out for table linens too – an embroidered tablecloth is a steal at £39.99. Next Home Next hasn't always been known for a luxe style, but it has recently been quietly upping the ante with its N Premium range. The neutral palette of the furniture and textiles help to give a more expensive look: standout current pieces include an oak and marble side table for £399, a curved oak-veneer bedside table for £475, and a brass ceiling light for £150 that could pass for a far pricier designer version. Next's collaboration with the interior decorator Nina Campbell has produced a collection with a designer edge, but in an entirely different style, with colour, pattern and decorative detail: the lighting and storage pieces are especially good. M&S If you associate M&S homewares with a slightly fusty look, you might be surprised to see some of its more recent accessories. As with its fashion collections, the company is clearly targeting a younger, trend-conscious shopper, and producing its own versions of certain zeitgeisty pieces that have been all over Instagram – chequerboard and stripe motifs on textiles and ceramics, and table lamps with scalloped shades, for instance. Its ongoing collaboration with Kelly Hoppen has also produced some designer ceramics and hotel-inspired bedding and throws. Anthropologie American brand Anthropologie can be relied upon as a source for limited-edition pieces that you won't spot in everyone else's house. Its Hale furniture collection, with tables and storage pieces covered in a leafy botanical print, is a case in point – although with a starting price of £898 for a chest of drawers, it's at the upper end of the high street price range. The tableware comes at more of a pick-me-up price: the current Benedita collection of hand-painted stoneware with a pretty bow motif starts from a more accessible £12.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why the 'Messy Girl' Aesthetic Is Taking Over Summer 2025
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In the past few years, the colorful, glittery styles of the Y2K era have seen a dramatic reemergence. Slipdresses, corset tops, and chunky platform sandals took over first the runways, then the department stores, and finally the fast fashion retailers, and then we saw this nostalgic style creep its way into interiors as well. Butterfly chairs, inflatable furniture, even landlines have been popping up in social snapshots and home tours (like Kenzie Ziegler's vibrant first house!). Now, as the trends continue to shift, both the fashion and interior industries have transitioned to the grungier side of the turn of the last millennium, and we're seeing a resurgence of an evolved indie-sleaze style called 'messy girl' aesthetic. The antithesis to the clean girl aesthetic which seemingly every fashion and beauty influencer has adopted on TikTok and Instagram, the messy girl aesthetic combines the vibe of an early aughts Drew Barrymore, with the late Jane Birkin who changed fashion by carrying everything her heart desired in her lived-in namesake bag, and Ashley Olsen as carefree Roxy in the 2004 movie New York Minute. And while it might sound very similar to the intentional clutter, the messy girl aesthetic is actually the moodier next step in this trend's evolution. 'I feel the messy girl aesthetic is often misunderstood because of the word 'messy,'' designer Francesca Grace tells House Beautiful. 'There's a stigma around it—like it means careless or chaotic—but I see it in a completely different light. There's intention in the messiness. It's about warmth, comfort, and expressing yourself without worrying about perfection.' We asked Grace, and a handful of other in-the-know designers, to break down the 'messy girl' aesthetic and explain what this trend looks like in the home. Maybe you already live the messy girl lifestyle and are simply looking to refine it, or you're moving into your first place and can see yourself in the aesthetic (regardless of your gender; 'messy girl' is a state of mind!). Remember that just because this style has an official name that's trending right now, that doesn't mean that it hasn't already been a vibe people have been living and loving for decades. The designers we spoke to had their own ideas of examples of iconic messy girls. Grace thinks of Audrey Hepburn's character in Breakfast at Tiffany's, Holly Golightly. Though Golightly's apartment wasn't polished, it felt really lived in and full of creativity, 'like a place where life was actually happening,' says Grace, adding that this kind of vibrancy is hard to fake. Interior designer Galey Alix's mind immediately goes to the 1990s when she thinks of messy girl aesthetic, recalling the music videos of grunge icons Alanis Morissette and Gwen Stefani. 'I can't specifically recall how their rooms or sets looked in the videos, but I can confidently say it had messy girl energy,' Alix says. Generally speaking, there are clear defining moments in past and current pop culture that exhibit a shift towards this aesthetic, which embraces imperfection, self-expression, and a carefree spirit. Coco Greenblum, a designer based out of Los Angeles, calls out 2024's 'brat summer,' fueled by singer-songwriter Charli XCX's sixth studio album release in early June of last year. Greenblum says that this latest cultural phenomenon 'really shifted how young people view beauty, encouraging a sense of confidence and comfort in being unapologetically themselves.' Capturing the messy girl aesthetic without feeling too cluttered relies heavily on how you lay things out in your home. But there are certain telltale decor moves that designers consider synonymous with the style. One commonality is the inclusion of many vintage, well-loved pieces in the home, which gives this aesthetic more permanence in home decor than in the fashion industry. When picturing a 'messy girl' home, think layered textiles, worn-in velvet, and soft linen. To achieve this look, secondhand shopping is key, as you'll want pieces with a little patina on them to ensure they look loved. Coziness is a pillar of this style, so seek out soft sofas, plenty of mismatched throw pillows and blankets, and maybe even some floor pillows for a bohemian touch. And since curated clutter is a big part of this aesthetic, you'll want to incorporate some open shelving to display all your knickknacks, books, used candles, and eclectic art. 'The look works best when it feels like someone interesting lives there,' interior designer and Command™ brand ambassador Mikel Welch says. 'It is not polished, and that's the point. You just need to give the chaos a little structure behind the scenes.' As with intentional clutter, the collection of stuff you have displayed should not be random. Alix advises, 'Organized chaos is a thing, a good thing.' Break up the monotony of your bookshelves by stacking some novels horizontally, then some vertically, and throw in a few trinkets, framed photos, art, and candles here and there for more visual interest. Create groups of small vignettes throughout your rooms with items that are styled but not perfect. 'For example, a coffee table vignette might include a vintage book opened to a favorite page, a candle halfway burned, a linen napkin casually draped, and a ceramic dish—all of it placed intentionally, but without over-styling,' Grace adds. It's romantic this way. Don't let the name 'messy girl' fool you; any old mass of junk isn't going to cut it. The pieces on display have to be meaningful to you, and the collection can be copious, but should be curated. 'The key is editing,' Kerith Flynn, the principal designer and founder of Margali & Flynn Designs, explains. 'Not every shelf needs to be filled, and leaving some negative space helps it breathe.' Spontaneity in the design approach is a big part of the messy girl aesthetic, but Grace emphasizes the need for standout pieces to ground your space. 'A bold vintage rug, an heirloom table, or a sculptural chair can act like visual anchors, bringing weight and balance to all the personality around them,' she says. Since every open space around you may be filled with bite-sized accents that show off your personality, you need to add pieces that ground the room, giving the eye a place to rest. If you're a keeper of cards, note, drawings, and even receipts, which is all very 'messy girl' coded, work them into your decor—strategically. Evan Krenzien, one half of the Shane & Pierce design duo, suggests keeping these lightweight momentos on framed cork or pin boards, as they'll look chicer there than if you taped them to the wall or stacked them on the table. For the heavier, larger objects that you can't pin to a board, Welch likes to use catch-alls like the Command Organizing Caddy to keep things 'from looking chaotic while still feeling true to the vibe.' Because the messy girl aesthetic stems from the grungier looks of the early aughts, expect the color palette to be moody. 'Darker hues and mixed colors, deep reds and rusts, blacks, or dusty blues serve as the antidote to clean whites and blush tones,' Pierce Jordan, the other half of Shane & Pierce, says. Think of hues that remind you of loud lipstick and nail polish, as Alix does, and throw some fuchsia and magenta into your color scheme too. Bolder paint colors are predicted to remain popular in the next few years, and while you shouldn't design your home to revolve around trends, finding inspiration becomes easier when something's in fashion. Prefer a palette that's not as loud? Try muddied earth tones and even warm neutrals with mixed metals instead for a cozy, not overwhelming, look. 'Muted, earthy tones like sage green, mustard, and terracotta create an organic, lived-in feel,' Flynn says. 'Vintage-inspired pastels like blush, lilac, and dusty blue are often woven into art, bedding, and decor for that whimsical feeling.' One of the best ways to add visual weight and warmth to your home is through textiles, and a 'messy girl' uses plenty of them. 'Incorporate layered textiles,' Flynn says. 'Think throw blankets casually draped over a chair, mismatched patterned pillows on the sofa, or a vintage rug atop a jute one.' Layering different fabrics, such as velvet, linen, cotton, and silk, can create an effortless and eclectic vibe that feels cozy, not chaotic. You don't have to limit layering to your textiles—try it with your accessories, too. Stacked books in front of mirrors leaned against the wall, a thrifted ceramic bowl filled with jewelry, and a few mohair throws and worn-in linens are some of interior designer and Dormie founder Olivia Erwin Rosenthal's favorite ways to layer accents for a messy girl vibe. Forget matchy-matchy. You don't need perfect symmetry for a balanced design, you just need the same amount of visual weight on either side of a vignette for a messy, not cluttered, space. 'Arrange furniture and decor so things feel a little off-center or unexpected; maybe the art above the bed is slightly asymmetrical, or two different chairs frame a table,' Flynn says. 'In a living room, place a floor lamp on one side of the sofa and a side table with a stack of books or a plant on the other instead of matching end tables or identical lamps on both sides.' This asymmetric balance feels organic and relaxed yet thoughtful, not haphazard. 'When I think of messy girl aesthetic wall decor, it goes two ways: there is either nothing on the walls, because that takes effort to hang and we are too carefree to be bothered, or it's incredibly randomized with no flow,' Alix says. If you opt for a gallery wall and choose all the same frames, you can give it a messy touch by being a bit unconventional with what you display in them. Mix in both black-and-white and color images, frame ripped-out book pages that resonate with you, or feature scraps of fabric from meaningful items. Hang pieces other than photos or artworks, too, for a 3D element—think paper fans, masks, or your propagated plants. Once everything is hung, if you don't like the order of your wall decor, just move it around. Welch—like so many renters—does this with Command strips because an off-the-cuff gallery wall doesn't take as much planning when you use the poster strips as it does with drywall nails. A home with character features items that are an expression of yourself, and the messy girl aesthetic really hones in on that aspect. If there's an accessory or piece of furniture that you love, like a 1980s style beanbag or a purple clock, then you can likely make it work. 'To keep it from feeling too chaotic, however, try to create some form of consistency within those decisions,' Alix suggests. 'For example, if the beanbag is '80s style and you want a purple clock, find one that tends to more of an '80s vibe than a modern look, so the pieces can speak to each other.' 'Messy girls' know when they need to touch grass. Add an extra layer to your 'messy girl' room by bringing nature inside. Greenblum suggests infusing houseplants and potted trees into your decor along with natural materials for a grounding connection to nature. Not only will this add some freshness to your space that keeps it from feeling stale, but greenery and blossoms soften any room, and that sense of ease is what messy girls are all about. Follow on and . You Might Also Like 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room


Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
On-trend Habitat homeware picks that look much more expensive than they are - but prices start at just £8
It's all very well lusting after £900 velvet armchairs from Soho Home, but when it comes to realistic homeware updates, you can't go wrong with Habitat. The brand – which was started in 1964 by Terence Conran – has excelled recently in producing affordable homeware items that interiors editors rate. Since Habitat became part of the Sainsbury's group in 2017, some of its items are available in stores; there's barely a week goes by that I'm not schlepping through my local supermarket when suddenly I spot a divine little plant pot, gorgeous picture frame or duvet cover that I know will upgrade my bedroom tenfold. What's more they are always very reasonable in price; while I can't justify splashing out hundreds on high-end homeware, the odd tenner on a new addition feels okay. From mango wood serveware that wouldn't look out of place on the chic shelves of Zara Home, to Scandi-style kids' bedroom furniture and posh-looking bedding, I've found some of the best homeware picks from Habitat right now. Tufted Natural Bedding Set £22 Shop Plain Ruffle Cushion - Rose £10 Shop Mango Wood Serving Bowl £15 Shop Vintage Effect Grey Flatweave Rug £30 Shop Flo Wavy Wall Mounted Storage £22 Shop Oval Mini Print Orange Bedding Set £16 Shop Luxe Mango Wood Serving Platter £14 Shop 3 Piece Reactive Stoneware Nibble Bowls £11.25 Shop Cullen Bamboo Bedside Table £22 Shop Checked Ceramic Footed Planter £8 Shop Iron Window Pane Mirror Frame £24 Shop


The Guardian
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
The best garden parasols and sunshade sails for every budget, chosen by our expert
Whether you're dining outside, relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, a well-placed parasol, umbrella or shade sail can transform your garden into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home. A carefully chosen shade can help protect you from UV rays (don't forgo a good sunscreen, though), creating cool, sheltered spots from where you can enjoy the outdoors without overheating or burning. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The right design can enhance the look of your outdoor space, too, adding colour and pattern and complementing existing garden furniture. It's also worth noting that many parasols are portable, making them perfect for the beach or park. With plenty of choice available before peak summer demand hits, now is the perfect time to invest, so you can make the most of every sunny day, at home or on days out. I have been writing about design and interiors for more than two decades. In that time, I've covered a huge number of design-related subjects, from kitchens to carpets to bathrooms, bedding and beyond. Here, I've scoured a multitude of suppliers to find the very best sunshades, umbrellas and parasols to suit a host of scenarios and budgets. Hyams outdoor umbrella From £1,395 at King Living The Australians know a thing or two about creating shade, as this uber-functional umbrella from Sydney-based brand King Living proves. With six preset tilt options and foot-operated 360-degree rotation for optimal shade, it comes with remote-operated, solar-powered LED lighting that can also be charged via USB. Outsunny square cantilever parasol From £83.69 at the RangeFrom £87.99 at Amazon Available in four colours, including an uplifting orange, this cantilever parasol has a sizeable fabric canopy and a playful wavy border. A simple handle mechanism makes it easier to open and close the canopy. Aluminium cantilever umbrella £999 at Kingsley Smythe Measuring 3 x 3m, this is one of the few cantilever umbrellas that comes in a fun striped fabric. Including solar-powered LED lights, 360-degree rotation and a heavy granite base, this umbrella comes in either cool and contemporary grey or this fresh green colourway. Free arm garden parasol From £1,199 at Kettler£1,369 at John Lewis This high-quality parasol is made from non-crease, shower-resistant polyester that offers UV50+ sun protection, too. The aluminium frame has spring-loaded spokes, which ensure the canopy sits tight against it, and the modern design includes LED lights and even a wireless speaker. Berkfield double parasol £189 at Debenhams£200 at B&Q Providing twice as much shade as a regular parasol, this double-canopy design is easy to wind up and down thanks to its simple crank mechanism. Rigid steel ribs, a sturdy steel pole and a cross base help to keep the umbrellas stable. Available in black, cream and this super-stylish burgundy. Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol £70 at Dunelm This generous parasol has a crank mechanism that makes putting it up and down a breeze. Made from 100% recycled, wipe-clean polyester, the elegant cream shade is trimmed with beaded tassels that add just the right amount of glamour. Portable tassel parasol with tilt £39.99 at Christow£39.99 at Amazon Guaranteed to add a touch of vintage style to any occasion, this budget-friendly parasol is lightweight and portable, and has a tilt feature so that it can be angled in any direction. Standing at two metres tall, it comes in six pastel shades and has a cotton tassel trim. Fabienne double top crank and tilt parasol £199.99 at Daals The double-top vent design of this lofty three-metre-high parasol allows air to pass through, reducing wind pressure and making the parasol more stable. Made from UPF50+ polyester fabric that also has a water-resistant treatment, it comes in six colours (although three are currently out of stock) and has a crank-and-tilt function. The Poppy £235 at Boho Parasol Hut With its feminine, ruffled edging, this pink striped parasol will add a touch of romance to any garden or patio. Collapsible for easy storage, the lightweight, beech wood design comes with a matching carry bag to make it easy to transport wherever you go. Suntime Shanghai wind-up tilt parasol From £68.99 at The Range This cheerful yellow parasol will bring a touch of sunshine to any outdoor space, whether the real thing is out or not. Made from durable polyester, it can be angled using the crank-and-tilt mechanism, while its pole and ribs are made from powder-coated steel, making it hard-wearing. Daphne octagonal parasol £785 at the East London Parasol Company With an Arabian-inspired valance decorated with light blue tassels, the print on this octagonal garden parasol gives a nod to wildflowers. Made from water-resistant canvas lined with cotton, both sides are printed, while the frame features a double pulley system and brass fittings. The Amalfi umbrella £199 at Business & Pleasure With a reclaimed laminated timber pole, this UPF50+ and water-resistant parasol has a Mediterranean style. It provides maximum coverage with a chic, minimalist look. The simple, fringe-free design makes it more lightweight, and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Sywawa couture garden parasol From £600 at Go Modern Smart and sophisticated, this parasol is made from hard-wearing Symacryl-coated fabric, which blocks out 97% of UV rays. Two layers of fabric are used to create the stitching detail, and the design is available in 12 colours. Designed to last, this shade is also suitable for commercial use. Artemis parasol £3,800 at House of Hackney Made from a soft-touch, linen-look fabric that's shower-resistant, anti-microbial and UV-protected, some of the proceeds from this classic outdoor House of Hackney umbrella go towards protecting forests, thanks to its partnership with the World Land Trust. George tiki beach parasol £35 at Asda Bring a touch of the tropics to your back garden with this fun, raffia-effect tiki parasol. It's height-adjustable, and a simple push-up-and-down function ensures it's easy to use. Comes with a practical carry bag, too. Simplicity parasol £925 at Plia This parasol is made from fabric used in the production of luxury yacht upholstery. Colour-matched to Farrow & Ball's paint shade Ammonite, it's mould- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. It's also resistant to colour change from UV light and chlorine. Premium waterproof sail shade From £64.99 at Zephyr Combining sun and rain protection, this shade has a smart, architectural look and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit your space. It's made from polyester and blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays, and by positioning one corner slightly lower than the rest, the rain will run off directly, preventing it from sagging. Tasselled canopy £95 Cox & Cox A more decorative take on the shade sail concept, this tasselled canopy can be hung between trees or across a pergola. It's made from a water-repellent polyester with chic, black cotton tassels, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere. Coconut fibre shade sail From £149.48 at Etsy Handmade by Indian artisans, this rustic-style shade sail is crafted from 100% natural coconut fibre – a water-resistant material that fares particularly well in adverse weather. Available in custom sizes, the loose weave nature of the fabric provides shade while still allowing air to pass through. Miasun portable beach tent £95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow Weighing just over a kilogram, this ultra-portable, tent-style shade provides about 3m² of cover to ensure the whole family is safe from the sun. It's easy to assemble and can be set up in three ways. Choose from nine cheerful colours and patterns. Beige rectangular sunshade sail £56 at Homebase Lightweight, tear-resistant and budget-friendly, this shade features stainless steel rings for secure attachment. Made from breathable knitted polyethene with a high UV50+ protection, it is perfect for use on camping trips, by pools, over patios or in gardens. It's easily cleaned, too, with a blast from a garden hose. Solaria furl shade £1,126.30 at Maanta This ingenious shade sail uses nautical technology and a high-quality furler that allows it to be manually retracted quickly and safely. The radial-cut sail allows greater distribution of tension, which makes it strong, durable and wind resistant. The right sunshade or parasol will depend on your space, budget and how you plan to use the area. It's worth noting that many designs, especially more traditional-style umbrellas, don't come with a base as standard, so you may need to buy one separately. Cantilever parasols offer excellent versatility and are ideal for larger spaces, such as patios, poolside areas or outdoor dining spots, where you want unobstructed room beneath the canopy. They can swivel, tilt and rotate, allowing for flexible shade coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. However, they're more expensive and require a heavy base, which can make them bulky and less portable. Tilting parasols can be more affordable and work well in medium-sized spaces, such as patios, seating areas and on decks. It's useful to be able to adjust the angles to block the sun from different directions, although the central pole can sometimes limit space directly beneath. They're also less stable in strong winds. Upright parasols are the most basic and cost-effective option, best suited for small patios, balconies and portable setups such as picnics. They're easy to store and set up, but lack the flexibility of a tilt or rotation function, offering limited directional shade. They also tend to be less stable in windy conditions, unless well anchored. Sail shades provide a sleek, architectural look and can cover large areas such as decks, playgrounds and patios without obstructing the space below. They're often more wind-resistant, but they need mounting points and are fixed in place, which means they don't adjust with the sun's movement, so correct placement is important. If you want your parasol or shade to last, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cantilever, tilting and upright parasols should all be cleaned by removing loose debris with a soft brush, then wiping the canopy with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Check any moving parts and joints regularly, tighten any loose screws and lubricate, if necessary, with an all-purpose product such as WD40 to keep mechanisms smooth. Always close and cover a parasol or umbrella, especially during windy or rainy weather, and store indoors – or use a cover when not in use for any length of time. To deep clean a sail shade, lay it flat and use a mild detergent with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling. Check attachment points and tension regularly, tightening as needed to prevent sagging. Claudia Baillie is a journalist specialising in design and interiors. Although her days are spent writing about high-end and contemporary furniture and spaces, she loves nothing more than a rummage at a charity shop or car-boot sale. She's the proud recipient of several industry awards, including a Red Carpet Award, which is literally for writing about carpet. She owns too many souvenir 'I Heart' mugs. One day, she would like to live by the sea and become an artist