Lifestyle

If the two words ‘planning permission’ leave you cold, you’re probably due a refresher on home improvements, especially what’s possible without authorisation.

Pattern drenching is the home décor trend that invites us to go crazy with prints and motifs. No nook or cranny should be left unadorned – wallpaper, upholster and accessorise your way to pattern heaven.

As agents who have seen inside literally thousands of homes, we know what impresses potential purchasers and what puts them off. Messy rooms and fussy interior designs don’t photograph well and fail to impress in the flesh, so that’s why we were intrigued by – and interested in - biophilic decluttering. 

We’re always being told to eat our greens but this season, it’s time to decorate with them too! Homeware stores and online retailers are awash with two predominant shades of green: matcha and pistachio.

There are countless articles on how to add value to your home, from converting the loft and installing double glazing, to building an outdoor kitchen and adding a driveway. One area that’s often overlooked is home tech and it shouldn’t be.

Are you in the 75% of people who aren’t concerned about or don’t realise the indoor pollution risks of using a gas hob? Good Housekeeping recently discovered many of us are unaware about the serious health risks of cooking with gas but it’s an issue that’s gaining more prominence.

Look up and what do you see? We can almost guarantee the surface above your head will be painted white but ceilings don’t have to be plain and unadorned. You can use this space to express your creativity and add colour. Here’s how.

While we are all familiar with initiatives to improve outdoor air quality, such as low emission zones and electric vehicles, fewer of us are aware that indoor pollution is an issue that needs addressing.

Brown is in town! Mocha Mousse is the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025 and as the name suggests, it’s a warm and velvety shade akin to a mug of hot chocolate. In fact, many of the Mocha Mousse-inspired items we have found have a gourmet name – praline, toffee, cocoa, truffle and caramel included.

Could you spot energy theft at your property? Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action estimates up to 250,000 cases of energy theft go unreported every year. On top of this, there has been a startling rise in the number of energy thefts reported to Crimestoppers – an increase of almost 50% over a 10 month period.

There’s something about shuffling out of bed and straight to the shower – with zero fear of seeing anyone enroute – that is utterly sensible and hotel-style swanky in equal measure.

Sunny, bright, rich and energetic: the Dulux Colour of the Year 2025 is True Joy. The shade, reminiscent of the most golden egg yolk or the classic pot of Coleman’s English mustard, is not for the faint hearted but it has been chosen for its ability to add joy to the smallest of spaces.