For the better part of a decade, British interiors were haunted by two ghosts. The first was minimalism: white walls, bare surfaces, the tyranny of the empty shelf. The second was its eventual reaction, maximalism, with its gallery walls, clashing patterns and proud surplus of things. Both had their adherents. Both, for the majority of homeowners trying to actually live in their homes, had their limitations.

The most asked question in interior design right now, answered.

Hiring an interior designer can be an exciting step when transforming your home. Whether you’ve just purchased a property, are renovating a space, or simply want a room to feel more cohesive, the right design support can make the process significantly easier.

If you're planning a home extension in the UK, loft conversion, or full renovation, you've likely come across the term design and build company. It sounds efficient. Seamless. Stress-free. And yes — for many UK homeowners, design and build firms feel like the safest choice.

Valentine’s doesn’t have to mean novelty hearts or a full-on red makeover. The most romantic rooms are simply the ones that feel calm, warm and inviting—where the lighting is flattering, the seating encourages you to linger, and everything feels a little more “considered”.

Small London flats are brilliant for location, less brilliant for layout: tight hallways, awkward alcoves, tiny “open-plan” rooms that somehow still feel chopped up. The good news? With smart space planning (and a few current UK small-space trends like multifunctional furniture, built-in storage, and zoned layouts), you can make a compact flat feel calmer, larger, and easier to live in. (John Lewis & Partners)