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FRIENDS DROPPING BY IN 15 MINUTES? PREP YOUR PLACE PRONTO WITH THESE IDEAS

From instant bouquets to beautifully plated takeaway.
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DESIGNING A GARDEN? YOU’LL NEED A PLAN

Some guiding principles.
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IMPROVE YOUR MOOD WITH THESE 50 TOP DECORATING TIPS

How your style affects more than you thought.
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THE FURNITURE BRAND THAT IS CHARMING BABIES – AND ADULTS

In partnership with friends our Mocka Australia
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MPSTYLE

A WORLD OF INSPIRATION

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EXTERIORS
ATMOSPHERE
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August 8, 2023

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YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SHOPPING ANTIQUES

It's an exciting time to shop antiques.

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August 1, 2023

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THE NEW 100 ETIQUETTE RULES FOR MODERN LIFE

The new rules of etiquette. Hugging? Out. Air-kissing? In.

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August 21, 2023

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THE RIGHT WAY TO LAY OUT YOUR LIVING ROOM: THE 7 RULES

Designers follow these guidelines.

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February 17, 2023

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INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS TO KNOW FOR 2023

The big ideas and trends defining design for the coming year.

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July 24, 2023

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HOW ON TREND IS YOUR HOUSE?

It's time for dopamine decorating.

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May 19, 2023

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THESE ARE THE WORST DECORATING MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE

Here's how to fix the most common blunders.

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January 11, 2023

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DECORATING ON A BUDGET: INSIDER SECRETS

Time for an update.

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January 30, 2023

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HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOUSE (AND WHAT NOT TO DO) THIS YEAR

What's worth renovating, and do you really need a new kitchen?

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June 23, 2023

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HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD INTERIOR DESIGNER

Separate the truly talented from the dabbler and the dilattente.

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MELISSA’S QUICK FIXES

INSTAGRAM

Sanctuaries of serenity. The surprising thing is t

Sanctuaries of serenity. The surprising thing is the relative ease of outdoor living whether that’s setting a table outdoors or adding a pergola (a simple open-air wooden structure) that creates a garden destination. A pergola creates architectural interest in a flat landscape. And provides shade coverage during summer months. You can also use it to train scented vines to grow overhead. Almost every garden we love has one. @mediterraneanhideaway #garden #terrace #weekend #relax #nature #natural #outdoors

If you can bring nature into your home with spaces

If you can bring nature into your home with spaces that connect with private courtyards, terraces, verandas and other open-air “rooms” you are more likely to find home satisfaction. These outdoor spaces are just as important as indoor spaces. 🍀 @mediterraneanhideaway

Vines and climbers can cover anything, soften hard

Vines and climbers can cover anything, soften hard surfaces and act as a textural backdrop in the garden. Here’s a roundup of all kinds of climhing plants - most are fast growers - that add beauty via @houseandgardenuk. Pic 1-8: A 16th-century mill house in the Cotswolds, Photo: @paul_massey; Pic 2: Sophie and Gregg Wilson’s old wisteria-draped house near Banbury; photo: @paul_massey; Pic 3-4: A Midhirst 19th-century railway cottage Design @studio_squire; Pic 5-6: Childhooh home of photographer @james_fennell and wife Joanna in County Kidare, photo: @montgomeryphoto; Pic 7: an idyllic garden on the Hampshire Downs of landscape gardeners Kim Wilkie and Pip Morrison; Photo: @montgomeryphoto; Pic 9; @ritakonig’s smart west London house; photos: Michael Sinclair. #vines #texture #creeper #landscapephotography #landscape #garden #outdoors #outdoorlife #natural #wisteria #naturalliving #housedesign

There are lots of practical reasons for improving

There are lots of practical reasons for improving any outdoor space. Even if it’s small, awkwardly shaped or hemmed in - a terrace or patio is an extension of your home. And a precious thing. For cooking, dining, sunbathing, games, reading, even swimming. When you have a small space, the secret is - don’t try to do too much. Focus on how you want to actually use the space and commit to that. Make sure your choice reflects how you live. If you want to relax - create an outdoor living room. If you want to eat outside - create an outdoor dining room. Choose just enough furniture. Consider the view from inside. Having a view to a balcony or terrace can visually expand your indoor space and make it feel as if you live in a garden. Make it easy. An outdoor space won’t feel relaxing g if you’re constantly worrying about it. So consider maintenance - nothing should be too precious. Create a place that reflects your personality and brings you joy and happiness. Pic 1: Midjourney design @luxrevive; Pic 2 + 3: @capdemar; Pic 4: @lifestyle_mallorca Pic 5, 8: Midjourney Design. luxrevive: Pic 6 + 7: @peligoni; Pic 9: @_casacollina via @dreamyresorts

Design for relaxation. What is one change you can

Design for relaxation. What is one change you can make to your environment that promotes mental peace and reduces stress? Grow a hedge of herbs. Add a gravel path? Maybe,change the lighting. It’s never the right time but right now is usually the best time. @borgosantopietro #change #simplicity #simple #natural #nature #landscape #rustic

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Sanctuaries of serenity. The surprising thing is t

Sanctuaries of serenity. The surprising thing is the relative ease of outdoor living whether that’s setting a table outdoors or adding a pergola (a simple open-air wooden structure) that creates a garden destination. A pergola creates architectural interest in a flat landscape. And provides shade coverage during summer months. You can also use it to train scented vines to grow overhead. Almost every garden we love has one. @mediterraneanhideaway #garden #terrace #weekend #relax #nature #natural #outdoors

If you can bring nature into your home with spaces

If you can bring nature into your home with spaces that connect with private courtyards, terraces, verandas and other open-air “rooms” you are more likely to find home satisfaction. These outdoor spaces are just as important as indoor spaces. 🍀 @mediterraneanhideaway

Vines and climbers can cover anything, soften hard

Vines and climbers can cover anything, soften hard surfaces and act as a textural backdrop in the garden. Here’s a roundup of all kinds of climhing plants - most are fast growers - that add beauty via @houseandgardenuk. Pic 1-8: A 16th-century mill house in the Cotswolds, Photo: @paul_massey; Pic 2: Sophie and Gregg Wilson’s old wisteria-draped house near Banbury; photo: @paul_massey; Pic 3-4: A Midhirst 19th-century railway cottage Design @studio_squire; Pic 5-6: Childhooh home of photographer @james_fennell and wife Joanna in County Kidare, photo: @montgomeryphoto; Pic 7: an idyllic garden on the Hampshire Downs of landscape gardeners Kim Wilkie and Pip Morrison; Photo: @montgomeryphoto; Pic 9; @ritakonig’s smart west London house; photos: Michael Sinclair. #vines #texture #creeper #landscapephotography #landscape #garden #outdoors #outdoorlife #natural #wisteria #naturalliving #housedesign

There are lots of practical reasons for improving

There are lots of practical reasons for improving any outdoor space. Even if it’s small, awkwardly shaped or hemmed in - a terrace or patio is an extension of your home. And a precious thing. For cooking, dining, sunbathing, games, reading, even swimming. When you have a small space, the secret is - don’t try to do too much. Focus on how you want to actually use the space and commit to that. Make sure your choice reflects how you live. If you want to relax - create an outdoor living room. If you want to eat outside - create an outdoor dining room. Choose just enough furniture. Consider the view from inside. Having a view to a balcony or terrace can visually expand your indoor space and make it feel as if you live in a garden. Make it easy. An outdoor space won’t feel relaxing g if you’re constantly worrying about it. So consider maintenance - nothing should be too precious. Create a place that reflects your personality and brings you joy and happiness. Pic 1: Midjourney design @luxrevive; Pic 2 + 3: @capdemar; Pic 4: @lifestyle_mallorca Pic 5, 8: Midjourney Design. luxrevive: Pic 6 + 7: @peligoni; Pic 9: @_casacollina via @dreamyresorts

Design for relaxation. What is one change you can

Design for relaxation. What is one change you can make to your environment that promotes mental peace and reduces stress? Grow a hedge of herbs. Add a gravel path? Maybe,change the lighting. It’s never the right time but right now is usually the best time. @borgosantopietro #change #simplicity #simple #natural #nature #landscape #rustic

Follow Melissa on Instagram

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Don’t miss the style set’s fave newsletter

Get Melissa's weekly rundown of where top interior designers source their things and find inspiration - that will instantly transform your pad.

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