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Of course, as part of the H&G team, I had access to our tried and tested list of the best mattresses, but talking to our mattress testers, I realised that there were so many things to consider before I bought, from how I sleep to more mundane features, such as the mattress’s warranty period. And, of course, I discovered that everyone’s mattress choice has to be unique to them. I got there in the end, but for anyone buying one for the first time, or after a long period (after all, the mattress market has changed hugely in the past 10 years), these are the things I wish I knew about mattresses before I went on the hunt for one....

As the highest point of any room, your ceiling radiates grandeur – no matter the size of your space. This powerful feature is more than architectural – it is a canvas to (consider) playing with another color – and a base for your daring lighting ideas. So, it’s vital to get your ceiling design decisions right. And whether you’re working with kitchen, bedroom, or living room ceiling ideas, the process of perfecting this feature begins with knowing what to avoid....

It is also a great way to add some color and texture to what can otherwise be a clinical space. Banquette seating can be built in a number areas, such as within an island, as a window seat or in the corner of a the room. And remember, it is not just about space for dining, the beauty of banquette seating is its versatility – it can be anything from a quiet reading area to your working-from-home spot....

Thankfully there is a broad selection of bathroom countertop materials to choose from, to suit a wide range of looks and budgets. This expert-led advice will help you indulge your bathroom countertop ideas knowing all the benefits and pitfalls of your chosen material. Below, we bring you the lowdown on the most common surfaces designed to blend elegant visual appeal with performance and practicality. Bathroom countertop materials explained From wood to marble, these are the best-looking countertop materials to consider....

If they’re an architectural feature of the room, make the most of alcoves when selecting your bedroom ideas, but there’s also the opportunity to add alcoves into a square or rectangular room to create detail and interest as well as to solve practical problems. Take your cue from our selection of bedroom alcove ideas here and maximize style and storage. Bedroom alcove ideas Alcove ideas can exploit everything from the smallest of niches to spaces big enough for furniture in the bedroom, and wall decor can draw attention to them, or make them discreet....

An important room in the home where you start and end each day, your bedroom should be a restful sanctuary of calm and comfort, as well as a joyful showcase of your style. When planning your bedroom ideas, the classics will always remain, such as crisp, quality bedding, good accent lighting and practical clothes storage, but there will always be an array of wonderful new interior design trends to explore that can provide you with some stylish inspiration for your space....

Whether you want to bring life back into your backyard or you are hoping to bring some blooms into your decor, we’ve rounded up the very best Christmas plants and flowers to ensure your home feels fabulously festive. Best bulbs for Christmas flowering Whether you’re looking to add color to your winter garden ideas or want to force bulbs indoors for Christmas, these Christmas flowering bulbs are sure to bring life back into your space....

While it may be a strong choice, the beauty of black is that it can be teamed with nearly any other color and can integrate with all sorts of interior design looks, making it a brilliantly versatile option when it comes to bedroom furniture. Whether you’re looking for a bed, closet or storage for your black bedroom ideas, or are thinking of teaming black furniture with different bedroom color ideas, these black bedroom furniture ideas are guaranteed to get you inspired....

But books – together with a host of other items – can also be a truly appealing decorative feature of any room, and thus it’s vital that both the shelves in which they are stored and the way these pieces appear on those shelves allow their potential as a display to be exploited. Our bookshelf ideas have been selected to give you inspiration for storage that’s aesthetically pleasing in your own home, and they are combined with advice from interiors professionals to assist in your own planning....

Here we look at the history, designs and decorative possibilities of this renowned interior design brand. The history of Lincrusta Lincrusta (opens in new tab) catches the eye and captures the imagination whatever the setting. From classic country residences to modern urban living spaces, this incomparable range of wallcoverings, dado panels, friezes and borders allows for the creation of bespoke interiors and inspirational wallpaper ideas. This sculptural wallcovering was the ingenious creation of Frederick Walton who had pioneered the development of linoleum floor coverings during the 1860s....

Enhancing a ceiling area with paint ideas can establish both an impactful and considered look that elevates your design scheme, quite literally. Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene (opens in new tab) says, ‘when painting a room, consider the ceiling within your color scheme. The ceiling is often painted white out of habit but this has a big impact on the way that the room will feel. There is a host of options that move away from traditional whites, bringing ceilings into the design scheme, or using them to create a design focus....

Being by the water, and especially by the sea, is renowned to create a feeling of relaxation and calm. By bringing this positive energy inside the home through a collection of coastal decor ideas, such as natural materials, curated accessories and an ocean-inspired color palette, you can create a timeless and inviting living room space that pays homage to the beauty and power of nature. From California cool to New England nautical, we present how to recreate the beach house aesthetic in your own home - and how this style can be enjoyed all year round for your living room ideas....

How you plan to use your space, and whether it’s your only sitting room or you have further areas for relaxing and entertaining, will help to define your living room ideas. There are more details to consider when creating this look, too – these country living room ideas and tips will help you get it just right. Country living room ideas When browsing country decorating ideas, ask yourself: do you want a cozy snug or an expansive area where all the family can relax together?...

The interior design should stand the test of time, both physically and in terms of lasting style. At Sims Hilditch (opens in new tab) we work on homes all over the UK, including many properties in London, and here I explain the principles of creating stylish city interiors. 1. Bring in modern country style One of the things we like to do when working with our city-based clients is to bring elements of the countryside into their interior, pairing it with range of contemporary finishes....

While it may be a simple print, with so many wallpapers and fabrics to choose from, in a variety of scales, colors and textures, gingham offers plenty of scope within interior design and there’s a check available to suit all properties and rooms. We’ve rounded up an array of different looks to inspire you to use this timeless check within your interiors. Decorating with gingham While decorating with gingham may conjure quaint country cottages, the print is actually hugely versatile and with clever use of scale and color the simple check can be used in any room and in all sorts of properties, from a New England beach house to a luxury townhouse....

From table decorations to a sophisticated wreath that will last you beyond Easter, these Easter craft projects are super easy – and they come with some simple step-by-steps. None will take you long to create, for many, you may already have the ingredients you need – and all, we think you will agree look beautiful. For more Easter decorations – many of which involve very little effort for huge impact – don’t miss our dedicated gallery....

As well as looking inviting in its own right, your chosen entryway furniture ideas should set the tone for the rest of your home – and should be considered alongside entryway ideas and front porch ideas to ensure a coordinated feel and make your entryway more inviting. So when you’re looking for inspiration for this small entryway space, think big. Whatever the size, shape or configuration of yours, these furniture trends explain how to take decor to the next level – because, after all, it’s the space that creates a first impression on your guests....

Cleaning a dishwasher isn’t a particularly onerous task, but it is important to undertake the various aspects of the job regularly when cleaning a kitchen. Some need to be done weekly or monthly, while others just require attention every six months or so, and none of them will take up too much of your time. We’ve put together all the advice you require for great cleaning results and a fresh appliance interior in the long term....

Cleaning a mattress at least every couple of months will mean your choice of the best mattress or best mattress topper will stay that way. We asked mattress experts for their advice on the best way to clean a memory foam mattress. How to clean a memory foam mattress Need an incentive to clean a memory foam mattress? Memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers ‘gather dead skin cells, sweat and body oil....

It’s not just the noise that’s the problem, of course. Squirrels can damage wood, shingles, ceilings, electric wires and insulation. They can also cause contamination with their poop and urine. It’s one thing to get rid of squirrels in the garden, but to prevent harm to your attic and stay undisturbed by unwanted house guests, it’s vital to remove these pesky critters from your home quickly. This is how to get rid of squirrels from the attic....