They say first impressions matter and that’s definitely true when it comes to your home. Your entryway is the first thing people see when they visit or even just drive by, so why not make it count?

Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to boost your home’s appeal, upgrading your entry can add serious value, both in terms of curb appeal and day-to-day functionality. A well-designed entry creates an inviting first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home.

Start with the door. A stylish, solid front door, particularly with updated hardware or a pop of colour, instantly elevates your home’s look and feel. Modern doors can also enhance both safety and energy efficiency.

For daytime visitors, potted plants, seasonal blooms, or a tidy new path can breathe life into your entry and boost its welcoming feel. At night, statement lighting or even subtle path lights can add drama, safety, and charm to your home’s entrance.

One of the key components in styling your bed is pillows. The right pillow arrangement can take your bed from ordinary to luxurious. Whether you love a minimalist aesthetic or a plush, hotel-like feel, styling your bed with pillows is an easy way to elevate your space.

Begin with your sleeping pillows — these are the foundation. If you have a queen or king-size bed, two to four pillows work best. Use pillowcases that match your sheets for a cohesive look.

Place two or three Euro pillows against your headboard to add height and structure. Choose neutral tones for a serene feel or bold patterns for a statement.

Use two to three accent pillows at the front in different shapes, sizes, and textures. A lumbar pillow creates balance, while smaller square or round pillows add charm. Velvet, linen, or embroidered fabrics create visual interest.

For a classic look, stack pillows symmetrically. Prefer a relaxed, modern vibe? Go for an asymmetrical, casually layered style.

Remember, while pillows enhance your bed’s look, too many can feel cluttered. Stick with five to seven pillows for a well-balanced, inviting bed. And these rules are not set in stone – play around to find the look you love the best!

With these simple steps, you can create a dreamy, magazine-worthy bed perfect for rest and relaxation! Check out these other tips for styling your bed: Part 1 and Part 2.

Nothing transforms a space quite like the vibrant touch of flowers and plants. Whether you prefer soft pastels, bold hues, or lush greenery, adding natural elements can instantly uplift your home’s aesthetic and create a welcoming atmosphere.

By thoughtfully incorporating flowers and plants, you can breathe life into your space, making it feel more inviting, stylish, and connected to nature.

As we step into 2025, the Pantone Color Institute has unveiled its Color of the Year: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This rich, warm brown hue embodies a sense of comfort and grounded sophistication, resonating with a global desire for stability and simplicity in our increasingly complex world.

Mocha Mousse draws inspiration from the natural world, reminiscent of the deep tones found in chocolate, coffee, and earth. Its mellow yet luxurious quality offers a versatile palette that seamlessly integrates into various design disciplines.

The selection of Mocha Mousse also reflects a cultural shift towards embracing comfort and simple pleasures. It offers comforting and rich qualities, catering to a collective yearning for reassurance and authenticity.

In interior design, this shade provides a soothing backdrop, pairing well with natural materials like wood and stone, and complementing colours such as cream, off-white, pale blues, and lavenders. It also offers a timeless appeal that resonates with contemporary sensibilities.

In smaller spaces, you need to be much more selective about what you choose to display if your aim is to make the proportions feel bigger. Walls, shelves, dressers, countertops and computer desks can all benefit from a critical “do I need this?” scan.

Modular and prefabricated construction are innovative building methods revolutionizing traditional construction by offering faster timelines, cost savings, and a more sustainable approach. As urbanization and housing demand rise globally, these trends are gaining significant traction among developers, architects, and builders.

One of the key hurdles is regulatory compliance, as building codes were written before many of the modern forms of modular construction were developed. Prefabricated components often require adjustments to meet local standards, leading to increased costs and delays.

Another challenge is the perception of quality, with modular construction sometimes viewed as less durable or aesthetically pleasing. Logistics also pose a problem, as transporting large modules can be costly and complex, particularly in urban or remote areas.

Additionally, the industry faces a shortage of construction workers in general, let alone a workforce trained in modular production and assembly. Lastly, upfront costs for manufacturing facilities and technology are often higher than traditional construction, making financing difficult for some developers.

Despite these challenges, modular construction offers significant opportunities. Its ability to reduce construction timelines is a game-changer, enabling projects to be completed in half the time of traditional methods.

Sustainability is another major advantage, with controlled factory environments minimizing waste and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. Modular construction also leads to cost savings through mass production and economies of scale, making it an attractive option for developers.

Additionally , advancements in technology are enhancing precision and efficiency.

By overcoming its challenges, modular construction can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable, scalable, and efficient building practices. It’s a trend to keep an eye on.

We’ve already taken a look at some tips for styling your bed in Part 1, including the use of quality bedding, layers and patterns. There’s plenty more tips to come!

Colour Coordination

Choose a colour scheme that complements the overall decor of the bedroom for a cohesive look. Whether you prefer calming neutrals, vibrant hues, or subtle pastels, coordinating your bedding colours will create a stylish and inviting look.

Mixing Textures

Mixing different textures adds visual interest to your bed. Combine smooth cotton sheets with a textured duvet cover. Try adding a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for warmth and style. Choose a blanket in a complementary colour or texture to tie the look of your bed together. Or add a faux fur throw for a luxurious touch.

Valance

If your bed frame is exposed, consider adding a bed skirt or valance to conceal the base of the bed and create a more polished look.

Use these tips to help create a comfortable, visually appealing environment in the bedroom

A classic colour combination found everywhere from Cape Cod homes to beach California bungalows, a pairing of blue and white is a great idea.

Opt for white light fixtures to maintain brightness, and add metallic finishes like silver or chrome for a contemporary feel. Blue glass accents or white ceramic pieces complete the look with elegance.

This colour scheme creates a serene, sophisticated space perfect for relaxation or entertaining.

Adding colour through a single, thoughtfully chosen textile can make a significant impact on a room’s aesthetic, providing style and personality without overwhelming the space.

A single textile in a striking colour can also enhance the room’s character and establish a focal point that draws the eye.

By using just one vibrant textile, you can create a room with both energy and balance. This approach lets you experiment with colour and style without the commitment of repainting or extensive decorating, making it a versatile, low-maintenance solution for elevating any space.

Using a single textile in a bright, intentional colour also allows for both flexibility and control over the room’s aesthetic. It’s ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic style but still want to incorporate personality and vibrancy, as it keeps the decor simple yet stylish with just one statement-making piece.

Ultimately, adding colour through textiles is an accessible way to infuse personality, warmth, and vibrancy into a home, allowing you to experiment with style without making permanent changes.

When it comes to making a small space look bigger, you’d be forgiven for assuming that using smaller furniture pieces is the key.

But you’d be wrong. Okay, you don’t want super-sized furniture, but surprisingly enough, using a few bigger furniture pieces can help make a space feel larger.

One of the tricks is to use a few key, simple statement pieces in plain fabrics, rather than multiples. And if a piece of furniture can have more than one purpose, that’s even better. For example, a coffee table with storage drawers.

Furniture with an open design is also helpful. A sofa that’s elevated off the ground, or dining chairs with an open frame, for example. Round pieces rather than rectangular is another trick.

Low furniture can be a good choice as well. Simply by being lower it opens up more space above the item.

Also think about positioning. Spreading things out makes thing look more spacious, and keep things away from the walls where you can. Two small side tables rather than one big coffee table can open up space in the middle of the room.

And finally, furniture should never block pathways or light sources.