However, since dirty couch cushions can ruin the look of a living room, it’s vital to know if – and how – to wash them. And if you can’t wash them, can you spot clean them? Or should you rely on professional cleaning? So if you want to know how to clean a couch from top to bottom, this expert advice will be invaluable. Below, they share their tips on whether you can wash your couch cushion covers, safely....

Food stylist, chef and cookery book writer Alice Hart offers a menu of simple yet imaginative dishes that will set the tone for a relaxed day with family and friends. Time to chalk up these Christmas recipe alongside our favorite party food recipes as all-time winter classics. Our Christmas recipes menu The secret to successful entertaining is preparation, so choose dishes that need minimal last-minute work and schedule in some time a day or two before the party....

When choosing dining room color ideas you’ll want to select color trends that you’ll be happy to live with for a while to come. But you might also want to consider the decorative power of each hue; not all colorful room ideas suit every space, depending on its size, architectural style, and orientation. Different dining room paint ideas have particular benefits you may wish to exploit in your room design....

There is a whole range of creams to choose from – from elegant, just-off-whites, such as ivory, chalk and alabaster, to gray-creams, such as taupe and stone, and more earthy shades, like linen. Cream kitchens look fabulous with other colors, too – pale blue to navy, blush pinks, deep greens, grey, white and even black. For anyone who has dismissed cream as a top option for their list of kitchen ideas, let us change your mind....

Ants generally build nests outside, but food, beverages and moisture can attract them indoors, making tackling these insects early essential. Ants are very common, and like fruit flies and gnats, are likely to be a nuisance in high summer. The good news is that proven cleaning tips can keep them at bay, along with common pantry staples, such as baking soda, and even vinegar. We’ve got the lowdown on whether baking soda kills ants, plus the experts’ guidance on keeping your home and patio ant-free....

Arranged over three storeys, the property comprises 3005 square foot. Outside, the shiplap exterior was restored to its vernacular Craftsman house style charm, while inside the contemporary design resonates with modern comfort. This seemingly effortless atmosphere of informal elegance was created by interior designer Jonathan Rachman (opens in new tab). As his fifth project for the current owners, his sensitive awareness of his clients’ needs has ensured both the perfect look and functionality for their lifestyle as a busy family....

Historically, fireplaces were the sole heating source and could be found in nearly every room of the home. With the advent of central heating, the need for fires quickly declined with many being boxed in or removed. While today we still depend on central heating for our warmth, there is something irresistible about the comforting welcome offered by living room fireplace ideas. ‘A fireplace is more than a piece of furniture or an architectural decision,’ explains Monique Tollgard, founder of Tollgard (opens in new tab)....

You can always substitute types of fish within the same main family, an oily fish for an oily fish, for example, or one flat fish for another. It’s better to use an alternative at its peak of freshness and to adjust the cooking time than to choose an imported or endangered version of a specified one. Perfect for evening meals, these fish dishes make perfect summer lunch recipes, too....

Like all the best kitchen ideas, French country kitchens are designed with family in mind – a space for you to spend time with your loved ones, enjoying good food and company. However, the French flair is seen in the use of a more muted palette, with a rustic edge, accentuated by French vintage finds and antiques. ‘To create a French country feel in a kitchen, we would typically use a color palette made up of easy whites punctuated with gentle pastels....

From refreshing mint to earthy thyme, there are myriad herbs to choose from, making them an essential addition to your vegetable garden ideas. Not only do aromatic herbs provide a feast for the senses in the garden, but they have the power to transform meals, adding depth and flavor to endless dishes and cocktails. ‘The flavors from freshly picked home-grown herbs are far superior to shop-bought dried alternatives, especially if organically grown,’ says Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp....

When looking at how to cut energy bills, knowing how to work out how much an appliance is costing you is a vital skill that can help you make the most informed decisions on how to save money at home. Here, we look at the average costs associated with an electric heater and talk to experts to find out how you can work it out easily at home. How much does it cost to run an electric heater?...

Normally built with a wooden frame and perhaps covered with a climbing plant, there’s a whole host of designs to choose from and all manner of foliage to train around them. Whether you prefer a lush, plant-adorned canopy or a chic, minimal outdoor covering, the first step is finding out how to build a deck, and deciding on the pergola ideas and deck ideas you want to combine. From concept to construction, our handy guide will help you understand how to build a pergola on a deck and hopefully give you the confidence to carry out the task in hand....

Practicing bedroom feng shui can enhance wellness and provide a rejuvenating sleep space, for example, and all around the home being mindful about spaces by understanding feng shui’s meaning can bring about a nurturing and comfortable environment. Here, we offer expert advice on how to create good feng shui in your home room by room and make the simple changes that can bring enormous benefit to your surroundings – and your life....

Properly folded, towels will stay neatly stacked and ready for use – and if you’re looking for laundry room ideas that are functional and good-looking, learning the technique is an easy win-win. How to fold towels Improving your folding skills is also helpful if you’re considering how to keep towels soft. They’ll stay in better condition without excessive creasing compared to towels shoved into cupboards haphazardly. Wash towels the right way paying attention to the laundry symbols on the tag before folding and fold them after use, too, but only once they are thoroughly dry....

Once summer fades to fall and the sun sinks ever lower, it beautifies all flower bed ideas, but one group in particular sparkle with an intensity that sets them apart. These are shrubby salvias: tidy little bushes that are lavishly adorned with a myriad of tiny, gem-like flowers in shades of amethyst, garnet, topaz or opal. Starting in early summer, salvias shine radiantly through summer hazes and fall mists, until subdued by a dusting of frost....

Stylist Sara Bird created this Easter table centerpiece for us, using classic seasonal ‘ingredients’ including eggshells, alongside dried and fresh flowers. It doesn’t take long to make, but it will complement your existing Easter decorations to bring the season to life in your home. How to make an Easter table centerpiece Make a simple yet beautiful floral feature with eggshells arranged in a circular shape. This simple yet stunning Easter table centerpiece can be used around your home – as Easter table decorations for the dining room, mantelpiece or entryway console....

When it comes to keeping your indoor plants healthy and shiny, one of the best things you can do is clean their leaves. Dust, dirt, and other debris can block sunlight and prevent the plant from getting the light it needs, which is crucial to leaves looking their best. So make sure your plant leaves stay dust free with some regular TLC. 5 easy ways to make indoor plant leaves shiny Use these natural shine solutions to add luster to your houseplant leaves....

State-of-the-art appliances, designer units and ergonomic layouts have always been popular kitchen ideas. But what we seem to crave more than ever these days is space. No modern home is complete without a dynamic open space that’s so much more than just a space to cook. The kitchen extension easily tops the list of domestic projects commissioned from architects. Meanwhile, realtors see it as the single most desirable feature in any home....

Acquiring the skills to set a table properly will instantly elevate any social gathering and take the stress out of the prep process. By setting the table, you also set the tone for the evening – and show your guests that they are important to you. What’s more, setting a dining table beautifully can also enhance the allure of the food you are serving. Once you are confident in the process, your tablescaping can stretch beyond merely setting the table and into decorating a dining table, displaying china, glassware, dining table centerpieces, linen and ceramics, too....

Learning how to grow strawberries is easy and there really is something special about the taste of a strawberry from your own yard, while great store-bought versions can also taste sublime. Store them incorrectly, though and they can perish quickly. To ensure the fruit you grow or buy retains its best qualities, we’ve put together a guide to how to store strawberries. How to store strawberries If you know when to plant strawberries in accordance with the climate and growing conditions where you live, around three months later a delicious harvest from the bare root or potted plants can be yours....