Upon featuring the Ultion Nuki 2025 Smart Lock in a previous smart technology feature I was intrigued, and wanted to see if it held up to its claims – and that I was including a next-gen gadget that was worthy of inclusion. And I believe it is, for the following reasons.

It’s Got Industry Leading Security

The Ultion Nuki 2025 incorporates the Ultion 3 Star PLUS core, which defends against picking, bumping, and drilling to thwart break-in attempts. Its independent central cylinder shield utilises a molybdenum core — a metal 25% denser than iron. This material resists corrosion and boasts one of the highest melting points of all pure elements. Ultion cuts its keys with precision, making them 60% thicker than competitors to prevent snapping and bending. The lock carries approval from the Master Locksmith Association and meets recommended police safety standards. Ultion backs their confidence with a £5,000 burglary guarantee — a promise they have never paid out.

It’s Got Modern Aesthetics

As a stickler for aesthetics, I admired the new ultra-sleek, streamlined design as soon as it arrived. You can customise your external handle with seven colours and various fixing sizes; Ultion even backs these handles with a 20-year anti-corrosion guarantee. For the interior, you select from black, white, or a new chrome — I chose the chrome — to ensure the Ultion Nuki 2025 enhances your home’s appeal. The lock fits existing doors with handle fixings of 215mm, 211mm, and 122mm, and it even works with escutcheon locks. My husband installed the unit in just over four minutes — nearly matching Ultion’s own speed claim. There’s also no drilling or wiring required: it takes only a few minutes to replace your existing handle with an Ultion Nuki 2025 and have it up and running with your smart platform of choice. 

It’s Got Cutting Edge Smart Technology

Built-in Wi-Fi means direct connection to your home network, with remote control and firmware updates directly through the Nuki app. Easily lock or unlock your door from anywhere, anytime, with just a tap on your smartphone. Busy carrying shopping bags/holding your children’s hands or anything else that means it’s not simple to open your front door? You don’t have to pick up your keys – even though, of course you can. Why? It can unlock the door when it senses you’re close and lock again after a few seconds. You can also turn the feature on and off and customise everything. There’s also a wireless keypad option if you want to impress friends or family – my teenage boys, for one, as well as their friends.

It’s Got Other Positives

The lock uses Matter over Thread — an energy-efficient communication standard — to connect seamlessly with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. A built-in rechargeable battery powers the lock for up to nine months, and the app alerts you when the power runs low. Charging is fast: you can recharge the Ultion Nuki 2025 via USB-C in just two hours, either on or off the door. And, although I spent a few days getting used to it — I’m not as tech-savvy than the rest of my family — I now value its place in my smart tech round-up.

The Ultion Nuki 2025 was independently selected and reviewed by the Best of Living editorial team, and did not pay for inclusion. Product details and availability correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post Review: The Ultion Nuki 2025 Smart Lock appeared first on Best of Living.

Ben, it appears we have caught you at a busy moment.
“Very much so. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of my first illuminated timepiece, the Tempus Collection. That means it’s important to celebrate a decade of experimentation, investment, and creative evolution. We are starting by opening a limited-edition showroom in Mayfair, launching my new Icon Edition. Shortly after I’ll be heading to Paris for Retromobile, exhibiting alongside fellow automotive artist Chris Twitcher.”

You were born in Australia but grew up in Colchester. Was there anything about your childhood that sparked your creativity?
“Probably a desire to rebel, growing up surrounded by history, castles, and cobbled streets. I recall having a strong urge to shape the future – to be the person designing the next castle, something that would stand for 2,000 years. I was obsessed with James Bond: the interiors, gadgets, cars. Everything felt imaginative, aspirational — but also believable. My ambition was to turn that sense of possibility into something real.”

Why is light so central to your designs and spaces?

“Light is the most important element of design. Without it, you see no texture, no colour, no detail, no beauty. It allows me to communicate energy, atmosphere, and story. Artificial light allows you to shape emotion. It also allows you to create calm, intimacy, excitement or drama. The relationship between light and shadow is also crucial – sometimes darkness is just as expressive as illumination. Often people can’t explain why a space feels so good to be in. More often than not, it comes down to how thoughtfully the lighting has been layered. Atmosphere is everything.”

You’ve created installations for everyone from sports stars to business leaders. Is there one piece you are particularly proud of?

“One that still brings out a childish grin is the ‘Bat Cave’. This was a 3,000 square foot basement I created for an art collector beneath a modern home in Holland Park. I designed it as a fully immersive environment for entertaining and displaying art, with installations that invoked a sense of escapism. The centrepiece was a red laser ‘force field’ surrounding the client’s Aston Martin DB4, which descended beneath the house on a motorised driveway. There was a custom bar, a chrome ceiling coffer, an illuminated bubble chair I co-created with graffiti artist INSA, a cinema, pool room, office and snug, with a complex Lutron lighting system tied everything together. It stimulated every sense.”

Do you have a favourite commercial project – and if so, why?

“My first room at the Ice Hotel is still one of my favourites, largely for the romance of it. I originally visited Arctic Sweden while researching somewhere to propose to my wife, and was completely captivated by how light interacts with ice and snow. That experience made me determined to return as a designer. Over time I built a strong relationship with the team there, as it’s an extraordinary pool of talent. Being able to take my wife back and stay in a room I’d designed felt very special. I was told that the Queen of Sweden stayed in that room too.”

Perhaps one of your most famous projects is the iconic iceberg catwalk created for Chanel in 2010. How did this idea come to fruition?
“Ice Hotel Sweden led that project, bringing together their most visionary ice artists alongside Karl Lagerfeld’s team. The original idea was a literal iceberg beneath the Grand Palais roof, but instead we created the illusion of ice using a timber walkway, water, and a special snow-and-ice mix called sneece, shipped from Arctic Sweden in 30 large trucks. We worked around the clock, using a suspended refrigeration system to control melting. It was intense — but incredibly rewarding.”

It must have been exhilarating to be the brain behind the custom vehicle used to follow the Olympic Torch around the UK back in 2012. What do you remember about the experience?
“That year I narrowly avoided using up one of my nine lives after falling from an 80-foot cliff snowboarding. I was actually on a call with the design team while waiting for my friend to be airlifted off the mountain! The brief was to make a tour bus feel aerodynamic and dynamic, more speedboat than bus. Three weeks before launch, the route changed, meaning the vehicle had to fit under low bridges. I had to redesign a folding roof structure that remained safe for people standing on the top deck. Despite the pressure, it worked beautifully.”

Finally, what’s next?
“Let’s just say, I’m not short on ideas. We should catch up again soon!”

The post Interview with Artist and Designer Ben Rousseau appeared first on Best of Living.

Ultion Nuki 2025

Say goodbye to easy-to-break-into front doors with this police-approved, locksmith-approved handle, backed by a £5,000 security guarantee. Resisting picking, bumping and drilling, its features include built-in Wi-Fi, removing the need for extra hubs. Users can lock or unlock their door remotely through the Nuki app, voice assistants, or geofencing; working with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings through Matter. It’s nice to look at too, in seven colours and internal handles in black, white or chrome.

£588 including fob, fingerprint keypad and auto-lock sensor. www.ultion-lock.co.uk

Focal Mu-so Hekla

Elevate your home entertainment with the Focal Mu-so Hekla, an all-in-one sound system with the ability to redefine your AV setup. Delivering a Dolby Atmos experience with plenty of power, Hekla surrounds you in spatial sound that the brand promises will bring films, music and games to life. From cinematic explosions to the latest song, every detail is rendered with the clarity and depth Focal is known for. As part of the iconic Mu-so family, it integrates with the Focal and Naim ecosystem, offering multi-room streaming, iRadio, and Party Mode at your fingertips.

£3,000. www.focal.com

King Jasper Modular Curve U Shape Sofa

This smart tech sofa is engineered with advanced steel frames and King’s signature Postureflex® Seating System, with each piece offering long-lasting support you’d expect from a quality mattress. Cushions balance softness with structure, so whether you’re lounging with a book, hosting friends, or enjoying a film, it delivers comfort for every moment. It also comes with built in smart technology — simply put your phone down on the arm of the sofa and wireless charging does the rest of the work, with motion-controlled ambient lighting guiding you at movie night.

£11,469. www.kingliving.co.uk

Loewe X JACOB&CO Ice Diamond Headphones

If you really want to impress, these headphones could be the ones for you. Conceived as a standalone Hi-Fi audio solution, they integrate top-quality DAC, powerful amplification, and precision 50mm drivers. There’s 24-bit high-resolution audio for immersive sound — fully personalised via the Mimi Sound Personalisation feature through its app. It also benefits from adaptive active noise cancellation that adjusts in real time to ambient conditions, and AI for voice assistant and real-time translation. As for gems, its handcrafted 14k white gold ring weighing 42.5 grams is set with 12.47 carats of diamonds including 456 round stones.

£100,000. www.loewe.tv.uk

Smeg10 in 1 Multifunction Countertop Oven with Steam & Air Fry

If you haven’t got an air fryer we think it’s fair to say you’re probably one of the few yet to purchase. This intelligent appliance lets you choose among traditional cooking functions, with steam and automatic programmes including air fry, defrost and keep warm. Use its steam only functions or in combination to lock in flavours and nutrients, plus its 33 built-in recipes mean you can cook to perfection meat, fish, vegetables dishes, desserts, bread, pizza, and more. It even uses Galileo Multicooking technology: innovative airflow patterns and professional algorithms for the results you’d expect.

£849.95. www.shop.smeguk.com

Focal Diva Mezza Utopia

The Diva Mezza Utopia embodies the brand’s dedication to pure performance. Every element, from its beryllium inverted-dome tweeter to its W-sandwich composite cones, is engineered for exacting realism and effortless dynamics. The result is an immersive, emotionally charged listening experience, with a piece as suited to an art-filled penthouse as to an acoustically tuned salon. What’s more, this is a full active wireless system, so listeners can enjoy incredible performance without the stress of cables and wires ruining the vibe.

£55,000. www.focal.com

Luna Gen 2 Smart Ring

This ring measures SpO₂, temperature, heart-rate, and stress; as well as capturing moments such as eating, recovery, and environmental factors to reveal how choices influence readiness, energy, and vitality. Record meal intake, sexual activity, alcohol consumption, and recovery rituals; and describe a meal for decoded food items, calories, and macronutrients. Sleep intelligence captures factors like mouth taping to uncover how settings affect recovery and performance. It also edits entries seamlessly, ensuring the record evolves with your routine, and can even revisit any activity, reconnecting patterns for personalised optimisation.

£299. www.lunazone.com

MAGIC AI Mirror

This fitness mirror combines the expertise of a personal trainer, the variety of a gym, and the intelligence of AI from the comfort of your home. Its computer vision system delivers real-time rep counting, instant form correction, weight guidance, and body scanning. A hologram trainer appears in ultra-HD, giving one to one feedback, while the reflective surface allows users to perfect their form, with live cues to improve pace, and range of motion. Reps and sets are counted by the trainer’s voice, and it recommends when to increase, maintain, or decrease. There are over 400 exercises, and it builds weekly plans and four-week programmes designed by athletes and personal trainers.

£1,499. www.magic.fit

The post Next-Gen Gadgets: Smart Technology Worth Investing In Today appeared first on Best of Living.

Cabinetry That Defines the Space

“Cabinetry provides storage and sets the overall tone, often influencing every other decision. Whether you favour a classic shaker or a sleek slab front, it should reflect the feeling you want to evoke — traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between. While soft whites and warm timber remain favourites, we’re seeing clients embrace bolder choices, with deep navy, forest green, and matte black. Two-tone cabinetry is also worth considering. Combining light upper units with darker base cabinets can help to anchor the space while adding interest and subtle contrast.”

Customisation Makes the Difference

“What really sets a luxury kitchen apart isn’t necessarily what you see at first glance but what lies beneath — functional touches tailored to how you live, cook, and entertain. These small details are where true craftsmanship and design insight shine. Bespoke drawer inserts that keep everything organised; integrated charging points that help keep surfaces clutter-free; breakfast cupboards or built-in coffee stations to bring calm to busy mornings; or tailored finishes on hardware, taps, and lighting to match your scheme. This layer of quiet detail is what elevates a kitchen from beautiful to exceptional.”

Appliances That Work Beautifully

“A luxury kitchen should be as functional as it is beautiful, and appliances play a key role in achieving both. Choose manufacturers trusted not just for their innovative technology, but for the way their products integrate seamlessly into bespoke cabinetry and design schemes. Some of the most popular choices include smart fridges with internal cameras, energy-efficient modes, and sleek finishes; steam ovens with intuitive controls and self-cleaning features; induction cooktops that offer precision control and faster cooking; and built-in wine fridges and climate-controlled storage drawers.”

Countertops That Make an Impact

“Practical and visual, the material and finish you choose influences the room’s overall character. Marble’s traditional style and heat resistance have retained popularity, but consider how it can scratch or stain when choosing, and it also requires regular maintenance. Quartz remains a top pick owing to its solidness and low maintenance needs, with a non-porous surface stopping liquids and bacteria from getting inside. The use of natural stone and quartzite is also popular for both their attractive look and resilience, while granite offers a selection of possibilities that are aesthetically pleasing as well as being highly functional.”

Lighting That Brings the Room to Life

“Good lighting gives you the chance to introduce texture or finish, expressing personality without overwhelming the overall design. Pendants can add style, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, or there’s sophistication offered by crystal chandeliers, which range from contemporary Sputnik to classic and which fit any kind of luxury interior. Recessed lighting also offers a modern aesthetic by evenly distributing light and highlighting luxurious features. Natural materials, sculptural designs, and bold fixtures with nostalgic elements are popular choices to achieve this desired effect.”

Storage That Feels Effortless

“Storage is not just about fitting in more cupboards but creating systems to help the space flow. Consider a hidden pantry, from wall cabinets that fit in with any décor to floor-to-ceiling systems designed around aesthetics or even freestanding cupboards. Built-in banquettes are also great for storage, as well as providing a seating solution. Then there’s open shelving: when used thoughtfully, they bring personality to a space, giving you an opportunity to display your favourite cookware, ceramics or decorative objects, adding warmth and individuality to more streamlined cabinetry.”

Kitchen Islands That Do More

“Now a defining feature of many homes, islands bring people together as well as providing extra worktop space. Built-in seating creates a more relaxed environment, with multi-level designs or curved ends making it feel like an integrated part of the space. For regular entertainers, a built-in wine cooler is functional and refined, and, with proper care, becomes a lasting feature for performance with elegant design. Integrated sinks continue to be popular: built directly into the surface, they support a minimalist aesthetic and can be tailored in size, depth, and material to suit your cooking and cleaning habits.”

Flooring That Grounds the Design

“One of the most important kitchen features, flooring needs to be durable, comfortable underfoot, and complement the overall design. Depending on your preference, a hardwood floor’s natural wood brings warmth and texture, especially in open-plan spaces; choosing wide planks in neutral finishes for a timeless foundation. Porcelain or ceramic tiles offer easy maintenance, with many colours and textures to suit both classic and contemporary styles, while polished concrete makes a strong statement in modern kitchens and is practical, striking, and ideal for use with underfloor heating.”

Backsplashes That Add Personality

“This is your opportunity to introduce pattern, texture or material into your design and can tie elements together or act as a feature in its own right. Antique-style mirror splashbacks bring depth and character, especially in smaller spaces where they reflect light and make the room feel larger. Aged brass offers a look that pairs with natural materials and darker cabinetry. Or for those seeking an artisanal feel, glazed tiles in muted or earthy tones are timeless, bringing individuality to the space, with a subtle variation in shade and texture adding visual interest without overwhelming the design.”

The post Here’s How to Create Your Dream Luxury Kitchen appeared first on Best of Living.

Positive Relationships

Buying and selling property will always be exhilarating — and exhausting — but according to Nathan, successful investments begin with the relationships you build. “Start by identifying and concentrating on one or two specific areas where you’d like to buy. This focus allows you to become familiar with local pricing and availability, and enables you to build strong relationships with estate agents who specialise in those neighbourhoods. A good relationship with local estate agents can also give you a competitive edge: agents are more likely to call serious buyers first when new properties come to market. By maintaining regular contact and demonstrating your commitment, you’ll stay at the front of their minds.”

Prepare for Prime

For many high-net-worth individuals, certain areas reign supreme. “Properties in locations like Knightsbridge, Belgravia, and Mayfair continue to be high demand London investments, closely followed by areas such as Chelsea, Kensington, and Holland Park in West London. The Beckhams reside in an impressive Grade II listed building in Holland Park – which obviously does no harm to property prices – but while the area will always be key to premium real estate, there are still some really good spots in Holland Park where you can find houses to buy, renovate, and then successfully flip. There are also lots of low leases around the area, which make it appealing to developers.”

New Opportunities

London currently offers a wealth of new investment opportunities with premium postcodes. “There are some really exciting developments happening within prime areas, which are growing in popularity, including Chelsea Barracks, and 1 Mayfair, which is a brand-new development set to be completed in Spring 2026. Apartments start at a cool £35 million and overseas investors from China and Saudi Arabia are taking a keen interest in the area.”

Track Hotspots

For those looking for more square feet for their finances, Nathan suggests further afield. “I have seen a sudden boom for luxury homes in one of North London’s quieter areas, De Beauvoir, where the average price is around £855,213 – but it’s the more expensive properties that buyers are searching for, with demand for houses around £2 million. It is a peaceful area with a community feel, so families are making offers at or above the asking price, and out-bidding each other in an attempt to secure their home. When it comes to Notting Hill, Portobello and Westbourne Grove, the pound per square foot is quite high — between £1,300 and £2,000 — but this can go significantly higher for other prime property locations, meaning you can generally get a lot more for your money.”

Buy The Dream

Whether you love modern architecture or crave old-world charm, there’ll no doubt be some non-negotiable boxes that simply must be ticked. “For most buyers, a dream home will be a detached house with a large open plan kitchen, dining, and living area, with a sunny South-facing garden. Paying some thought to sustainability will also pay off — perhaps using solar panels or switching to a heat pump instead of gas combi boilers. And for an extra flourish, everything from tennis courts and swimming pools to boathouses will drive up value. We recently had a house in Woolwich with plenty of add-ons that sold for an impressive £4 million.”

Select Your Dream Team

Engaging with the right people will ensure your property journey runs smoothly. “Choosing the right solicitor is crucial in both buying and selling. Avoid large conveyancing firms that process cases in bulk with limited personal interaction. Instead, opt for a solicitor who offers clear communication, accessibility, and prompt service. If you’re selling, have a professional survey done in advance, and share it with potential buyers to help highlight any issues that might otherwise delay or derail the sale. Transparency builds trust and helps prevent deals from falling through later.”

Don’t Go Low

And finally, here are Nathan’s last words of advice for buying or selling in London. “Never, never be swayed by low fees. It is obviously tempting to go with the estate agent offering the lowest, but this may be a bad investment in the long-run. In the Capital, average fees typically range from 1.5% to 2%, but a slightly higher commission can incentivise agents to work harder on your behalf. Ultimately, a motivated and proactive agent is worth the investment.”

The post London’s Property Hotspots: Successful Buying and Selling appeared first on Best of Living.

A garden office for better work-life boundaries

With remote or hybrid working part of everyday life, creating a purpose-built garden workspace is a smart move, helping you separate work from home, avoiding the dining table desk setup and letting you shut the door at the end of the day. Plus, if you’re meeting clients or running a business from home, a stylish garden office adds a professional edge and gives your family the home life they deserve.

Embrace a ‘big room’ feel, even in a smaller garden

Even modest gardens can accommodate a substantial garden building; it just needs thoughtful design. A larger structure becomes the standout feature of the space, adding depth and balance. For the best effect, place the building square to the back boundary so it ties naturally into fences or landscaping, and choose materials and finishes that scale the size without overwhelming the garden.

Sustainable garden rooms that are built for nature

Owners increasingly want garden rooms that do more than look good. Think sedum roofs, excellent thermal insulation, responsibly-sourced cladding and manufacture that co-opts low-impact processes. These features support biodiversity, improve energy performance and allow you to give something back to the environment, all while enjoying your new space.

Choose a room to make a bold design statement

Another area to consider when it comes to a garden room is that it can be a striking architectural feature – not merely a functional extra. From large, glazed sliding doors to contrasting finishes or bold rooflines; styling matters. When well executed, the building becomes a visual highlight of the garden rather than an afterthought, and it can transform the character of your outdoor space.

Think smart storage for a smart space

Why simply settle for a bog-standard shed when you can instead integrate stylish and insulated storage into your garden building? Sectioning off part of the space gives you secure, weather-proof storage alongside a beautifully finished room for daily use. It’s a seamless solution: one smart structure and two highly useful functions.

Explore the prospect of man caves and hobby rooms

Garden rooms don’t need to strictly follow the rules. Want a private pub, a creative studio, a home gym or your very own cinema? Go for it. These bespoke spaces let you carve out a room that’s just for you, whether that’s for entertaining, unwinding or pursuing a passion, and crucially, it keeps the activity away from the main house.

Versatility with a multi-purpose room

One of the most compelling advantages of a garden room is flexibility. Instead of being assigned a single use at the outset, it can flex as your needs change. A space might begin life as a home office, then evolve into a guest room as required. With clever furniture or partitioning, you can switch up the room’s role without major cost or fuss.

Views and light to let the garden in

When your garden’s view is one of its strengths, choose large glazed doors and windows to bring the outside in. Premium double glazing ensures you’re comfortable year-round, even on cooler days. In warmer months, folding or sliding doors can open the space completely, creating a strong indoor-outdoor link and making your garden room feel like part of the landscape.

Stylish garden pods for tiny spaces

Even if your plot is compact, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. Garden pods are a smart choice for tighter spaces: they offer cosy, carefully considered retreats, and with minimalist furniture and clever storage, you can genuinely harness the square metres you have. A well-designed pod can feel luxurious and purposeful, and it might just become your favourite room.

Bring leisure to you with a golf simulator

With golf growing in popularity and home leisure demand rising, garden rooms designed specifically for simulator use are becoming a top trend. A building with generous internal height and strong design allows you to practise swings, host friendlies and stay active whatever the weather. It’s a perfect blend of leisure, sport, and home-life investment.

Outdoor entertaining to be redefined

Why head out when the party can be in your garden? A dedicated garden bar, pub room or lounge offers a gorgeous setting for socialising and entertaining, and keeps the mess, noise and tidying up outside of the main house. Choose finishes that complement your garden, add lighting and seating, and make the space as inviting as your favourite venue.

A games room for a dedicated fun space

Into board games or pool? What about gaming or bingeing the latest Netflix series your spouse refuses to watch? A separate building lets you relax or play as loud as you like – with no disruptions and no compromises. The separation from your home gives you freedom and focus; while offering flexibility to design the space exactly as you want it.

The post Elevate Your Outside Space with These Garden Room Inspirations appeared first on Best of Living.

Invest In Art

“Art speaks volumes about your style and personality, so buy pieces you are instantly drawn to. Choosing art should be ‘love at first sight’. If you can’t stop thinking about it, you need to buy it. Art is very powerful and is about evoking emotion as much as looking good on a blank wall. I go shopping with my clients when they think they don’t know what they like, and it’s so interesting to see the genre and the colours they’re drawn to. The biggest misconception is that art should be bought last, to finish a room. It’s one of the first things I choose, and everything else evolves around it.”

Splurge On Statement

“This is another powerful way to add excitement to your interior. For me, a statement piece that sets your home apart from everyone else’s is priceless and will make your home memorable. My top tip would be to keep the other elements simple, so that your statement piece really shines. I bought this hand painted antique carousel horse by the famous funfair artist, George Hebborn in 2017. He’s called ‘Del Boy’ and has become an iconic piece, featured in numerous publications around the world.”

Mix Old and New

“To create striking and memorable interiors, I like to mix old and new pieces. Mixing different eras adds depth and interest to any scheme, almost taking your eyes on an unexpected journey around the room. A memorable room is one that keeps surprising — every time to you enter it, you should notice or discover something new.”

Use Symmetry and Asymmetry

“Symmetry is classic — it works in both modern and traditional interiors, creating balance and harmony to make a space feel calm. A symmetrical layout promotes stability and relaxation, which is often while it’s used in bedrooms, such as matching bedside tables and lamps. That said, too much symmetry can feel predictable and stiff. I often balance it with a touch of asymmetry, such as placing a lamp on one side of a sofa or juxtaposing a wall of vintage plates in a random design.”

Lighting is Key

“Statement lighting is always a great investment. A feature ‘showcase light’ is a great way to add wow factor, whilst drawing the eye up, especially if you have features on the ceiling such as ceiling roses and cornices. It’s also a wonderful way to anchor the room or create zones — just make sure it’s central to any features you want to highlight, such as a fireplace or kitchen island. Then, use a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting to add depth, warmth and functionality. This could be done with ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and even candlelight.”

The post Some Effective Ways to Give Your Home an Alluring Appeal appeared first on Best of Living.

More is more

“First off, I’m a strong believer that colour has the ability to change your life — it’s proven that different colours can influence your mood and the way you feel. For example, warm colours such as orange and yellow are linked to energy and warmth, while cool colours, such as blue and green, are generally more calming and relaxing. Colour is so much more than a paint on the wall: it’s a way of your interior speaking to your soul and the feeling that evokes. You will never wake up feeling low in a home full of colour and pattern. If you’re nervous, start with three to five colours that work together and build up from there.”

Layer patterns

“I love to layer patterns in my designs as I believe it brings a level of joy that cannot be achieved with plain walls and plain soft furnishings. My rule is to choose a ‘hero pattern’ such as a wallpaper, as the main feature, and then choose a variety of smaller patterns to complement the hero. As a former artist, I see a room in the same way as a painting. I start with a blank canvas then add the colour and pattern layer by layer to create a ‘masterpiece’. In my own collection, The Penally House Garden Collection with Wear the Walls, I designed the pieces to be layered. The collection includes various wallpapers, fabrics and home accessories with different patterns in various colours and sizes.”

There are no rules

“Ignore the naysayers and build a space that makes your heart sing. Take risks with colour and choose a design scheme you love and that reflects your personality. Add colour by incorporating items that tell your story — artwork, antiques, travel finds, and personal items. Your house will only feel like a home if it reflects you and your life. For my Dining Room at Penally House, I decided to wrap the room in a piece of art by my favourite artist, Kristjana Williams. I wanted to create the feeling of dining at the bottom of the ocean. The wallpaper is immersive as it was 3D scanned, and some of the hero characters printed onto Perspex and layered over the wallpaper to give extra depth.”

The post An Interior Designer’s Advice to Adding Colour to Your Home appeared first on Best of Living.

Where German precision meets British lifestyle

Blending over a century of architectural expertise with a deep commitment to sustainability, HUF HAUS creates light-filled, bespoke homes that redefine modern living. Each residence is a one-of-a-kind creation, shaped to the owner’s vision and built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

Each HUF HAUS is a bespoke creation, designed and built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and sustainability. From the initial planning to the final turnkey handover, every detail is handled by the company’s in-house team of architects, engineers and interior designers — ensuring cohesion, quality and transparency at every stage. Its integrated furniture brand, stilART, tailors interiors to match the home’s unique structure and style, offering seamless living solutions with precision and elegance.

Sustainability is central to HUF HAUS’s philosophy. All homes are built using eco-friendly materials and equipped with energy-efficient systems as standard. Features such as heat pumps, smart home automation, underfloor heating and triple-glazed windows are integrated seamlessly, helping clients reduce their environmental impact without compromising comfort or aesthetics. The company’s high-tech production facility in Hartenfels ensures minimal waste and exceptional build quality — with prefabricated elements allowing for swift, controlled on-site assembly.

Beyond their striking visual appeal, HUF HAUS homes are designed to enhance wellbeing. Natural light floods every space, blurred boundaries between indoors and outdoors foster connection with nature, and thoughtful layouts prioritise privacy, flow and liveability. Each element is considered to create a harmonious atmosphere — combining architectural clarity with emotional comfort.

Whether set in rural countryside or a modern development, HUF HAUS residences are bold expressions of individuality and forward-thinking design — homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. For discerning homeowners who value transparency, craftsmanship and modernity, HUF HAUS remains a benchmark in luxury prefabricated living.

Visit huf-haus.com/en-uk to explore their show homes, learn more about the building process, or start planning your dream home.

The post HUF HAUS: Modern Living Reimagined with Timber and Glass appeared first on Best of Living.

Versatile Garden Rooms by Crane Garden Buildings

A garden building offers far more than just additional space — it’s an opportunity to reimagine how your home functions. From yoga studios and offices to social hubs, Crane Garden Buildings’ range of beautifully designed structures brings lasting purpose to your garden.

Crane’s ex-display models include modern studios and traditional summerhouses, all maintained to a high standard and ready for installation. Designed for year-round enjoyment and crafted with care, these multifunctional spaces offer an elegant way to enhance your lifestyle and make the most of your outdoor setting.

Visit cranegardenbuildings.co.uk

Sleep Better with Natural Cashmere and Wool Bedding by Ava Innes

Discover the comfort and sustainability of natural sleep solutions with Ava Innes. Their UK-made range of luxury cashmere duvets, Scottish wool pillows and extra-large blankets is crafted with breathable, natural fibres that offer warmth and gentle support.

Customers report noticeably improved rest, often praising the duvets’ temperature-regulating qualities and the supportive feel of the wool pillows. With a focus on thoughtful sourcing and premium natural materials, Ava Innes blends comfort with conscience to elevate your nightly routine.

Visit avainnes.com

Interior Finishing Touches with Skirting World

Since 2011, Skirting World has been supplying high-quality skirting boards, architrave, and internal doors from their Birmingham base, offering an extensive range of moisture-resistant MDF products to complement homes of all styles.

With over 100 designs to choose from — as well as matching wall panels, window boards and more — Skirting World provides a reliable foundation for any renovation.

Visit mdfskirtingworld.co.uk

Outdoor Living Made Easy with Nilfisk

Whether you’re refreshing garden furniture, cleaning your bike, or tackling the patio, a pressure washer from Nilfisk helps restore outdoor areas quickly and efficiently. With a wide range of accessories and surface-specific settings, each model is designed to make light work of everyday cleaning tasks.

Features such as integrated hose reels ensure easy storage and fewer tangles, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your outdoor space. It’s a practical addition to any household, offering flexible use across garden, car and home.

Visit shop.nilfisk.com

Contemporary Homes Designed with Nature in Mind by Pennyfarthing Homes

Pennyfarthing Homes combines decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to homebuilding. Each of their developments reflects a commitment to quality design, family values and environmental sensitivity — particularly in and around the New Forest.

From Steamer Point’s sea-view homes and tree-retaining layouts to Danes Park’s extensive green spaces, each site balances elegant interiors with rich natural surroundings. The result is a collection of light-filled homes that offer both tranquillity and modern functionality.

Visit pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk

Home Gym Design by Training Station

Training Station has been designing bespoke home gyms since 2005, supplying high-performance equipment alongside expert planning and installation. Their team works closely with clients to create fitness spaces that match both aesthetic goals and functional needs.

Whether integrated into a garage, outbuilding or garden room, each gym is tailored to suit the home environment. With access to leading equipment brands and adaptable designs, Training Station helps homeowners elevate their wellness routines with spaces that inspire movement and longevity.

Visit trainingstation.co.uk

Bespoke Bookcases and Home Libraries by The Bookcase Co

The Bookcase Co specialises in handcrafted bookcases, media units and home libraries — all made to order from their Wimbledon workshop. Every project is led by a director, ensuring personal service from design to installation.

With timeless style and a focus on longevity, their made-to-measure furniture complements both contemporary and traditional homes. The company has recently expanded to offer full home refurbishment services, delivering the same attention to detail across larger interior projects.

Visit thebookcaseco.co.uk

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