There comes a point when every child's bedroom needs a refresh. Whether they're starting school, moving up a year or simply outgrowing their current space, a few thoughtful updates can create a room that works beautifully for years to come.

The good news is that you don't need to start from scratch. By investing in a handful of key pieces and making thoughtful design choices, you can create a bedroom that's practical today and flexible enough to grow with them.

Most living rooms today have to work harder than ever before. They need to be somewhere to relax, entertain friends, watch television, work occasionally and spend time as a family.

The good news is that creating a living room that does it all is rarely about having more space. It's about using the space you already have more thoughtfully.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through zoning.

By creating different areas for different activities, you can make a room feel calmer, more organised and much easier to live in without adding a single extra square metre.

Cinque Terre had been on my wish list for a long time and finally, with the children grown up, my husband Mike and I escaped for four nights to explore this beautiful stretch of the Italian coastline together.

As an interior designer, I am always inspired by colour, architecture and the way places make us feel. Cinque Terre offered all three in abundance.

Thinking of buying garden furniture this summer? Before you hit "add to basket", there's something worth considering first.

Every year, as soon as the sun appears for more than two consecutive days, we all convince ourselves that this is the summer we'll spend every evening in the garden.

Cue the search for the perfect outdoor sofa or sunlounger!

Discover your colour direction, how interior colour psychology can transform your mood, room by room. From calming bedrooms to energising kitchens, learn the best colours to use in every space.

How to introduce the colour green into your interior. We show you how to create a calm, tranquil living room and bedroom using the most popular colour in interior design.

Now that you’re familiar with well-known design styles, let’s explore five tried-and-tested ways to seamlessly blend them and create a cohesive, stylish home.

Are you drawn to both the clean lines of minimalism and the cosy charm of traditional decor? Or perhaps you love mid-century modern furniture but can't resist the allure of bohemian textiles? The good news… you don't have to choose just one style. 

Get ready to elevate your easter dining experience through the art of table layering.

April is the perfect time to have a spring interior refresh and what better reason than Easter to style up your home decor!

One of the things I hear most from clients is this, “I love so many different interior styles, but I have no idea how to make them work together.” If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

We are constantly shown beautifully styled rooms that follow one clear aesthetic, and it can feel as though choosing a single look is the safest option. But the homes that truly stand the test of time are rarely built around just one style. They evolve. They gather layers. They reflect different stages of life.

Learning how to mix interior styles with confidence is not about chasing trends or rigidly following rules. It is about understanding how to create a clear thread that ties different influences together so a space feels calm, balanced and cohesive.

Here are some of the blended interior styles we are loving, along with simple ways to begin bringing them into your own home.

Designing a room becomes far easier once you understand the look you are drawn to, yet choosing furniture, fabrics, and lighting that actually fit that style is where most people get stuck. Inspiration is everywhere, but knowing exactly where to shop for each aesthetic is a different story. Even seasoned designers do not always have a ready made list of the best places to source pieces for every style.

Wondering how AI fits into the world of interior design? With so many tools offering instant layouts and colour schemes, it’s tempting to think they can do it all. But that is where the first mistakes are made!

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes you crave change. A fresh perspective. A better rhythm. And often, that starts at home.

The shops are twinkling, the scent of winter spice is in the air, and it’s time to bring the magic indoors. This year, Christmas décor leans into comfort, nostalgia and Christmases of old. Think soft layers, nostalgic touches like stripes and nutcrackers, handmade details, and grounded, thoughtful colour palettes. Here are five standout decorating ideas for 2025, along with simple ways to introduce them into your home with confidence and style.

Discover the Best Interior Shops in the South West with Lola Swift Interior Design

If you’re looking to refresh your home, source special pieces, or simply spark new ideas, the South West is full of brilliant independent interiors shops. At Lola Swift Interior Design, I help homeowners develop their style with confidence and know exactly where to find the best local inspiration. Here’s my guide to standout interior stores across Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just refreshing a room, these tips focus on colour, texture, function, and flow.

Your home should tell your story, one that has evolved over time and is filled with personality. But when you're juggling beauty with practicality, it’s not always easy to know where to begin. 

I’m opening the doors to my own home to share 8 quick design ideas I’ve used that can help shape your space, no big renovations required.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just refreshing a room, these tips focus on colour, texture, function, and flow.

As we move into the colder months, it’s time to introduce more cosiness to your home through warm colours and patterns. Cottagecore is the design trend that captures the romance of rural life and wraps it in soft fabrics, faded florals, and timeless charm. Inspired by the simplicity of the countryside, this nostalgic style blends sustainability with storybook beauty, providing your home with a sense of calm and comfort.

Pattern layering is one of the trickiest parts of interior decorating, but mastering it takes your design to the next level. It adds depth, interest, and personality to a space without tipping into chaos. So how do designers make it look so effortless? 

The answer lies in the scale, proportion, and cohesion of your chosen patterns. When these elements are in harmony, even the boldest patterns can come together seamlessly.

Whether you're styling a living room or bedroom, here’s how to layer patterns like a pro.