Interior design is an ever-changing subject, and as trends come and go, it’s sometimes tough to keep up.

This is why interior experts Hovia have written a list of trends which are predicted to increase their popularity in 2023 which can help you spice up your home and keep in touch with all the latest styles.

• Brighter is better

A house is not a home without that cozy feeling, and to reach that goal would be to make the most of the natural light, however not everyone might be blessed with large windows and exposure to the sun. Therefore, in the upcoming season the focus is all on chandeliers and lamps.

There is no wrong way to choose a pendant, however what is predicted to be in trend this winter are oversized and noticeable ones. Choosing a large chandelier might be scary and it is not for everyone, but this might be a right time to take a leap of faith or overcome the fear of not being able to pull off such a piece of furniture.

• The right colors

If repainting walls and furniture is something in your to-do list, you might want to go in one of two directions: choose natural colors to embrace the calm vibe of earth tones or, if you’d like a pop of color, stay within the safe lines of mellow and tranquil blues and greens, with an addition of soft pinks and lavender. To finish off, you’ll find that soft gold trims are what’s missing!

This prediction is backed by Hovia’s latest sales data regarding the most popular colors on their website. This shows how buyers started purchasing these specific colors already during this year, strengthening the idea that greens, blues and natural colors have been and will be on trend.

• Multi-functionality

As we move on with time, we also move on from the notion that a house must simply be a place where to eat, sleep and chill. Having a multifunctional home might be the best trend 2023 is bringing along with additions such as movie and game rooms, gyms and saunas.

Regardless of common belief, to set up such a room might not be as expensive as expected, all you need is a spare room and either a couple of gym equipment, a projector and a sofa, and a gaming console, all things that are easier and easier to find in a family home.

• Curves

Straight lines and geometry out, curves and movement in! One of the most promising trends of this winter are curves and to achieve this style you won’t need to redo your whole house, even though that might be an option for whoever might be able to do so. In fact, just an arched doorway or some fun and lively piece of furniture such as a curved sofa can just do the trick!

• “Mid-century chic”

It’s the return of the 60s and 70s in our living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens! This means wallpapers, and Hovia knows one thing or two about those, and statement objects.

Try buying a statement sofa, or an adorned cupboard which will be the star of your room, and pair it with soft colors and sleek curves for a house in perfect 2023 trend style.

• Add some texture

Adding character to any room without making it tacky might be tricky, and that’s where marble comes to rescue. An unexpected texture which is still elegant and smooth, it will catch the eye without being too loud. You can also try and add some pieces that mix different textures and materials!

• Nature… in!

Your home can definitely be whatever you would like it to be, so why not a garden? Indoor gardening, plants and more earthy pieces can make your living room feel just like a resort and it’s a 2023 trend that we’ve seen before but that will only grow more and more popular.

If you use these insights, we would appreciate a link to https://www.hovia.com who commissioned the data. A link credit allows us to keep supplying you with future content that you may find useful.

January is the perfect time to reset and clear out your wardrobes, ready for any fresh purchases in 2023. With searches for re-selling sites such as Vinted up by 308% in the last 12 months and interest spiking since Christmas, rather than simply throw clothes away, many people look to give their garments a second lease of life and sell on.

So, the experts at Suit Direct have put together some top tips for getting your items’ picture perfect’ ready for uploading and selling on sites such as Depop, Vinted and eBay.

Spot clean stains ASAP

No matter how hard you try and prevent it, from chosen tipples to sit-down meals, clothes will eventually pick up stains. When the inevitable occurs, don’t leave it to your dry cleaner – spot clean as soon as possible. Unless stated otherwise on the care label, blot with water using a clean paper towel.

Suppose this method doesn’t remove the stain; once you have the means, use a microfiber cloth to dab a stain remover, or a drop of neutral pH detergent, on the fabric. If your clothing is a more delicate material such as wool or cashmere, always use a fabric-specific detergent which will have a tailored pH level.

Always check the labelling on your clothing

Different fabrics require different methods of care. So, when caring for your clothes, you should always check the care label before getting started.

As a rule of thumb, cotton shirts can be thrown in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. To protect the fabric, turn your garments inside out and use a mesh laundry bag so that buttons and zippers don’t get damaged or snag. Unbutton everything, including the cuffs, and remove any collar stays before washing.

On the other hand, particular wool and silk garments often need to be hand-washed to preserve their construction. To hand-wash, fill a basin with cold water and a mild detergent, soak your items, swish them around and rinse well. Afterwards, lay the clothing on a clean towel, roll it up with them inside and squeeze out the excess water – but don’t twist or wring; this could misshape your tailoring. Repeat this step until damp, then lay the garments flat to dry.

Air dry in a cool, dry place

Although most clothing can be tumble-dried, the best method to protect your clothes is to air dry them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

Use a wide, sturdy wooden hanger with rounded edges to hold the shape of your garments. Trousers should be placed on a clipped wooden hanger. When air-drying, never cram clothes together as they won’t ventilate properly and may leave a musty smell.

Swap the iron for a steamer

Ironing poses a greater risk of your garments becoming heat damaged. This is especially true for heat-sensitive materials such as cashmere, velvet, corduroy, and structured jackets.

If you have access to a steamer, take care of your garment by running the steamer in downward strokes along the fabric. You don’t need to press hard or push the material against anything; the steam will gently remove the wrinkles on its own and deodorise the garment. If you don’t have a steamer, use the steam setting on an iron to gently run over any creases.

Store more precious garments in a cloth cover

Some garments may be more precious than others, so before you sell them, keep them protected from moths, mildew and dust, and store them in a breathable cloth cover. Always avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture and leave your clothes smelling damp

Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have several outfits, ensure that you space them evenly inside the closet to prevent creasing. For extra moth and mould prevention, place a few cedar blocks or sachets of lavender in your wardrobe.

Images;

 Tutu

Waldemar Brandt

Nathan Dumlao

Allure is the definition of natural elegance, according to Mademoiselle Chanel. One of a kind, it cannot be put into words, only observed. Allure Homme was launched in 1999. The nose behind this fragrance is  Chanel’s Jacques Polge, who was also behind such classics as Bleu, Chance and Coco Mademoiselle. That unmistakable fresh, spicy, and woody notes of the fragrance.

CHANEL has expanded the ALLURE HOMME line to feature a new, generous, and instinctive way to wear fragrance: new ALLURE HOMME and ALLURE HOMME SPORT All-Over Sprays.

From the boardroom to the locker room, a touch-up throughout the day or before heading out for the evening, the new ALLURE HOMME all-over sprays are the perfect partners for men on the move.

With their 100ml on the go format, they envelop the body in a fresh and invigorating mist infused with Japanese green citrus extract, an ingredient developed by CHANEL specifically to keep sensation of comfort on your skin.

ALLURE HOMME ALL-OVER SPRAY

The fresh, spicy, woody scent of ALLURE HOMME, in a fresh and hydrating fragrance body spray.

The invigorating freshness of bergamot heralds the clean, intense notes of vetiver. The warm notes of Tonka bean and cistus labdanum, heightened by black pepper from Madagascar, give it a sensual trail

ALLURE HOMME SPORT ALL-OVER SPRAY

The fresh, woody scent and aquatic notes of ALLURE HOMME SPORT, in a fresh and hydrating fragrance body spray. A composition that strikes a balance between freshness and sensuality.

Italian mandarin heralds the clean and intense notes of a cedar accord. The sensual, almondy Tonka bean note, enhanced by white musk, creates a deep and enveloping trail.

Does yours Christmas break feel like a distant memory? Mine, certainly does and Summer is a long way off? Well you’re not alone in feeling blue. As we experience the effects of a harsh winter and the cost of living crisis, many are in desperate need of a break away. With this in mind, experts at Iceheadshop.co.uk sought to discover which town/village is the most peaceful destination in the UK. 

An index was created by compiling a seed list of peaceful locations, and then analysing weighted variables including; crime rates, Instagram hashtags (low number = more peaceful), population and peaceful outdoor activities. Combining these to establish an overall peace score out of 100 for each of the 53 analysed locations. Thus revealing the top 10 most peaceful UK destinations.

The UK’s most peaceful destinations

Iceheadshop.co.uk can reveal that Bassenthwaite, a village in Cumbria, is the most peaceful UK destination, with a peace score of 86.62 out of 100. The area, part of the Lake District, is home to 39 hiking trails and 29 bird watching trails. No doubt many are around the Bassenthwaite lake which is an important habitat for many wild animals in the area. Of all the areas in the research, it has the fewest number of Instagram hashtags (100), giving it ‘hidden gem’ status! Although at 66 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, it has the highest crime rate of the areas in the top 10.

Photo Credit: Veronique Stone

Dartmouth, Devon ranks as the second most peaceful destination for a staycation, with an impressive peace score of 85.26 out of 100 alongside the second highest number of hiking trails (27). 

Located in the Peak District, Over Haddon stands as the third most peaceful location to visit. This quiet village has a population of just 255 inhabitants and resides within cascading hills and dales, scoring 83.69 out of 100. There are 12 hiking trails in the area to amble down and an accompanying 6 trails for birdwatching.

Following closely behind among the most peaceful UK staycation destinations are the village of Broadway (78.97), the market town of Bakewell (77.22), and the Welsh tourist village of Portmeirion (76.65) respectively ranking fourth, fifth and sixth.

In seventh place is the rustically charming village of Reeth, North Yorkshire with a peaceful score of 76.57 and rather fittingly the smallest population size of 724 inhabitants. Not only does this affirm it as a natural environment perfect for spotting wildlife, it is also ideal for a break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With 12 hiking trails you won’t be short of exploration options to fill your time. 

Completing the ranking in tenth is Hathersage, Derbyshire which gains a peace score of 68.99/100. On arrival, you will instantly be met by idyllic rolling hills that wouldn’t be out of place on a watercolour painting.  With a mixture of pubs, antique shops, and restaurants, to suit any visitor, Hathersage does not fall short of places to relax with a pint or pub grub after exploring along one or two of the 19 hiking trails.

During the cooler months it can become increasingly difficult to get out of bed in the morning – and this is made even harder with the heating being turned off to save on energy costs. Here, Martin Seeley, Sleep Expert and CEO of MattressNextDay shares some practical tips on how to make getting out of bed easier in the mornings.

1. Wear something warmer to bed

This goes without saying, but you’d be surprised at how many people go to bed during the colder months without wearing sufficient, warm nightwear. If you’re going to bed with only a few items of clothing on, then you will have to wake up without any layers of protection, whereas going to bed suitably clothed increases your chances of waking up feeling much warmer; making it easier to get out of bed.

Not only this, not wearing warm enough clothes to bed could lead to a disturbed night’s sleep from becoming cold in the night and waking up. If you feel uncomfortable wearing too many clothes in bed, keep some warm clothes nearby that you can grab and put on when you rise. You may also want to reach for some fluffy socks too. Thermal lightweight pajamas are the best option for a warm yet comfortable sleep.

If you wake up in a cold room, not only are you feeling cold and shivery from the temperature, but this will also heighten any feelings of hunger you may have or reduce your energy levels. You should consume a hot drink and a hearty breakfast as soon as you can, a hot tea, coffee and a bowl of porridge will help you to warm up from the inside out and feel better. Remember, when you’re hungry you feel the cold even more and vice versa.

3. Give yourself a 10 second rule

The worst thing you can do when waking up cold is to just lay in bed and fixate on how cold it is and how much you want to stay in bed – this can often make us feel even worse and unmotivated for the day ahead. As soon as your alarm goes off and you wake up, give yourself 10 seconds before you jump straight out of bed, grab some warm clothes such as a dressing gown and leave your bedroom. Furthermore, if you stay in bed for longer than usual, you may be sabotaging the day ahead of you, as lying in bed longer will set you back time wise and you may find you have a rushed start to your morning (which could set you up for a fall)

No one wants to be woken up startled because of an aggressive and loud alarm. If you can, set your alarm tone to something soothing and calm. Many alarms have a gradient setting which allows you to set an alarm which builds up gradually, getting louder and louder until you turn it off. Waking up abruptly can cause higher blood pressure and heart rate, furthermore an angry alarm can add to your stress levels by getting your adrenaline rushing. Try to choose a relaxed alarm tone for a better start to your day.

If you’re struggling to wake up properly because of the cold, the quickest way to fix this is to have a hot shower first thing. A hot shower helps to regulate your body temperature, get your blood flowing and warm up your body gradually, this will also help you to feel warm until you get dressed, making your morning routine a lot easier.

6. Purchase a light box

One of the hardest aspects when waking up during autumn winter is the lack of natural sunlight in the room. During the summer, the natural light that enters the room each morning can often help us to wake up naturally as it signals to our brain that it’s time to rise.  

During the darker mornings, this can become increasingly more difficult, with the lack of light making it hard to wake up our internal body clock (circadian rhythm) and you may find that your brain wants you to wake up,  but your body is saying something different. The best way to deal with this is to purchase a light box. Light boxes essentially replicate sunlight, and are an effective way to add some light to your mornings.

These boxes are set to light up when your alarm goes off to help your body wake up. You’re more likely to experience cognitive benefits such as improved memory and concentration when you wake up from light rather than sound. Furthermore, it has been noted that sunlight in the mornings can improve your overall well being, increase energy and productivity – and so this may be useful in helping you to rise each morning.

I understand turning the heating on is not something that anyone wants to do at the moment – but if it gets much colder it is important to keep your environment comfortable and liveable.  If you’re turning the heating on, look at setting it to come on early in the morning and on a low setting, this should take away that early morning nip in the air and help you to wake comfortably. You may want to also keep your bedroom door shut to ensure the heat stays in your room.