Whinnie Williams (whinniewilliams.co.uk) is no stranger to decorating under pressure, having redesigned spaces on a tiny budget (and often an even tinier time limit) for BBC Three’s Flat Out Fabulous and Channel 4’s Changing Rooms reboot. Now, though, she’s relishing talking all things rest and relaxation in her new role as interiors expert at bed and mattress retailer Dreams.

Sarah Dowling and her partner Jack had previously been in a tiny shared flat, and even lived on a houseboat for a year, ‘which was as lovely and romantic as you’d think,’ she says, ‘but also hard work, and definitely an exercise in small-space living!’ So, they were excited about the prospect of buying a house of their own. Initially, their perfect property proved to be elusive. ‘I really like period homes, and we were looking for one with two bedrooms, because we wanted to have a lodger,’ Sarah explains, ‘but Jack also wanted a workshop for his woodworking, so we needed access at the back of the house, which we discovered most terraces don’t have.’ When they came across this place, they quickly realised that it ticked both boxes, with two good-sized bedrooms and a gated entrance at the bottom of the garden backing onto a road. ‘The light was amazing when we came to view it,’ smiles Sarah. ‘When the sun comes in at the back of the house, it’s so beautiful.’

Paint like a pro with our round-up of essential tips and tricks from industry experts, from practical know-how to creative ideas

It can be tricky to know where to start when choosing a new kitchen – will you go sleek and modern, or cosy and classic? Bright and colourful, or timelessly neutral? Not to mention the practical details such as storage solutions, worktop space and a versatile layout. That’s where the experts at Wren come in. They understand that the right kitchen can transform your everyday life, and work collaboratively with you to make your dream design a reality, whatever the size and shape of your space. Here, as part of the #wrenovation series, which shines a spotlight on real customer kitchen renovations, Ron and Kathie share how Wren helped them find a kitchen their daughters love just as much as they do.

With a four-year-old son and nine cats, Heather and Thomas Lynch’s Aberdeen terrace is always full of activity, but even more so at this time of year when they sprinkle festive magic into every room. ‘I just try and keep it fun,’ says Heather. ‘We’ve been collecting decorations over the last 10 years or so. We buy things that we can use time and time again, including items we can use throughout the year.’

Your garden is an extension of your home, so why not decorate it to reflect your interior décor? Just a few simple updates can transform a plain existing patio or decking area into a summer sanctuary that's just as comfy and inviting as your living room – think piles of cushions in practical fabrics, solar or battery-powered mood lighting, durable outdoor rugs, and even a painted feature wall. Try these ideas to style it just as you would any other room in the house, starting with the practical, must-have pieces and finishing it off with plenty of pattern, colour and personality.