Give your space an instant glow-up with our pick of the best statement shades, chic lamps, task lighting and more to mix and match

No room is complete without a few houseplants dotted around on shelves and window sills, but why not dial up the look and make them a central part of your scheme? Even the smallest succulent can have a big impact when used as part of a statement display. Decorating with plants – also known as plantscaping – will instantly bring your interiors to life, adding texture and variety to every corner. And you can go as all-out or subtle as you like: do floor-to-ceiling greenery for a maximalist approach, or use just one or two supersize plants to liven up a neutral space with a little natural colour.

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.

Harmonious interiors aren’t just about everything matching. A clever clash, with hues that break the colour ‘rules’ yet work together, can achieve the perfect balance of co-ordinated and quirky. There are no hard and fast guidelines to go by when mixing and matching different shades – in fact, the more rebellious the better – but here are some tricks and ideas to get you started on creating your own colour-savvy schemes.