Why AI will never design your dream kitchen

An AI-generated kitchen

Recently I have seen some gloriously detailed images online of dream kitchens bathed in perfect light looking oh-do-desirable and achievable. Upon closer inspection I have realised that the images are AI generated. There are usually two giveaways. One is the slightly fuzzy appearance which cannot be attributed to natural lighting but could be the result…

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14 Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

Bathrooms are generally the second most expensive room (after the kitchen) to build or makeover. Whether you are renovating or building, here are fourteen mistakes I have seen in bathroom design to avoid: 1. Too Clinical While we want our bathrooms to be practical, we also want to avoid making them look like what you…

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The Art of Dining

A simple, elegant table setting.

Dining together is an under-rated activity today. Sitting around a beautifully set dining table, sharing a meal together should be a regular activity. Sadly, it seems to have almost vanished from our lives. This is not to say that every day can be a fine dining day, but here are some suggestions as to how…

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How to transform your home with art

Repulse Bay House, Hong Kong

Many designer homes, while stunningly decorated and renovated, seem to lack personality. A collection of art, can really transform your home in to a place that really tells your story. Art creates a two-way dialogue between the artwork and its surroundings in a way that decorative objects do not. Here’s some thoughts on how to…

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How do I decide and sign off on a design scheme?

Making final decisions and signing off on designs can be difficult. When you have a designer keen to move forward, but you think there are a multiplicity of choices still to be researched and evaluated, how do you draw a line in the sand and say yes? Here are the questions I would be asking:…

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Decluttering, without regrets

Do you feel overwhelmed with stuff that you and your family have accumulated over the years, but at the same time very reluctant to make a start on getting rid of things? I believe the minimalist trend can go too far. If you are too radical you can throw away possessions which connect you to…

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My picture passed in at auction – what do I do now?

Auctioneer about to bring the hammer down

If you have ever tried to sell something in a specialist art auction you will know that there is a long build up and the process can be very stressful. Once you have made a decision to sell, a failure can be very frustrating not to mention inconvenient. My first tip is – never pre-commit…

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Are antiques due for a revival?

Antiques – that is to say furniture and objects over 100 years old – are a little off the radar of many home decorators at the moment. So are they due for a revival? Here are some reasons why you might not have considered them:- You associate them with your grandparents or great-grandparents Yes, but…

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What are the best antiques for today?

Photograph of Wolston Farmhouse Sitting Room

There is no better way in my opinion to add some flair to your home than to add a few selectively chosen antiques or vintage pieces. If you are hunting around antique shops, which are the pieces you should be on the lookout for and which pieces should you avoid even if they look temptingly…

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