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Your home can have a fundamental effect on your mental health. Your personal space is your refuge, a place where you can feel safe and relaxed when life gets tough. The personal spaces in our home sets the stage for many moments in our lives so it’s crucial that your home provides comfort, support, and positive emotional energy. Creating a calming interior has the power to improve sleep, relationships and productivity whilst reducing stress, anxiety and depression. The human mind and body are interconnected and can be affected by many things, including the environment we live in. Salt and Steel, a UK retailer featuring beautiful neutral homeware, have put together five ways interiors can be used to combat anxiety and how to create a calming environment. Credit: Salt and Steel A neutral colour scheme Colours have the ability to boost our mood and reduce stress levels. From the shade of the paint on the walls to the colour of your soft furnishings they have the power to transform how you feel. Using subtle, muted neutral tones such as beige offer the perfect solution according to colour psychology. Rooted in nature, brown and beige tones bring with them a sense of energy, strength and calmness that works wonders in the home. White is associated with pureness and clarity. Many homes use white to to evoke feelings of newness and cleanliness. Although some may not consider white to be a colour and instead more of a shade, white is still powerful for lifting spirits when we're feeling down. Green tones are known to represent natural environments, harmony and peace. Green is also considered one of the most restful and relaxing colours to the human eye, making it key to creating a tranquil environment in the home. Credit: Media from Wix Light Exposure to natural light is integral to mental and physical wellbeing, proven to boost vitamin D, improve sleep quality and enhance productivity and focus. Introducing natural light into the home can be as simple as introducing reflective surfaces such as coffee tables or mirrors or removing internal window coverings. Additionally, those looking to maximise natural light in a single room can replace dark furniture and features with lighter objects, wall colours and ceiling colours to ensure more light passes through the room, creating a brighter, warmer environment. Plants Bringing nature into the home elevates moods, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of house plants and flowers. Studies conclude that the presence of plants and flowers improved concentration, memory retention and reduced stress. Credit: Media from Wix Positive images Surround yourself with images that make you happy, content and relaxed. For you, these images might be of family members or friends. There might be a particular landscape that you find calming, or a holiday location that makes you remember happy times in your life. Declutter Decluttering your space can make a massive difference to overwhelm and by giving away items that are not used or loved you'll create a calm space that creates joy.

Finding the perfect base in summer can feel like an impossible task. Often, foundation feels a bit too heavy in the heat, and trying to find the perfect CC cream shade can be even harder! However, Glow Recipe may have just released the answer to all of our vacation prayers. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops is a bronzing, tinted version of the Glow Recipe's bestseller, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum. It comes in a 'one size fits all' shade, and can universally be used on all skin tones. It instantly enhances your skin's natural tone for a seamless sun-kissed glow. Glow Recipe used a few 'superstar' skincare ingredients alongside "ethically and sustainably sourced" gold and bronze pearl pigment. Credit: Glow Recipe One of the key benefits of this serum is in its name: Niacinamide. Niacinamide is great for all skin types, especially those with oily and combination skin. It can also help to treat a handful of skin concerns, including rosacea, hyperpigmentation and large pores. Along with Niacinamide, its ingredient list includes centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid and watermelon — these help to create a youthful glow, as well as a makeup-like finish. After applying moisturizer (and SPF), apply a thin layer across your entire face and neck. Some have also suggested to use this as a contour, highlighter or foundation base layer. Glow Recipe's founders Sarah Lee and Christine Chang are transforming the world of Korean beauty with their latest release, and with the hype around this product on social media getting bigger, it may not be on the shelves for long. The brand’s unique potions are formulated to help solve skin care concerns, through a fruit salad mix of watermelon, plum, strawberries and more.

PAUL COSTELLOE AW24 AT LONDON FASHION WEEK. PIC: BEN BROOMFIELD Paul Costelloe's "Once upon a Time" AW24 collection, hosted once again at Lindley Hall, transformed South East London into a scene that resembled New York City's Lower East Side. As social media influencers and esteemed press streamed into the hall, anticipation of the Irish designer's latest creations grew. Mirrored to his previous style, Costelloe blared music from the stereos as the first five models strutted onto the runway, in white woollen frocks and matching jackets. The subsequent ensembles elevated the "Limerick meets Downtown New York" theme with silk shirts, two-pieces, and skin-tight trousers adorned in a taxi-cab print. PAUL COSTELLOE AW24 AT LONDON FASHION WEEK. PIC: BEN BROOMFIELD Tartan prints and solid heavy woollen garments were expertly mixed and matched, seamlessly blending inspiration from the urban landscape with the brand's identity. Despite the Downtown New York setting, the collection exuded an Uptown elegance. Costelloe said: "This collection reflects my belief that classic design still holds a place in high fashion. I've added a personal touch of nostalgia by incorporating a print inspired by the street where I once lived. It was a moment of pure dreaming and living." PAUL COSTELLOE AW24 AT LONDON FASHION WEEK. PIC: BEN BROOMFIELD Leather jodhpurs, voluminous shapes, and countryside tartans effortlessly transitioned into the city-goer's wardrobe. Heavy coats offered shelter from the city winds, while winter florals and puff ball skirts infused a touch of lightness, embracing one of the upcoming season's top trends. Despite the designer's absence due to illness, his spirit permeated the show through personal notes left on each seat, reassuring attendees that "the show must go on."

Imad Alarnab burst onto the London restaurant scene four years ago, after being forced to flee from the war in Damascus for the safety of his family. He had built three successful restaurants, plus several juice bars and cafes - which were all tragically destroyed. Upon his arrival in London, after making his way from Lebanon through Europe, where he shared his cooking skills for other refugees, Imad launched a series of charity events that became hugely popular; supper clubs sold out within hours and hungry workers waited patiently in long queues for takeaway lunches at pop-ups. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is his first permanent UK restaurant, located in Carnaby Street's bustling and vibrant Kingly Court; and the Life of Luxury were lucky enough to taste their new breakfast menu, which launched this month (and is 100% vegetarian). Created with his own family recipes, Imad developed several delicious pastries for the breakfast menu, including Riaayiq Asal, a pastry with halloumi, feta, cheddar, mixed herbs and honey; and Riaayiq Dalua filled with tomato, red pepper, olives and cheese. However, a must-try should be the Fatteh. This rich dish has layers of fried flat bread, chickpeas, tahini and finished ghee, along with a sweet burst of pomegranate. Pair this with a selection of their dips too, including Hummus and Baba Ghanoush, which is served with freshly baked pita bread. Having previously owned juice bars in his home country, it comes at no surprise that Imad's Kitchen offers an array of delectable freshly pressed juices too, and high-quality coffee! And whilst a Syrian breakfast is far from the typical English breakfast and Artisan Bakeries we usually see in the UK, it is something you must indulge in at least once. Talking on his new menu, Iman says:"The first meal of the day is a big deal and we want to celebrate that. I am very excited to introduce a new breakfast menu with some new dishes that I have adapted and family favourites such as sweet warm pita with date molasses and tahini. This mezze style breakfast is a perfect way to start a day with your friends or family." The breakfast is available: 8.30am-11.30 - Monday to Friday 9.00am-11.30am - Saturday 11am-4pm - Sunday For more information, check: https://www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk/

We are all obsessed with the idea of having luminous skin. However, factors such as ageing, stress, and dietary choices can diminish the natural radiance of our skin. But, experts at skincare brand Kiehl's have shared their top tips to help us say farewell to dull, fatigued skin, and hello to a vibrant, bright, and radiant complexion. 1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle Our skin is a good monitor for what’s going on inside our body. When we’re stressed out, or not sleeping well, it usually shows on our skin, with a greyish dull tinge, dark circles and sometimes breakouts too. Prioritise a healthy lifestyle and your skin will start to perk up. Avoid stress, cigarette smoke and processed food, instead find ways to de-stress like exercise, meditation or yoga and aim for 8-hours sleep a night. Fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants which are great for skin health and for your organs too. Aim to eat a rainbow of different colours and at least 5 servings per day. 2. Cleanse twice a day Skin that isn’t clean will never glow because a layer of grime, whether that’s sweat, pollution or dry skin cells acting as a barrier, hiding away your natural radiance. Make sure you’re cleansing every morning and evening, not only will your skin feel clean, but any products you apply afterwards will sink into skin and not sit atop a layer of impurities. For more radiant-looking skin we recommend following your cleanse with a refreshing toner, to soothe, hydrate and help skin to appear brighter day after day. 3. Invest in your routine Skincare can help boost skin clarity too, but there’s no point in applying the occasional serum if you’re not following a consistent daily routine. Consistency is key when it comes to most skin issues, including clarity. Find a routine that suits both your skin and the time you have each day, whether it’s two mins or 20 mins, and never miss your morning and evening skincare steps, we promise your skin will thank you. If you’re looking for your perfect routine, try Kiehl’s Instant Skin Reader. Developed with dermatologists, this unique skin analysis tool personalises your routine recommendation to your skin type and your skin’s needs. 4. Remove dead skin cells As well as providing a deeper cleanse, exfoliating works to remove any surface dead skin cells (which contribute to dullness) and helps to smooth the skin too. Glowing skin has a smooth texture that can reflect light more easily than rough or bumpy skin, so focusing on skin feel is also important. You can exfoliate manually with a scrub that gently buffs skin for instant smoothness. The alternative option, chemical exfoliation, utilises acids to dissolve dead skin cells sitting atop the surface of the skin. It might sound harsh, but it’s actually a very gentle step in the quest for a smoother, brighter appearance. 5. Add Vitamin C Adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine can help achieve a radiant look while penetrating the skin’s surface layers, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This boosts skin’s radiant appearance and reveals brighter, younger looking skin. You can add Vitamin C at any point in your routine, but the serum stage is always a good place to use more active ingredients, as skin is already cleansed and prepped. 6. Hydration is key When it comes to skin radiance, the first thing to rob you of that gorgeous glow is dehydration. When we haven’t drunk enough water it’s visible on our skin, which looks dull, sunken and feels tight. It’s a quick win really, just drink a couple more glasses of water a day and see that glow reappear. If you do have dehydrated skin, choose products that are especially formulated to deliver lasting hydration. Always follow your serum application with a moisturiser to seal in the goodness and nourish the skin. 7. Strengthen the skin barrier The skin barrier is the watertight seal that holds all the upper skin layers together smoothly. A strong and healthy barrier means skin that feels smooth and looks healthy and radiant. If the skin barrier is damaged, skin becomes rough, dry, dull-looking and increasingly sensitive. Prevention is always better than cure and a strong barrier will lead to brighter skin. Choose a serum that works to fortify the crucial top layer of skin. A serum which protects skin against damaging aggressors, while helping skin to better retain moisture for a bouncier feel will result in stronger skin barrier function. 8. Never miss SPF Damaged skin is dull skin, and the number one cause of skin damage is the sun. The sun’s rays cause premature ageing, textural issues including dryness and dullness and irregular pigmentation. We always recommend finishing your skincare routine with a daily SPF to help protect your skin. kiehls.co.uk

There’s an interesting chemistry that can be found in lunchtime dining in Westminster. Perhaps it is the suited men and women meeting over lunch and discussing business that makes it feel like a naughty treat, when in stark contrast, you’re meeting friends for nothing more than a catch up over good food and wine. Stepping away from the bustling of the 9 to 5 and into Old Queen Street Cafe, I am welcomed into a warmly lit all-day brasserie, situated on the ground floor, which even boasts the floorboards from Winston Churchill’s Old War Office. Located just steps away from Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square, the brasserie is perfectly situated for both locals and tourists looking for a unique and memorable dining experience. As an all day brasserie, customers are also able to enjoy breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner coupled with brunch on Saturday and Sundays, so the space transforms around its guests’ desires. Escorted to a large round booth table in the corner of the restaurant, we are encouraged to people watch and despite the formality of our surrounding lunchtime guests, it doesn’t stop them from making their way through the menu, all the way to dessert. Inspired by their dedication to the dining experience, I am tempted even further to make a careful decision on each course. Nothing affirms a good dining experience more than having a menu with so many appealing options. A weekly selection of seasonal specials is also available. Food Director at OQSC and Founder of Lantana explains, “We wanted to celebrate the rich history and traditions of British cooking while also pushing the boundaries and introducing new flavours and techniques. We aim to work with the very best British suppliers ensuring guests are having the best produce these Isles have to offer.” The menu has been brought to life by Executive Chef Leo De Oliveria Araujo and Head Chef Elliot Spurdle who have carefully crafted a menu that will delight all. British producers have been carefully selected to create the dishes. The smoked salmon is sourced from Smokin’ Brothers, whilst the meat is sourced from O’Shea Butchers. Cobble Lane Cured provides the ingredients for the charcuterie selection and choices of cheese from St James Cheese. These ingredients combine to produce dishes that simply transform on the plate. The Grilled Goat’s Cheese salad with roast pear, orange vinaigrette and walnuts offers a delicious start to the meal. Seared Tuna follows and is served on a bed of fennel, orange, pickled carrots, artichoke and saffron Aioli. For meat eaters, the Bone-in pork chop with celeriac and apple slaw, confit shallots and cider sauce comes highly recommended. A delightful and manageable slice of Bakewell French Toast brioche cannot be missed for dessert and sits as the top choice on the menu. Its tangy cherry compote, vanilla cream and smooth almond frangipane are excellent, even tempting my lunchtime guests at the table to try a bite. As the plate is passed around the table we enjoy bites of French Toast and a selection of coffees that feature intricate coffee art on top, from a teddy bear to a detailed cat. Opening its doors to all, from the public, politicians and parliamentarians, this is one of London’s newfound gems. Whether it’s a Bloody Mary with your morning bite or an Espresso Martini and small plates for your afternoon pick-me-up, they have all the classics covered with a twist. Old Queen Street Cafe, 6 Old Queen Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9HP  (020 3005 2320 https://oldqueenstreet.com/)

Nestled in the luscious green hillside, MarBella Nido, in Corfu, Greece, is an adults-only sanctuary. Opened in 2018, MarBella Nido is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It is distinctly peaceful and private across the resort and it’s adults-only grounds make for an ideal stay for couples. And being situated just 25 minutes from Corfu’s airport, there is very little to disturb your feeling of relaxation. Staff are notably friendly and their attention to detail is unsurpassed, from greeting you by your name upon arrival, to knowing exactly when to offer you a lift from the restaurant to your room; a very clever idea after a large meal and a sampling of some of Corfu’s best wines. MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas not only offers a cosy and intimate atmosphere that combines both hotel and private accommodation feel, it also blends Corfiot heritage and stylish modern comfort, ensuring guests are fully satisfied during their stay. Inspired by the natural environment, each of the 70 rooms are complemented by sleek design, and modern amenities. Choose between junior suites, deluxe suites, or even your own private villa. The rooms have been carefully designed to accommodate the breath-taking scenery and sea views at every turn. Seclusion is this hotel’s priority as every room from the junior suites up to the luxury villas that include a private pool. The Deluxe suites feel roomy and enable you to soak up the sun right until sunset. Not to mention many of the suites come equipped with a private terrace whirlpool as well as stylish sunbeds. Sitting down for dinner is by far the most favoured meal of the day and is served buffet style at the hotel’s restaurant. San Giovanni’s enables you to feast on the best of Greek food in a relaxed setting. A favourite choice is the made-to-order pasta dishes that are cooked in front of you. Guests can also dine this way at breakfast and lunch, although it is recommended that you book Appagio in the evening for an alfresco and more private dining experience. Appagio offers an exclusive Italian meets Greek inspired menu, overlooking more intimate views of the coastline. The ideal dinner setting for couples and honeymooners. For those staying at MarBella Nido, venture 34 minutes from the resort to the Old Town and people watch at a sun-sheltered street cafe or soak up all that Corfu has to offer, from stretches of remote beach to idyllic ancient ruins situated near the town. MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas echoes Corfu’s natural hospitable charm, making you feel right at home during the entirety of your stay. marbellanido.gr +302661071123 Rooms from £135/€153 per night on a B&B basis (based on two people sharing).

Approaching the city at dusk, I am welcomed by an amber sunset that seeps between the skyline, a silhouette of the developing city. As Nashville draws nearer and taller, I am overwhelmed by how much it pays homage to its own story. It is a place that prides itself on its steep musical history. Welcome to Dream Hotel To truly grasp the richness and vibrancy of this musical city, you must delve into Nashville's rich community, and it's not hard to do so, from the moment you arrive. For a musician or any visitor, Nashville feels like an invitation into a warm household, offering a home-cooked meal and a soft pillow to rest on at night. A reservation at Dream Hotel and an Old Fashioned on the rocks upon my arrival is where it all begins. Boasting 168 art deco-inspired rooms with high ceilings, this urban retreat offers guests lofty ceilings and a colourful palette of deep crimson and blue jewel-toned interiors. Dream has been reimagined to bring together two historic landmarked buildings steeped in a rich and colorful heritage, maintaining the celebrated history of Printer’s Alley. Situated on 4th Avenue North, the hotel is a short walk from the core, conveniently located near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, the Frist Art Museum, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, and the Broadway strip to name but a few. With it also being just a short 15-minute drive from Nashville International Airport, Dream Nashville is suitably located in the best part of town. The rumble of Broadway is something no one can really prepare you for. Music and the sound of dancing and drinking punters resonate along the strip, each venue playing as loud as possible to entice passers by and distract from the competition of other brightly lit bars. As Dream sits only a couple of blocks away from the main strip, it strikes a comfortable balance of being near enough to the action, but not too near that it would disturb your stay. See more at: dreamhotels.com/nashville Welcome to to the Music City... Nashville, with its rich legacy of industry icons, boasts a dynamic culinary landscape and exudes Southern charm. The city's tight-knit community prioritises unity, and fosters a supportive and creative environment. Locals enthusiastically rally behind musicians performing in every bar, keeping the spirit and history of Nashville alive. A journey to Studio B, where legends like Elvis and Dolly Parton left their mark, transports visitors to a bygone era of 20th Century music production. The studio's walls witnessed the creation of an astounding 35,000 songs, offering a mind-blowing glimpse into Nashville's musical heritage. Embracing another Nashville tradition, the Bluebird stands out for its intimate showcase of four songwriters seated in the round. Its reputation as a listening room for immersive entertainment stems from the caliber of artists, including Taylor Swift and Willie Nelson, who have graced its stage. Many artists catapulted to success after performing here. Savoring a Yazoo beer, guests are encouraged to uphold the venue's "Shhh" tagline. The no filming and pictures policy creates an exclusive, in-the-moment experience. The round format brings together emerging and established songwriters, offering a unique platform for musical expression. Nashville's authenticity as a hub for musicians to find their artistic identity is palpable. It serves as a place of both tough love and acceptance. In a city where 26 letters and 12 notes yield a myriad of possibilities, artists in Nashville wield the power to create a million different songs. Arnold’s Country Kitchen The question of where to sample Nashville’s best meat-and-three restaurant is uncontentious. Lunch at Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a no-brainer. The options at this laid-back country diner are all delightfully shareable. A world class meat-and-three opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in Nashville in 1982, is still run by the Arnold family to this day, as son Kahil Arnold serves as the lead cook. The restaurant was also put on the map with its major features on Southern Living, Bon Appetit and as one of the must go locations on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This has meant that come lunch time, customers queue in droves just to get through the door. Load up your order and try the fried chicken, fried catfish, creamed corn, fried okra, collard greens and mac and cheese. They say that New York is the city that never sleeps, but Nashville is truly the city that never stops singing. People here are hustling hard, trying to turn their musical talents into memorable songs that will top the Billboard charts or earn them a space in the Musicians Hall of Fame. The collaborative, cooperative spirit keeps this town ticking and is something I have rarely witnessed in other cities. The community comes out in force to support its musicians. Music is more than just present here, it is the DNA of the city. Checking out of the hotel, loading my cases in my ride to the airport and with a new cream brick hat atop my head, I can confirm Nashville really is a ‘Party In The USA’, and should be on your list of places to visit in 2024. British Airways flies from London to Nashville from £498 return including taxes/fees/carrier charges.

Sun, vineyards, olives, and incredible pasta - these are just a few of the small things you can enjoy on a trip to the beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy. But, if you want to see where Italians go to vacation themselves, Tuscany’s chicest seaside resort, Forte dei Marmi, should be on your itinerary. Situated in a spectacular setting, between the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean sea, Forte dei Marmi has something that separates it from the rest of the Versilia; it oozes glamour. The small town is the perfect place for those who love pottering around high-fashion boutiques, eating at Michelin star restaurants, and attending exclusive beach clubs. So, it should come at no surprise that Forte dei Marmi is often called a playground for the rich Italians. In recent years, royalty, politicians, and celebrities - with the likes of Giorgio Armani, Andrea Bocelli and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - have all purchased holiday homes here. Hotel Byron, an intimate 5* aristocratic villa that overlooks the sea and is surrounded by a private gardens. Despite being one of the the region’s landmark hotels, Byron has managed to maintain the character of a small historic residence, offering its guests the quiet atmosphere of a private home. Hotel Byron is home to 29 rooms and suites, many of which have been recently renovated. The rooms' calming sky blue and white interiors help to create a bright and spacious environment; perfect after a relaxing day at Hotel Byron's private beach club. Equipped with all the latest technology, the hotel has enlarged some of its rooms, making them suitable for families and couples looking for more space. Works by resident artists are displayed around the hotel, including a teddy bear stabbed through the heart with a breadknife, sculpted from the local Carrara marble – the same marble used by Canova and Michelangelo. However, the jewel in this hotel’s crown is the penthouse, with a stunning private pool and terrace overlooking the sea – it is nearly impossible to find anything like this elsewhere in Forte dei Marmi! Hotel Byron owns its own beach club, just a minute's walk from your bedroom door, with an added option of requesting a picnic to be sent to your sun lounger for lunch. And whilst we are on the subject... Hotel Byron is home to its own Michelin star chef, Marco Bernardo. Marco has previously worked at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Le George Four Seasons Hotel in Paris. Now, he works at Restaurant La Magnolia, Byron's private and luxurious 1 star Michelin restaurant. Restaurant La Magnolia offers a rich culinary experience, and also accommodated vegetarian and gluten-free diners, as well as offering a world­-class selection of wines. Breakfast is always included in your stay, and is served on the terrace, overlooking the rich gardens. With a selection of fresh pastries, bread, and english breakfast items, you will never be lost for choice. Guests at Hotel Byron are able to use their free bicycles to travel to and from the town or beach within a matter of seconds or minutes. Cycle into town and have a quick stop for a scoop of gelato at La Chicca, whilst browsing the latest season at Prada, Chanel and Fendi. Forte dei Marmi is a 35 minute drive from Pisa airport, or if you fancy taking the train, it is 45 minutes from Pisa Centrale. Stays at Hotel Byron start at €450 per night. To book your stay, please visit www.hotelbyron.net. A special thank you to Arthouse PR for organising our stay.

Arteriors expands its decade-long partnership with globally acclaimed designer Laura Kirar to release a 25 piece collection for SS24. Laura Kirar for Arteriors presents an array of mirrors, lighting, seating, storage, and accessories that exude a relaxed formality inspired by Mediterranean coastal living. An artist at her core, Kirar draws on multiple touchpoints of inspiration for the collection, including exotic plants, regional craftsmanship techniques, and cultural norms from bygone eras. The assortment is at once ethereal – in some cases, Kirar’s designs are intentionally abstract to evoke an interpretation that’s entirely personalized to the collector – and grounded, anchored by the usage of handsome materials and geometric design details. “Throughout our relationship, Arteriors has consistently empowered me to explore what’s happening now and what I predict for the future to inform my designs,” says Kirar. “My work is very much inspired by the world and how we interpret it – the interplay of exterior observations and the meaning we derive as individuals. This collection is meant to speak to distant memories, allowing the collector to reminisce and feel a personal connection to another way of life.” Dubbed by Kirar as a “visual diary,” the collection features multiple series bearing unique inspiration points that come together in a cohesive, decorative language. The result is a compilation of furnishings that can each stand alone as a unique art piece or complement one another in a suite. The assortment is united by recurring geometric motifs and the usage of materials that speak to the natural world, including capiz shell veneer, river stone, mango wood, and rattan, and accented by bold, textured brass. The collection as a whole celebrates the details of casually curated Mediterranean interiors while incorporating the region’s influences of aged formal furniture. An allusion to seaside life is made with the Caracol Mirror and its sophisticated frame of twisted white rope; this same undulating pattern can be seen on the Serpiente Lamp in cast brass. Sturdy but artfully carved wood defines the Vargueño Dining Table and plushly upholstered Vargueño Chair. The Mar series – a Floor Lamp, Chandelier, Credenza, Centerpiece, and Tray – feature playfully theatrical woven palm forms as a nod to the mix of elegance and tempered formality that defined the 1930s. The Empire series with its brass construction is the jewelry of the collection, featuring hints of origami and geometry to bring forth a historic sense of artistic influence. Kirar first partnered with Arteriors in 2010 and has developed seven collections in partnership with the brand. One of her most beloved designs is the Caviar Pendant, first released in 2010 and reinterpretted numerous times over the last decade with new finishes and configurations. Drawing Inspiration from underwater bubbles, sealife, and as seen in its name, caviar, the pendant is still widely popular today “As our inaugural guest designer, Laura has influenced the Arteriors product portfolio in profound ways,” says Barb Fuller, Vice President of Marketing & Visual Merchandising for Arteriors. “Her newest collection is not only a beautiful addition to our fall line, but a great representation of our collaboration throughout the years as she continues to push the envelope on creative, thoughtful design. I’m looking forward to seeing how our customers interpret these pieces as their own.” The Laura Kirar for Arteriors collection debuts as part of the brand’s SS24 collection, which includes a total of 284 offerings across furniture, lighting and wall décor, and accessories. The full assortment is defined by Arteriors’ signature use of creative silhouettes, quality handcrafted materials, and thoughtful details. Available from February at Arteriors’ showroom in Chelsea Hearbour’s Design Centre. Unit 206, Design Centre East. See more at: https://www.arteriorshome.com/shop/guest-designers/laura-kirar

London estate agent, Grant Bates, has revealed the top 5 home upgrades that’ll boost the value of your home in 2024 – with the best return for your wallet. From the return of ‘avocado’ colour schemes to hotel-style bathrooms, Grant’s expertise comes in response to new research by renovation platform, Beams, which has revealed that three quarters (78%) of us would rather ‘improve, than move’ this year – but the majority (61%) are unsure which home upgrades will add the most value to their homes. But, what are the interior trends for 2024, and how much value will they actually add to your home? 🛁 HOTEL STYLE BATHROOMS AND PRINCIPAL SUITES: “We all spent more time at home in the last couple of years and started to upgrade our spaces, leading to a boom in hotel-style living. This can particularly be seen with bathrooms, and people are increasingly demanding design-led sanctuaries to escape to. I’d advise you to go bold with the aesthetic to give the wow factor (avocado is back!) and look for simple upgrades like double sinks and separate toilets for a touch of practical luxury.  If you have the space, why not integrate the bathroom with a wardrobe & bedroom to create a sumptuous principal suite; by far the most sought after feature in properties right now.” 🔨 LAY THE FOUNDATIONS: “When you set out to renovate, it can be easy to skip to the ‘fun bits’ of design and style. But to maximise your ROI, make sure you’re working with trusted contractors, and you’re sourcing good quality materials from reputable third parties. Beams are godsend, and can do this for you, dealing with all the nitty gritty details that can slip through the cracks in a busy life and guaranteeing flawless, top-quality results”. 🍳KITCHENS THAT ARE THE HEART OF THE HOME: “If you have the budget to transform one space, it should be the one that we all spend the most time in; the kitchen. Buyers are impressed by light and lateral spaces, and I’ve spotted a huge trend towards maximising storage to make life easier, think pantries and utility rooms, people are willing to pay a premium for them. And likewise, if you have a spare nook, try and embed a WFH spot there and really make it the heart of the home.” 💚GREEN UPGRADES: “A third of homeowners say that they want to cut their bills with energy efficient renovations, and they’re good for the planet too. Renovations are one of the best times to make your home greener and there are lots of ways to do this, for example updating your windows in line with Energy Performance Certificate requirements - something I get asked about a lot or using recycled construction materials.  Ahead of renovating, Beams offers a free home energy assessment to identify where to invest.” 🎨SPACE WITH PERSONALITY: “The homes that I sell that hit the biggest premiums have one thing in common; they’re all design led, and their owners have let their individual characters shine through. Avoid here today, gone tomorrow trends, but renovate in a style that you love. That’s where designers like Beams’  expert team come in. They work closely with their clients to ensure that they co-create a space that they’ll love to live in.”

“No one said growing grapes was going to be easy,” chuckles Art Tukker as he spoke amongst the vines during a wine tour of his 85-acre estate. With what has been the wettest May on record, a small group of us are lucky that the rain is able to hold out during our tour. The Tinwood Estate, situated a short drive from the sweet town of Chichester, is focused, with a business-as-usual mentality, despite having an unsavoury start to the season with a late Springtime frost in mid-April harming around 10-15 per cent of its fruit. “We are very lucky in comparison to our competitors across the pond, who have devastatingly lost 50-60 per cent of their fruit due to the budding of their vines." As many of us have attempted to grow our own and experiment with new hobbies in the last few years due to COVID-19, it is clear that wine production should be left to the professionals. In just a brief introduction to the vineyard and its process, one can appreciate the dedication that is needed to create a product that can weather any storm. Art’s passion for nurturing his land has meant that the landscape doesn’t just give him what he needs, but is also supported by his attempts to cultivate a new biodiversity into the soil. He adds passionately, “If we help to look after the landscape, the landscape will look after us.” Art pridefully adds that this now verdant landscape of vines was once a lettuce farm, handed down to the next generation of farmers ready to see what this land had to offer. Although the idea of successful English vineyards are still somewhat underappreciated, there is a real air of respect emerging for UK wine producers now. No longer are they fighting to be taken seriously amongst wines produced in regions of France like Champagne and Burgundy. There is more than meets the eye with this Sussex landscape and at Tinwood Estate, their three varieties of wine will win you over with just a sip. Grown amongst gravel and shards of flint, Art explains that this terrain provides a natural drainage system to allow water to pass through the crops steadily. Layers of pure chalk amongst the soil also contribute to the fresh mineral flavour of the Chardonnay. The English have the most important job of all, drinking all their produce. With a world-class grape to use in the process, comes a world-class trio of sparkling wines to sample. Vineyard tours take 90 minutes and offer an insight into the winemaking process. But most exciting of all, included in the tour is a tasting, accompanied by a cheese board and light bites. Raise your glass and pick your favourite wine; Blanc de Blancs a dry, pale Chardonnay with a clean finish, Brut Sparkling Wine with a fruiter palette to accompany its fuller flavour due to it being made up of roughly 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier and finally the Rosé Sparkling Wine that has a beautifully refreshing Pinot nose, adding aromas of sweet raspberry and redcurrant. For those of you who wish to stay longer and take in the expansive views of the vineyard can book tickets for the pop-up dinners that are available throughout the year. Art adds, “We get different guest chefs in to create five-course meals. These are larger-scale events and we do lots of private parties. We really are a party venue. We do our vineyard tours during the day, and then by 6pm we throw the doors open for a big party.” Sparkling Afternoon Teas are also held on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the summer. The afternoon teas will include a guided vineyard tour, full Tinwood tasting (3 glasses) and afternoon tea. The menu includes finger sandwiches, plain & fruit scones, macaroons, chocolate brownies, flapjack, fresh fruit tartlets, chocolate-coated strawberries & Ferrero Rocher. Nightly rates start from £195 per night for 2 people including breakfast. Daily vineyard tours and wine tasting start from £18 pp and run daily at 3pm, and on Saturdays at both 12pm and 3pm. Sparkling Afternoon tea is £49pp, including tour, tasting (3 glasses) and food. Visit the online shop or for further booking information: tinwoodestate.com