Inspiration
Balcony décor ideas
With the right help and guidance, a balcony apartment will no longer be an overlooked space but become a private outdoor spot for relaxing and entertaining.…
10 spa bathroom design ideas to create an at-home luxury experience
From luxury robes to the right spa lighting, there are plenty of different mini-improvements you can carry out on your bathroom to turn it into a relaxing…
12 modern wood wall panelling ideas for your home and garden
When a room’s décor needs refreshing, many of us pick up a paintbrush and give the walls a fresh new colour. To add another level of interest to your home that…
Living room wallpaper ideas: DIY and professional
Wallpaper vs paint – it’s a choice we all have to make when it comes to redecorating our living rooms. Whether you want to add a hint of texture or make a…
Home design ideas and inspiration for 2021
2020 changed the way we work and live. In turn, this has shifted our relationship with our homes and interior design choices. As we move into the new year,…
5 ideas for conservatory blinds
If you’ve got a conservatory (maybe you call it your glasshouse, orangery or sunroom), you’ll no doubt enjoy the fact you’ve got extra entertaining, relaxing…
5 inspiring home renovation ideas
There are thousands of interior design upgrades and makeovers you can do to add personality and style to your home. Importantly, you don’t have to invest in a…
Gardening and landscaping ideas for 2021
With outdoor socialising still very much on the agenda for 2022, you won’t be the only one looking for inspiring gardening and landscaping ideas. Make your…
Reading corner ideas for World Book Night
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or an occasional page turner, curling up with a good book is one of life’s little pleasures. And, regular reading offers…
7 staircase ideas to give your home a new look
Staircases are one of the most overlooked design features in the modern home. We found that homeowners prioritise other home improvement projects over…
A trend that needs to end - keep calm and carry on
Keep calm and carry on . No. I can’t carry on until this trend ends. Cute, yes, but it’s had its day. Fair enough it’s nostalgic, a piece of British history…
Above ground pool, deck design and other modern garden ideas
How modern garden projects increase the value of your home Summer is here and you’re ready to head outside for some garden relaxation. But did you know that…
Attic bedroom design ideas
Loft conversions are great for adding value and precious space to your home, but attic interiors can be a challenge to work with. If you’re thinking about…
Autumn colour trends for paint and wallpaper
Autumn is here and so is the time for coats, cosy sweaters and warm boots. The same way that we all adapt to the crisp autumn weather, studies show that many…
How to bring autumn décor ideas to life
The cosy season is here, which means it’s time to put away the summer home accessories in favour of warm, autumnal home décor. What better way to achieve a…
Bathroom ideas and design inspiration
The bathroom is one of the most frequented rooms in our homes – so, it’s important that they’re spacious, functional and even beautiful. But where should you…
Bedroom design ideas and inspiration for 2021
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary – a place you love returning to every night, to restore and recharge. If yours is in need of some TLC this year, then you’ll…
Boho interior design inspiration
The boho aesthetic is about chilled out, free spirited living, that we associate with sunny days and holidays. So, if you’re thinking about an interior design…
Bold interiors trends
Ready to get out of the neutral decor rut? While neutral decor still ranked as a value-adding design choice in our Trends Report, so did bold home ideas like…
Bridgerton: Regencycore home interior design ideas
It’s officially Netflix’s most popular series to date, but the Regency era drama, Bridgerton, has dominated more than just our TV screens. The delicate…
Bridgerton-style garden design ideas and inspiration
The society papers are filled with anticipation for the event of the season: Netflix’s romantic drama, Bridgerton, will soon be back on our screens! Whilst…
Budget decorating ideas and top tips
Let’s face it, lots of people are feeling the pinch this year. With costs rising sky-high, homeowners across the UK have had to reduce their home improvement…
Budget-friendly interior design trends for the holiday season
One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is decorating! You can turn your home into a winter wonderland and highlight the cosiness of Christmas as…
High end interiors at low prices
A luxurious look and feel doesn’t have to cost a fortune A love of interior design can get expensive! Especially if you want to achieve a chic, high-end look…
Chequered elements to incorporate in your home's design
Should chequered patterns be on your interior design checklist? Among other bold and maximalist design trends, the most popular of which you can find in our…
Christmas tree ideas 2021
With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you’re going to decorate your tree this year. Whether you opt for glitz and…
Colourful interior design inspiration to improve your home
Bold colours and contrasts are daring, striking, and unexpected. And that’s why we can be wary of introducing them to our homes. But we don’t have to rush…
5 cost-effective modern kitchen makeover hacks
More often than not, an unappealing kitchen will sway you towards spending unnecessary money on a takeaway over cooking. Not only will updating your kitchen…
Cosy autumn décor trends for 2024
As summer comes to a close, homeowners around the UK are drafting up their cold weather home maintenance checklists, so they can be sure to approach the winter…
Christmas Kitchen Remodel Advice
If ever there were a time when your kitchen is put through its paces, it’s Christmas. More demanding than the average family gathering and with more pressure…
Creating fun spaces: playroom ideas and advice
A playroom is the perfect way to create a fun and safe space in your home for children to enjoy. It can also allow you to keep the clutter at bay with a…
Kids bedroom design: Creative ideas
Creative spaces are so important for kids, especially at a time when they’ve been spending more time at home. So, let their imaginations run wild by giving…
How to decorate a child’s room on a budget
Did you know that redecorating your child’s room can add significant value to your home? Plus recreating the cool designs you find as inspiration doesn’t have…
Designing the perfect cinema room
A home cinema room is a dedicated space in your home designed to look like a movie theatre. With ambiance lighting, a large screen or projector, and a good…
Rated People Blog - The easiest vegetables for busy families to grow at home
Did you know that importing vegetables into the UK releases 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? Reducing your economic impact by planting…
Easter home décor ideas
With Easter just around the corner, there’s no better time to fill your home with the joys and colours of spring. Whether you’re celebrating with family and…
Everything you need to know about pergolas
Now that summer is finally here, most of us with gardens are trying to make the most of the sunny outdoors. A pergola is a great way to increase your outdoor…
Best National Trust gardens in the UK
Because of the recent and ongoing social distancing regulations, most people are spending more time in their homes and gardens than ever before. There’s no…
Feature Wall Designs, Wallpaper and Paint Ideas
Almost three quarters of us are planning to improve our homes in some way this year, according to The Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report: 2020 . Plus,…
Five small home improvement ideas
Extensions and conversions are popular home improvement projects but not the only ones to put on your wish list. Whether you’re on a budget, have limited space…
Floor design trends
We often forget how important flooring is in our interior design, a feature that can easily make or break a space. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure the…
Football Cup - decor from around the world
This year’s Football Cup is the first to be held in the Arab world. 32 teams are set to compete for the coveted title of reigning Football Cup champion, with…
Front door decor transformations to boost your home's kerb appeal
Your front door is one of the first things people see when they come to your house. Transforming your entrance can improve your kerb appeal and the aesthetics…
5 ideas for front garden design that will inspire you
Do you pay special attention to your front garden? Have you decorated it with plants or have you installed special lighting to make it more inviting? Although…
Garden inspiration: garden teepee trellis
As the weather gets nicer, lots of us are planning on spending more time in our gardens. And what better way to upgrade your outdoor space than with a little…
Garden room design ideas you’ll love
A garden room creates a tranquil spot inside your home, or outdoor space, that combines outdoor elements with indoor comforts. A garden room could also be a…
Garden transformation with DVS Trade Solutions
Follow @RatedPeople on Instagram We make plenty of memories in our gardens, whether that’s during fun family BBQs , relaxing solo gardening sessions or simple…
Popular geometric features to incorporate in your home
Are you ready to jump on the latest rising trend? Geometric patterns are a fun and flexible way to add personality to your home’s interior design. You can be…
Get Inspired: The Chelsea Flower Show 2021
For the first time in its 108-year history, the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show came to life in a picturesque autumnal setting. Stepping into the Chelsea…
How to get more space at home without knocking down walls
You can personalise everything from your coffee to your car to suit your needs, so why should your house be any different? Open-plan living offers one option…
Film Noir Inspired Interior Design
This August sees the release of Sin City 2; a follow-up to the 2005 classic, starring Bruce Willis and Jessica Alba. Not since Tim Burton reworked Batman in…
Halloween decor: get ready for the spooky season!
Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to get creative and spooky with your home décor. You don’t have to over-complicate it or spend a lot of money…
Low cost home decor ideas that look high end
Give your home a high-end look without spending too much money Ever been wowed by beautiful interior design photos on social media and wondered how you could…
Hobby room ideas
The hobby room you’ve always dreamt of If you’re trying to find your style, how about decorating a whole room based on your hobby? Home decor ideas can help…
Holiday-inspired colour schemes
It’s time to start preparing your home for the much-anticipated winter festivities. If you’re thinking of changing things up and experimenting with a new…
Home Library Ideas and Designs
With the popularity of the e-book and the Kindle, many more of us are abandoning the hardback and paperback in favour of something that can store all of our…
Home office backgrounds for video calls
Ever find yourself rushing to move the dirty dishes, unwashed laundry or baby pictures out of sight before your next video meeting? Now that working from home…
Home office design inspiration
Working from home is no longer a luxury – it’s become the new way of working for so many people across the country, but what happens if you don’t have enough…
Home office design inspiration and setup ideas
If you’re fed up with your current setup while working from home, you’re not alone. We spoke to thousands of UK homeowners for The Rated People Home…
Spring home improvement and organisation ideas
Is it time for a spring clean? With the change of seasons (hopefully) happening soon, it’s approaching that time to finally do all those tasks you have been…
How building an extension could improve your family life
Did you know building an extension was the top job homeowners spent the most money on in 2021? You may be tempted to invest in ways to maximise your space and…
Kitchen colour ideas and inspiration for 2021
Light neutrals – including whites, creams and greys – have been the go-to colours in the last few years, especially in small kitchens. But according to our…
Country Bedroom Ideas and Design
It’s important to us to have bedrooms that we can relax in. You’ve got to get the balance right – too minimal and you can end up trying to sleep in a room that…
Rustic Traditional Home Design Inspiration
With winter firmly here to stay, we’re dreaming of cosy, homely, rustic interiors. Think natural materials, exposed brick, warming fireplaces, antiques and…
How to decorate a living room TV wall
From retro box TVs to ultra-modern flat screens, TVs have been a common feature in UK living rooms for decades. As technology advances, so does your telly’s…
Professional home decor ideas
Ever flicked through a magazine or watched a TV show with flawless looking interiors wondering how on earth you might pull off something similar yourself? It’s…
How to decorate your home for winter
Want to decorate your home for winter, but not with Christmas decorations? We’ve got you covered with a range of snug, winter décor ideas to help you stay warm…
Cottage style interior deisgn tips for a cosy home
Is there anything cosier than a rural hideaway, with country house decor? If 2020 has you dreaming of a quintessential English living room to escape to, or a…
How to get the most out of your small garden
With spring on its way, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the space you have, even if it’s a tiny balcony or very small garden . Don’t let size put you off –…
How to grow vegetables in different types of small gardens
A staggering one in eight British households don’t have a garden according to the Office for National Statistics. However, urban micro-gardening is a…
Piano home decor ideas, tips and interior design inspiration
Music helps us through all stages of life, good or bad. The uncertain times brought about by the pandemic are no different! 75% of us are playing a musical…
How to incorporate nature into your kitchen décor
One of the pleasures of summer is propping the back door open and spending a sunny day moving effortlessly between your kitchen and garden as you enjoy living…
All year round garden: Keep yours beautiful in all seasons
Lots of us get our gardens in shape for summer . Wouldn’t it be great if those improvements also made your garden perfect for spending time in all year round?…
How to Make a Winter Hanging Basket
Summer might be reaching its end, but there’s still time to experiment with flowers and decorate your outdoor area for the autumn/winter period. Hanging…
Restyling a room with one simple trick: Painting the tiles
Photo credit @little_savage_life Are you looking for a simple and inexpensive way to transform your kitchen or bathroom without the hassle of a full refit? If…
How to prepare your home for a cat
Did you know that cats have been kept as pets in Britain since Roman times? We have a long history of being a feline loving nation! But bringing a cat (or…
How to turn your front garden into a space for entertaining
Most homeowners focus on making the most of their back gardens, but what about the green space at the front of your house? Your front garden can be so much…
How to turn your home into a relaxing environment
Home starting to feel like your office? That’s 2022 for you, but with a bit of thought, our homes can still be places we go to unwind. Here are some handy ways…
Increase the value of your home
Outdoor space at home is a precious commodity and one of the best ways to create the multifunctional living at the heart of modern family homes. A garden can…
Inside the tiny home trend
The tiny home movement gives us the opportunity to downsize everything – from the clutter we live with, to our environmental impact. Plus, tiny houses cost…
How has India influenced our home design?
Did you know that many of the words that we speak of in home design originate from India? “Chintz” and “calico” both have their origins in Southern Asia. We…
Introducing: Abigail Ahern
What better way to kick off the new year than to introduce the latest Rated People ambassador, Abigail Ahern? We are very proud to have Abigail on board, as no…
Is your home summer ready?
With National BBQ Week around the corner, homeowners around the UK are preparing their gardens for a summer of outdoor entertainment. From fire pits to outdoor…
Kitchen design ideas trending on social media
Been eyeing up your tired kitchen for a while, but short on design inspiration? Transforming your kitchen to create a modern space at the heart of your home is…
Kitchen splashback ideas to transform your kitchen
If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen , installing a new splashback is a great place to start. There are dozens of designs available that will help…
New storage and design ideas for your kitchen
If your kitchen is at bursting point, then it may be time to rethink your storage and design – especially if it’s a multifunctional room used by all the…
Lighting ideas for your bedroom
For me, the most important thing about a bedroom has always been the dark. I’ve wanted it to be as dark as possible, so I don’t wake up with the sun on my day…
Loft bedroom ideas and tips to help you style your space
Have you got a loft you’re hoping to transform into an extra bedroom? We’re here to help inspire you with some of this year’s most popular loft bedroom ideas…
Love Island garden ideas and inspiration
3.3 million of us have tuned in to watch love and drama unfold in the dreamy Love Island villa. But it’s not just the Islanders that are turning our heads this…
How to make the most of space without extending
We’d all love to have more space at home – for a study, guest bedroom, dressing room, playroom or home gym. However, while an extension is a good option for…
Making the most of monochrome kitchens
You don’t need to have a phobia of bright zingy shades to appreciate the allure of a monochrome kitchen. Black and white, often combined with everyone’s…
Minimalist room designs
Stripped back, minimalist rooms can transform your mindset, helping you to feel calmer and at peace. This barely-there aesthetic can be defined by a careful,…
Modern kitchen design inspiration and ideas
If you’ve been spending more time at home and that’s got you feeling like freshening up your space, or if you’re moving house, you might be looking for some…
Moroccan inspired interior design
If you’re looking for interior design inspiration, why not indulge in warm Moroccan hues, perfect for those summer nights. Moroccan style is all about colour…
Most searched for celebrity houses
With most of the world at various stages of lockdown, we’re all spending a lot more time in our homes right now. The same goes for the rich and famous, and…
Get back to nature, in colour.
Get back to nature, with colour It wasn’t so long ago that we were freed from a string of nationwide lockdowns and were able to welcome back the fresh, vibrant…
Get back to nature, in colour.
Get back to nature, with colour It wasn’t so long ago that we were freed from a string of nationwide lockdowns and were able to welcome back the fresh, vibrant…
New year resolutions for your home
It’s that time of year again, when you evaluate the past 12 months and also start planning for the next year. Whether it’s adding a feature wall that would…
Nursery decoration ideas and trends
If you’re in the market for some nursery design inspiration, look no further – our Nursery Trends Report has got you covered. To discover which nursery décor…
A guide to dog-friendly interior design
Dog-proofing your home can sometimes result in your once-beautiful décor and design features having to take a back seat. They don’t have to though! Whether you…
Popular modern kitchen design trends
The kitchen is the heart of every house. It’s no surprise then that renovating the kitchen is a priority for many homeowners around the UK. In fact, according…
Porch design ideas
Do you ever find yourself rushing out of your front door in the mornings, searching for an elusive coat and tripping over a pair of shoes as you go? If so,…
Putting the elegance back in
If you happen to live in a period home like I do and you’re lucky enough to have lots of architectural features such as coving, ceiling roses, wood panelling,…
House Extension Ideas: The Best Home Offices and Gyms
Since the pandemic, the meaning of ‘home’ changed for many of us. It’s not only where we relax, but also where we work, work out, and more and more, where we…
Loft Conversion Ideas: Room and Staircase Designs
To add extra living space without building out into your garden, and increase your property’s value by £37,000 on average ( according to Nationwide ) at the…
Kitchen design trends to reinvent your kitchen
As we come out of lockdown, lots of homeowners are moving on by doing a little home reinvention. How about starting in the kitchen? Whether you’re doing a full…
How to create an inspiring children’s bedroom
On average we decorate our bedrooms once every 29 months . That’s every 2 to 3 years. With kids’ rooms that could be even more frequent because their interests…
Stylish small living room designs
Unlock the full potential of a small living room by optimising your space and adapting its style to a more functional one. Don’t think you have to compromise…
Bold colour choices for the home by interior designer Abigail Ahern
I am obsessed with colour because as a designer it’s one of the most transformative things that you can do to any client’s house and it’s also the cheapest. It…
Walk-In Showers: The Pros and Cons
Sleek, luxurious and modern – three words that come to mind when you think of a walk-in shower, right? Although they’re normally found in posh hotels and spas,…
The Most Picturesque Places in the UK
Britain is home to bountiful countryside, quaint villages, charming market towns and stunning cities, and with the UK property market enjoying a boom since…
Ultimate guide to building a house extension
Thinking of joining the homeowners who have decided to invest in ways to maximise their space? We found out in our Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report…
Themed room decor ideas for any type of space
Home design isn’t just about how a room looks, but about how it makes you feel. That’s why themed rooms are so popular. By creating a space centred around one…
Design tips and tricks for hallways from Abigail Ahern
Happy New Year. I think this is the year to decorate from the heart, throw out the rulebook and go with your dreams. Ignore what’s hot and/or what’s not and…
Ideas for small bathrooms
Most people don’t live in huge properties so we’re always on the look out for clever uses of space, all around the home. Bathrooms are no exception – they can…
Kitchen trends and inspiration for 2021
Our kitchens are the hubs of our homes. So, it’s no surprise that a newly renovated one will not only improve your cooking experience , but it could also…
Kitchen wall tile trends
Kitchen wall tiles bring as much to the overall look of a kitchen as the worktop or cabinets. They add character and can brighten up your kitchen space, making…
Outdoor garden kitchen ideas
With the weather warming up it will soon be time to dust off the rusty grill in your shed and get ready for barbecue season! Most of us only cook in our…
Trending home bar designs and how to set them up
With spring well underway and those glorious long sunny evenings here at last, it’s the perfect time to get ready for easy and relaxing entertainment by…
TV space ideas for your home
It can be tricky to know how to incorporate your TV unit into your living room. It’s usually the focal point, but large screens can dominate the room. There…
UK home decor colour trends to watch out for in 2023
What will be the colour palette of 2023? Just like fashion, home decor trends come and go, often in a cyclical nature that bounces between bold and neutral.…
Unique fireplace decor designs
A fireplace epitomises cosiness in the winter. Even when they’re not being used, they can still function as the decorative heart of your home. After all,…
Unique holiday wreaths and garlands
The festive season is fast approaching, so now is the perfect time to start planning your holiday decorating ideas. This year’s decorations don’t have to be…
Unusual home aesthetics: dark, industrial, minimal ideas
It’s easy to stay safe with your design choices, but would you prefer something a bit more exciting? If you’re feeling uninspired by your home but you’re not…
Unusual home ideas your family will love
Bring out your unique personality through your interior design! As we found in our Home Improvement Trends Report, bold, bright and unusual designs are taking…
Upcycling: How to upcycle furniture
Historically, people have always done their best to keep furniture in good nick for as long as possible. These days though, with mass-produced, cheap furniture…
Kitchen improvement ideas: Metallics in kitchen design
From the all-out shiny to surfaces with a subtle shimmer, the trend for using metallics in kitchen design looks set to stay. While metals such as chrome and…
Van life: Unique camper van, caravan and motorhome conversion ideas
With plenty of summer staycations on the cards this summer, and remote working making life more flexible, there’s no better time than now to tick travelling…
Freshen up your home with these wall painting ideas
Whether you own or rent your property (as long as you ask your landlord or lady!), painting a room or even a single wall is a quick and easy way to transform…
The autumn and winter wallpaper trends to know right now
When the seasons change and the weather starts to nip a little, it’s time to appreciate the cosiness of home. And the more time we spend inside, the more…
What is colour drenching and why should you be doing it?
What is colour drenching? Colour drenching is a bold and unconventional way to paint the interiors of your house. In fact, according to our 2023 Trends Report…
What's your style? - guest post by Abigail Ahern
I am hugely excited to announce that my second tome, Decorating with Style launches this month, March 28th to be exact! It’s full to the brim of my insider…
Window design inspiration
Thinking of renovating your place or giving it a new look? Window design is an important finishing element of any home. Whether you are choosing wooden…
Winter holiday inspiration: small changes for a big impact
The holiday season is often a time of maximalism and extravagance. That includes interior design as holiday decor is put up. If over-tinselled Christmas trees…
What type of wood slat walls would suit your home
Wood panel accent walls are making a comeback! With the current surge in demand for home improvement projects, homeowners across the UK are getting creative…