How to: Get the Minimalist Look

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Walking around your house, do you see a swathe of detritus at every turn? The truth is, floor robes, stacks of empty cereal boxes and mismatched junk equal a dishevelled home – and not in the forgivable shabby-chic sense of the word. The jury is out, clutter’s overrated. Achieve a minimalist home by following our nifty tips.

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#1 Hoard No More

First things first, get rid of the junk clogging up your home. Go round each room individually and get rid of everything you:

A: Don’t use

B: Don’t need

C: Can do without

How to: Recreate a Victorian Parlour

Step back in time and inject a touch of Victorian opulence into your living room. Recreate that eminent Victorian parlour look.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, the parlour was the focal point of the home. Considered to be the most formal room in the house; this regal space was primarily used for entertaining guests, playing games and family gatherings.

Characterised by deep, rich colours of gold and burgundy with drapes, ornate furniture and lavish rugs, this aesthetic is still highly sought after today.

Luxurious Sofa Collections

Parlour seating in England and America was upright, rigid, overstuffed and often mixed to demonstrate broad-mindedness. What is interesting about the way Victorian chairs were manufactured is that seating was not conductive to postural health and it would often be uncomfortable to sit in them at all!

*Bronte 4 Seater Sofa, Couch, £1345

The Bronte sofa by Couch is brimming with refined elegance. Antiqued, hardwood legs coexist with velvet Blenheim and gorgeously soft cushioning resulting in a sofa fit for Queen Vic herself. All of the luxury and none of the Victorian era discomfort. It’s a win win situation.

Our Favourite Home-Based TV Shows

There’s nothing better than curling up on a sofa with a fluffy blanket and a good cuppa to watch your favourite daytime TV shows. Our favourites are the home TV shows, whether it’s buying a new property or doing up an old one – we’re kind of obsessed.

Here’s a few of our faves and why we love them. Are you a fan too?

Homes Under the Hammer

(image: Lion TV)

If you don’t work mornings then you will know that Homes Under the Hammer is essential morning viewing. That and Jeremy Kyle of course.

Homes Under the Hammer educates viewers about the process of buying property at auction, something that many of us are not brave enough to do. It also does a great before and after section, where they meet the new owners after the auction, and then months down the line when the property is complete. It’s time lapse editing at its best.

Turn Your Leather Sofa into a Winter Warmer

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Many of us associate leather sofas with being cold in the winter months; however it doesn’t mean we should stop these elegant beauties from entering our home. Would you decline a chocolate biscuit for fear that it might get lost in your tea? We think not. Yes you might get cold on the sofa when summer is just a figment of your imagination, but it’s all about putting the fire on, getting those slipper socks out and wrapping those cold mitts around your hot-chocolate-filled mug. But what can you do to make your leather sofa that extra bit warmer? We’ll give you a few trusty tips.

Famous TV Sofas

We take a look at two famous on-screen sofas and uncover some interesting facts on each. Learn more about those well-known sofas that never get old.

Ever wondered about the history behind those iconic props? Well, we’ve done a little research so you can learn all about those simple yet effective sofas that spark memories of a favourite film or television show. From the orange sofa that sits in the middle of sitcom phenomenon ‘Friends’’ Central Perk, to the infamous brown sofa in the animated TV series ‘The Simpsons’, we’ll tell you more about the two most recognisable sofas in the TV industry.

The ‘Friends’ sofa

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Who could forget the burnt orange, mohair sofa that is situated in what is possibly the most renowned coffee house in television history. This sofa was the setting for many of the episodes, what with it making an appearance in at least 200 of the 236 episodes that ran. The characters had many memorable scenes on this famous piece of furniture, which was actually pulled out of the Warner Bros. Studios basement storage!

How to: Look After Leather Sofas

How do you clean a leather sofa? And how do you maintain quality leather sofas? Find out the top leather care tips here.

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A great sofa can really make a room. And even if you get a great bargain, they can still cost a pretty penny. So, we’re sure you’ll want to keep your sofa looking in tip-top shape. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips for cleaning and maintaining your leather furniture:

Wipe it Down

Every few weeks give your sofa a rub down. Use a clean, dry cloth and wipe down all of the leather – especially in the creases. This will get rid of any built up of dust and keep your couch looking its best. A little TLC can go a long way.

Floral Fabrics for Every Season

Who says floral prints are just for spring and summer? We think sofas, chairs and stools can rock a great print all year round. What do you think?

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Floral print furniture is the latest trend in home décor, and with modern design, they are no longer restricted to something you’d see in your granny’s living room.

You’d be forgiven for thinking floral prints are a summertime feature that may not look right elsewhere throughout the year. But we think they look amazing all year round. Here’s how to use floral fabrics to make these prints an all year round feature.

How to: Create a Family Friendly Living Room

The living room is in many ways, the focal point of the home. When you’re not cooking or cleaning or sleeping or washing, the chances are you’ll be dwelling in the living room. It’s a place for relaxation, celebration and reflection; the destination for everything from family gatherings to reading the newspaper.

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Whether you’re unhappy with your current living room décor or simply want to make your living room more practical for family use, follow our tips and tricks.

Make it Liveable

One mistake families often make in their pursuit to keep up with the joneses is to throw money at a living room. While it’s tempting to purchase expensive furnishings, ask yourself whether you want a show room or a place you can actually unwind and relax in.

How to: Throw a Vintage Tea Party

Afternoon tea is experiencing something of a revival in Britain. Cake shops are popping up right, left and centre and the call for bone china teacups is at an all-time high. But why let British Bake Off have all the fun? Take a leaf out of Mary Berry’s book and throw your own vintage tea party this season.

A Simply Spiffing Menu

Cakes are absolute must-haves at a vintage tea party. In fact, they’re definitely going to be the focal point of the evening. You only have to log into a social media site when British Bake Off is on telly to see the impact that cake has on our nation.

Traditional recipes such as Victoria sponge and fruit scones are more fitting with the vintage theme than new-fangled creations. Take inspiration from older bakers such as Mary Berry and Delia Smith. Delicious Welsh cakes are also a good option and an all time favourite.

How to: Decorate Your Lounge on a Small Budget

Are you looking to decorate your lounge but don’t have much of a budget to play with? Look no further: we’ve put together some tips that will help you stylishly decorate your living room without damaging your bank balance. Read on to learn how you can refurbish your lounge on the cheap, without incorporating tat into your home.

Add a Splash of Paint
Paint is a simple solution that will inexpensively transform your living room. Whether you want to completely change the colour of your lounge or add a feature wall, a lick of paint is the way to go. And with the huge range of paints available, it is entirely up to you how much you spend on a pot of paint. From as little as £10 a pot, to a luxurious £50, you can paint the walls of your lounge within your budget.

To make your living room appear bigger, use a light, warm tone such as magnolia. If you wish to make low ceilings look higher, opt for a stark white or use a lighter shade on the walls. These trusty tricks of the trade will help you make the most of your lounge in a cost-effective manner.