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Of all the seasonal switches, the shift from winter to spring has got to be my favourite. At this time of year, spring is in full swing, and even if the weather isn’t playing ball, there’s the promise of summer on the horizon. I’m day-dreaming about al fresco dinners with friends, garden reading nooks and having my morning coffee on the patio. The endless optimism about the British summer never fails to surprise me, and I’m as guilty of it as the next person! Maybe this will be the year we’re treated to endless sunny days, but after some disappointing summers, I’ve got a plan B up my sleeve and that’s top of our DIY projects list this month. In a bid to weather-proof our outside space, we’re going to…

SPOTLIGHT ON The rural idyll If anyone knows how to do country living, it’s Laura Ashley. An old hand at romantic, farmhouse style, the brand has nailed it again this season with the Rural Dreams collection. Wallpapers and murals set the scene, including the Bernwood mural just seen here, with its soft green and rich ochre hues. And the assortment of decorative bowls and accessories is perfect for elevating dressers and sideboards with country charm. We also spotted the joyfully yellow-striped Cambridge chair elsewhere in the range, which would make the perfect addition to a cosy kitchen corner. IH LOVES... Footed bowls Hand-painted serving bowl, £30, M&S W hat to do this month... READ Imagine taking an exclusive tour around the private gardens of some of the UK’s most influential…

My powder-coated frame is shower proof…

STYLE DIRECTION“With such a rich wall colour, use a soft putty tone rather than stark white on the ceiling and window frames”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ENVELOPING EFFECT Painting woodwork and walls in the same rich paprika tone will create a comforting, immersive feel in a living room. Pair this strong wall colour with neutral upholstery and organic textures, such as wood and stone pieces PICK A PATTERN Use playful patterned wallpaper to introduce uplifting colours in a breakfast room. Pulling out the warm cayenne red and orange tones to use on furniture and soft furnishings throughout the space creates a bold look ADD NATURAL ACCENTS Contrast earthy paprika and cinnamon tones on walls and furnishings with woven rattan, textured wood and stone to create a connection with nature. Look for woven-fronted…

You’ve probably heard of colour drenching – the paint trend that uses one colour to flood every inch of a room. Now there’s a new technique in town, and we’re hooked. Double drenching is an exciting trend that focuses on using two or more colours in different hues. The colours can be as bold as each other, or from the same family, but they must carry different undertones. ‘Double drenching takes the classic colour drenching technique one step further to create something new,’ says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made. ‘It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with bold colour pairings or just can’t choose one favourite. This creative approach adds character, especially in modern homes where architectural details might be lacking.’ When choosing your colour…

I come as a bar stool, too…