Sophie Flaxman

Latest articles by Sophie Flaxman

Negative Space in Interior Design — Mastering this Interior Design Tick is the Secret to Better, Uncluttered Rooms

Sometimes you need to leave space free from decor to give your scheme breathing room. But how do you get the balance right to make it look purposeful?

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  Minimalism vs maximalism – which style is better? These designers say the answer lies in the search for a middle ground

  Trying to fit the extremes of maximalism and minimalism might not be as fruitful for your home's design as meeting in the middle, explains interiors expert Sophie Flaxman

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 1 May 23

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  Open vs closed kitchens – which floorplan is really better for the modern kitchen?

  Is changing a closed kitchen to an open plan one worth the expense? We asked the experts to compare open vs closed kitchens for modern living

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 17 April 23

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  8 'grown-up' ways of decorating with pastels that show how to take this color trend beyond kids' bedrooms

  Pastel color palettes can be grown-up and sophisticated if handled right. The experts tell us how

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 24 February 23

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  What are the best countertops for cooking? The styles to consider for your kitchen if you love to cook

  Whether you're looking for countertops to knead dough on or just one that holds up to red sauce stains, these are the best styles for budding chefs

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 31 January 23

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  Should you put a mirror in front of a bathroom window? This trick can help you re-think a small bathroom layout

  If you're short on space in a bathroom, putting a mirror in front of a window might be the best options – here's how to do it successfully

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 30 January 23

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  Should a bedroom be light or dark? We turned to sleep, color and interiors experts for the answer

  Does the color of your bedroom affect how you sleep? We ask the experts whether to stay bright and light in our sleep spaces, or lean into the darkness

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 13 January 23

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  How to use paint to change the size and shape of your room

  These expert-approved ideas will help turn awkward spaces into cozy, comfortable rooms, using just the power of paint

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 19 December 22

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  Should living room furniture match? These designers explain the problem with buying too much from one store

  Matching furniture in 2024 has a very different meaning from the retro sofa suites of yesteryear. These designers explain how to approach it (or not) in your living room scheme

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 11 November 22

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  How do you mix and match wood furniture? Designers reveal the tricks behind this common design conundrum

  Mixing different types of wood in furniture can be a hit and miss situation. Make your choices foolproof with these expert tips from interior designers

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 5 November 22

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  Should dining chairs match a table? Designers decide whether matching sets are still an interior design crime

  Matching dining room sets may have fallen out of favor in the past, but are they poised for a comeback, or are eclectic dining spaces still in vogue?

  By Sophie Flaxman Last updated 2 November 22

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  Are accent walls out of style? This is how designers are using them in 2024 and beyond

  The accent wall had a heyday in our homes, but is it still something we should consider today? These designers advocate for how to use them in a modern way

  By Sophie Flaxman Published 2 November 22