Homes and Gardens

As an expat, living outside is one of the best parts of your life. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a sunny balcony, dining with friends on a terrace, or tending to a lemon tree in your garden, your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home – and your lifestyle. The country enjoys more than 300 days per year of …

Traditional ceramic plates from Granada. Credit: abdelyo, Shutterstock. For centuries, people have adorned their walls with decorative plates – a practice that first gained popularity in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries as a mark of taste and travel, according to Vogue. Today, plated wall is making a return, especially with Spanish ceramics where history and craftsmanship blend beautifully …

Statements in you living space. Credit: Furniture Vault/Westwing Collection/Vidilion – Instagram Does your living room feel uninspired, cluttered, or lacking charm? Do you have a new home and space you can treat as a blank canvas? Stop, before you start filling the space with generic furniture. A space that should feel warm and inviting might instead seem flat or disorganised. …

The store will rival IKEA in terms of affordable home-wear. Photo credit: William Barton/Shutterstock Primark has long been known for its fast fashion offerings. Now, it is diversifying its retail strategy by making a big move into homeware. The company opened its first dedicated homeware store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo, Manchester, on August 29, 2015. This new concept …

Aloe vera is a difficult plant to maintain in the summer. Here’s how to deal with the most common problems. Photo Credit: pisauikan via Unsplash Sunburns and painful peeling of the skin are a part of summer fun. Aloe Vera, a succulent that has a cooling gel with almost magical skin-care properties, is a popular plant in the summer. The …

Fan hacks. Credit: Alireza Kaviani, Pexels Do you struggle in the heatwaves? Experts reveal that you might be using your fans in the wrong way. This is especially true for mornings and early evenings. In Europe and Spain, summer temperatures are on the rise. To beat the heat, many homes rely on their fans. According to energy and ventilation experts, …

No more dust accumulation. Credit: Liliana Drew, Pexels If you’re constantly battling dust – cleaning everything one day, only for it to be dusty again the next – then you’ll love this TikTok-trending spray. Recently, I made a homemade dust repellent spray that went viral on TikTok. It’s a good idea. You can also find out more about the following: …

Image: Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com. It’s time to dust down the barbecue, and prepare for evenings and meals in the garden. After months of being unused, it’s possible that your grill is not in the best condition. It’s essential to clean and check your grill before you start cooking. Begin by cleaning the grill thoroughly. Remove any old grease or food …

Image: leungchopan / Shutterstock.com. Fabric softener doesn’t have to be restricted to the washing machines. It can also help you clean around the house. The mild cleaning agents, fresh scent and anti-static properties make this product useful for a lot more than just soft clothing. Use diluted fabric softener for cleaning walls and skirting board. It is effective in removing …

Image: Vadym Ivanov / Shutterstock.com. The most popular options for kitchen flooring are wood and tiles. There’s more choice than ever with the new styles that will be available in 2025. Designers prefer a mixture of classic and contemporary looks that offer options both stylish and durable. Natural wood flooring is a popular choice, as it provides warmth and a …