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IKEA instructions are a lot easier to follow in recipe form.

Sometimes the packaging is even better than the food.

Former Tyson Foods executive Stewart Glendinning will be the new CEO of clothing company Express, replacing Timothy Baxter, effective September 15, the company announced.

Thinking about giving your home a mini makeover? When it comes to creating your own personal style, there are a few principles which come in super handy when you’re about to embark on a new project… and take your first foray into the world of interior design. “It’s not rocket science that if you wake up in a home or room you love, which makes you feel happy and calm and brings a smile to your face, then you will start your day with a more positive mindset,” Lucy Gough writes in her new book, The Home Style Handbook. “And it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Paint, wallpaper, upcycling, second-hand furniture, along with a new cushion or two, can go a long way in transforming your home,” she suggests. Currently living in Sydney, Australia, and head stylist at Home Beautiful magazine, Gough says she feels it’s important as a stylist and freelance creative director to be able to turn your hand to any aesthetic a client asks of you. “Us stylists need to be truly versatile!” enthuses Gough. Here, she shares her insider tips on how to style your home like it is second nature, which is sure to put you in a positive frame of mind… Make a mood board “All wonderful interiors schemes are pulled together in the beginning stages using a mood board,” says Gough. “Not only are they important in helping pull together all your creative thoughts and ideas,” she continues. “But they are fun to make and a great mindful task for you to play around with at the beginning of the project, to make sure you get it right first time.” Create continuity of colour “If you can decide on your colour and texture palette before you embark on picking up a paintbrush, your home will feel cohesive,” notes Gough. “And might trick people into thinking a professional has helped you!” A thread of colour throughout your home is so important for it to feel like you have considered your ideas before implementing them, she adds. Tell a story Not only should you consider your palette but also think about a theme, says Gough. “Now, I’m not talking about a Disney theme here! I mean a thread forming around your love of antiques, family treasures, a dark palette or coastal look for example. “Something that makes your heart sing when you walk in your home!” Then add colours you love and bring these together with surface samples and foliage, she writes in The Home Style Handbook. If you decide to go with two or more bold colours, Gough says to add some soft tones in between to give them space to breathe. Style your space in sections “I suggest approaching your room as a series of vignettes,” encourages Gough. “Sometimes, if you’re not a professional it can be overwhelming to think about styling a whole room at a time. Instead, think of each room as a series of smaller spaces. “Look through your phone screen and break it down into smaller photographable corners and sections,” advises Gough. “For example, style the sofa area first then the TV unit area second, and the corner with the armchair and mirror third.” And when it comes to the finishing touches, such as styling your succulents, she writes: “Notice how the objects and plants on the cabinet (pictured) are higher in the top left and then go down at an angle to the bottom right.” Visualise a triangle formation “When I am styling bookshelves, I like to style using a visual triangle formation,” says Gough. “I never style with symmetry – although there is nothing wrong with doing so.” She continues: “I prefer the more relaxed look and find creating triangular shapes between items helps aesthetically. “And don’t pack things in too tightly,” says Gough. “You should give things room to breathe!” The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough, published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £30. Photography by Simon Bevan. Available now. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live One in 10 ‘spending beyond their means’ – try these 7 cutbacks guaranteed to save families money Grandmother and grandson who had sepsis at same time ‘lucky to be alive’ What is combination cholesterol therapy, as study suggests it could save lives?

A new term and exciting times! But before the academic year kicks off, you’ve already been tasked your first assignment – how best to style-up your student space. Depending on your halls of residence and budget, you may have crowdfunded some of the basics from family and friends – and then you’ll want a few niceties to kit out your digs and personalise your pad. To take your bijou bedroom to the next level, we’ve done our homework and prepped some key pieces… 1. Linen and PU A4 Spiral Notebook – Brown, £3.49, Linen and PU A5 Notebook with Pen – Brown, £3.49, Linen and PU A5 Notebook – Grey, £2.49, Pack of 2 Linen and PU Pen Set, £2.99, Linen and PU Pencil Case – £2.99, rest of items from a selection, The Range Some might say stylish stationery is the foundation for formulating all those creative ideas. 2. Erica Green Ceramic Desk & Table Lamp, £45, Oliver Bonas Lighting is key to late-night swotting, especially when the clocks go back and you’re hoping to file an assignment ahead of time. With a trendy exposed bulb, geometric design and pink cord, this one’s bang up to date. 3. Pegboard – Medium, Pink, £50, Block When you need to picture something in your mind or are in need of inspiration, a mood board is where it’s at. Available in a rainbow of colours, these peg boards are right on point. 4. The Positive Student Planner, £24, The Positive Planner Described as a ‘dedicated student wellbeing planner’, this 12-week journal is geared towards helping with the pressure and stress of life as a student. Developed with mental health charity Samaritans, think mindful activities, tools and diary notes to keep you on track – and in control. 5. Wire Peg Board With Accessories, Black, £20, Grey 3 Tier Metal Trolley, £22, folding desk from a selection, Dunelm If you prefer the industrial look and a peg board made out of steel is more your thing, this one comes with hooks, baskets and mini shelves. Team with the sturdy trolley and add wire baskets to store your stuff. 6. Bronx Microwave, £85, Next An everyday essential, this charcoal grey model with timber handle and dial knob has the edge for those quick and easy ready meals. 7. Bronx Bottle Opener, £12, Next And when it’s time for a beer break, this groovy bottle opener is just the job. 8. ProCook Carbon Steel Wok, 26.5cm, £14, ProCook There’s more to a wok than stir-fries and this wonderful multitasking tool loves to steam, shallow-fry, poach, stew and toss. 9. Hebe Veronica Plant in Stone Pot, £8, Rowen Low-maintenance and looks good, what’s not to love about this fun faux foliage? 10. Single Green Bedding Starter Pack, £14, Dunelm A bedding bundle is a no-brainer when it’s time to get your head down. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 4 essential officecore trends to update your work wardrobe Sickle Cell Awareness Month: What is sickle cell disease and how do you know if you have it? TikTok has gone wild for adult gymnastics – here’s what you should know

The lager-maker will take a huge loss on the division which, it said, had taken longer to jettison.

Whether it’s a payday treat, self-gifting or some darling décor to refresh and get you in the mood for stress-free styling, it’s funny how little pleasures can pick you up. From sweet side plates for a bank holiday bake-off, to beautiful bedding, these decos and homewares will make everyday items that more special – and won’t pull at your purse strings… 1. Mini Succulents, £2.50 each, B&M, in-store The cutest way to green up your work space is with faux flora. 2. IKEA Färgklar 18-Piece Service, Matt Light Pink, £35, IKEA Pretty in pink, this tableware blends function with flair and can be glammed up with gold cutlery and glass goblets when it’s time to pour the rosé wine. 3. Picture Frame, A6, £2.50, Flying Tiger Wall art made easy, this pansy print can be switched out for something more dramatic depending on your scheme. 4. Set of 4 Baking Side Plates, £16, Next Whether it’s home baking or a cupcake platter, these porcelain plates are made for tasty treats. 5. Eternal Bouquet, £6, Flying Tiger Think a summery tablescape illuminated in sunshine… and these pops of yellow can be placed along the centrepiece. 6. Habitat Mushroom Steel Lamp – Brass, £40, Habitat This modish mushroom light with satin brass finish loves the spotlight, and will add a little bit of glitz, radiance and shimmer wherever it’s placed. 7. George Tufted Pebble Cushion, £11, (left), Natural Teddy Knot Shaped 3D Cushion, £15, Lilac Chunky Boucle Cushion, £12, (centre), Natural, £12 (to right), rest of items from a selection, Direct.asda Scatter cushions are a stylist’s favourite feature. Whether it’s breathing new life into a tired sofa or refreshing your colour scheme, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this funky knot shape and luxurious-looking boucle. 8. Habitat 90ml Scented Diffuser – Very Amber, £6.67, Habitat Decorative diffusers are brilliant for scenting a forgotten corner or guest bathroom, and this one comes in a beaming ceramic bottle you can always use again. 9. SO’HOME Red and Pink Abstract Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set, King, £35, SO’HOME Rainbow Design Cotton Tufted Throw, Grey, £30, La Redoute It’s not easy to scrimp when you’re dressing a king-size bed, but this showy print is picture perfect. A lavish colour clash of lipstick pink and racy red, style it with the contrasting grey tufted throw for an ultra cool, boutique hotel vibe. 10. Everyday 4-Piece 100% Cotton 450gsm Quick Dry Towel Bale – Saffron, £14, Very An easy, instant pick-me-up, a bunch of buttercup yellow towels will make your bathroom look as fresh as a meadow. Includes two hand towels and two bath towels. 11. Midi Folding Crate, Dark Pink, £10.50, Daisy Park If a summer sort-out is on your to-do list, this folding crate is a fun, space saving, storage solution – and stackable if you buy more than one. Holds up to 8kg. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to help your teen with comparison culture on GCSE results day Women more severely affected by ME, study claims 4 hacks to get teens off the sofa and get active – as study warns of heart damage

For professionals and beginners alike, personal computers and graphics software have forever changed the way

Incorporating nature’s favourite shade, green furnishings feel fresh and represent a blooming of the biophilic aesthetic. Indeed, boosting your outlook by incorporating plants – we’re not just talking living greenery – can be bright and beneficial. Think flora in the shape of wallcoverings and bedding, upping your five-a-day with stylish cookware and sitting on rich velvets to suit your setting. From leafy shades to palm prints, these green gems will elevate your space… 1. Daydreamin’ Climate Change Scented Candle, £24.50 (was £35), Daydreamin’ A candle with benefits… when you want to back, this green woody scent evokes Mediterranean cypress trees, moss and earthy aromas – with five trees planted for every candle sold. 2. George Green Riverside 5-Piece Pan Set, £43 (was £65), Direct.asda These trendy sage-green aluminium pots and pans can easily be stacked and stashed away, after your verdant veggie menu has been served and savoured. 3. Russell Hobbs 17 Litre Scandi Green Digital Microwave with Wood Effect, £94.99, Russell Hobbs Blending function with flair, this Scandi-style 700-watt microwave features eight pre-set cooking menus for a host of dishes, from pizza to seafood. 4. Set of 4 Avocado Nesting Bowls, £28, Rockett St George Our favourite superfood loves happy-hour snacks just as much as brekkie time. 5. Hollis Glassware Collection: Set of 4 Wine Glasses, £28, Next Tailormade for ‘green’ wines such as sauvignon blanc, these ribbed wine glasses will up your topiary-themed tablescape. 6. Serena Dark Green Velvet Bar Stools, £199 each, Danetti Whether you’re entertaining in a dream kitchen or bijou galley, these plush velvet bar stools with quilted chevron detail will style up your space. 7. Balcony Self-Watering Planters: From left, £75; £100; £150, LSA International For low-maintenance windowsill décor, these planters will allow you to head off on holiday without the worry of how your greenery will last without being watered. Suitable for plants, bulbs and herbs, the cotton trailing cord leads water to the roots for steady moisture in the soil. Genius. 8. Serendipity Greenhouse Bespoke Mural, Green, £42 per square metre, Graham & Brown When you really want to go for it and create a wonder wall with giant grasses and fabulous foliage, your botanical garden can fit into the smallest of schemes – simply enter the width and height of your walls to customise your greenery. 9. Botanicals Ferndale Fabric Love Chair, £399.99 (was £549), SCS This sumptuous accent chair sets the scene for armchair travelling with thoughts of tropical rain forests and jungle-themed holidays. 10. Bobbi Beck Flora Vintage Tropical Wallpaper, White, £75 per roll, Bobbi Beck Another way to imbibe a tropical paradise, this flora wallpaper is showstopping enough to be framed – so you don’t have to limit yourself to a feature wall. With clever use of mirrors, this bold design ensures your love of living things is planted firmly in your home. 11. Moorland Flora Black Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £24 (double), to £32 (super kingsize), Dunelm When it comes to rewilding your bedroom, these beautiful wild flowers set against a black background, with contrasting red piping, will make every bed the ‘best in show.’ Part of Dunelm’s Natural History Museum collection, the cotton/poly blend offers comfort and style. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What can you actually do to help prevent cancer, as 12% believe coffee is carcinogenic? A-Level results: How to be the emotional support your teen really needs These are the cheapest school uniforms on the high street – according to Which?

The pattern is named after the European dance craze, but what exactly the dots have to do with polka is a bit of a mystery.

When it comes to duality in design, there isn’t a black or white answer as to why a monochrome scheme works so well in the world of interiors – it just does. The foundation for a minimalist style, there’s a sense of simplicity if you favour subtlety over drama, especially with varying tones of grey – or you can go bold with a stark black and white statement-making contrast. Either way, it’s no surprise this timeless classic is easy to update with modish pieces and decorative accessories. Here’s how to strike the right balance for visual impact… 1. George Cream & Black Spot Decal Mug – Set of 4, £10, Direct.asda Spot the difference… whether it’s an Americano or cortado, your favourite coffee will taste that much better in one of these striking mugs. 2. Spode Zoological Gardens Set of Pasta Bowls, £52.70, (was £62), Spode These pasta bowls are tailor-made for spaghetti al nero di seppia (spaghetti with squid ink) – and thrill of exotic wild animals on the dinner party guest list. 3. Small Donut Lamps, £10 each, B&M in-store If you’re bookending a bureau or sofa with side tables, these donut lamps lend interest with their curvaceous shape – and you can always style the white on one side and black on the other. 4. Palm Leaf Print, Black & White Palm Tree Photograph, from £49; Monochrome Coast, Black & White Beach Painting, from £59; Land Rover Defender Beach at Dawn, Black & White Photography, from £49; Surfer, Black & White Photography, from £49; Vintage Star Shell, Black & White, Shell Art Print, from £59; Framed, Beach House Art Graphic art prints are super effective when it comes to creating a chic monochromatic aesthetic – especially if you group them in different shapes and sizes. After all, there’s a reason why photographers still shoot in black and white; somehow everything looks more striking – and graphic. 5. Concrete & Wax Candles, from left: Large Candle and Holder Set, Grey, £55, Slim Candle and Holder Set, White, £38, Mid Candle and Holder Set, Black, £45, Concrete & Wax These cool candles come with a concrete holder for a fluid line and look great grouped together. Available in Lime, Basil & Mandarin, Tobacco & Oak, Sandalwood & Black Pepper Amber Noir, Curious Rose, and Cherished Leather, we’d love to add all these fragrances to our scented stash. 6. Moxie Abstract Face Art Wallpaper Mural, £25.95 per square metre, WallpaperMural When you want to beautify your living space, this face line art print solves the decorating dilemma of how to create a wonder wall tailored to your exact spec. Made to order, you can always start with one panel and then really go to town when you realise your monochromatic muse is a huge hit. 7. Borneo Black Wicker Chair with Boucle Latte Cushion, £224.99 (was £299.99), Desser No monochrome scheme is complete without an accent chair, especially when you want to add interest with wicker, texture and timber. With sweeping arms, cane panel, deep seat and black finish, this piece will add visual interest and dimension to a neutral scheme. 8. Memphis – White Sideboard, 90cm, £99, Out & Out Original More than a decorative afterthought, cue this modish cabinet with storage room for all your dinnerware, table-scaping props and stemware. With a melamine coating for a glossy effect and metal feet, it’s contemporary and chic. 9. ‘La Femme’ Screen Printed Cushion – Black, £59, Bon Bon Fistral When it comes to soft furnishings, a statement scatter cushion with a sophisticated silhouette will enhance a plain sofa or armchair – and make it look and feel more luxe. 10. Monochrome Bud Vase Trio, £13.99, The Wisteria Tree While the beauty of monochrome is all about styling your décor around a palette of black and white, every canvas needs a little colour… namely greenery. These bud vases are perfect for freshly cut foliage, olive stems and eucalyptus. 11. Charcoal Grey Bedtime Bundle, Duvet Cover, Sheets and Pillowcases, from £177, (was £263), Piglet in Bed If you’re updating your bedding, grey is the go-between for light and dark – and an instant refresh layered with white; plus a few lush ferns to help filter toxins. This charcoal grey set is made from stonewashed French linen with natural breathability and pre-washed for softness. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to get the ‘quiet luxury’ look on the high street 6 survival tips for parents of live-at-home university students What is TikTok’s ‘soft life era’ and could it be the secret to happiness?

Think rich warm earthy tones, sandy shades, burnt oranges and you’re in the comfort zone of terracotta. Calming and comforting, this earthenware shade has an organic feel, and it’s a natural choice for a chic colour palette of rich rusts balanced by beige, neutrals and shell pinks. Here’s what’s fired our imagination… 1. Carrots Soup Plate, £25, Emma Bridgewater Whether it’s gazpacho or carrot soup, those power-packed blended veggies and side of crusty bread are the perfect fit this soup plate. 2. Brabantia Tasty + Frying Pan, 20cm, Non-Stick – Terracotta Pink, £31.25, Spatula Plus Cutting Edge, Tasty+ – Terracotta Pink, £8.50, Brabantia Master the art of flawless, fluffy omelettes and perfect pancakes with Brabantia’s new non-stick frying pan with grip handle in terracotta pink. Suitable for gas, electric, induction and ceramic. 3. Yankee Candle Cinnamon Stick, £31.99, (567g), Yankee Candle Scentscaping for summer? The sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon with base notes of bay leaf and cedarwood is one of the most familiar fragrances – and will boost your wellbeing with its mood lifting aroma. 4. Shaped Ceramic Set of 3 Mini Vases, £18, Next Abstract vases are having a moment in the sun this summer and this stoneware trio tick all the boxes. Contemporary and combining rose hues with ivory and terracotta. 5. Bella Terracotta Table Lamp, £125, Natural Raffia Lamp Shade, from £58, Graham & Green This sculptural lamp makes a sophisticated statement with its raffia lampshade and sets the scene for restful schemes. 6. HK Living Terracotta Vase with Handles, £80, Spicer & Wood With its decorative handles and Mediterranean vibe, this is the kind of vase that radiates warmth and works like a dream with rustic furniture, tans, exposed timber and stone. 7. Get Your Funk On Wallpaper in Tuscan Rooftop, The Running Fox and Tahini, £45 per roll, Lust Home When you want to bring an element of classic retro home, this psychedelic print with its burnt orange hues, caramel and browns is your happy place. A fabulous styling tool, the design has matching paints to play around with to create a contrast wall. And you can change the feel with plush fabrics, rugs and cabinet of curios. 8. Terracotta Dreams A3 Abstract Print, Oak Frame, £39, (was £45), Cult Furniture For no-stress decorating, let someone else’s brush works do the talking. Art prints can be tailored to fit any decor – and Terracotta Dreams channels escapism and freedom of expression. 9. Hutton Compact 2 seater ‘sofa in a box,’ Soft Velvet Rust Brown, £460, Next If your space is more bijoux than grandiose, this ‘sofa in a box’ is a brilliant way to incorporate more seating without having to commit to larger furnishings. Compact and petite, the sofa arrives in a box, designed to fit through tight spaces – and rust brown velvet feels cosy as we slowly head into autumn. 10. John Lewis Odora Rug, £300, (120 x 180), John Lewis – available from August 6 A mix of wool and silk, this hand-tufted rug with harmonious colourway of sandy shades, dusty pink and damson makes a tactile focal point. 11. Terracotta Super Soft 100% Cotton Bed Linen, King Size Duvet, £79, Standard Pillowcase, £14, Spice Vivienne 100% Cotton Quilted Throw, £109, Secret Linen Store – available from August 11 And so to bed… is there anything lovelier than cocooning yourself in terracotta bed linen to enhance those feel-good vibes from this happy hue? Style with touches of ivory and grey to highlight this pleasing pigment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 3 great abs exercises that aren’t crunches ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’ How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer