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Cosy, Colourful & Chic: How We’ll Be Decorating Our Homes in 2025

If you’re thinking of giving your home a refresh this year, you’re in luck — 2025’s decorating trends are all about personality, warmth and a touch of playful drama. Forget sterile showrooms and cookie-cutter looks; it’s about creating spaces that feel joyful, lived-in and unapologetically “you”.

1. Warm Minimalism (with a Twist)

Minimalism isn’t going anywhere, but it’s softening up. Instead of stark white walls and empty corners, we’re seeing calmer spaces with warm neutrals, soft textures and a bit more soul. And here’s the twist: maximalist touches are sneaking in. Think a pared-back room with a bold velvet sofa in emerald green or a splash of vibrant orange on the cushions. Simple, but never boring.

2. The Colour of Happiness

Yellow is having a moment. Dulux has crowned “True Joy” as Colour of the Year, and honestly, it does what it says on the tin. It’s the perfect pick-me-up shade — just enough to brighten a room without feeling overwhelming. Pair it with earthy tones like terracotta, burgundy or warm browns to stop it feeling too punchy.

3. Colour Drenching & Pattern Play

Fancy going all in? Colour drenching is one of the boldest trends this year — painting walls, skirting boards, ceilings and even radiators in the same shade for a cocooning effect. Prefer pattern to paint? Pattern drenching is just as big — wallpaper, upholstery, curtains… all in matching prints. Brave, yes. But the result is a room that feels like stepping into another world.

4. Art Deco Glam

Art Deco is back with a bang. Think bold geometry, lacquered furniture, rich woods and a splash of gold for good measure. Even a small nod, like a geometric lamp or a statement mirror, can bring that subtle ‘Gatsby glamour’ into a room.

5. Velvet Everything

Bouclé had its moment, but velvet is officially taking over. Sofas, armchairs, cushions — it adds instant cosiness and a bit of luxury. Pair it with dramatic drapery (yes, curtains are making a comeback as a real design feature) and you’ve got yourself a room that feels plush and welcoming.

6. Curves & Natural Shapes

Sharp edges are softening. This year it’s all about curves — rounded coffee tables, arched doorways, even sculptural sofas. It’s a subtle way of bringing nature’s organic shapes into your home, and it balances beautifully with bolder colour choices.

7. Japandi Calm & Smart Living

If you lean towards simple and calming interiors, Japandi is still your friend. The blend of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese serenity is timeless — natural wood, clean lines, and cosy textures. To keep it practical, multifunctional furniture is also key: think foldaway desks or storage that doubles as seating.

8. Nostalgic Charm

Homes are getting more personal again. Whether it’s layering vintage rugs, displaying heirlooms, or channelling that cosy ‘Nancy Meyers film’ vibe (warm lighting, charming kitchens, and plenty of bookshelves), interiors are telling stories. It’s about spaces that make you smile and feel instantly at ease.

A Few Easy Ways to Try the Trends

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new trends.

• Living Room: Add a statement velvet armchair or go bold with patterned curtains.
• Bedroom: Paint the whole room in a calming, earthy tone and pile on layered textures.
• Kitchen: Mix your metals — brass with nickel, chrome with copper. Don’t worry about perfection, the mix is what makes it stylish.

Final Word

This year, decorating isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about creating spaces that feel inviting, joyful and unmistakably yours. Whether you’re tempted by a splash of “True Joy” yellow, the plush comfort of velvet, or a daring colour-drenched wall, 2025 is the year to have a little fun with your interiors.

After all, home should be the place where your personality shines brightest. So why not pick one trend that makes you smile and start there?

Transform Your Space: The Magic of Wall Murals

Every room in your home tells a story. Sometimes it’s subtle, a quiet whisper through colours and textures. Other times it’s bold, commanding attention the moment you walk in. One of the most powerful ways to shape that story is through your walls. After all, they make up the largest canvas in your space. While paint and wallpaper have long been the go-to choices, wall murals are quickly becoming a favourite for those who want to create rooms that feel truly extraordinary.

Why Choose a Mural?

Wall murals go beyond decoration. They immerse you in an experience. Imagine stepping into your living room and being transported to a misty forest, a vibrant city skyline, or a serene beach. Instead of just filling a wall, a mural expands the room’s personality, setting the mood and atmosphere in an instant.

And while murals might look like high-design elements that require a professional, the truth is, they’re easier to work with than you’d expect.

Simplicity in Every Strip

Modern wall murals are designed with convenience in mind. They come on a roll in clearly defined strips, complete with markings that show you exactly where to cut. There’s no guesswork involved, and no endless hours of trying to line up repeating patterns. Each strip is meant to sit side by side, forming a seamless piece of wall art.

This means even if you’ve never hung wallpaper before, you can achieve professional looking results. The process is more like assembling a puzzle with numbered pieces, you know exactly where each part goes, and the reward is a stunning mural that transforms your wall in just a few steps.

A Tailored Fit, Every Time

Another huge advantage of murals is their flexibility. Most mural panels can be printed to size, so they’re designed specifically for your wall dimensions. This ensures there’s no waste, no excess trimming, and no awkward edges to hide. Instead, you’re left with a mural that feels made-to-measure, as though it was created just for your home.

Endless Designs, Endless Possibilities

Perhaps the most exciting part of choosing a mural is the sheer variety available. Whatever atmosphere you want to create, there’s a design that fits:

• Big and bold: Oversized florals, lush tropical jungles, sweeping cityscapes, or abstract explosions of colour that turn your wall into a show-stopping centrepiece.
• Subtle yet stylish: Soft watercolour washes, gentle textures, or muted geometric patterns that add sophistication without overwhelming the space.
• Nature-inspired: Forests, oceans, mountains, or botanical prints that bring a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors.
• Artistic flair: Hand-painted effects, modern murals, or classic illustrations that bring the energy of a gallery into your home.

With so many options, you’ll be spoiled for choice and that’s the beauty of it. A mural can reflect your personality, your passions, and even your dreams.

Murals as Backdrops

While some murals demand attention, others shine quietly in the background, enhancing the room without stealing the spotlight. Picture a soft, abstract mural behind your bed, setting the stage for restful nights. Or a textured design behind a dining table, adding warmth and depth to family meals.

In living rooms, murals can frame the sofa beautifully, creating a backdrop that makes the space feel complete. In home offices, they provide an inspiring background for creativity or a stylish setting for video calls. Even small spaces, like hallways or reading nooks, can come alive with the right mural, transforming what might otherwise be overlooked corners into memorable spots.

More Than Just Walls

The real magic of murals is how they change not just the look of a room, but the way it feels. A mural can make a small space feel expansive, a plain room feel vibrant, or a busy room feel calming. It’s not simply about adding décor, it’s about shaping atmosphere.

Unlike paint or wallpaper, which add colour or pattern, murals tell a story. They create a focal point that draws you in, sparks conversation, and makes your home feel uniquely yours.

The Power of Transformation

At the end of the day, wall murals are about transformation. They allow you to reimagine your space, to see your walls not as boundaries but as opportunities. Whether you want to escape into nature, surround yourself with art, or simply add a touch of elegance, a mural makes it possible in a way that’s both accessible and inspiring.

So if you’re dreaming of a fresh look for your home, consider a mural. It might just be the simplest way to give your walls and your entire space the transformation you’ve been waiting for.

✨ With easy installation, customizable sizing, and a world of designs to choose from, murals are more than décor—they’re a lifestyle choice, a statement, and a daily source of inspiration.

Unused rooms in a home can represent a missed financial opportunity. Instead of letting these spaces gather dust or act as ad hoc storage areas, homeowners can convert them into rentable accommodation. One of the most effective ways is through a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) setup, where individual rooms are rented out to separate tenants. This approach has become increasingly popular among property owners seeking new income streams from existing assets.

HMOs differ from traditional rentals because tenants usually share communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. By renting rooms separately, landlords often generate higher returns than they would from letting to a single household. However, transforming a property into an HMO involves more than just fitting locks on bedroom doors. Financial planning, compliance, and targeted upgrades all play essential roles.

Maximising Returns with the Right Financial Tools

One of the early steps in creating a successful HMO involves securing appropriate funding. A standard residential mortgage usually won’t cover the demands of a property used for multiple tenants. Lenders view these arrangements as higher risk due to the increased management, safety requirements, and legal considerations involved.

This is where exploring a suitable range of HMO mortgage options becomes essential. These finance products are specifically tailored to support properties housing several tenants, taking into account local licensing, room layout, and the potential for higher yields. Seeking advice from HMO mortgage lenders can help navigate the complexity of criteria and valuation methods. A well-chosen mortgage for HMO projects allows property owners to carry out necessary upgrades and remain compliant with regulations.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of HMO Letting

Turning spare rooms into rental spaces can significantly improve a property’s income potential. Even outside of major cities, the rental value of individual rooms adds up quickly. Letting three rooms individually will often outperform renting to a single family, sometimes by as much as 50% or more in monthly income.

For those converting entire properties into HMOs, choosing lending products from experienced HMO mortgage lenders ensures the project remains financially viable. These lenders evaluate potential rental income and physical upgrades, providing a more accurate picture of the investment opportunity.

Preparing Rooms to Meet Legal Requirements

Legal compliance is a cornerstone of HMO conversion. Room sizes must meet national minimums, 6.51 square metres for one adult and 10.22 square metres for two adults sharing. These rules must be factored into any plans and cannot be circumvented.

Fire safety measures are also vital. Properties need working smoke alarms on each floor, fire doors with self-closing hinges, and unobstructed escape routes. These installations ensure tenant safety and are often conditions of licensing approval. Investing in these areas is mandatory rather than optional.

Budget-conscious landlords can also enhance rental appeal with relatively low-cost improvements. Fresh paint in neutral colours, new flooring, and storage additions make rooms more attractive to prospective tenants. For higher returns, adding en-suite bathrooms is a popular option that often commands increased rent per room.

Meeting Standards in Shared Kitchens and Bathrooms

In any HMO, communal spaces must be functional and legally compliant. The number of occupants determines the size and quantity of kitchen and bathroom facilities required. For instance, a five-person HMO should include at least one full bathroom and a separate toilet to meet basic standards.

Durable materials such as vinyl for floors and wipe-clean surfaces for countertops and splashbacks are cost-effective while remaining easy to maintain. These choices help preserve property value and appeal over time, reducing the need for frequent renovations between tenants.

The design of shared facilities should balance practicality with comfort. Tenants will likely remain long-term in well-maintained properties with clean, usable common areas.

Navigating Local Licensing Rules

Every HMO must meet the legal expectations of its local authority. Mandatory licensing applies to larger properties, but many councils also require smaller HMOs, three or four tenants, to obtain a licence under additional local schemes. Some areas have more complex rules than others.

Planning regulations may include Article 4 directions, which override permitted development rights. Depending on the location, planning permission is required for HMO conversion even in small properties. Councils enforce these measures to manage population density and maintain community balance.

Licensing applications generally require safety certificates, floor plans, and evidence of suitable management arrangements. It’s important to check specific local requirements early to prevent delays or compliance issues.

Regional Variations That Affect Planning

HMO legislation can vary dramatically depending on where the property is located. For example, London boroughs often enforce stricter licensing rules than areas elsewhere in the UK. Scotland uses a national licensing framework, offering more consistency.

Checking council websites for guidance is a good first step. These often contain clear instructions, fees, and application timelines. Speaking to a planning officer can clarify whether Article 4 restrictions are in place and whether planning permission will be needed. Getting this sorted early prevents complications later in the process.

Choosing the Right Finance Partner

The choice of lender plays a key role in the success of an HMO conversion. HMO mortgage products are assessed differently from standard buy-to-let loans. Some lenders value properties based on local comparisons (the bricks and mortar method), while others use a rental yield approach that reflects room-by-room income.

Choosing a lender with experience in HMOs ensures better alignment with refurbishment plans and licensing requirements. These lenders often have a deeper understanding of what’s needed for approval and valuation. Assembling supporting documents such as fire safety receipts, tenancy agreements, and valid licences can speed up approval.

Unlocking the Potential of Spare Rooms

Unused rooms in a home don’t have to stay idle. With the right strategy, they can generate significant income while meeting all regulatory requirements. The HMO model offers a flexible and high-yield route for homeowners ready to convert their space into a steady source of earnings.

Navigating the legal, financial, and practical sides of HMO property development can seem daunting, but the process becomes far more manageable with preparation and guidance from appropriate lenders. Careful planning, supported by compliance and finance tailored to HMO needs, ensures long-term success for landlords who wish to make the most of every room in their property.