Articles by Jo Simmons

Living rooms can sometimes be overlooked now that so much of our at-home socializing takes place around a table in an open-plan kitchen space, but nothing beats being able to sit comfortably with friends and family, to talk, enjoy a drink or watch a m…

Designers have many strategies for creating a sense of harmony in a home, from repeating patterns to restricting materials. One thing they would agree on is that a harmonious look is not the same as one that’s dull or predictable. Anything from super-…

Vacuuming is a super-efficient way to rid floors and upholstery of crumbs, dust, pet hair and debris. But even if you’ve splurged on the fanciest vacuum cleaner on the market, your technique and approach to vacuuming could be flawed. Here’s how to tac…

It’s rarely anyone’s favorite job, but dusting will always sit at the top of any domestic cleaning to-do list. That’s because, with so much dust in the environment, it builds up on surfaces surprisingly quickly, demanding regular attention. The dust i…

When imagining how you can improve your daily life, it’s normal to think big: outfit a new kitchen, redesign the bathroom or extend the loft. But little changes — like giving yourself a future present or creating a “done” list — can go a long way too….

When imagining how you can improve your daily life, it’s normal to think big: outfit a new kitchen, redesign the bathroom or extend the loft. But little changes — like giving yourself a future present or creating a “done” list — can go a long way too….

Big-ticket home improvements can transform a house, but there are many small and inexpensive ways to give a home a boost as well. Thoughtful touches and simple treats can send comfort and style levels skyrocketing and leave your bank balance largely i…

Big-ticket home improvements can transform a house, but there are many small and inexpensive ways to give a home a boost as well. Thoughtful touches and simple treats can send comfort and style levels skyrocketing and leave your bank balance largely i…

A home should be more than just somewhere to live. It should also be a retreat — a place in which you feel relaxed and nurtured. All too often, though, our houses slip into a more perfunctory role. Sometimes they even cause stress, confronting us with…

Bathroom windows have to work hard, allowing in natural light while also protecting the privacy of anyone inside. Contemporary bathrooms sometimes feature huge picture windows that seem to put protecting a bather’s modesty far down the list of priorit…