Author: News Room
If you’ve ever watched a house being built or planned your own home extension, you’ve likely heard the term “beam and block flooring”. It might not sound all that glamorous, but it’s one of the most popular and practical flooring methods used in modern construction. And there are good reasons why. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about beam and block floors: what they are, why they’re used, how they’re constructed, and when they’re the ideal choice for home construction or extensions. We’ll also look at the key building requirements, weigh up the…
With its architectural lines and sculptural folds, the Plec Collection by RS Barcelona has always brought a quiet strength and sense of balance to interiors. Now, the collection expands – fold by fold – with two new additions: the Plec Shelving System and the Plec Dining Table. Each piece stays true to the original’s symmetrical design expression while offering even more ways to infuse everyday life with design-driven beauty. Originally designed by Antoni Pallejà Office (APO) in 2017, the collection began with the Plec Table. The distinctive accordion-style legs create a striking interplay of light and shadow, establishing the collection’s…
One of the best pizza ovens will add a new dimension to your cooking at home year-round, but not every oven is made equal.We judge the pizza ovens we test against strict criteria. This includes ease of set up and use, fast firing up times, evenness of temperature, consistent cooking performance, efficient launching (the part where you manoeuvre the base into the oven) and straightforward cleaning. As you’d expect, we’re also invested in the result, and make sure to check on how crispy each base is, how well toppings cook and how long the baking process takes. If, after that,…
Modern and super-efficient, the best pans for induction hobs will work perfectly on your induction cooktop. How do induction hobs differ from traditional electric and ceramic stovetops? They use magnetic fields to conduct heat, which is why specific compatible pans are needed to work alongside your new hob.When people upgrade to induction, they often find their old pans don’t cut the mustard. So, even if you have the very best saucepan set in the game, if you have a new induction hob, you may need to trade it in for an induction pan that’ll cook your food properly.Cast iron and…
If you’ve been dreaming about giving your bathroom a fresh new look, 2025 is the perfect time to dive in—because wow, the trends this year are anything but boring. From spa-inspired serenity to bold, personality-packed accents, bathrooms are finally getting the attention they deserve. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking to swap out a few tired pieces, we’ve got you covered with the must-see styles, colours, and products that are turning heads this year. Ready to get inspired? Let’s splash into what’s hot for 2025. Popular Bathroom Styles for 2025 Biophilic Designs Photo by Steven Ungermann on…
Smeg’s new carbonator (or soda maker, if you enjoy your Americanisms) has arrived, just in time for a summer of spritzes at home.Capable of unlocking unlimited fizz at home, it is, of course, parcelled in a characteristically stylish Smeg design. Plus, you can pick it up in a choice of Matte White, Storm Blue, Matte Black or Emerald Green for £149.99 from the Smeg website to match whatever kitchen colour scheme you have going on.But what else makes it stand out? I headed to Smeg’s official launch of the carbonator to find out. Smeg Soda Maker in Matte Black w/…
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has revealed the one BBQ essential you need to make grilling even easier this bank holiday – and the good news is you can pick it up for less than £2.I doubt it’s escaped you, but the sun is shining and the bank holiday is about to begin, so it’s likely most of us will be wheeling out our best BBQs to celebrate the festivities – after all, a hot bank holiday only blesses us Brits on a rare occasion.You may have your meat and veggies prepped and ready to hit the grill, a novelty apron…
This guide has been updated to include two new entries for 2025, including the Russell Hobbs Power Steam Ultra and the Beldray Steam Surge Pro, in positions 4 and 9, respectively. Ironing has a bad reputation, with many of us trying to avoid it wherever possible, often to the detriment of our clothes. However, the best steam iron can make ironing a pleasure, and I’m not exaggerating here. After testing a myriad of different steam irons I learnt that certain special features, the weight and the design of an iron are all crucial to making ironing feel effortless and not…
Milan Design Week is many things: inspiring, chaotic, overwhelming – in the best way possible. It’s a city-wide flood of exciting new ideas, vibrant colors, and unreal textures, with exhibitions nestled into palazzos, storefronts, and sidewalks. In short, it’s …a lot. Amid the sensory overload, Muuto offered a rare moment of stillness at the Muuto Milan Apartment. Situated on the third floor of a Brera building, the space invites visitors to slow down, reconnect with their senses, and experience the passing of time through design. Drawing inspiration from the quiet transitions that mark the changing seasons, the apartment unfolds like…
A spiral staircase ascends through three stories of the Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel’s Sky Lobby, its copper-accented herringbone floors below mirroring the city’s historic cobbled streets. Framed by fluted columns, the staircase becomes more than mere vertical circulation, but rather a material manifesto of how Stonehill Taylor’s design for North America’s first Raffles property unveils Boston’s cultural heritage. What distinguishes Stonehill Taylor’s approach, led by president Paul Taylor and principal Sara Duffy, was their excavation of place-specific narratives. The design team put together three distinct Bostonian touchstones – the pioneering botanical gardens, the Arnold Arboretum’s vast plant collection, and…