Alaina Binks

Homes and Crafts Editor at Country Living (UK)

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Articles

3 creative design schemes to revamp your garden room or modern conservatory

1 week ago | countryliving.com | Alaina Binks

There’s something quietly magical about a room that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. A garden room can offer a space for retreat: somewhere to pause, potter and connect with nature in all seasons. Whether it’s flooded with sunlight or filled with the scent of trailing blooms, thoughtful styling will provide an illuminating sanctuary. Read on for 3 of our favourite imaginings... 1.
5 Essential Rules for a Stylish Sofa

1 month ago | countryliving.com | Alaina Binks

A well-styled sofa starts with plump pillows in varying shapes and sizes, as well as scales of pattern. It avoids symmetry through odd numbers and pulls this together using shades or patterns inspired by existing décor. And let's not forget a lavish throw – folded or draped with insouciance across the arm or back – which helps to garnish the look. But if you're wondering how to properly style a sofa, read on for insider secrets for a picture-perfect focal point that brings comfort and cohesion...
5 Essential Rules for a Stylish Sofa

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Sally Coulthard |Alaina Binks

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."A well-styled sofa starts with plump pillows in varying shapes and sizes, as well as scales of pattern. It avoids symmetry through odd numbers and pulls this together using shades or patterns inspired by existing décor. And let's not forget a lavish throw – folded or draped with insouciance across the arm or back – which helps to garnish the look.
Expert-approved tricks for an elevated living space

1 month ago | msn.com | Alaina Binks |Sally Coulthard

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5 essential rules to follow

1 month ago | msn.com | Alaina Binks |Sally Coulthard

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
How to style a bed: 4 insider secrets for a chic and considered look

2 months ago | countryliving.com | Sally Coulthard |Alaina Binks

A tailored bed starts with a gathered valance and crisp sheet under a plump duvet in linen or cotton topped with a pretty throw or quilted comforter. Allow two pillows per person, generously filled, layered with smaller cushions of complementary materials, colours and prints on top. Luxe out with an oversized headboard, drapes or canopy, and place a reading lamp within easy reach. Wondering how to style a bed?
20 stand-out design themes set to transform kitchens in 2025

Feb 11, 2025 | countryliving.com | Alaina Binks

Morris & Co.This year's stand-out kitchen designs bring colour and character to the fore. Warming, earthy tones give a comforting lift to traditional spaces and character arrives in the form of pretty Delft tiles, gallery-inspired walls and frilly cafe curtains. A flexible approach to layout sees fitted cabinetry replaced with freestanding cupboards, pantries and islands deployed to create a relaxed yet spirited room.
4 unexpected Christmas colour combinations to try

Nov 13, 2024 | ca.style.yahoo.com | Alaina Binks

4 new Christmas colour combinations to tryRachel WhitingChristmas is right around the corner and, as you plan your festive decorating scheme and dust off your favourite baubles, you may be thinking about what colour combinations to try in the home. It's very easy to fall back on familiar favourites as the festive season draws in — but for those craving something a little fresher, there are some effective alternative combinations to try.
12 Ways To Enjoy An Unplugged Weekend This Autumn

Oct 2, 2024 | countryliving.com | Alaina Binks

coolstays.comAs nature starts to slow down, why not take time to enjoy an unplugged weekend this autumn? Prepare to stop the world for a weekend: check into a hideaway retreat and amp up the cosy hygge with our makes, buys and seasonal treats.
8 Crafty Ideas To Make The Most Of Dried Flowers

Aug 30, 2024 | countryliving.com | Alaina Binks

Sabine L Scher / Living4MediaIt's no secret that dried flowers are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance: elegant, long-lasting, and a sustainable alternative to fresh flowers (and their sky-high carbon footprint), these biodegradable blooms look beautiful throughout the seasons. Over the past few years, they've continued to grow in popularity, and have become a mainstay in our homes as a maintenance-free alternative to their fresh counterpart.