Staying In

Paper The Walls Black

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Black? On the walls? It might seem a little dramatic (and, at times, scary), but trust us – you won’t find a chicer choice when it comes to wallpaper. ‘Black wallpapers add drama and sophistication to a scheme,’ agrees Chloe Vince, senior decorating consultant at House of Hackney. ‘They’re made for creating intimate spaces, since black absorbs light rather than reflects it.’ She adds that black is perfect for helping other colours in your scheme pop, letting them appear bolder and brighter. ‘For a twist on a classic, opt for florals painted against a backdrop of soft black accented with rich tones of mocha, chocolate and pinky browns,’ she recommends. ‘It’s a great choice for those wanting to achieve a timeless scheme.’ However you choose to decorate your walls – thick black stripes, contrasting florals, monochromatic murals or something else entirely – be prepared with our edit of the most beautiful black wallpapers.

Going Out

Try One Of London’s Easter Menus

The Bank Holiday is almost upon us, which calls for long leisurely lunches with friends and family – and lots of restaurants across London are offering special menus. There’s an Italian-inspired feast at Sette (the restaurant tucked away in the Bvlgari Hotel) featuring starters of burrata and salmon crudo ahead of lobster taglioni and roasted lamb, followed by a spread of Easter treats. You could also head to The Peninsula for afternoon tea. Served beneath the twinkling chandeliers of the grand lobby, the experience includes a mix of savoury finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, plus a glass of Coates & Seeley English sparkling wine and a handcrafted chocolate egg for the table to share. Those feeling really hungry, meanwhile, should book into the lavish Ned’s Feast at Millie’s Lounge within The Ned. Think a generous spread of lobster, oysters and roasts – with optional free-flowing champagne. It’s a four-day weekend, why not? Find more picks here.

Property Of The Day

Having been effectively exiled to France following his abdication, the Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis Simpson would hide out at Great Westwood House (then home to the 3rd Earl of Dudley) whenever they returned to Blighty. They were such frequent visitors to the shooting parties at the 10-bedroom Hertfordshire estate that they even got a suite named after them.

Available to rent as a short let for £6,000 a week or £26,000 a month, knightfrank.co.uk

Little Luxury

Rug brand Stepevi has unveiled a new green colourway (named Nature) for its beloved Foliage rug, crafted from premium wool and luminous viscose to create that luxurious, deep feel. Each piece is hand-finished, with rugs also available in Terracotta, Chalk or Smoke. From £877, stepevi.com

Competition Time

Now’s your chance to win an unforgettable London escape with an overnight stay for two at the five-star Kensington hotel, complete with breakfast, tickets to the eagerly anticipated Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at The V&A South Kensington, plus an extraordinary fashion-inspired afternoon tea. Enter here.

Psssst…

Nasa’s Artemis II has launched, carrying the first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The astronauts will remain in orbit for 24 hours before getting the green light – and though they won’t actually make a lunar landing they’ll travel further than anyone has before in the history of our species. As Neil Armstrong once said: ‘I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It's by the nature of his deep inner soul... we're required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.’

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Break your Lenten promise just yet: although Lent technically ends tonight, fasting traditionally continues until Easter. Those chocolate eggs will taste oh-so-sweet after 40 days of restraint.