Staying In

Try Something New In The Bedroom

Spice up the bedroom – no, not like that – with a fresh look for 2026. Start with the focal point of the bedroom: the bed. While a space prone to minimalist styling in recent years, designers see this mindset shifting with the return of canopy beds. ‘Canopies have been a staple of English interiors for centuries, originally designed to create a warm, enveloping retreat,’ notes Becci Craig, Lead Designer at Sanderson. ‘Today, they’re making a strong comeback in both traditional and modern spaces, bringing opulence and statement grandeur to a room – instantly transforming a plain space into a talking point.’ And with this feature, the goal is to go all out: ‘canopies offer a great opportunity for pattern layering, with swathes of fabric set against wallpapered backdrops and complemented by headboards, cushions, bedding and pleated fabric lampshades with trimmings.’ Sounds dreamy. Find out more in our trend report here.

Going Out

Visit The New Claridge’s Bakery

‘When you're buying bread, you should buy it from someone who makes it with their heart.’ By name and nature, there’s no better man to buy it from, then, than Richard Hart, who we spoke to at the preview of his newest venture as Executive Baker and Creative Director of the Claridge’s Bakery. The concept is simple; expect all the nostalgic English favourites that have fallen out of favour as French-style patisseries take over. ‘I want to eat a bloomer and a french fancy, an iced finger and a jammy dodger tart,’ he told us, while also sharing that he was a little nervous because British baked goods, while arguably the tastiest, might not appeal to the Insta-crowd because ‘they look… not so great’. We’re inclined to disagree: everything looks and tastes absolutely delicious. Monday to Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-4pm. Prices from £2. claridges.co.uk

Property Of The Day

Though Oscar Wilde (and his wife) technically lived in Chelsea, the playwright wasn’t exactly known as a good and loyal house husband. His favourite haunt? 14 Half-Moon Street in Mayfair – conveniently located just down the road from his lover Robbie Ross. Said to have inspired the setting of The Importance of Being Earnest, the then bachelors’ lodgings have now been transformed into a luxury Mayfair mansion.

On the market for £14m. beauchampestates.com

Little Luxury

If Little Bo Peep were ever in the market for a new bonnet, she need look no further than luxury British knitwear brand Herd. Its bonnets are crafted from the extra-fine fleece of the Bluefaced Leicester breed sheep, with shades ranging from soft undyed neutrals such as slate and ecru to plant-dyed plum and moss. A bonus is being able to pull it up or down and wear it as a hood at the back of the neck to ward off a chill. Whitby Bonnet in Moss, £134, herdwear.co

Competition Time

Here’s your chance to win a four-day writing masterclass in Italy from 14-17 May 2026. Plus, expect soil-to-fork lunches, cooking workshops, guided foraging and more.

Psssst…

North Londoners, this one’s for you: beloved Hampstead pub The Stag is reopening today (22 January) after a big refurb.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

See these 2026 movie adaptations without reading the books first, from Wuthering Heights to Klara and The Sun.