Staying In

Commission Your Own Extraordinary Interiors

Want your home to truly stand out? The most seductive interiors are shaped through specially commissioned pieces, where collaboration, ambition, skill and a willingness to take risks transform ideas into something extraordinary. In other words: the more bonkers the idea, the more beautiful the result. ‘In a world where there is so much readily available and many furniture brands offer design services, we owe it to our clients to bring this depth to what we do,’ says Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon. Now, we’re not suggesting we all need to be outlandishly original when it comes to commissioning – but we can achieve an element of surprise, create something beautiful and perfectly tailor something to the space, our tastes and our needs. As Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham, puts it: ‘The more we commission the more we see where we can push – and where we should stand back – to get an exciting result.’ Find out how to commission your own wow-worthy interiors with our guide here.

Going Out

Try Cult Mindful Movement Workout Sanctum

Born in Amsterdam as a way of combatting loneliness during the pandemic, Sanctum is a mindful movement experience which combines kundalini yoga, primal movement, HIIT and breathwork. This isn’t your average workout: devotees liken the experience to therapy due to its cathartic nature. And now the nomadic concept is running a series of sunset sessions at London’s Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel, with classes taking place on the terrace of the jaw-dropping penthouse suite. Soak up views of the city skyline while swaying, squatting, laughing and dancing your way through the 55-minute session. Worried about feeling self-conscious? Fear not: headphones work to block out external distractions while pumping powerful music into your ears – cocooning you into your own world of sound and removing any awkwardness. Here’s what to expect. The Sanctum Sunset Series at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair takes place monthly from July to September, with each session limited to just 15 guests. £75pp, wearesanctum.com 

Property Of The Day

A former pair of garages transformed into a modern home, this charming Notting Hill mews house was reimagined by architects Arya Douge. Light, tall and bright, the property’s highlight is its sweeping staircase – a sculptural centrepiece that leads to the two bedrooms above. 

On the market for £2,250,000, domusnova.com

Little Luxury

West End hotel The Langham is tapping into Wimbledon – and celebrating the British strawberry season – with its new afternoon tea. Served in the elegant Palm Court this summer, the Strawberry Season Afternoon Tea is centred around strawberries from fourth-generation growers J Myatt and Co Ltd at Mockbeggar Farm in Kent. A custom-made strawberry cart will dish up strawberry ice cream and sorbet, while pastries on offer will include Made in Kent: a crunchy biscuit with strawberries and crème fraîche. On the drinks side, guests can choose between two miniature summer aperitifs: the Pimm’s Royal or the non-alcoholic Langham Fizz made with JING Blackcurrant and hibiscus concentrate. Until 2 August 2026, from £85pp. langhamhotels.com

Competition Time

Picture the scene: sun, sea and not a care in the world. Sound good? Enter this competition now for your chance to win a four-night, all-inclusive stay at Tanjong Jara Resort in Malaysia.  

Psssst…

From 10 July the first ever women’s cricket Test match will be played at Lords. Held over four days, the Test will see England take on India, with the England team led by Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Plant a rose climber too close to a wall or hedge, says gardening expert Rosebie Morton, founder of The Real Flower Company. ‘This soil is often poor, dry and gets very hot, which stresses the plant, causing it to develop diseases like mildew. Instead, plant climbers half a metre away from a boundary.’ Find her top tips on growing climbers here.

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