Old is the new “new” in 2012! Everywhere we look, designers are putting modern twists on traditional elements to create smashing new trends. Here New York interior designer Angela Teater, writer of the blog Life, Love and Luxury and owner of Angela Lee Interior Design gives us her top interior tips for 2012 and how to achieve them.  Read more... (725 words, 7 images, estimated 2:54 mins reading time)

[Tree and decorations in main pictures from John Lewis]

Traditional decorations are back in style (did they ever really go out of style?). Wood, felt and knitted decorations are very popular as well as those in the colours of Christmas – red, green and metallics. But as long as it is colourful, looks homemade and you have lots of twinkling lights, it will be sure to bring some magic into your home this festive season.  Read more... (494 words, 3 images, estimated 1:59 mins reading time)

[All products above from Heals]

With the recession pushing on and the housing market somewhat unpredictable and depressed, you don’t have to move to live in a house that expresses who you really are. There are some simple ways of sprucing up your home without spending a fortune – and some of them are things that you can take with you if you do eventually decide to move too!  Read more... (644 words, 6 images, estimated 2:35 mins reading time)

[main shot: Sir Elton Headboard by MyricaDesign. £540 from Cloudberry]

With so much going on in our lives it can sometimes be hard to get a good night’s sleep. However by creating the right mood in the bedroom, going to bed can be a dream! Making your boudoir and sanctuary of calm will help you to unwind.  Read more... (452 words, 3 images, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

Tent, £39.95; Throws from £19.99; Outdoor cushions from £19.99; Blue lamp £29.99; Dinosaur toys from £14.99; Wooden chair £39.99 all from HomeSense.

Those who enjoyed Glastonbury last weekend were treated to the worst and the best of weather but after two days of rain and then two days of sun we are preparing for the next festival in comfort – in our own back garden!  Read more... (388 words, 3 images, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)

There have been some fabulously vivid hues on the catwalk this season and these colours can brighten our mood and put a spring in our step when we wear them. However these fashionable shades don’t have to remain in our wardrobes – they are also perfect accent colours for our homes.  Read more... (350 words, 3 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Brushed metal furniture may give you impressions of a 1980s bachelor pad that tended to be all black leather and chrome but it can also hark back to an era of sophistication and class – that of the 1920s and 30s. The art deco period with its use of chrome, simplified lines and few embellishments was seen as glamorous, elegant, functional and modern and over 80 years later it can still feel like that.  Read more... (469 words, 3 images, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

[Main picture LAVISH Extra large sofa £3495; Red Turned wood floor £300; TUAREG Bright red rug £415; Louis console table by John Reeves, £695 Set of 3 red flocked wall ducks, £45 all from Heals]

There couldn’t be a better time than January to brighten up your home and your mood. If you want to add a splash of colour to your home then red is the hot choice. If finances are tight post Christmas you don’t have to spend a lot to change the feel of your place. A couple of extra cushions and a new canvas for the wall can make all the difference. And with a nice new look you may want to stay home more saving money for more homewares!  Read more... (352 words, 3 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

New year, new you, new excuse to blow the budget on some fabulous new furnishings.  Read more... (431 words, 2 images, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)

While winter might be cold and grey, Christmas is a great time to brighten the house and enjoy some added colour.  Read more... (528 words, 4 images, estimated 2:07 mins reading time)