Articles by Sarah Alcroft

Two of the most important elements in a home are daylight and well-functioning storage, and this Victorian row house in London was in need of both. Some of the rooms were dark, many had haphazard storage, and the decor was tired. So the owners invited…

An outdoor space — whether a yard, patio or deck — is high on many homeowners’ entertaining wish lists. Whether you like to have a crowd over for cocktails, a few friends for dinner or a small gathering for drinks around a fire pit, the right lighting…

An outdoor space — whether a yard, patio or deck — is high on many homeowners’ entertaining wish lists. Whether you like to have a crowd over for cocktails, a few friends for dinner or a small gathering for drinks around a fire pit, the right lighting…

There was a definite mood of comfort and character at this year’s Surface Design Show, held Feb. 3-5, 2026, at the Business Design Centre, London, with warm colors, imperfect finishes, tactile surfaces and personalized designs all speaking to our desi…

It’s not unusual for two people to have different tastes, and these London homeowners were no exception. When it came to their backyard, the husband wanted wild, while the wife preferred a more formal look. Landscape designer Fi Boyle artfully blended…

The low, beamed ceiling in this room presented a challenge for kitchen specialist Chisholm Design: how to incorporate plentiful storage without the space feeling cramped. This was especially important because the front of the English house dates from …

The low, beamed ceiling in this room in a centuries-old English house presented a challenge for kitchen specialist Chisholm Design. The firm had been tasked with creating a kitchen here where there once was none. In doing so, they needed to incorporat…

Slick modern style has its place, but the owner of this five-story London property, part of a converted Victorian school, loves a rustic look and details with character, so the generic style of his new home wasn’t ideal. In addition, he’s a keen cook,…

When it comes to paths and steps, lighting needs to be practical to prevent trips and falls. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that look good, add ambiance and safely light the way. Fixtures can be subtle at night and nearly disappear during th…

Outdoor spaces aren’t always appealing year-round, so when the owners of this property in London asked for exactly that, designer Diana Bejanaru of Imago Gardens Design and Landscaping had her work cut out. What she’s created is a lush backyard haven …