Decor 101

We all have our talents, and one of mine is packing lightly. I’ve got it down to a fine art, and people are always amazed when I head off for a fortnight or more with only a small wheelie case in tow. This weekend I’ll be embarking on a 12-day road trip around northern Spain, and as usual I’ll be travelling with cabin luggage only. It’s years since I last checked anything into the hold , and I don’t plan on doing so again any time soon – I can skip straight past the airport bag-drop queues, and I never have the nervous wait at the baggage belt to find out if my case has got lost, stolen or damaged. It’s particularly useful when changing flights – last month, for example, a weather delay meant I ended up with a 10-minute connection window in Stockholm, and after a mad dash from one end of the terminal to the other, I managed to board my next plane with only seconds to spare. I know from other passengers transferring between the same flights that checked bags didn’t make it, and the...

I often find myself using plinths and pedestals in my client designs and styling work. They may sound rather grand – the kind of thing you’d find in a museum rather than a home – but they’re incredibly useful. They’re ideal for showcasing ceramics, plants and vases of flowers, drawing attention to something that might otherwise get lost within the wider space, and they can double as side tables , nightstands and more. They’re also very handy if you need to add a bit of height to show off a favourite object or elevate a flat-looking room, and they can create instant focal points out of otherwise-empty corners. Here are 16 of the best plinths and pedestals for minimalist interiors, with options to suit all budgets and sizes of space. There’s also a range of designs and materials, from rustic oak to sleek walnut, marble and metal. And to help you make the most of the decorative possibilities that plinths and pedestals can offer, I’ve included a few tips on choosing, positioning and s...