Ideal for those looking for ideas on adding some unique flourishes to their interior design.

If you’re the sort of artist or home decorator who likes to seek inspiration from nature, you might be feeling a little cooped up and starved of ideas right now.. 

But art is about innovation, and staying home doesn’t have to mean stifling your creative tendencies when you’re seeking new stuff to adorn the walls of your gaff. 

Indeed, lockdown has actually inspired some pretty bright and inventive ideas, such as the Getty Museum Challenge. The project invites individuals to recreate famous artworks from their own homes using everyday objects, and social media users around the world have risen to the challenge, reimagining works by Edvard Munch, Johannes Vermeer, Dali, Picasso and Van Gogh, amongst others. The responses were derived from little more than simplicity and imagination, and have produced impressive, often hilarious results.

If you’re looking to start your own lockdown art project that doesn’t require painstakingly acquired arts and crafts supplies, then first, some inspiration; here are 4 inspiring artworks created from household objects, IDEAL for those looking for ideas on adding some unique flourishes to their interior design.

UMBRELLA PROJECT AT HEATHROW AIRPORT

This ambitious project was created in 2019 and displayed in Heathrow Airport from June to October of that year. 

The concept was developed by the ADHD foundation to raise awareness of conditions and diagnoses included under the umbrella terms of autism and ADHD. The display featured 300 umbrellas suspended from the ceiling of Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5, and was put together by Meads Construction with the help of Ormiston Wire. In a time of protest and questioning authority, we predict that the umbrella installation may take on new significance in the coming years.

At home, pay homage to the piece by simply attaching an opened umbrella to your ceiling. Just mind that bad luck!

BLUFFS BY TARA DONOVAN

Artist Tara Donovan is known for her inventive use of household items and disposable goods such as toothpicks, paper plates, Styrofoam cups and straws to create sculptures that are visually surreal and texturally rich. 

‘Bluffs’ follows in that same tradition. The 2006 piece uses buttons and glue to create rising stalagmites that at a distance are almost indistinguishable from the sort of formation you may expect to find in any natural setting. In the contemporary context, Bluffs can be interpreted as a comment on the disposable, wasteful culture which permeates modern day life.

At home, by recycling conscientiously, or upcycling old items to have new uses, you can channel the energy of the piece.

STOP THINK MAKE BY DOMENIC BAHMANN

In 2013, artist Domenic Bahmann challenged himself to create one new piece per week. He christened the productive project ‘Stop Think Make’ and said it inspired him “to see the world in the way I used to when I was a child.”

Choice highlights from his playful, prolific endeavours include the Avocadosaurus (a dinosaur built from avocado shells), ‘Takeaway’, a recreation of the famous McDonald’s golden arches using banana peels, and ‘Board Meeting’, which sees a collection of onions and potatoes studiously gathered around a chopping board.

At home, root around in your compost bin for inspiration.

GIRL WITH LUTE BY CHRISTIAN FAUR 

Wax crayons are Christian Faur’s signature medium, but his use of them is unlike anything you’ve likely seen before. 

Each of his pieces uses hundreds and thousands of individual crayons to create pixel-esque images. His individual works incorporate a number of visual styles, including works such as ‘Girl with Cigarette’, ‘Pinterest Pygmalion’ and ‘Target’, which draw upon more recognisably modern imagery. 

But ‘Girl with Lute’ takes its influence from a Baroque painting by Italian artist Oraxio Gentileschi, presenting its subject in Faur’s own unique and charming style. A whole collage of influences, this, resulting in something wholly individual.

At home, simply take a selfie or photo of a family member, and pixelate it. Mind it doesn’t turn out looking like CCTV footage from Crimewatch!

If you’re looking for further inspiration, on positioning, placement, piece choice and more, then check out our 8 tips on choosing the IDEAL artwork for your living room, and keep on clicking on.

Hands up who didn’t use lockdown as an opportunity to become a master sourdough baker, write a novel, start a lucrative side hustle or finally put those oil paints to canvas? It’s been a stressful time and you know what? It’s perfectly fine if you just kicked back and tried to make sense of things.

That said, just because lockdown is lifting doesn’t mean you should put those curious, inquisitive ambitions on hold. Quite the opposite. Free from the pressure of self-isolation sanctimony, now is the time to truly embrace a new pastime which satisfies your hunger for learning, inquiry and self-improvement. With that in mind, here are 5 hobbies IDEAL for challenging your curiosity.

LEARN TO PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Learning to play a musical instrument has proven to have significant effects on intelligence and creativity in individuals. 

In fact, studies show that playing the piano can aid a person’s cognitive development, along with helping to develop better eye-hand coordination and encouraging fine-motor skills improvement. On top of that (and acknowledging the crooked nature of IQ tests, in general) playing a musical instrument increases IQ by seven points or more, whether you are a kid or an adult. 

Wait, there’s more; playing an instrument can contribute to stress relief, better breathing control, improved listening abilities and it can even be considered as exercise. So, what are you waiting for?

MASTER A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Put paid to that well deserved stereotype that Brits are useless foreign language learners by putting in the effort to learn one. Second (or third, or fourth…) language proficiency is not only an excellent way to satisfy your curiosity, but it’s also an incredibly useful skill to have both on your CV and in life. Though mastering a foreign tongue may be challenging, it’s an incredibly worthwhile pursuit. 

Why not go think globally here and beyond the ol’ ‘dos cerveza por favor’ bit? You can try picking up the intricate, beautiful, but actually the ‘world’s easiest writing system’, the Hangul (Korean alphabet), and gain a better understanding of the fascinating facets of Korean culture. Or, you could try your hand at the world’s most spoken language, Mandarin Chinese, in doing so improving your job prospects immeasurably. 

Though traditional face-to-face tutoring with a native speaker is still the most effective way to learn a new language, there are also plenty of free apps out there which can assist in the early stages of language acquisition. Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, in particular, have revolutionised, the way we learn languages and both offer free versions, which although limited in scope and reach, provide an opportunity to get some beginner words under your belt. Unfortunately, they don’t offer much in the way of more advanced learning, like grammar and conversational skills, but if you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to start learning a new language, then download away.

ABSORB INFOTAINMENT 

A passive activity which can teach us something? Sign us up! 

Indeed, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your curiosity and pep up your general knowledge without you having to do very much at all. You will actually have to sign up, to Netflix, Amazon Prime or Sky, but in doing you’ll open up a treasure trove of documentaries on a vast range of topics. 

Better still are informative, entertaining podcasts which you can listen to while falling asleep, during exercise, or even when you’re in the bath, and absorb tonnes of fascinating insights in the process. We absolutely love the US podcast ‘Stuff To Blow Your Mind’ which takes deep dives into all manner of topics with precision and depth, both supported by historical, literary and cultural references, and scientific research, too.

We’re also currently enjoying Dissect Podcast, which analyses contemporary albums, such as Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Lemonade by Beyonce, in serialised, song-by-song episodes with forensic precision. Superb! 

THE ART OF WATCHMAKING

To some, the lockdown days seem to be passing incredibly slowly. For others, time is just flying by. According to experts, this is because we create our own subjective experience of time in our mind, and unsurprisingly, this doesn’t always match up with what the hands on the clock say.

Perhaps now is the perfect time to get to better grips with the passing of it? Right now we’re fixated on the art of watchmaking, with online tutorials and horology books shedding light on this hugely valuable skill. If you’d like to take this curiosity to the next level, you can even take classes and enroll in watchmaking institutes. If you’re planning on taking things up a notch and go from hands off to horologist, then find a local watchmaker supply to get your hands on some high-quality mechanical parts and apply what you learn. Who knows, watchmaking might even be your calling?

VOLUNTEERING FOR SOCIAL WORK

Sure, you can foster a sense of inquisitiveness at home and satisfy purely selfish desires. No one is judging you for that. But if you’re looking to nurture your soul, the best way to do so is by giving back. 

Consider volunteering in your community to lend a hand during this particularly difficult of times. Across the UK, the Trussell Trust charity supports 1’200 food banks, and are always in need of volunteers and donations. Another group who do ceaseless, sterling work in the community are leading UK homelessness charity Shelter, who have volunteering roles in shops, at events, and in the local community helping those of no fixed abode first hand. During the coronavirus crisis, most volunteering opportunities are on hold, but keep an eye on the Volunteer for Shelter website for updates on when this will be resumed.

THE BOTTOM LINE

We devote so much of our time to screen, devices, gizmos and gadgets. But there’s so much to be said to putting down our phones and instead picking up a new hobby. Perhaps we’ll bump into each other at the Tarot Card Collecting Convention next year? We can’t wait!

Ideal for those wanting to capitalise on Britain’s love affair with glamorous camping.

Last year, summer staycation searches and bookings were up by a third in the UK, and with the Great British outdoors at its most splendid during these months, it’s easy to see why. Blessed with gorgeous countryside, a varied, interesting landscape, and hiking, rambling and wildlife watching opportunities aplenty, it seems that the United Kingdom comes into its own the more rurally you venture.

That said, us Brits don’t exactly love to slum it. Sure, we like to imagine nights spent under the stars, wearing nothing but leaves, bathing in lakes and catching supper with our bare hands, but in reality, we all love a little comfort. 

Many entrepreneurs realise this and have alighted on a magic formula for staycation success; glamping. If you’re considering getting involved, there are first a few key considerations you should bear in mind. These are those; our 5 tips for setting up a successful glamping business, IDEAL for those wanting to capitalise on Britain’s love affair with glamorous camping.

SEEK PERMITS & PLANNING PERMISSION EARLY ON

Here’s the good news; most local authorities want to develop and diversify tourism in their area. Since glamping is considered an incredibly sustainable, low impact form of holiday accommodation which allows visitors to see a region at its very best, most local councils are keen to encourage more dedicated glamping sites in their jurisdiction. 

That said, the application process is likely to take a few months at a minimum, so it’s crucial you start seeking any permits and planning permission required early on. To achieve the necessary permissions, it’s likely necessary to present a plan which doesn’t occupy any National Parks, Heritage sites or any area considered a greenbelt; the decision if you do choose to potentially pitch your business there is likely to be a negative one.

Instead, it might be more prudent to envisage your glamping business’ premises on agricultural land, since the National Planning Policy Framework makes allowances for these businesses to diversify into other channels. Perhaps most importantly, local councils are almost certain to reject your application if there are underlying access issues to your proposed site; make sure there are clear, distinct roads and thoroughfares linking it to the wider community in your plans. Most agricultural land comes with access as standard. 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ABODE 

Glamping is, of course, defined by the type of accommodation you offer. It has to be several notches up from a pitched tent in terms of comforts and amenities, but it still has to have an free-spirited, outdoorsy soul to make it worthwhile and unique as a proposition.

So, the kind of glamping abode you offer is what is going to set you apart from the competition, both in terms of other glamping offers in the local vicinity and the region’s competing holiday accommodation as a whole. Yurts, huts, treehouses, ecopods, the iconic bell tents, shepherd’s huts and traveller caravans…..the aesthetic considerations are diverse. That said, it’s vital that you factor some original aspects into your design to stand out; the more creative and unique the better when it comes to designing your glamping accommodation. Otherwise, punters may be left wondering why they didn’t simply stay in a hotel.

To really channel the correct energy, of comfort combined with a connection to nature, consider hiring an architect to design a micro holiday home. Since this is the defining feature of your glamping business, it’s an aspect that needs to be right aesthetically, designed with sustainability at the forefront of your thinking, and workable within a tight budget. Deferring to the professionals here will likely save you money in the long run.

NATURAL ASSETS

We’ve already spoken about offering that unique glamping structure which differentiates you from the pack. But even more than the type of accommodation you offer, people choose to go glamping because of its connection with nature. Channel the energy of a symbiotic relationship between ‘tent’ and terrain and you’ve hit upon the magic formula for a successful glamping business, we think.

Those who choose this type of accommodation are looking for that ‘sleeping under the stars’ ethos, and as such, want to feel as connected to nature as possible. Since this right here is luxury outdoor living, you need to offer a fantastic location which boasts natural assets  – woods, a gorgeous lake or lagoon nearby, or house your site as close to the coastline as is allowed. When you’re in and amongst such gorgeous natural beauty, make the most of it! The rest, we think, writes itself. 

THE LUXURY EXTRAS 

Actually, we have to write it. And if you’re intent on channeling the glamorous bit of ‘glamping’ – and charging prices to match – then you’re going to need to bestow your potential plot with luxury features which elevate things from the good to the great. The last thing you want is punters to think that they’ve been short changed. If at any point they wonder if ‘normal camping would have been just as good’, then you’ve done it wrong, and repeat custom is unlikely.

Stand out. Some of the most premium glamping sites offer a hot tub or sauna as standard, and this is a succinct, surprisingly inexpensive way to symbolise ‘luxury’. To further define yourself as high end, consider outfitting your accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, plush beds and luxe linens. And just because this is, in essence, a glorified camping experience, doesn’t mean that certain elements of hospitality should be ignored. To really differentiate, provide daily housekeeping and offer a turndown service; that little suggestion of luxury which really stands out in the rural, outdoorsy setting.

CONSIDER A THEME THAT MEETS A NEED 

Though the core ingredients of great glamping are clear; nature, comfort and a sense of tranquility, you’d be surprised at the divergence in what people want and expect from their glamorous camping experience. Some may be after a secluded space – somewhere to renew and recharge – while others may want a more social space where they can throw a party and get loose. 

While the temptation might be there to cast your net wide and ‘please everybody’, with the proliferance of glamping within the UK staycation sector recently, we’d actually recommend pivoting to a theme of sorts, to differentiate, stand out and offer something unique.

Should you be wanting to corner the wellness market, for instance, offer free morning yoga classes, an extra tent for meditative moments, and fresh fruit smoothies supplied each morning. If it’s more of a festival atmosphere you’re going for, consider investing in a decent PA system, and have a bar on site.

In harnessing the power of nature, channeling that relationship between comfort and nature, and by focusing on details specific to potential punters’ needs and wants, there’s no reason you can’t make your glamping business a success. Good luck, and care to invite us to stay sometime?

Ideal for film buffs looking for somewhere special for their next night out.

An integral part of artistic and social comminutes, independent cinemas have been putting people over profit in the film world for decades now. Charming punters with design quirks, discounts and discussion, we just love this country’s film scene at grassroots level, and nowhere offers a better place to celebrate it than here; at these 5 independent UK cinemas you just have to visit, IDEAL for film buffs looking for somewhere special for their next night out. 

ILKLEY CINEMA, ILKLEY

Ilkey Cinema lies within the ward of Bradford, which is the World’s first UNESCO City of Film – a permanent title bestowed on the city because of its ‘rich heritage of film’. It’s been the location for many great flicks and TV series over the years, with Peaky Blinders, Downtown Abbey, The King’s Speech, Victoria, God’s Own Country and many more hosting scenes in and around Bradford. Perhaps this is what inspired the creative energy which has gone into the fabulous independent cinema.

Halliday Clark, the architects behind the project, turned this former nightclub into somewhere truly special. Europe’s smallest of its kind, the space is fully air conditioned, comfortable and roomy for its size, with armchairs in mismatched colours contributing to that sense you’re enjoying a film in your best mate’s living room, only better.

The cinema isn’t only devoted to film. In fact, they run a whole host of other happenings at the cinema though, like rock climbing and cycling cinema events, as well as live theatre performances.

HYDE PARK PICTURE HOUSE, LEEDS

Not to be outdone by their neighbours in Ilkley, Hyde Park Picture House is the self proclaimed ‘home of independent cinema in Leeds’ and we couldn’t agree more with that description. Housed on Brudenell Road, this Grade II listed building recently received backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund, meaning this gorgeous space now has funding to keep it looking as beautiful as ever.

Built by revered local architects Thomas Winn & Sons in 1914, HPPH is the only gaslit cinema remaining in the UK, and offers a diverse program of both big international releases and more niche arthouse offerings. With £2.3 million from the National Lottery going into a new, second screen and improved accessibility, we can’t wait to see what this fantastic independent cinema does next.

RITZY, BRIXTON 

One of the most iconic independent cinemas in the UK, the Ritzy, in the heart of bustling Brixton, is a film lover’s paradise. 

Built in 1911, originally the cinema contained just one, massive 750 seater auditorium, but has since gone through several restoration projects and is now a Grade II listed building. The most impactful update was carried out by Earle Architects, who made room for a foyer, kiosk and other features which eventually led to the venue managing to accommodate five screens and two bars, with the latter, named Upstairs, also hosting live music events and serving great food. Yep, this is one of the true independent heavy hitters on the country’s film circuit.

Should you be seeking further independent cinema fun in the local area, Clapham Picturehouse is 10 minutes just down the road, and is just as splendid as the Ritzy.

RIO, DALSTON 

On Dalston’s ever happening Kingsland Road stands the Rio, one of the UK’s most revered, beloved independent cinemas. The art deco exterior (which was lovingly restored in 2017 after a fundraising drive which achieved £125’000) is impactful and eye-catching, to say the least, and is one of the defining sites of Dalston.

Faithful to the ethos of any great independent cinema and also, as a non profit charity, the Rio plays a key role in the community, with heavily discounted seats offered to Hackney residents, matinee showings of classic films for care home residents and senior citizens, a regular parent and baby screening, cultural outreach programs and much more. It’s also the longest running community cinema in the country, and sets the tone with its philanthropic endeavours. Membership at Rio Cinema supports the local community and those in need; get involved!

LEWES DEPOT, LEWES

This three screen, state of the art independent cinema in Lewes hasn’t been around as long as some of the other inclusions on our list (Depot only opened in 2017), but it’s already become a treasured part of the Sussex town’s community and a cultural focal point to boot.

Here you’ll find an eclectic range of showings, from blockbusters to arthouse, documentaries to foreign language films and everything in between. Lewes Depot is run as a not-for-profit and has charitable status, and offers regular workshops, guest speakers and events designed to be inclusive to all in the community.

Depot also provides the opportunity for budding filmmakers to screen their work for the first time, and there’s a small gig venue and highly regarded restaurant serving sustainably sourced, light plates of deliciousness, too. Our favourite newcomer in the UK, make no mistake! 

Tired of sitting for hours on a salon chair getting your hair done? Even more tired of waiting for hairdressers to reopen? You’re not alone.

Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga have opened up not just themselves, but the world, to the wonder of hair extensions and wigs, with statistics showing that the global wig market is set to hit $10 billion in size by 2023.

Despite this amazing uptake, what defines a wig’s success most on an individual level is how well you can maintain that natural look when wearing one. The rule of thumb as far as wigs go is that if it looks “wiggy”, it’s just not working. The problem is, no one provides a handbook or manual on how you should go about choosing the best wig for that natural hair look.

Though it’s not a handbook, this should see you right; our 5 tips on choosing the IDEAL wig for natural hair.

GO FOR A ROOTED COLOR

If you’re buying a wig for the first time then you need to know about rooted colours which add a critical ingredient to the natural look of a wig; that element is dimension. What rooted colours do best is that they give the illusion that the hair growth is from your scalp. On top of that, they are associated with high-end salon craftsmanship, which is a big plus.

“But what if I’m not a fan of rooted colours, or I just can’t find one for my wig”, we hear you say.

Then go for a blend of two or more colours. This blend can still add that much-needed dimension, while not boxing you in to a particular set of shades. Alternatively, you can add further highlights to add that sense of fullness.

Just make sure that the item you pick doesn’t have a solid, blocky colour, which can rid the wig of dimension and make it look synthetic.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE, AND BEWARE OF ITS PLACEMENT

The size of your wig and how you wear it will determine whether it looks natural or not, regardless of whether the wig itself is made from human hair.

For instance, if you place the wig too far down on your forehead, its erroneous positioning will be noticeable. And if it is too big, trying to keep it in the correct, fixed place will be difficult, too.

So, what should you do?

Preferably, wear a nylon or mesh cap underneath the wig. The purpose of this cap is to conceal your natural hair and ensure any excess hair falls out under the wig. This allows the wig to lie naturally under your hairline, giving that much sought after natural look.

Read: 5 things to keep in mind when straightening your hair at home

GO FOR LACE FRONT CAPS

The cap construction of a wig is a great determinant of not only the versatility of styles you can apply to the wig but also how natural it looks.

And as far as choosing the cap goes, you don’t need to go all Money Heist just to achieve that natural look. There are two more affordable options on the market to choose from: lace front wigs and monofilament tops.

Lace front wigs, like this one from EvaWigs, are half machine-made and half hand-tied. This means that they can provide a natural-looking hairline, making it look like they’re coming right out of your scalp. Thus, you can pull the hair back off your face and still look natural.

Monofilament tops, on the other hand, give a similar natural look to that which lace front wigs provide. The only difference is each hair is sewn into the scalp to mimic how natural hair grows.

BLEND THE WIG WITH YOUR NATURAL HAIR

If you want a blended natural look – meaning your wig is supported by some of your real hair – then you need to find a way to blend the wig with your natural hair. U-part wigs, for instance, allow a bit of natural hair to pop at the front and blend in with the rest of the wig’s hair further back.

Should you opt for a different kind of wig but are still keen to blend your natural hair with it, then you can choose to wear it a little further back to expose your natural hair. This allows a bit of your natural hairline to be exposed and is a great alternative if you’re to wear any style aside from a lace front wig.

CONSIDER HAIR DENSITY

As our friends at www.keswigs.com tell us “great wigs aren’t cheap, and if you want yours to last a long time and look great, you’ll need to purchase the correct hair density”. When it comes to wigs, density is defined as how thick or thin you want your hair to . The standard density is 130% which is a medium Density. While the choice of density is up to you, the most realistic and natural looking density is a medium density of 120% to 130% – not to thick, not to thin, but just right.