Author: Igor

Interior designers Los Angeles are often the hidden force behind homes that feel both personal and timeless.
The city itself is a living mood board, blending art deco history, Hollywood glamour, modern minimalism, and coastal casual into one unique design language.
But finding the right style for your own space isn’t just about scrolling through Pinterest boards—it’s about creating a home that feels like you.

When I first moved into a loft in Downtown LA, I thought I could handle the design myself.
The space had great bones: exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and massive factory-style windows.
Still, when it came time to furnish it, everything I bought looked good on its own but didn’t feel cohesive together.
That’s when I realized how much difference a professional eye can make.
Working with an experienced designer taught me that design isn’t about filling space—it’s about telling a story.

For anyone ready to elevate their living environment, exploring interior designers Los Angeles is often the first step toward achieving a home that blends comfort, personality, and long-lasting style.

The Energy of Los Angeles Living

Los Angeles is a city of contrasts.
One day you’re walking through the sleek interiors of Beverly Hills mansions, and the next you’re visiting a sun-soaked Venice Beach bungalow.
Design here reflects lifestyles that are just as varied.
Minimalist spaces fit tech-driven professionals, while layered, bohemian homes echo the creative spirit of artists and musicians.

An interior designer who truly understands the city knows how to blend these influences.
Instead of following fleeting trends, they create spaces that remain relevant even as your lifestyle shifts.
That balance between modern flair and timeless comfort is what makes design in LA so distinct.

Why Hiring a Designer Saves More Than Just Time

Most people assume hiring a designer is only about making a home look beautiful.
But the real value often lies in saving money and avoiding costly mistakes.

Take a friend of mine in Silver Lake.
She ordered a custom sofa online that looked stunning in the photos.
When it finally arrived, it barely fit through the door and overwhelmed her living room.
A designer would have measured the space beforehand, considered flow, and sourced a piece that worked from both a practical and aesthetic standpoint.

The guidance of a professional ensures that each purchase serves a purpose.
From layout planning to lighting choices, their expertise means you avoid the trial-and-error process that most of us face when decorating.

Storytelling Through Design

Every home tells a story, and in Los Angeles, that story often reflects the dreams that brought people here.
One designer I worked with encouraged me to use mementos from my travels instead of generic décor.
We turned a textile I bought in Oaxaca into framed wall art and paired it with locally crafted ceramics.
Suddenly, my space wasn’t just stylish—it felt personal.

Designers excel at uncovering those hidden details in your life and weaving them into a narrative.
The end result isn’t just a beautiful home—it’s a space that feels authentically yours.

Balancing Trends With Timelessness

Trends can be tempting, especially in a city that constantly pushes the edge of fashion and design.
But a well-trained eye knows how to incorporate trends without letting them dominate.

For instance, the “all-white everything” look had its moment in LA interiors.
Designers who anticipated its short shelf life often recommended adding texture through wood, stone, or woven fabrics.
This way, even if the trend fades, the foundation of the space remains stylish and livable.

That’s the real strength of professional design—knowing which elements will evolve gracefully and which might make your home feel dated within a few years.

The Human Side of Collaboration

Working with a designer isn’t about giving up control.
It’s a collaboration.
When I redesigned my loft, the most surprising part was how much time my designer spent simply listening.
She asked questions about how I spend my mornings, whether I cook often, and even what colors I gravitate toward when choosing clothes.

Those details became the blueprint for the final design.
The result was a home that felt curated around my daily rhythms, not just styled for show.
That’s a level of personalization you can’t achieve through DIY decorating.

How the Process Usually Works

If you’ve never worked with a designer, the process might seem intimidating.
But in reality, it’s structured in a way that keeps you comfortable at every step.

• Initial Consultation: You share your goals, inspiration, and budget.

• Concept Development: The designer creates mood boards and sketches to visualize your options.

• Sourcing and Planning: Materials, furniture, and finishes are selected with precision.

• Execution: Contractors and installers bring the plan to life under the designer’s supervision.

This roadmap ensures that nothing is left to chance.
Each stage feels intentional, and you remain part of the decision-making without the stress of managing it all yourself.

Final Thoughts: A Home That Lasts

At the end of the day, interior designers are not just stylists—they’re problem solvers, storytellers, and visionaries.
In a city as diverse and fast-paced as Los Angeles, their role becomes even more vital.
They help transform the chaos of choices into a space that feels both practical and deeply personal.

Looking back at my own experience, I can say this with certainty: hiring a designer didn’t just change how my home looked—it changed how I lived in it.
The flow improved, the mood shifted, and the space finally reflected who I was.

That’s the real magic of design in Los Angeles.
It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a timeless home where every detail matters and every choice tells your story.

Oil prices go up and down due to environmental conditions, geopolitical tensions and ability of countries to take up the slack when supply is restricted elsewhere. Shipping is a major player in the delivery of oil and changes up and down in the price inevitably puts pressure on the companies and businesses, and their ability to make available maritime jobs and careers for those choosing such a path for their profession.

Specifically, to do with oil prices, worries recently over recent geopolitical tensions and tariff increases have created uncertainties for investors and therefore for the industries, that depend on oil, and those that supply the necessary infrastructure to keep oil travelling around the world. Tensions in the Middle East are putting a strain on the future assurances relied on by the rest of the particularly developed world for the supply of oil.

Oil prices went up by 12% after the attack by Israel on the Iranian oil facilities. Iran produces about 3.3 million barrels of oil per day and two million of these are exported. The International Energy Agency report that global oil demand is up to 103.9 million barrels per day. This sounds like a lot but when UAE and Sudi Arabia say they can pick up the slack when Iranian supplies are restricted by choice or otherwise it seems that any uncertainties can, with some degree of surprise, be managed. A greater concern is the fact that with the conflict between Iran and Israel, still threatening to continue or to pick up again, Iran could attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz to tankers or even worse, attack other countries’ tankers in that region.

Historical Indicators

In 2023 the European Central Bank published a report in which they suggest that the interplay of geopolitical uncertainty, oil prices and macroeconomics is not often straightforward. Their report made use of the impact of Brent Crude prices after the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers, wherein the price leapt 5% due to doubts over whether the Middle East could be relied upon to keep up the supply amid the tensions. But they were down by 25% after 14 days as fears that a slowing global economy would weaken oil demand, came to the fore. Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Brent prices went up 30% following the onset but were back at pre-invasion levels after 8 weeks.

It is called the convenience yield, where doubts over the supply of oil cause an increase in the value of holding oil contracts. This puts upward pressure on oil prices. Conversely it has to be added that, in the longer term, the economic channel activity comes into play where increased uncertainty weighs on investment and consumption, and can affect trade. This channel creates a downturn on global oil demand and prices. In other words, oil price pressure with regard to geopolitical shocks can be short-lived.

This has not always been the case. The shock to oil prices in 1973 and 1979 were followed by US recessions and the potential for a geopolitically driven oil price spike to upset the global economy does still concerns policymakers and investors. However, a model based on research done by The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas suggests that a large upturn in the risk of a type, known in1973/9, would only lower economic output by 0.12%. Again, it must be noted that the situation following the embargo in the 1973 crisis stands out as an exception in economics because global equity markets were still sharply lower some 12 months later.

It is expected that even though the Iran- Israel conflict can still have an adverse effect on the oil industry, the industry in general will be able to contain any large-scale problems.

There’s nothing quite like the buzz and excitement of Fresher’s Week. Soon, campuses across the UK and London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge student apartments will come alive with new faces, late nights, and the first taste of sweet independence. It’s thrilling, it’s a little chaotic, and – if you’re not careful – it can be quite overwhelming. Between registering for classes, navigating your new city and saying yes to every social invite, it’s easy to burn out before lectures have even started.

If you want to know how to make the most of the week without losing your voice (or student loan) in the process, here’s your go-to survival guide!

Tick off the boring stuff early

It might not be glamorous, but sorting out the admin in your first couple of days will save you a world of stress later. Register with a local GP as soon as you can – being ill and far from home is bad enough without scrambling for healthcare. The NHS recommends students get their MenACWY and MMR vaccines before term begins, so double-check you’re up to date.

Money is another big one. The banks know students are shopping around in September, which is why they roll out some of their best offers at this time of year – think 0% overdrafts, free railcards or even a cash bonus. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, then set yourself a weekly budget and switch on banking alerts so you don’t spend your rent money on freshers’ week cocktails.

And while you’re at it, ask yourself: Do I actually need a TV Licence? If you plan to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer in your room, the answer is yes. If not, you can save yourself the fee – though it’s worth checking the rules, as students who only live in halls during term time may qualify for a partial refund.

Say yes… but not to everything

The Freshers’ Fair is awash with opportunities. You’ll find every society imaginable, from five-a-side football to cheese appreciation clubs. Wander, chat, and sign up for a couple of groups you genuinely like the sound of – and maybe one that feels a bit out of your comfort zone. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people and start building a social circle.

At the same time, don’t skip your induction talks. They may not be as exciting as the first night out with your flatmates, but they’re where you’ll pick up crucial info: how to log in to your course portal, where the library hides its quietest corners, and which deadlines are looming sooner than you think. Future-you will be grateful you paid attention.

Keep your health (and your sanity) intact

Most students catch “Fresher’s flu” – a cocktail of colds and bugs that spread quickly when thousands of people suddenly share halls and lecture theatres. Stock up on tissues, stay hydrated, and don’t underestimate the power of an early night. If symptoms get worse or you’re worried it might be something more serious, NHS 111 is available 24/7 to help you decide what to do next.

If you’re drinking, pace yourself. Government guidelines suggest no more than 14 units a week, ideally spread over a few days with some alcohol-free nights in between. Keep an eye on your friends, watch your drinks, and if something feels off, ask bar staff for help. 

It might be embarrassing, but don’t forget about intimate health. Find your local clinic early; they offer free and confidential advice, contraception and testing. It’s far less daunting when you know where to go before you need it.

Look after your money and your safety

Unfortunately, Fresher’s Week is prime time for scams. The Student Loans Company warns of phishing emails and texts that ask for your bank details – don’t click on links, and always log in via the official SLC site. Rental scams and fake marketplace listings also spike in September, so trust your instincts: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Closer to home, take a few minutes to check the fire exits in your halls and make sure alarms are working. It might feel unnecessary now, but when someone inevitably sets fire to a pizza, knowing the quickest route out can make all the difference.

Balance buzz with balance

Fresher’s Week is meant to be fun, but it’s also about setting the tone for the year ahead. Once you’ve had your fair share of late nights, carve out a morning to organise your timetable, note down assessment deadlines, and plan when you’ll actually study. Even something as simple as batch-cooking a few meals can give you breathing space later when the essays start rolling in.

Remember, it’s okay to say no. Some of your best memories might come from low-key nights in, laughing over takeaway boxes with your flatmates.

Enjoy the start of something new

Fresher’s Week isn’t about doing everything – it’s about finding your rhythm. Take care of your health, look after your money, and leave enough space to enjoy the social side of university life. By the time your first lecture starts, you’ll feel less frazzled, more prepared, and ready to make the most of the years ahead.

With the warm summer months soon to give way to colder, wetter days, you might think it’s time to pack away your dehumidifier. Or, if it’s not something you’ve bought in the past, you probably wouldn’t consider getting on for the coming months. After all, we don’t often associate autumn or winter with humid weather.

You might be right. However, damp thrives in our houses because of the climate we live in. Cold winters, wet weather, central heating, drying clothes indoors – all elements that add up to excess moisture being trapped indoors. If left unchecked, this moisture can create the perfect conditions for mould to spread through your home.

The quickest way to fight back is (you’ve guessed it) a decent dehumidifier. Having one of these in your home helps to suck water out of the air and leave your home drier, warmer, and frankly much nicer to be in.

The tricky part is figuring out which one to buy – but don’t worry…this guide will help!

Do You Actually Need A Dehumidifier?

Sometimes the signs are obvious: windows that stream with condensation every morning, laundry that takes two days to dry on the radiator, or that slightly sour smell that never seems to disappear. In other cases, the warning signs creep up much more slowly – a patch of paint that bubbles, wallpaper that lifts at the edges, or a bit of black mould in the corner of a room, almost imperceptible unless you’re actually looking for it.

If you’re not sure whether damp is a problem in your home, a little gizmo called a hygrometer can help. They’re typically quite cheap, so you may be able to find them online for under a tenner. Once you’ve got your hands on one, it’ll tell you the humidity level of a room. Anything over 50% is generally too high, and a sign that a dehumidifier could make a big difference.

Picking the Right Type

Not all dehumidifiers work in the same way, though the most common are compressor models. These work brilliantly in heated homes, and are what most people go for. They’re solid, reliable, and good at keeping living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens dry – but admittedly, their weakness is cold weather, so you may want to consider something else for the winter months.

That’s where desiccant dehumidifiers come in. Instead of cooling air, they use an absorbent material to pull moisture out, which makes them far more effective in chilly spaces like lofts, basements or conservatories. They’re lighter, and usually quieter, though they can cost a bit more to run in warm rooms.

At the smaller end of the scale are Peltier dehumidifiers, also called thermo-electric units. These are compact, whisper-quiet, and perfect for little spaces like box rooms, cupboards or even caravans. Just don’t expect them to manage a damp open-plan living area.

How Big Should It Be?

When people talk about the “size” of a dehumidifier, they’re not talking about how tall or wide it is, but how much water it can pull out of the air in a day, which could be anything from a couple of hundred millilitres right up to 20 litres.

Generally speaking, a small one-litre machine should suit a single bedroom perfectly, but if you’ve got damp spreading across a lounge wall or condensation in multiple rooms, you’ll need something much bigger; A 10-20 litre unit is usually about right for family homes. Here’s a quick tip for you: it’s nearly always better to go a little larger than you think you’ll need. That way, you’re not forever emptying the tank, and it’ll cope when the weather gets really wet.

Features That Help

Modern dehumidifiers come with all sorts of bells and whistles, to varying degrees of usefulness, but there are a few features that genuinely make life easier, and are worth looking out for. “Laundry mode” (it might be called something else, depending on the model) is a lifesaver in winter when you’re drying clothes indoors, speeding things up and keeping damp smells at bay. A model with an automatic shut-off is another good find, since this means you won’t find the tank overflowing. Going a step further, if you can, look for a model that comes with a continuous drainage hose, which means you’ll barely have to think about emptying it at all. A built-in humidistat can also come in handy; set your preferred level, and let the machine adjust itself.

Will It Cost a Fortune to Run?

Bills are already a nuisance to pay, so the potential running costs of a good dehumidifier might cause some initial concern, or even act as an outright barrier. The truth is, while running costs do vary from one model to the next, they’re typically not as scary as you might think. A mini thermo-electric unit might cost you no more than a fiver a year. Larger compressor or desiccant models will add a bit more – somewhere between fifty and a hundred and fifty pounds, depending on how much you use them.

The nice thing is that dehumidifiers can help save you money elsewhere. Dry air heats up more efficiently, so you may find your heating bills dip. Plus, you’ll avoid spending on mould sprays, redecorating, or even replacing furniture damaged by damp. In many homes, the savings more than balance out the running cost.

Getting the Best Out of It

When you get your hands on a dehumidifier, don’t make the assumption that it’s a magic box that you can shove in a corner and forget about forever. Placement matters, and you should be looking to give it breathing space, keeping doors and windows shut while it’s on. If you’re targeting a particular damp wall or window, move it closer to the desired area. Keep on top of maintenance too –  empty and clean the tank regularly, dust the filters if it has them, and it should keep working well for years.

The Bottom Line

Damp is stubborn, annoying and kind of gross, but it isn’t unbeatable. With the right dehumidifier, you can banish condensation, protect your home from damage, and make every room feel fresher and warmer. The key is picking the right type and size for your space, then letting it do its quiet, steady work in the background. As with everything, do your research before buying and make sure you pick the best option for your specific needs.

 

Luxury isn’t what it used to be. Once upon a time, it meant gleaming marble floors, rare exotic hardwoods and glossy finishes designed to impress. In recent years, the definition of luxury has been (or is being) rewritten. True, enviable luxury today is not about lavish excess, but restraint, thoughtfulness and a sense of connection. More and more, homeowners are looking for spaces that combine elegance with responsibility, interiors that look refined but also feel restorative.

Natural materials sit at the heart of this development. Wood veneer, once seen as a behind-the-scenes material reserved for joinery, is stepping into the spotlight, in the form of wall panelling. Designers are choosing these as focal points of their work, not just for their warmth and versatility, but because it tells a story about how we live now: mindful of resources, attentive to provenance, and unwilling to compromise on beauty.

The wider design world is taking note, and from industry journals to lifestyle magazines, coverage in the past year has consistently highlighted natural textures as the defining mark of luxurious modern interiors.

Luxe Language

If you look at the top end of the market, the contrast with the past is striking. Where luxury once shouted from the rooftops, it now speaks in softer tones. The homes that feel most desirable are not those dripping in ornament, but those that are calm, tactile and exude an air of quiet confidence. Design gurus have already signalled a move towards moodier, richer wood tones in 2025 – a hop, step and jump away from stark white minimalism towards something more grounded and enduring.

It’s something more than colour palettes. The concept of wellness, of mindfulness, is becoming a design principle in its own right. Interiors are now being planned around natural light, acoustic comfort and biophilic cues, simply because people want homes that nurture “posi vibes” as well as impress. It’s no coincidence that the rise of eco-conscious interiors coincides with a growing cultural emphasis on mental health, rest and connection to nature. The two are intrinsically linked.

From Forest to Foyer

Part of what makes this new approach resonate is storytelling. Consumers want to know where their materials come from, how they are made, and what impact they have on the environment. Veneer has an answer that feels very much in tune with modern, eco-conscious sensibilities; by slicing timber into thin sheets, veneer makes it possible to use far less raw wood in the manufacturing process, while still capturing the grain, tone and the character of the tree. The effect is authentic, but the footprint is far lighter than solid wood offerings.

Just as efficiency matters, so too does transparency. Environmental Product Declarations are now more widely available for wood products, allowing both designers and homeowners to see clearly what they are choosing. Certification carries weight too, and the FSC logo (one to look out for) is instantly recognisable, with younger buyers in particular increasingly expecting to see it when selecting furniture or finishes.

Eco-Chic in Practice

So how does sustainable luxury actually take shape in our homes? The answer lies in the way designers are combining responsibility with style. Minimalism hasn’t disappeared altogether, but it has softened. Instead of white-on-white austerity, we are seeing pared-back spaces enriched with texture: a ribbed cabinet in walnut veneer, a matte stone countertop, linen upholstery that feels lived-in. This is minimalism with warmth, and veneer plays a central role in giving those spaces character.

The palette has grown as well. Pale Scandi oak is giving way to darker, moodier woods. Designers are mixing tones – walnut paired with lighter grains – to create contrast and depth without tipping into heaviness. Inspiration is also flowing from Milan Design Week 2025, where sculptural furniture and richly crafted natural surfaces were among the highlights. A veneered console with curved corners or a fluted sideboard in a warm finish brings some of that high-end sensibility into everyday homes.

Wellness is another aspect to interior design these days. Natural sightlines, acoustics softened by wood finishes and lighting that shifts with the day all feed into the sense of a home as a sanctuary. Veneer, with its calming textures, sits neatly within that movement. At the same time, we, the consumers, expect the sustainability story to be documented with facts, not promises – which is why designers are asking for proof, in the form of certifications and environmental disclosures.

Current Design Flows

The wider design conversation reinforces this change in direction. Warm minimalism – calm, uncluttered interiors enriched with natural materials – remains the dominant mood, but there’s also a playful twist moving to the forefront, in what some are calling “Scandi maximalism”. Layering of woods, patterns and colour within a Nordic framework give spaces more personality without losing clarity. Textural detail is another strong theme, and from curved cabinetry to ribbed panelling, designers are finding ways to make surfaces tactile, not just visual. Veneer, with its range of cuts and grains, lends itself to this beautifully, and in smaller urban spaces, where every inch matters, it provides warmth and polish without the bulk of solid timber.

Looking Ahead

The homes that will define the next chapter of luxury won’t be those packed with rare materials and shiny surfaces. They’ll be the ones that restore and ground us, that make us feel calm, and that tread lightly in their making. Veneer has a vital role to play here, since it offers the look and feel of natural wood while making smarter use of resources.

Eco-chic living shows that interiors can be both elegant and ethical, delivering beauty with a conscience. That is what luxury looks like now – quieter, warmer, and infinitely more meaningful.