If 2026 has a defining interior mood, it’s this: homes are moving away from glossy, “show-home” perfection and back toward spaces that feel human. The good news is that “character” doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations or dramatic statements. It’s usually the layering of a few smart choices. Embrace curated calm with texture and layering “Curated calm” is essentially depth without clutter. Instead of relying on one big feature, it’s built through materials that make a room feel inviting with textures that catch the light and feel good to live with. Easy ways to add instant texture: Swap flat cushions for mixed fabrics (bouclé + linen + a knitted throw). Introduce natural surfaces (a wood side table, a stoneware lamp base, a woven basket). Layer rugs (or choose one with visible weave and subtle patterning). Add “soft contrast” with warm neutrals and earthy tones rather than stark white-on-white.
Add architectural interest through colour, panelling and doors Character often comes from the little details that make a space feel designed, not just decorated. Paint is the simplest tool here: colour-drenching, warmer earthy palettes, and bolder-but-balanced tones are all being pushed as 2026-friendly…

Devon’s RESET Energy Advice team are helping people reduce their energy bills and achieve a sunnier outlook for their finances this winter. The programme, run by Citizens Advice, covers Plymouth, Torbay, Exeter, the South Hams, Teignbridge and East Devon, and helps people out of fuel poverty towards a more sustainable financial future. RESET Project Leader, Aaron Hughes, said: “We know many people in our local communities are already facing hardship with the continued rising costs of food, water, rent and fuel. As we head into winter, more people we see are facing the impossible choice of heating or eating. “Our expert team works intensively with the most vulnerable households to see if they’re paying too much for their gas and electricity, help them understand their bills, find ways of saving energy around the home and ensuring they’re getting all the support they need, such as available benefits.” Energy RESET is a two-year, £450k scheme to address fuel poverty in southern Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. According to the latest government statistics, more than 45,000 households in the RESET area are living in fuel poverty (1), including 11.6% of all -households in Exeter, 11.4% in the South…

It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.  Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.  Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV.  RSV can make young babies and older adults seriously ill, and protection is passed on to babies through the placenta when the vaccination is taken up during pregnancy.  Protect your loved ones this Christmas The NHS in Devon is encouraging those eligible to come forward for their vaccination ahead of Christmas. During the holidays we all spend more time indoors and socialise more, making it easier for viruses to spread and putting those more vulnerable at increased risk.  A comprehensive vaccination programme has been underway in Devon since the beginning of September, seeing high numbers of clinics being offered…