Latest Living Insights (327 articles)

Oh, hello there! It’s Sophie. I was just admiring my little balcony garden here in Lyon, and it got me thinking about something I get asked quite a bit, especially as the days start to get a bit shorter and the air crisper. You know, the perennial question: “Do I really need to water my plants in winter?” Honestly, for the longest time, I thought winter was the season for plants to just… snooze. My grandmother, bless her, always seemed to treat her winter-faring plants like delicate china, tucked away and barely touched. But, as we all know, our climate is changing, and our European gardens, even the ones on the smallest of city balconies, are feeling it. Plus, the way we approach our homes and our lives has shifted, hasn’t it? We’re all striving for a more sustainable, more connected way of living, and that extends to our green companions. ...

Stop Planting Pansies: Grow These Instead to Save Bees in Winter Hello friends! Sophie here, coming to you from my slightly-too-chilly-for-February balcony in Brussels. It’s that in-between time of year, isn’t it? The holidays are a distant memory, and while we’re all dreaming of spring pastels and longer days, there’s a certain starkness to our gardens and window boxes right now. In my home, I’ve always found this time of year a good moment for reflection, and frankly, for re-evaluation. I’ve spent years as an industry analyst, dissecting trends, and more recently, I’ve channeled that analytical mind into my passion for creating beautiful, sustainable living spaces, particularly with that wonderful European sensibility we all love. And this year, my reflection turned to our smallest, buzziest friends. ...

Stillness Season: Why Winter Gardening Might Be the Most Powerful Mood Booster of All Ah, my dear friend. You know, for years, I’ve been immersed in the world of design, dissecting spaces, understanding how light falls, how colours interact, and how textures can soothe or invigorate. I’ve travelled from the sun-drenched terraces of the Mediterranean to the cosy, timber-clad homes of Scandinavia, absorbing the essence of what makes a space truly feel like home. And you know what? It’s not always about the vibrant bursts of summer. Sometimes, the quiet, the stillness, holds a magic all its own. ...

Bringing the Sparkle Back: My Top Picks for Pressure Washers in 2026 Ah, spring is finally peeking around the corner here in Europe! You know, that magical time when the days lengthen, the birds start their cheerful chirping, and our outdoor spaces – which have been hibernating all winter – suddenly look… well, a bit sad. In my home, it’s the cue to shed the woollens and get out there. But before I can truly enjoy my little patch of green, there’s always that conversation: “What are we doing about the patio this year?” ...

Ah, bonjour, my dear friend! Sophie here, straight from my little studio in Paris, the scent of fresh coffee and blooming jasmine wafting through the open window. You know, lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about roots. Not just the literal kind in our gardens, but the roots of what makes a home feel truly ours. And that, for me, has become intrinsically linked with the idea of growing our own food. It’s a beautiful, tangible connection to the earth, isn’t it? ...

Bonjour, mes amis! Sophie here, your resident industry analyst with a penchant for all things design and a deep love for the European way of life. Today, we’re talking about a topic that might seem a little out of my usual wheelhouse – the “best riding lawn mower.” But bear with me, because as I’ve discovered over the years, even the most practical aspects of homeownership can be approached with a touch of design sensibility and a whole lot of consideration for our lifestyle. ...

Spring Awakening for Your Hands: My Top 16 Gardening Gloves for 2026 Ah, spring! It’s that magical time of year when the earth stirs, and my thoughts, like so many of you, turn to the garden. In my home, just outside of Paris, the first blush of crocuses and the brave little shoots of tulips are a welcome sight. But with that beauty comes work, and if there’s one piece of equipment I’ve learned to cherish, it’s a good pair of gardening gloves. After years of battling thorny roses and damp soil, I’ve discovered that the right gloves aren’t just about protection; they’re about connection – with the earth, with the plants, and with the sheer joy of creating something beautiful. ...

Hello my dears, January, isn’t it just a bit… grey? Here in Europe, after the festive sparkle fades, it often feels like we’re collectively holding our breath, waiting for the first whisper of spring. The days are short, the sky is often a uniform, muted canvas, and frankly, my wardrobe often reflects the mood – lots of cosy, but rather serious, neutrals. This year, however, I had a delightful jolt of colour, a premature burst of spring that has me utterly buzzing. And you know what? It came from the most unexpected corner. Forget the muted tones of winter, because I’m here to tell you that blue is the hottest colour of 2026, and to my utter surprise, no one is using this calming hue better than Primark’s spring collection. Yes, you heard me right, Primark! ...

From My Terrace to Yours: 13 Pizza Ovens That Will Make You Forget the Pizzeria Ah, the humble pizza. For us Europeans, it’s more than just food; it’s a ritual, a gathering, a taste of home, no matter where you are. And while I adore venturing out to my favourite trattoria, there’s a unique joy in recreating that authentic, blistered-crust magic right in my own garden. For years, I’ve been exploring ways to bring that restaurant-quality flavour home, and let me tell you, the journey has been… illuminating! ...

My Secret to a Winter-Ready Haven: Hunkering Down in Style, European-ly Ah, winter. That magical, sometimes melancholic, season that whispers tales of snow-laden landscapes and the irresistible pull of a warm hearth. As the days grow shorter and a chill creeps into the air, my thoughts naturally turn inward, towards creating a home that’s not just a shelter, but a true sanctuary. In my European living, we understand the art of embracing the seasons, and for me, that means designing a space so utterly cosy and comforting, you’ll want to hunker down for the rest of winter. ...