InkSmithery
Bedroom Art That Helps You Sleep Without Being Boring
Restful doesn't have to mean beige. A look at why scenes work better than faces above the bed, which palettes actually help you wind down, and how to hang it.
Tips
Practical advice on choosing, placing, and looking after wall art, mugs, t-shirts, and other printed bits. New tips Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Mid-Century Modern vs Memphis: Two Movements, One Big Mix-Up
Both get called 'retro', both use bold shapes, and both turn up constantly on Pinterest — but mid-century modern and Memphis are wildly different beasts. Here's how to tell them apart.
Where to Hang Art in a Home Office Without Wrecking Your Video Calls
Where you hang art in a home office changes how it reads on camera — and the wall everyone wants to use is usually the worst choice. Here's what actually works.
On Giving a Gift After Someone Has Died
Why the usual sympathy gifts often miss the mark, what to send instead, and how to get the tone right when someone you love is grieving.
Grid vs Cluster Gallery Walls: Which Layout Suits Your Room
A symmetrical grid and a scattered cluster do completely different jobs on a wall. Here's how to work out which one your room is actually asking for.
Framing Art Prints Without Spending a Fortune
A practical guide to framing art prints on a budget — which standard sizes to buy, where to find cheap frames that don't look cheap, and whether you really need a mount.
Why Asymmetric Compositions Tend to Feel More Alive
Symmetry feels safe, but it can also flatten a room. A look at why off-centre compositions tend to hold the eye, and how to use that on your own walls.
Hanging Art Up a Staircase Without Making It Look Wonky
Stairwells are the room nobody designs. Here's how to hang art that follows the slope instead of fighting it — and survives the inevitable knocks.
Secret Santa gifts that aren't naff: the £15-25 sweet spot
Secret Santa pushes everyone towards novelty tat. With £15-25 to spend, you can do significantly better — and the humble mug is quietly the answer.
The Wall Behind You On Video Calls: A Better Approach
Most people default to one big print or a styled bookshelf behind them on calls. Both are weaker than two considered pieces hung at the right height — here's why.
Getting Tea and Coffee Stains Out of Mugs Without the Dishwasher
Bicarb, denture tablets, or salt and lemon — three gentle ways to shift built-up tea and coffee stains from a mug without risking the print in the dishwasher.
Cosy vs Cluttered: Adding Warmth Without Losing Space
Cosy and cluttered can look almost identical in a photo but feel completely different to live in. The honest difference, and how to add warmth without filling every surface.