Since co-founding the travel website Mr & Mrs Smith (with his wife Tam), James Lohan has become a connoisseur in interior design. Last month, the father-of-two launched Smithandfamily.co.uk, a collection of parent-approved hotels for families who want style – and happy children. He talks to Annie Deakin about unusual interiors and common decorating mistakes.
Monday 23 April 2012
The Serpentine Gallery's retrospective of Hans-Peter Feldmann proves that this prankster's work is playful but far from puerile, says Adrian Hamilton
Sunday 22 April 2012
An 18th-century townhouse has been turned into a warm and elegant residence by its Algerian owner, says William Cook
Wednesday 18 April 2012
A family of travellers forced some of the most vulnerable men in society to work for them on a site "like a concentration camp", a court heard today.
Saturday 14 April 2012
Don't just spoon it on to the side of your plate, says our chef – use mustard to create delicious sauces and accompaniments to meat and fish dishes.
Thursday 12 April 2012
A man stabbed by his partner tried to propose to her in court after she was jailed for three years for the attack.
Wednesday 11 April 2012
You don’t have to live in a warehouse or a converted factory to bring this year’s industrial look into your home, says Emily Jenkinson
Tuesday 03 April 2012
Saturday 24 March 2012
I'm not a great shopper. So it was quite a surprise this week to find myself more than a hundred miles from home, in a barn, now remodelled as Baileys Home Store, shopping like mad. This particular barn – pinkish Herefordshire stone, tarred clapboard, slate roof – is the sort of place where you walk in and say "I want one of everything". Even if you've already got several of the same at home. Never have oak plant labels stacked in a basket looked so good. Set dressing is a great art and Mark and Sally Bailey do it brilliantly: old wooden wheelbarrows, wooden sledges and wooden ladders are the background props for a mixture of vintage, recycled and new goods, all chosen because they are simple, useful and beautiful. Plastic? Don't even mention the word.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Their appearance is a sure sign that spring is on the way.
Friday 23 March 2012
Don't get your fingers burnt by choosing the wrong model. Here are our top picks for grill-seekers
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Nook is donating eReaders to volunteers at high-need schools and participating in exclusive events throughout the campaign.
Get the latest on The Evening Standard's campaign to get London's children reading.
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Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
