LOOK AWAY DESIGN FROM A DISTANCE

You might not be able to have a new kitchen put in yet, but you start planning one. Companies such as Life Kitchens (lifekitchens.co.uk) and Magnet (magnet.co.uk) are offering video chats with designers who can then work on a bespoke design and post you door samples, so that you can have everything ready to go once restrictions are fully lifted.

Paint company Little Greene’s complimentary design service (littlegreene. com/videocolourconsultancy) involves a 30-minute video call with a colour consultant, before which you’ll be sent colour cards and brochures. Then the consultant will email a specification with their recommended paint and wallpaper colours, finishes and quantities required.

If you’re fed up with your flooring, you can book a video call with a surveyor at Carpetright (carpetright. co.uk), who can advise on carpets and rugs, wooden flooring, vinyl and artificial grass for the garden.

You can get samples through the post, and priority fitting once delivery resumes.

Furniture firm Att Pynta (attpynta.com) is hosting virtual showroom appointments to show off its range of Scandichic velvet and linen upholstery, rattan furniture and accessories, plus free interior design advice.

Homeware brand Oka’s designers are offering free virtual styling consultations to help you rearrange an area of your home, or even just a shelf or coffee table. For a full one-room design service, including a visual presentation and shopping list, the redeemable fee is £150, a 60 per cent discount on the usual price (oka.com).

Art is a sure-fire way to brighten up a room, but tricky when you can’t see it in person. New online platform Art Absolutely (artabsolutely. com) offers limited-edition, gallery-quality prints that can be customised. The virtual service helps you visualise a print in your room.