17 BARE NECESSITIES

Renters and new homeowners should have Made.com on their radar. The online retailer, known for making designer furniture more affordable by cutting out the middleman, has released its new ‘Essentials’ collection – with even more new designs set to launch in September. The pared-down pieces come in a neutral palette with the occasional pop of colour, making them a great base for your personal style. Covering everything from wine glasses and placemats to rugs, shelving, beds and more, the range is a complete starter set for anyone in a furnishing fix. ‘Alida’ home office set, £29; ‘Kleur’ shelves, £139; ‘Elkan’ rug, £89 (made.com).

Why do I love it?

As a self-confessed homeware obsessive and high street native, shopping in H&M’S homeware department is something of a spiritual experience for me. Having just moved into a new flat, I’ve been spending a little too much time in its Oxford Street branch – everything in there looks like it’s jumped straight off of a Pinterest board.

What is it best for?

Bedlinen, curtains and rugs – H&M has a swoon-worthy library of textiles to suit all colour palettes, from dusky greys and pastel pinks through to mustard yellows and botanical greens. My top picks: The slub-weave cushion cover (£6.99), with its eye-catching fish design, large smokeygrey glass vase (£19.99), wooden box (£17.99), and pale green and brass tealight holder (£2.99; hm.com).