Walking into the Contour House by NAMA interiors feels instantly calming. You are welcomed by soft curves and warm woods, which, together, create a space that’s modern and inviting. Every detail—from the sculpted wall panels to the subtle lighting—works together to shape a flowing atmosphere.
Let’s walk through this space, located in Kazakhstan, Astana, and take a closer look at how these elements come together to form a serene home.
The main living area sets the tone with soft neutrals and low, lounge-style seating. Light drapes filter the daylight, while the stone fireplace (linear style) adds a warm focal point without overwhelming the space. Every element stays clean and understated. This lets the textures do the talking.
The kitchen follows the same gentle rhythm. Warm wood cabinetry, a stone island, and slim black fixtures keep the look modern. The long suspended light adds a sculptural touch, creating a smooth visual line across the room. It’s functional but still feels like part of the design story.
The dining space brings everything together with a rich wood table and woven chairs that add subtle texture. A large globe pendant floats above, giving the area a soft glow.
The bedroom in the Contour House carries the same soft, neutral calm that defines the home. A low bed anchors the room, layered with gentle greys that feel relaxed. Behind it, a built-in desk creates a space-saving workspace, blending stone and wood for a modern look. The sculpted wall panel adds subtle depth and repeats the curved motif seen throughout the home.
This bedroom feels warm and calm, centered around a caramel feature wall with soft backlighting. A low upholstered bed keeps the look minimal. The built-in desk adds a clean and functional touch. Rounded details—the mirror, ottoman, and wardrobe handles—bring in gentle curves that match the home’s contour theme.
This bedroom brings a playful twist to the home’s calm aesthetic. The bold orange mural adds energy and movement. The soft grey bed keeps the space grounded. Built-in storage and a simple desk make the room practical, and the curved chair ties in with the home’s contour theme. Finally, soft toys help create a cheerful space.
This bedroom blends calm neutrals with a fun and built-in play zone, making it both relaxing and engaging. The soft upholstered bed anchors the room, while the climbing wall, ladder, rope, and gym rings add a playful touch. A simple nightstand with a cute character lamp keeps the look warm and child-friendly. On the other side, the minimalist study desk with open shelving gives plenty of room for creative projects.
The bathroom brings a bold edge to the home. Deep charcoal tiles frame the bathtub, while matte-black fixtures add a modern contrast. The floating vanity stands out with its striking orange drawers, paired with a smooth stone countertop and a backlit mirror that keeps the space bright and polished.
This bathroom blends luxury with a modern vibe. The matte stone walls create a calm backdrop, while the marble sink and glowing circular mirror add drama. A sleek black-framed shower with ribbed tile brings in texture, paired with bold black fixtures that feel crisp and contemporary. Soft wood accents warm up the space.
I don’t know about you, but it’s getting to that stage of winter where I’m beginning to get a little tired of cold, dark, gloomy weather and evenings spent indoors trying to keep warm on the sofa.
However, it’s almost as if M&S has read my mind, because I’ve just discovered *the* cosiest solution to my winter woes on the brand’s website, and it takes the form of the M&S Ribbed Fleece Electric Throw.
M&S
Ribbed Fleece Electric Throw
Now, as Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve seen my fair share of heated throws. After all, I’ve tested multiple options for my guide to the best electric blankets. But, this isn’t just any old heated blanket, no, this is an *M&S* heated blanket after all. And that means it’s made from *the* most super soft fleecy fabric.
It might not share quite the same name, but it’s clear that this ribbed fleece blanket is a sister to the M&S Cloud Fleece Bedding Set, which is currently flying off the shelves.
And whilst the Ribbed Fleece Electric Blanket is made from the same super cosy fleece as the duvet cover set, it also ups the snuggle-factor even further by offering six heat settings that turn super cosy into *uber* cosy.
(Image credit: M&S)
‘Good thickness and so soft,’ says one happy owner who gave the heated blanket a 5-star rating on the M&S website. ‘The controller has 6 levels of temperature, and it turns off automatically after 3 hours. It heats up really quickly on level 6 to be very warm, and I then turn it down to a lower level to stay nice and warm. Very glad I bought this.’
‘So so soft,’ shares another 5-star reviewer who also notes that the ‘levels of heat are really good… great value for money.’
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‘Gorgeous soft heated throw for the winter,’ says a third happy owner. ‘What’s not to love about it… I went back and bought a second one.’
(Image credit: M&S)
And with owners stocking up on multiple blankets (no doubt even more so with Christmas gifting firmly on the horizon), reviewers of the M&S Ribbed Fleece Electric do mention that it’s often out of stock.
At this time of year, nothing this cosy stays on the shelves for long, so I think it’s well worth snapping one up whilst both the cream and grey colourways are in stock and able to be delivered before Christmas.
Worried about sticky fingers making the cream option dirty? The good news is that this heated throw can be machine-washed at 30°C. However, should you want a little more colour choice than this M&S throw offers, I’ve also rounded up three alternatives below.
Shop alternatives
Dreamland
Snuggle Up Electric Throw
If friends and family are considering investing in a heated blanket, I always recommend Dreamland. Similar to the M&S Ribbed Fleece blanket, it has six heat settings and a super-fast warm up time. It also comes in six colour options, including this vibrant teal colourway.
Bedsure
Heated Blanket Ribbed Flannel Electric Throw
If you’re after a more Christmassy colour, then Bedsure offers heated blankets in a wide array of colourways, including this festive red.
The White Company
Super Soft Faux Fur Heated Blanket
Alternatively, The White Company does have a faux fur throw that gives the M&S option a run for its money in terms of softness. However, its £150 price tag is *much* more of an investment than M&S’s £59 blanket.
If you’ve been wondering how to put up Christmas lights without marking your windows, wonder no more, as I have an insider trick to share with you. Instead of sticky tape, a suction cup can hang your twinkling lights invisibly, leaving no marks behind – and you can pick up a pack of 30 for less than £7.99 on Amazon.
Your Christmas decorating ideas are seldom complete without your favourite Christmas lights. Whether you use them to frame your windowsills or around a doorway, one thing we all want to avoid is the marks left behind by sticky tape.
If you want to take the best Christmas lights to the next level, using suction cups or command clips to fix them to windows or a wall is a great way to achieve a professional look.
Command Clips for Hanging Christmas Decorations and Fairy Lights
The Mini Christmas Light Suction Cups (£7.99 at Amazon) are designed to fix straight onto your window via suction. The front of the cup has a clear slit in the centre, so it can hold the wire of your fairy lights. These handy cups are clear, making them almost invisible when fixed to a window, meaning your lighting will have a magical, free-standing look.
These suction cups are designed for use on ceramic, window, mirror, glass, metal, or fibreglass surfaces; however, you should clean and dry the area first before installing. Reviews praise these cups for being surprisingly strong and perfect for fixing your lighting ideas to your windows.
However, if you’re planning on fixing your Christmas lights to the walls or other non-slick or smooth surfaces, these suction cups are not always the best fit, so you should try the Command Clips for Hanging Christmas Decorations and Fairy Lights (£3.96 at Amazon) which promise damage-free hanging whilst using an adhesive to fix the hooks to the wall, for extra security.
Like the suction cups, these Command Clips also have a transparent design, which makes them perfect for hanging Christmas lights or small decorations. Once the time comes to take down your decorations, these clips leave behind no sticky adhesive, preventing damage to your walls and making them renter-friendly, too.
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(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott)
‘I used these Command Mini Decorating Clips to hang cluster lights around my front door, and they worked way better than I expected. The clips are tiny and practically invisible once the lights are up, which keeps everything looking clean and intentional. The adhesive strips stuck firmly to my painted doorframe even in colder weather, and none of the clips slipped or popped off while I was arranging the lights,’ said one review.
‘What I love most is the damage-free removal, no peeling paint, no sticky residue, just a clean surface afterwards. The pack comes with plenty of clips and extra strips, so I had enough to space the lights exactly how I wanted. If you’re decorating with lightweight string or cluster lights, these are a super easy, reliable solution. Would definitely buy again.’
If you want your festive lights to look sleek and professional, clear suction cups or command clips are one of the best ways to hang Christmas lights. You don’t have to worry about damage or seeing pieces of unsightly tape, making this a winning solution in our books.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
My friends and I are obsessed with Christmas — like, decorating-our-dorms-in-November obsessed. But as college students on a budget, we needed a way to make holiday gift-giving affordable and meaningful.
The concept we decided, which we call “the Big Four,” on is simple but ingenious: We “assign” out names Secret Santa-style, and each person puts together a gift box for their giftee with one thing the person needs, one thing they want, one thing that reminds you of them, and one thing in their favorite color. I have been doing this with my friends for two years now, and this year was even better than the last.
The Secret Santa format means everyone gets a gift without spending a ton (we each keep it under $50). It’s thoughtful, budget-friendly, and honestly way more exciting than just swapping wish list items.
How to Start “the Big Four” Gift Tradition with Your Friends
If you love the idea of trying this gift exchange method with your friends, here’s exactly how you can make it happen this holiday season.
This method turns out so well with my friends because we’re all super clear about how it will work. If you also want to give it go, establish a spending limit early on that works for everyone. Again, my friends and I stick to $50, but it should be whatever you and your friends feel comfortable with.
Then, make sure everyone understands the four categories: something the person needs, something they want, something that reminds you of them, and something in their favorite color.
Going the Secret Santa Route? Pick Names Secretly
If you want to assign a random person to each friend like my friends and I do, you can draw names out of a hat in person or use an online generator like Elfster if your group is spread out geographically.
Of course, you can also simply use this “Big Four” blueprint for individual gifting — it’s perfect for a bestie, sibling, or significant other when a full group exchange isn’t an option.
Don’t forget to think about the four categories while shopping for your giftee: If you keep them as a checklist in your Notes app, for example, it makes the whole process easier and more intentional.
Remember to stick to your budget (it keeps things fair for everyone else, too!), and know that thoughtfulness matters more than price. Go for personal touches: Whether it’s a DIY element or something that shows you really “get” your friend, those details make all the difference.
Then, for an extra-adorable touch, use a cute box or basket to hold everything — and don’t forget festive tissue paper.
Plan a day to meet up, swap your boxes, and watch everyone’s reactions as they open their presents. It’s so heartwarming to see how thoughtful everyone gets with their picks!
If you and your friends live all over, you could also ship them to each other and then do a Zoom gift exchange.
My Favorite Finds for “the Big Four” Gift Tradition This Year
This year I did all my shopping at T.J. Maxx, which was a goldmine for cute and affordable gifts. I also loved picking out a decorative box and tissue paper to tie everything together. Here’s what I put in my friend’s box to fit each category.
I chose a framed photo of our friend group. My friend recently moved into her own apartment, and I felt like this was something she needed to make her space feel more like home.
For this category, I went witha beginner-friendly crochet reindeer kit. She’s been talking about wanting to try crocheting ever since she saw it trending on TikTok.
Something That Reminds Me of Her
An initial necklace. My friend loves layering necklaces, and the one I saw felt so like her when I saw it. Plus, initial jewelry is super trendy right now!
Timber is one of the most dependable materials for creating a warm and considered home. It adds natural texture, works with most colour schemes and offers practical benefits that synthetic materials often can’t match. Whether you’re renovating a single room or planning a full refresh, here are five ways timber can lift the look and function of your interior.
1. Skirting Boards
Image credit: Shutterstock
Timber skirting boards do more than cover the joint between the wall and the floor. They frame a room and give it a finished look. Natural wood brings depth and variation, which makes even simple spaces feel more grounded. Oak, pine and other softwoods can be left natural or painted, allowing you to match the tone to your interior style.
From a practical point of view, Harlow Bros skirting board is particularly durable. It can take knocks far better than plastic alternatives and can be sanded or repainted when needed. This helps maintain a tidy interior, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. By choosing a profile that suits your home – modern, square-edged, or more traditional – you can instantly update the style without major renovation work.
2. Cladding
Interior cladding lets you introduce the look of timber across bigger areas without committing to full structural changes. It’s particularly effective in stairwells, kitchens, boot rooms or feature walls. Timber cladding creates a layered, natural tone that feels warm throughout the year.
Practically, cladding protects the wall behind it. This is useful in homes with children, pets or spaces where walls take regular wear. Timber cladding is also easy to maintain: a quick clean or re-oiling can restore it, helping it stay looking sharp for years. Whether you prefer a rustic finish or something clean and modern, cladding offers a flexible way to shape the character of a room.
3. Wall Panels
Timber wall panels have become a popular way to add interest to plain walls. Vertical slats, tongue-and-groove boards or full-height panels can create a focal point while adding warmth. Panels break up large surfaces and bring texture that works well with both neutral and bold colour schemes.
Beyond the visual impact, timber wall panels can also improve comfort. They add a slight insulating layer and can help soften the acoustics in echo-prone rooms. This makes them useful in open-plan areas, bedrooms and home offices where a calmer sound profile is welcome. They’re also practical – panels can hide uneven walls, wiring or small imperfections, making them a simple upgrade with a big payoff.
4. Loft Panels
Loft panels are often overlooked, but timber options bring both design value and practicality. When used for loft hatches, partial boarding or storage sections, timber panels create a cohesive look that blends with the rest of the home rather than feeling like an afterthought.
The main practical draw is added storage. Timber loft panels help create stable, load-bearing surfaces, allowing you to organise seasonal items, luggage or spare furnishings without cluttering living spaces. They’re sturdy, long-lasting and can be installed in stages, making them a smart upgrade for homes short on storage.
5. Doors
Solid timber doors are a straightforward upgrade that instantly improves both style and everyday comfort. The natural grain brings a more premium look compared to hollow or composite doors, giving rooms a sense of permanence and quality.
One of the biggest advantages is noise reduction. Timber doors are heavier and denser, helping keep sound contained. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, studies and bathrooms where privacy matters. They also offer better durability, resisting warping and dents more effectively. With the option to stain, paint or oil the surface, they’re easy to match to the rest of your interior.
Final Thoughts
Timber remains one of the most versatile materials for interior improvement. From visual impact to everyday practicality, these five upgrades show how wood can enhance both the style and function of a home. Whether you choose subtle changes like new skirting boards or larger updates like wall panels and cladding, timber brings character that feels timeless and works across many interior styles.
