Author Profile

Jonny Sharpe

  • The Changing Face of Weekend Breaks: Why Private Accommodation is on the Rise

    In recent years, the way we travel has undergone a noticeable transformation. From short weekend getaways to overnight stays, more and more people are seeking experiences that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of personality. Traditional hotels, once the go-to option for most travellers, are being rivalled by the growing demand for private accommodation — and it’s easy to see why.

    Private Accommodation

    From Hotels to Homes: The Shift in Traveller Preferences

    Hotels have long dominated the accommodation scene, but in a post-pandemic world where flexibility and privacy are prized, travellers are rethinking their choices. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com have made private accommodation more accessible than ever, opening the door to everything from city-centre flats to countryside cottages.

    Guests now look for more than just a place to sleep. They want space to relax, cook, and work if needed — something traditional hotel rooms often can’t provide. Whether it’s a family break, a couple’s escape or a solo staycation, private accommodation gives travellers the freedom to make the space their own.

    Personalised Stays in a Digital World

    Technology has played a key role in this shift. Booking a private stay has become seamless, often with keyless check-in, online communication with hosts, and flexible cancellation policies. For many, the convenience and autonomy are unmatched.

    Reviews and ratings systems also help build trust. When booking private accommodation, guests can browse feedback from previous visitors, check real photos, and select properties that best suit their needs — all before clicking ‘book now’.

    The Rise of the Staycation

    With international travel becoming more expensive and complicated in recent years, many UK residents have turned their attention inward. The ‘staycation’ boom has made locations like Nottingham increasingly attractive for mini breaks and overnight stays.

    Whether visiting the historic Nottingham Castle, exploring the independent shops in Hockley, or taking a stroll through Wollaton Park, visitors are choosing private accommodation to make their experience more immersive and affordable.

    Value for Money and Greater Comfort

    One of the biggest draws of private accommodation is value. Travellers often find that they get more for their money — not just in terms of space, but in amenities. Having access to a kitchen, a living room, and sometimes even a private garden can turn a weekend away into something far more homely.

    Couples and families also benefit from the flexibility of choosing accommodation that fits their group size and style, rather than squeezing into a standard hotel room or paying for multiple rooms.

    Supporting Local Businesses

    Staying in private accommodation often means supporting local property owners rather than large hotel chains. This helps boost the local economy and gives visitors a more authentic experience of the city or town they’re exploring.

    Many hosts offer local recommendations, tips, and even discounts to nearby attractions or restaurants, adding a personal touch that can be missing in corporate hotel stays.

    The Appeal of Unique Spaces

    Another reason for the rise in private accommodation is the desire for unique spaces. Travellers are increasingly drawn to characterful homes, converted lofts, eco-cabins, and quirky apartments that offer something different from the uniformity of hotel rooms.

    For people visiting Nottingham, staying in a characterful townhouse or stylish serviced apartment can turn a simple weekend into a memorable mini-break.

    Final Thoughts

    The trend is clear: private accommodation is no longer a niche option; it’s fast becoming the preferred choice for overnight stays and weekends away. Whether it’s for comfort, value, flexibility, or the chance to experience a place like a local, more and more travellers are choosing homes over hotels.

    If you’re planning a visit to Nottingham, why not embrace the shift and explore private accommodation options for your stay? It could be the start of a very different — and much more personal — travel experience.

  • Home Décor Trends That Are So Hot Right Now (Even Your Sofa Might Start Sweating)

    If your home’s been looking a little “meh” lately and you’re wondering whether it’s time to refresh your interiors, the answer is yes. Absolutely yes. In fact, your house just sent me a text begging for a glow-up. Don’t ignore it.

    From earthy colour palettes to the revival of the humble curtain’s sleeker cousin, the blind, this year’s home décor trends are all about creating calm, characterful spaces that reflect you—with just the right amount of “I totally didn’t copy this from Pinterest.”

    Let’s dive into what’s trending in the world of interiors faster than you can say “where’s my paint tester?”

    Home Décor Trends

    1. Earthy Tones and Natural Textures

    Goodbye grey, hello clay! Warm, earthy hues like terracotta, sage green, rust, and ochre are making themselves very comfortable on our walls, cushions and even kitchen cupboards. Pair them with natural textures like rattan, jute, and wood, and suddenly you’ve got a living room that says “I do yoga and drink herbal tea” even if you definitely don’t.

    Natural textures are everywhere—from coffee tables that look like they were lovingly carved out of driftwood, to lampshades that resemble oversized woven baskets. It’s rustic chic with a modern twist, and we’re very into it.

    2. Statement Ceilings (Yes, Really)

    Apparently, we’ve run out of things to decorate on the ground, so we’re looking up. Statement ceilings are on the rise—whether it’s bold paint, patterned wallpaper, or even wooden beams being embraced rather than painted over.

    It’s a brave move, but one that pays off. Think of it like giving your room a fancy hat. Suddenly, the whole outfit (or in this case, room) just feels a bit more put together.

    3. Window Dressings: Fashion for Your Glass Panes

    Now, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of home décor—window dressings. These bad boys don’t just block out the neighbour’s fairy lights that are still up in April, they’re also crucial for pulling a room together.

    Blinds

    Blinds have become the “cool aunt” of the window world. Sleek, practical, and surprisingly stylish. Whether you go for Venetian, roller, or Roman blinds, the options are endless. And let’s not forget day & night blinds—the multitaskers of the blind universe, perfect for indecisive people (which is, let’s face it, most of us).

    Patterned blinds are in, especially in bold prints or subtle geometric designs. They add just enough interest without shouting “look at me!” too loudly. Although, if you do want your windows to scream “fabulous”, by all means, go wild.

    Shutters

    If blinds are the cool aunt, shutters are the refined older cousin with a Parisian apartment. Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly stylish. White plantation shutters are still a favourite, but darker shades like charcoal or navy are creeping in for a more dramatic look.

    They’re also brilliant at giving you privacy while still letting in light, which is ideal if your front room feels a bit too close to the pavement (we see you, nosy dog walkers).

    4. Curves Are In (And We’re Not Just Talking Sofas)

    Move over harsh lines—2025 is all about curves. From rounded armchairs to arched doorways and oval coffee tables, curves are bringing softness back into our homes. Even mirrors have given up their hard edges in favour of more fluid, organic shapes.

    This trend is cosy, calming, and a little bit sexy (yes, furniture can be sexy—just look at a boucle sofa and tell me you don’t want to stroke it).

    5. Personalised Spaces

    Finally, the biggest home décor trends of all? Making your home feel like you. Whether it’s a gallery wall of questionable art you made during lockdown, or a sideboard covered in vintage finds and succulents you may or may not be keeping alive, self-expression is in.

    Because after all, home décor trends come and go—but a home that reflects your personality never goes out of style.

    In Conclusion…

    Home décor trends are looking warmer, softer, and a lot more fun this year. Whether you’re repainting the whole place or just jazzing up your windows with a stylish new blind or shutter, remember—your home doesn’t have to look like a showroom. It just has to feel like yours. (Preferably one with excellent lighting and maybe a cheeky scented candle.)