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Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Property expert reveals biggest 2025 trends - with one surprising comeback
When the weather allows it, outdoor living is big in Ireland. Once the summer comes, we like to bring the indoors outside, by turning the back garden into an extra room. Whether you've a big garden or a compact patio, whether your budget is modest or large, there's a lot you can do to make it a beautiful space to spend long summer evenings. The two big property trends for 2025 is the surprise return of decking, and also, the outdoor sauna and plunge pool. Brian Burke, a judge on RTE's Super Garden, said: "There's a growing move toward wilder, natural spaces away from concrete-heavy overly manicured landscapes. "People want plants, trees and a bit of wildlife. Native species like hawthorn trees and hedgerows. Plants once considered 'weeds', like dandelions and buttercups, are left to grow as bees rely on them for pollen." The summer months will always be warm enough to sit outside, but coverage and heating is crucial on chilly or drizzly evenings. Brian said: "Whether it's 19C and sunny or a damp spring day, people want somewhere dry. DIYers are building shelters with polycarbonate or perspex roofing. They're inexpensive, hugely popular, and can become real garden features." The home sauna and plunge pool is the big outdoor trend of 2025 for those who have the space and money. Brian added: "There are compact garden units available and reasonably priced. They fit snugly into corners and offer an invigorating cold-water experience, though they're still more niche than mainstream." Brian told how decking had its heyday in the late 1990s to 2008, during Ireland's property boom - but it's making a return. He said: "Decking got a bad rep during that time, because it was overpriced, poor quality and often badly fitted. Now the well-designed timber decks are proving successful in our damp climate." On the quirkier trends, dog showers are becoming a thing. "Especially in the muddy months of winter, a simple wash station - often built from galvanised sheeting and tucked in near the back door - can be a game-changer." "Thoughtful outdoor lighting can transform how a space is used and enjoyed. That's whether you're adding wall lights to a timber shelter, illuminating a pathway, or setting the mood for evening gatherings. Landscape designer Kathryn Feeley said: "Ireland's climate demands durable outdoor furniture. High quality metal pieces that stand up to the elements. "While hardwood furniture like teak looks stunning, it often requires more maintenance. Trees with a light canopy provide lovely, dappled shade in the summer but still allow light through in cooler months. Pergolas and awnings are excellent choices. Lightweight parasols can be easily stored in a shed to cantilever designs with arms that arch gracefully over seating areas." Pictures of perfect patios can be unrealistic - we also have to use these spaces for more mundane matters like clothes-drying. It's hard to get everything into one spot - washing lines and dining space. Feeley added: "Washing lines, for example, can be discreet and flexible. Wall-mounted for small spaces, retractable, or lightweight ones you can easily put away when entertaining. Some even slot neatly into hidden niches. "BBQs are always popular at this time of year, but they need to be kept out of sight when not in use. Back them up against a side wall so you don't see them when you're looking out the window." Chloe McKeown, of Kukoon Rugs, advises home owners to go for bold patterns and colours. She said: "Don't be afraid of colour and pattern - go loud and bold. There can often be a hesitancy to introduce bold colours into your indoor space so why not take the opportunity to experiment with playfulness and pattern outdoors." EZ Living has just opened a special outdoor living shop in its Sandyford outlet, the Garden Room. Spokeswoman Sarah Dunne said: "Gardens are becoming stylish extensions of the home. "Plush seating like our Hampton range and layered textiles from the Diablo collection bring indoor comfort outside. Multi-functional furniture is in high demand - our Elara dining sets feature built-in fire pits, while the Hampton coffee table includes an ice bucket for easy entertaining. "Finish the look with bold accessories: bright pinks, blues, textured cushions, and statement patterns add vibrant character to any outdoor space." Inside the beautiful Irish home sold for just €6 with the seller 'over the moon' Outdoor rugs are a great way to blend style and comfort. Here are tips on how to nail it, by experts from Kukoon rugs. Maximise the minimalism: Minimalism can help you lead a simple, more fulfilling life and it looks great too. Clean-lined and monochromatic rugs are ideal. If you're adopting a minimalism approach, less colour is definitely more so opt for timeless neutrals, whites, blacks and greys. Boho brilliance: Boho-style doesn't have rules so feel free to mix patterns and textures that would not necessarily go together, think festive lights, oversized candles and rattan lanterns. A touch of Tuscany: Bring Tuscan allure to your outdoor oasis is easier than you think. Start with potted evergreens or lush foliage that add to the sense of tranquillity. Add an oversized outdoor rug and some patterned cushions for the perfect stylish contrast to the earthy tones of terracotta and greenery. Free flowing style: Take the time to rearrange your furniture to allow your indoor style to seamlessly flow outdoors. Open concept living areas offer the perfect summer vibe.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Northwest Arkansas National Airport files lawsuit against City of Highfill
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport heard from a Highfill City Council member at its board meeting Tuesday, during an ongoing litigation between the two entities. In 2023, XNA was reported to be considering separating from the City of Highfill. The airport had originally stated in March 2023 that it would not separate unless the change made sense for both the customer experience and the region. Around the same time, Arkansas enacted Act 769 into legislation, which allows airport authorities to make decisions regarding attachment to the city it resides, as long as it's in the best interest of the authority and city. However, if the city has unpaid bonds, the sales tax remains collected and used towards those payments. In October 2023, the City of Highfill filed a lawsuit against XNA, claiming the 2023 law is unconstitutional. A Benton County judge denied the city's attempts at a de-annexation lawsuit in September 2024, ruling in favor of the airport. Tickets now available for 2025 NW Arkansas Championship In October 2024, XNA filed a petition to detach from the City of Highfill under Act 769. According to state law, once a petition is filed, all the sales tax revenue that goes to the municipality must be used to pay off or prepay bonds. In November, XNA's original proposal was rejected by the city, with changes made when it was proposed again in March 2025. Separately, XNA claims that since the petition was filed, the city has used the sales tax revenue for operational needs, leading to an ongoing lawsuit filed in April against city officials. 'While we have filed a lawsuit against the mayor and the city administrative assistant and one other city council member, we're doing that in their official capacity. We're not seeking any money damages from them. We're seeking a court order directing them to follow the law,' Brian Burke, director of compliance for XNA, said. With state lawmakers present, the two parties came to an agreement, but after the board of directors meeting Tuesday morning, it appeared that the two had misinterpreted the verbal agreement. Highfill City Council member Justin Allen said that the city believed they would be receiving $900,000 for municipal needs that did not have to go to bond payments, while Burke claimed that the money's sole purpose was to go towards the debt. Due to the misinterpretation, the board decided to scrap the agreement and start from scratch. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘It means the world', says RTE Super Garden winner as she's left speechless during emotional final episode
RTE Super Garden have crowned their well-deserved winner in an emotional final episode. The garden design challenge, now in its 16th series, once again showcased the extraordinary talents of aspiring designers from across the country. Advertisement 3 RTE's Super Garden showcased the extraordinary talents of aspiring designers Credit: RTE 3 Debbie was crowned the winner of the competition Credit: RTE 3 The gardening guru said 'it means the world' Credit: RTE This year's season saw super gardeners Chris, Jorge, Debbie, Eileen and Rosie battle it out for a coveted spot at Bord Bia's Bloom. Overseeing the competition was three judges; Brian Burke, former Super Garden winner Monica Alvarez, and Carol Marks. The final decision on the winner was made by Kerrie Gardiner, Show Garden Manager for The final episode aired this evening, with Kerrie viewing each of the contestants' garden designs before making her choice. Advertisement READ MORE ON RTE After a discussion between all four judges, Debbie Brophy, from The Debbie was visibly emotional as she was announced the winner, saying: "I think you could see from my reaction, the tears came to my eyes instantly." She will have her garden exhibited at Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland's premier garden festival this June bank holiday weekend. Advertisement most read in the irish sun Latest Exclusive Speaking on her win Debbie said: "It's an immense feeling; there will be a hundred thousand people coming to see our garden and it means the world." Kerrie Gardiner praised Debbie Brophy following her victory in the competition. RTE Today guest 'sneaks' backstage in new clip She said: "Debbie is a very worthy winner of Super Garden 2025. She truly delivered for the homeowner, creating the 'Bee Happy Garden' filled with colour and family-friendly elements that also encourage pollinators and biodiversity. 'WINNING DESIGN' "There was great attention to detail in the garden bespoke insect hotels, and the water butt harvesting waster from the pergola roof all contributing to promoting environmental sustainability. Advertisement "The design further includes engaging play areas and interactive installations that foster creativity and outdoor learning for the younger member of the family. "Overall, the garden reflects the personality and desires of the homeowners, making it a well-rounded design delivery." The other garden designs featured in this season of Super Garden were Jorge Aragon Cano's 'Failte Fiesta' garden and Eileen Sung's 'New Beginnings' garden. Advertisement However, Super Garden judge Brian Burke told how Debbie provided all aspects of what "makes a winning design in Super Garden".
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
1 key reason the 49ers 2025 schedule is significantly easier than their 2024 schedule
1 key reason the 49ers 2025 schedule is significantly easier than their 2024 schedule There's a subtle change in the San Francisco 49ers schedule in 2025 that, on paper, makes their slate of games dramatically easier than last season. Thanks to the divisional rotation and a last-place finish in 2024, there's already a dip in opponent quality. However, last season's gauntlet also featured a brutal minus-22 rest differential. That means the 49ers cumulatively had 22 fewer days of rest than their opponents. It was the third-worst rest differential since 2002 according to ESPN's Brian Burke. The year before that in 2023 their rest differential was minus-20. A negative rest differential isn't happening again in 2025. In fact, San Francisco holds a plus-nine advantage over their opponents. They'll face zero teams coming off bye weeks and they'll only be at a disadvantage in one week on the initial schedule. Here is the 49ers rest advantage broken down by each week: Week 1 at Seattle Seahawks There's no rest advantage to be gained in Week 1. Weekly rest differential: 0 Yearly rest differential: 0 Week 2 at New Orleans Saints Both the 49ers and Saints play Sunday in Week 1, so they'll be even in Week 2. Weekly rest differential: 0 Yearly rest differential: 0 Week 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals More of the same here with Arizona and San Francisco both playing on Sunday. Weekly rest differential: 0 Yearly rest differential: 0 Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville is home against Houston on Sunday in Week 3, making it another neutral rest game for the 49ers and their opponent. Weekly rest differential: 0 Yearly rest differential: 0 Week 5 at Los Angeles Rams (TNF) Both teams will be on a short week after playing Sunday. While a Thursday night game isn't ideal on a truncated week, there's no advantage for either team. Weekly rest differential: 0 Yearly rest differential: 0 Week 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers It only took six weeks, but we're finally at a game where the 49ers have a rest advantage! They get Friday, Saturday and Sunday off in Week 5 after playing Thursday night. That gives them three extra days off going into their Sunday game with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is in Seattle on Sunday in Week 5. Weekly rest differential: +3 Yearly rest differential: +3 Week 7 vs. Atlanta (SNF) Primetime at Levi's Stadium is always fun. It'll be a little extra fun for the 49ers since they'll be at a rest advantage here. Atlanta hosts Buffalo on Monday Night Football in Week 6, giving them one fewer day off between games. Weekly rest differential: +1 Yearly rest differential: +4 Week 8 at Houston Texans New week, same scenario. The 49ers play Sunday night in Week 7, but the Texans play Monday night giving them the one-day disadvantage in their matchup with San Francisco. Weekly rest differential: +1 Yearly rest differential: +5 Week 9 at New York Giants Both teams play Sunday, and this will be a trend through Week 12. Weekly rest differential: +0 Yearly rest differential: +5 Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams Weekly rest differential: +0 Yearly rest differential: +5 Week 11 at Arizona Cardinals Weekly rest differential: +0 Yearly rest differential: +5 Week 12 vs. Carolina Panthers (MNF) Weekly rest differential: +0 Yearly rest differential: +5 Week 13 at Cleveland Browns This marks the only week on the initial schedule where the 49ers won't have at least a neutral rest differential. The Browns play Sunday in Week 12, while the 49ers play Monday. That leaves San Francisco with one fewer day between games. Weekly rest differential: -1 Yearly rest differential: +4 Week 14 Bye This late Bye week could either help or hurt the 49ers. 13 consecutive weeks is a long time to play without a week off, but it also gives them a late-season rest to get right for the stretch run. Either way, it gives them a big opportunity to pick up rest advantage days. Week 15 vs. Tennessee Titans Last season the 49ers came off their Bye week to face the Jaguars who were also coming off their Bye. That's not the case this year. Tennessee is in Cleveland the week before visiting Levi's Stadium. Weekly rest differential: +7 Yearly rest differential: +11 Week 16 at Indianapolis Colts (MNF) The Colts are in Seattle on Sunday the previous week, so Monday's game will be a neutral rest contest for both clubs. Weekly rest differential: +0 Yearly rest differential: +11 Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears (SNF) This is a tough one for the 49ers, reminiscent of previous years where they got hit in every conceivable way with minus rest differentials. Not only does San Francisco lose a day because they play Monday night, they're hosting a Bears club that plays the previous Saturday, giving them two extra days off than the typical one that comes when facing a team coming off a MNF contest. Weekly rest differential: -2 Yearly rest differential: +9 Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks There's a chance one extra day subtracted here for San Francisco. Their game vs. Seattle could take place on Saturday or Sunday. Seattle's previous game is also a Saturday OR Sunday bout. The 49ers lose a day no matter what if the Seahawks play Saturday in Week 17 vs. the Panthers no matter what day the Week 18 game happens. They'll remain a neutral if Seattle plays Sunday in Week 18 no matter what day the Week 18 game happens. Weekly rest differential: - 1 OR 0 Yearly rest differential: +8 OR +9
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rams have one of the biggest rest advantages of any NFL team in 2025
Rams have one of the biggest rest advantages of any NFL team in 2025 As difficult as some of the Los Angeles Rams' matchups look in 2025, the NFL didn't make their slate any tougher than it already is. The league didn't give the Rams any three-game road trips or an early bye, nor is there a single team on their schedule that will be coming off a bye when they face Los Angeles. Two years ago, the Rams faced four teams coming off a bye, which put them at a major disadvantage. Not this year. According to Brian Burke of ESPN, the Rams have the fifth-biggest rest advantage of any team in the NFL this season at plus-8. This means they will have eight extra days of rest compared to their opponents in 2025. For comparison, their rest edge was minus-1 in 2024 and minus-17 in 2023, which was the second-worst that year. The Rams have to be happy with the way the NFL arranged their schedule, even if they do have four groups of back-to-back road games. The league also granted the Rams' request to play on the East Coast before their London game, making the travel arrangements easier; the Rams will play in Baltimore before facing the Jags in London. Also, Los Angeles has an extra day of rest after its Thursday Night Football game in Week 16 game against the Seahawks, facing the Falcons on Monday night the following week. There are small advantages like this throughout the schedule that will help the Rams in the long run. Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and now Threads for more coverage!
