Latest news with #DownUnder
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
The unexpected Temple & Webster buy that's earned 3,500 five-star reviews - as interior pros spill the three trends skyrocketing in Australia
A set of humble outdoor lights have captured the hearts (and homes) of thousands of Aussies over the past few years - and it's not hard to see why. Officially boasting the highest unit sales ever on Temple & Webster, the Outdoor Festoon Lights have received more than 3,500 five-star reviews from shoppers who praised the 'flawless quality' and 'perfect shade'. Priced at either $64.99 for 10 metres or $99.99 for 20 metres, the retro lighting is an easy way to spruce up an alfresco hideaway. The spacing between the bulbs and the water-proofing ensures they work anywhere and separate sets can be joined together for additional length. For those worried about power, there's a generous 125cm of cord from the first bulb to the plug. There is no solar-powered option with these but that hasn't stopped Aussies from raving about them. 'We bought these for our yard four years ago and ended up buying eight more sets to light our wedding last year, love the warm glow and the fact that you can link them up together,' one gushed. 'These are so great - much better than those double the price from lighting stores. And I love how you can replace the bulbs individually,' another added. 'Have had these for more than two years I think. They haven't had any issues, I have moved house and they still work,' one more wrote. A set of humble outdoor lights have captured the hearts (and homes) of thousands of Aussies over the past few years - and it's not hard to see why The most popular items ever sold on Temple & Webster In addition to the festoon lights, there are two other items that have been flying off shelves since launching... The Metal Arched Full Mirror, $279.99 This is the website's most purchased decor item. 'It was one of the first products that showed we were starting a love affair with curves in our interiors,' Lucy Sutherland, Director of Insights and Trends, told FEMAIL. 'The mirror strikes the perfect balance between structure and personality with its sculptural shape adding drama and dimension, while the curved line breaks up hard edges. It brings a playful yet polished edge to interiors.' This is the most purchased seating item ever sold on the site. 'This remains an all time favourite with our customers, and it's easy to see why,' Lucy said. 'As wellness continues to influence how we live at home, comfort has become the ultimate luxury. Montauk perfectly captures the "sanctuary" trend with its sink-in cushions, tactile fabric and relaxed shape, inviting rest and calm with a casual style. 'Its timeless shape and removable slipcover make it as practical as it is beautiful, earning its place as a true family favourite.' Lucy Sutherland, the Director of Insights and Trends at Temple & Webster, said it's no surprise these lights are so popular as they 'bring instant atmosphere'. 'They make any outdoor space feel warm, welcoming and ready to host and as at home entertaining becomes more relaxed and spontaneous, festoon lighting offers an effortless way to set the mood,' she told FEMAIL. '[They] turn backyards, courtyards or balconies into inviting extensions of the home.' And while the lights, sofa and mirror may have stood the test of time so far, there is an entirely new wave of trends coming through that may see them de-throned... The interior trends about to sweep Australia in a HUGE way - and the fastest-rising styles buyers and designers adore Temple & Webster has analysed thousands of local shopping trends and customer preferences to highlight three key style shifts as part of its eagerly anticipated Trend Report - Spaces Reimagined. The trio leading the way? Mix & Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries. Mix & Match Mix & Match is all about colour and personality - think maximalist prints, colour clashes, nostalgia, broken rules, self-expression and story-telling. Trends emerging in this space revolve around pattern - from checkerboards and florals to surrealist squiggles and bold, arty textures and shapes. Described by the team as one for the 'unapologetic individualist', this style is fantastic for those wishing to make a statement through their home. Dreamy curves: The site has seen a 286% jump in 'boucle bed' searches, particularly those with cosy curves and arches. Patterned homewares: Striped and checkered furniture sales have jumped by 23% this year as patterns takeover from minimalism as a preference for thousands. Ripples: Wavy furniture sales have increased by 29%. It's likely you've spotted plenty of mirrors and light stands with this design over the past few months - particularly in a 'soft' bedroom environment. Past Forward This trend is just as it sounds - it's all about creating a space that feels warm, familiar and joyful. Cosy nostalgia and a touch of retro flair are the goals here. This is done with hints to past favourites, shapes and colours from the '70s and '80s - think deep, saturated tones, sunfaded hues, plush textures, sunken lounges, old school bar carts and an all-round moody (yet charming) vibe. Red resurgence: Sales of homewares in the shade 'merlot' have risen by 32%, highlighting the skyrocketing popularity of deep burgundy and garnets right now. Rich walnuts: Searches for 'walnut coffee table' have risen by 115% this year, with Aussies keen to bring a little vintage charm to their space. Searches are also up 95% for 'retro chocolate timber'. Sumptuous Sanctuaries While it may not be an entirely new trend, this one is proof that more people than ever value the importance of a home that allows for wellness, resetting and reflection. An aura of calm is what sets this interior style apart - think sheer curtains, natural materials, sunlight nooks, quiet luxury, curved timbers and oversized, nurturing seating. When it comes to comfort factors in a 'restorative space', a survey of 1,000 Aussies between 18-74 ranked a cosy sofa as most important, followed by natural lighting, soft, calming colours, zero clutter and a cosy armchair. The latter is a priority for empty nesters. All about marble: There has been a significant 25% increase in sales of homewares made from marble and travertine (a form of limestone) since January, indicating a preference for materials that are more grounding. Swivel armchairs: Aussies cannot get enough of these soothing pieces, with searches up by a whopping 185% since January 1. As the experts say, 'swivelling is the new rocking' - and it's totally re-shaping how many relax.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Proof Oasis will make it to Australia despite rift rumours during sold out reunion tour
It may be two decades in the making, but Oasis are finally making their way Down Under. As rift rumours continue to swirl around brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher during the Britpop icons' sold out world tour, many fans are wondering if the pair's notoriously prickly relationship can last the distance of a 41-date world tour. In fact, after just four shows, many fans are questioning if the band can make it to their highly anticipated shows at Wembley Stadium later this month. Reports that Noel and Liam would be kept apart as much as possible on tour, and Liam taking off solo after the band's first show in Cardiff have caused fans to wonder if the wheels will fall off before the tour wraps up in November. Meanwhile, the pair's body language on-stage has been analysed by experts, who say Noel appears 'overwhelmed', whereas Liam remains the 'dominant' presence From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Fans voiced their concerns on X, with many speculating the tour would not see its end due to the brothers' feelings towards one another. Users took to the site to write: 'Please finish the tour without fighting... The tour will be lucky to finish all dates [mark my words].' 'They still hate each other... Bet they don't finish the tour... It's not Oasis though, it's the Liam and Noel show. I bet they don't finish the tour.' However, if the completed shows are anything to go by, it seems Aussie fans will have little to worry about. Claims that there is still friction between Liam and Noel appear to contradict the 'united front' the brothers have been projecting out on stage. For example, the band's bravura set in Cardiff to kick off the tour earlier this month, saw Noel and Liam take to the stage, arm in arm, before delivering a set to delight even the most cynical Oasis fan. Further, Rolling Stone Australia reported that it was a similar situation during the band's second of five hometown shows in Manchester. The publication wrote that when it came time for Noel's 'leading segment' of the set, Liam let his brother have his moment in the sun. They reported that Liam even gave his brother a friendly fist bump before blowing a kiss to the crowd and sauntering off stage to let Noel's star shine. It seems the brothers are keen to keep the tour going as long as possible as a way to say 'thank you' to fans who have waited so long for a reunion. The publication reported that Liam had some positive words for the crowd after playing their hit Champagne Supernova. 'Over the years, I know it's hard work and all that tackle, but we appreciate it,' he reportedly told the crowd. 'You're the best f***ing fans, man. You're mad as f***, but you're the f***ing best ones, man.' With the love-fest showing no signs of abating, Aussie fans should be confident of seeing the Britpop legends in the flesh when they hit Australia for four shows later this year. The Wonderwall fan favourites will play Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on October 31, November 1 and November 4 before moving to Sydney's Accor Stadium for shows on November 7 and November 8. The band were last in the country back in 2005 on their Don't Believe The Truth tour.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Australia will shut up ‘cocky' Lions after Henry Pollock claim
The British and Irish Lions have been branded 'cocky' by former Wallaby World Cup-winner Chris Latham after Henry Pollock's bold declaration that a 3-0 whitewash is 'definitely on the table'. A backlash to Pollock's comments earlier this week risks blowing up on the tourists after the topic erupted on Tuesday ahead of the first Test, with Latham relishing Australia's chance to shut up Andy Farrell's side. The tourists have won every game since arriving Down Under, leading Pollock to claim a side aspiring to be 'the best Lions team ever' can sweep the series 3-0. Latham, full-back in the Wallaby team that came from behind to beat a Lions side captained by Martin Johnson in 2001, said the boasts were music to Australian ears. The World Cup winner said: 'Personally, that fires me up. For me, and I'm sure for every Aussie, it's like, 'OK, righto.. We'll shut you up'. I'm a Queenslander and it's ingrained in us to be underdogs and be able to pull a win out from nothing. 'This [talk] is perfect for us. I've been feeling this now for the last probably three, four weeks while the Lions have been thrashing everyone else and getting cockier and cockier. 'Everything you read, it's about 'how good are we' and 'we're building' and 'this is so great'. It's like, 'Yeah, you keep talking that, you keep believing that'.' The Lions are red-hot favourites for the series but Latham, who has returned from Chicago where he coaches in Major League Rugby to be at the game, insisted: 'Without a doubt [Australia can win]. 'This is what we're built on. This is the Aussie spirit. We're built on being the underdog. We're built on being the outcast. I probably shouldn't say this but we were sent here on a boat and we built something from nothing. We're tough.' Australian rugby has been a punchbag since Eddie Jones' ill-fated return to coach the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup led to pool elimination for the first time. Time and again since they have heard it said they are no match for the best Britain and Ireland can muster, not least when Argentina stuck 67 points on them last summer. The performances of the warm-up acts here have done little to change the narrative after the Wallabies stumbled to a 21-18 victory over Fiji. But Latham, starting full-back for the Wallabies in the first Brisbane Test 24 years ago, said: 'I've heard it all before. The 'best Lions team to ever come out', Australia's 'got no chance'. We went 1-0 down in '01 and came back to win the next two. 'My heart hopes and wants Australia to do well. We need to be competitive, make sure these games go down to the wire, create heroes for the kids. 'Anything's possible in rugby, that's what I love about this game. Anything can happen. So... yeah, strap yourself in.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Wrexham star Ollie Rathbone taken to hospital after suffering worrying injury in pre-season friendly
OLLIE RATHBONE was taken to the hospital after Wrexham's pre-season defeat to Sydney FC. The Dragons are preparing for their first season in the Championship Down Under. 1 Phil Parkinson's troops suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Aussie side, which was compounded by a nasty-looking first-half ankle injury to Rathbone. The 28-year-old injured his left ankle following an awkward landing just before the half-time interval. Rathbone was able to hobble off the pitch after receiving treatment from Wrexham's physio. But he later had to be transported to the hospital to have it further assessed. Rathbone's hospital trip was revealed by Dragons boss Phil Parkinson shortly after the final whistle. Parkinson will no dout now be sweating on the fitness of the prolific midfielder. Rathbone played a significant role in Wrexham's promotion from League One last season. He scored eight goals and provided two assists in 41 league appearances last season. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR Through the Gears: Will the plunder from Down Under end at Watkins Glen?
Don't worry fellas, help is on the way. This plunder from Down Under might have run its (road) course after three straight poles and three straight wins. And to think, they'll have to send a kid to do a man's job. Advertisement That's right, the only guy in recent memory to beat Shane van Gisbergen on a road course is a teenager named Connor Zilisch, one of a few Next Big Things in NASCAR these days. Connor Zilisch might be the new sheriff in town when NASCAR goes to Watkins Glen in four weeks. Fresh-faced Connor Z, just 18, won a slugfest with SVG at Sonoma this past Saturday to win the Xfinity Series race. Go find yourself a replay of the final few laps and tell me that doesn't take you back to some epic battles among yesterday's heroes. Or better yet, watch it here. Like SVG, Connor Z learned to race on road courses. Unlike SVG, he's been a quick study on ovals. Along with three road-course wins in the Xfinity Series, he also won last month at Pocono, and four of his five ARCA wins last year were on ovals. He's also fourth in Xfinity points. Advertisement SVG, at 36 with a long Aussie Supercars career behind him, has many more years of road-racin' on the odometer, and perhaps that's making it harder for him to get the knack of ovals. The proof is in the points: Despite three wins, he's down there in 26th in the current point standings. And frankly, his road-course winning streak might be in danger. Trackhouse Racing, SVG's employer, also has Zilisch under contract and will presumably put him in the No. 99 seat next year, replacing Daniel Suarez. Looking ahead to that, Trackhouse is entering Zilisch in a few Cup races this year. Yep, one of them is Watkins Glen, the next scheduled road course, in four weeks. Coming soon to a right-hand turn near you: SVG versus Connor Z. Can't wait. First Gear: SVG snagging plenty of roadside playoff points You know the drill for the next three weeks: Go fast and turn left. So far, that's not Shane van Gisbergen's strength. Not even close. Advertisement But let's say it again: He has a chance to stick around the playoffs when they start at the end of August, even though nine of the 10 races are on ovals or something resembling ovals. His three dominant weeks over the past month have resulted in 17 playoff bonus points. Just two drivers have more — Kyle Larson with 23 and Denny Hamlin with 19. That could help him tremendously in navigating the three ovals in the Round of 16. After that, the Round of 12 includes the Charlotte Roval and the Round of 8 includes the ultimate wildcard, Talladega. In the midst of this recent run of road-course races, SVG has shown modest improvement on the ovals — very modest, yes, but improvement. Assuming that trajectory continues, he just might have some playoff staying power. Advertisement And speaking of which, let's catch up with a guy who's possibly becoming another Next Big Thing right before our eyes. Second Gear: Time to pay attention to The Other Chase GIve it up for Chase Briscoe, who finished second at Sonoma and made SVG work like hell to keep him there on those late-race restarts. He's never been competitive on road courses, and that's particularly true at Sonoma. Until Sunday. 'This is by far my worst racetrack. Kind of surprised myself, truthfully,' he said after the runner-up finish. Briscoe has been good on Saturdays and has steadily improved on Sundays during his first year with Joe Gibbs Racing. He clinched a playoff spot with the win at Pocono last month, and is now eighth in points. Only three drivers have more top-fives than the seven he's posted. Advertisement He turned a lot of heads five years ago when he won nine Xfinity races, but he faded into the background at the Cup level as his former team, Stewart Haas, lost its footing. But now he's definitely looking like a keeper. Third Gear: Bowman Gray stays, Chicago looks like a 'maybe' On the scheduling front, we've been dealt a non-surprise and a mild possibility of a surprise since last week. First, the predictable. NASCAR is taking the preseason Clash back to Bowman Gray Stadium next year. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it this past February, and not just because their man Chase Elliott won, though that never hurts. It's one of those rare 'new venue' moves that was met with universal enthusiasm. Probably because this new venue is actually one of the oldest, though mostly familiar to folks targeted by those reverse-mortgage commercials. Nostalgia rules, and Bowman Gray definitely brings nostalgia. Advertisement The mild surprise is the word out of Chicago, where we all assume NASCAR's three-year run has come and gone. NASCAR has a few months to decide on formally asking the city to pick up a two-year option, and though everyone assumes NASCAR is looking at other big-city options, Chicago might not be off the table. But only if NASCAR moves the race off the Fourth of July weekend — a weekend that doesn't need help drawing crowds to Chicago. If NASCAR decides to send the request for two more years, Shane van Gisbergen will gladly serve as courier. Fourth Gear: In-Season Challenge not producing any Duke-Kentucky vibes How's that bracket challenge working out? Advertisement Yikes. We knew this could happen, but still … We're down to a final four (not to be confused with the officially licensed Final Four), and next week at Dover we get Ty Dillon versus John Hunter Nemechek and Ty Gibbs versus Tyler Reddick. Gone after Sonoma are Alex Bowman, Erik Jones, Zane Smith and Ryan Preece. Nope, not exactly a Murderer's Row of heavyweights but not exactly shocking given how easy it is for the heavyweights to miss a gear in any given race. After this coming weekend at Dover, it'll be whittled down to two battling at Indy in a race within the race, with a million bucks dangling with the checkers for whomever wins an intramural battle that might be back there in mid-pack. Advertisement Given how Indianapolis can produce a thinned-out snoozer, at least there will be a wee bit of drama. — Email Ken Willis at This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR news: Connor Zilisch slows the SVG roll for one race at Sonoma
