Latest news with #Lucy
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's the little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover
NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. So if you're looking to spruce up your place with a fresh revamp, then you might want to take note. 3 Experts have revealed their little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover Credit: Getty 3 And it can completely transform a room Credit: Getty Experts have revealed that there is a little-known paint secret that can completely level up your DIY home makeover. While many of us are guilty of just picking a paint or a colour and calling it a day, there is a trick that designers use to take it up a notch. And it's all about picking the right finish. You might not realise it, but this can make a huge difference in each room because it reflects how the paint will look on your wall. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from And she also shared her tips on how to avoid common decorating mistakes. It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space Lucy Steele Paint and interiors expert from V&CO Paint She said: "The existence of so many different finishes emphasises how important it is to pick the right paint for each area. "It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space. Most read in Fabulous "It's also about how it plays with light, and how much wear and tear it can handle. "So, whether you're planning a massive home overhaul or just sprucing up a single room, taking a moment to understand the difference between paint finishes can seriously elevate your interior game." I'm an interior designer and here's 5 mistakes people make - including the 2010s fad & the print that should be illegal Dead Flat Matt At the moment, Dead Flat Matt is the latest trend in paint finishes, and it can completely transform a room. Lucy says: "It influences how light bounces around, how big a space feels, and even how a surface feels to the touch. "Think of traditional matt paint, and you might picture something with a tiny hint of a shine when the light hits it just right. Meanwhile, Dead Flat Matt is completely flat. "This finish gives your walls a uniform, velvety, and incredibly rich look. It's subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly luxurious. "Dead Flat Matt is the biggest trend right now, and it's perfect for colour-drenching a room too!" Silk and soft sheen For anyone considering revamping the kitchen or bathroom, this is a finish that you might want to keep in mind. The interior expert says: "Silk finishes are well-suited to walls as they are easy to clean. "They reflect a small amount of light and can highlight imperfections on your wall. "Soft sheen paint reflects the same amount of light as silk, but it's much more durable, making it easy to clean and perfect for kitchens and bathrooms." 3 The paint finish you choose can have a massive impact on the room Credit: Getty Satin and Eggshell Satin and eggshell paints are popular for interior walls because they offer the perfect balance between durability and ease of cleaning while having a subtle shine. And Lucy explains why they are becoming the new go-to. She said: "Satin finishes are similar to silk but are more suitable for woodwork. "Unlike silk though, it hides imperfections and can make colours appear softer. "Meanwhile, Eggshell finishes reflecting small, delicate amounts of light just like an eggshell! "Typically withstanding staining better than a matt finish, Eggshell is perfect for interior woods and works well on furniture and skirting boards." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' Gloss and Smooth Most of us love a gloss and smooth paint finish because they are durable, easily cleaned, and are great for brightening spaces. And because it has a high level of shine and reflects light, it makes rooms appear larger and more vibrant. But Lucy has revealed another reason why many people are adding it to their homes. She said: "Gloss is most commonly used on wood and metal as it reflects loads of light. "It works well for paler colours but can only be used on perfectly smooth surfaces. Read more on the Irish Sun "Smooth finishes are almost exclusively used in masonry paint and can withstand harsh weather conditions. "Smooth finishes stay smooth and won't crack, flake, or peel for up to 15 years."
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's the little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. So if you're looking to spruce up your place with a fresh revamp, then you might want to take note. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Experts have revealed their little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover Credit: Getty 3 And it can completely transform a room Credit: Getty Experts have revealed that there is a little-known paint secret that can completely level up your DIY home makeover. While many of us are guilty of just picking a paint or a colour and calling it a day, there is a trick that designers use to take it up a notch. And it's all about picking the right finish. You might not realise it, but this can make a huge difference in each room because it reflects how the paint will look on your wall. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from V&CO Paint has revealed the simple tricks for choosing the right paint finish. And she also shared her tips on how to avoid common decorating mistakes. It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space Lucy Steele She said: "The existence of so many different finishes emphasises how important it is to pick the right paint for each area. "It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space. "It's also about how it plays with light, and how much wear and tear it can handle. "So, whether you're planning a massive home overhaul or just sprucing up a single room, taking a moment to understand the difference between paint finishes can seriously elevate your interior game." I'm an interior designer and here's 5 mistakes people make - including the 2010s fad & the print that should be illegal Dead Flat Matt At the moment, Dead Flat Matt is the latest trend in paint finishes, and it can completely transform a room. Lucy says: "It influences how light bounces around, how big a space feels, and even how a surface feels to the touch. "Think of traditional matt paint, and you might picture something with a tiny hint of a shine when the light hits it just right. Meanwhile, Dead Flat Matt is completely flat. "This finish gives your walls a uniform, velvety, and incredibly rich look. It's subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly luxurious. "Dead Flat Matt is the biggest trend right now, and it's perfect for colour-drenching a room too!" Silk and soft sheen For anyone considering revamping the kitchen or bathroom, this is a finish that you might want to keep in mind. The interior expert says: "Silk finishes are well-suited to walls as they are easy to clean. "They reflect a small amount of light and can highlight imperfections on your wall. "Soft sheen paint reflects the same amount of light as silk, but it's much more durable, making it easy to clean and perfect for kitchens and bathrooms." 3 The paint finish you choose can have a massive impact on the room Credit: Getty Satin and Eggshell Satin and eggshell paints are popular for interior walls because they offer the perfect balance between durability and ease of cleaning while having a subtle shine. And Lucy explains why they are becoming the new go-to. She said: "Satin finishes are similar to silk but are more suitable for woodwork. "Unlike silk though, it hides imperfections and can make colours appear softer. "Meanwhile, Eggshell finishes reflecting small, delicate amounts of light just like an eggshell! "Typically withstanding staining better than a matt finish, Eggshell is perfect for interior woods and works well on furniture and skirting boards." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' Gloss and Smooth Most of us love a gloss and smooth paint finish because they are durable, easily cleaned, and are great for brightening spaces. And because it has a high level of shine and reflects light, it makes rooms appear larger and more vibrant. But Lucy has revealed another reason why many people are adding it to their homes. She said: "Gloss is most commonly used on wood and metal as it reflects loads of light. "It works well for paler colours but can only be used on perfectly smooth surfaces. "Smooth finishes are almost exclusively used in masonry paint and can withstand harsh weather conditions. "Smooth finishes stay smooth and won't crack, flake, or peel for up to 15 years."
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy leopard print jacket for autumn & it costs just €40
DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy a new leopard print jacket for autumn after it landed on racks. The Savida Leopard Jacket is available in stores and online now. 2 The jacket is a bargain at just €40 2 The new look won't last long on racks It is priced at just €40 and comes in sizes XXS to XXL. The retailer said: "A trend-forward outer layer choice, this leopard print barn jacket is cut to a relaxed, boxy fit and features an over-sized corduroy collar. "It is designed with a button-through front and over-sized patch pockets. "Gallery is available exclusively at READ MORE IN FASHION The jacket can be styled with just about anything from jeans to dresses and skirts. Meanwhile, a fashion fan has alerted shoppers to a she picked up at Dunnes Stores. Style lover Lucy, who goes by @ She invited her followers to Most read in Fabulous She said: 'Style an outfit with me: I want to style this gorgeous white top I've picked up in I tried 'cute' summer dress that's 'so flattering' cries Dunnes Stores fan - and it comes in two colours "And I got it from Asos. I loved it. I think it is so cute." The Its description reads: 'This cotton poplin waistcoat from Savida features a flattering tie-front design and delicate lettuce-edged trims. 'Adorned with all-over perforated embroidery, it offers a light, breezy feel that is perfect for sunny days.' The cute summer top, in white, ranges in sizes XXS to XXL. Lucy has bagged the gorgeous piece for just €20 in But shoppers are being warned that the summer top is currently not available on the Dunnes website but may still be available in your local store. Separately, The new outfit will add a pop of colour to any wardrobe this The pink set consists of a waistcoat, shorts and a blazer. The striking pink Crepe Waistcoat is a steal at €20. The 'Style it with the matching shorts and blazer (sold separately) for warm-weather days at the office.' The cute waistcoat, available in sizes 8 to 18, is selling out fast online. Sizes 16 and 18 have sold out on the website already. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
Graziadaily
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Why Lucy Punch Decided To Face Her Fears On Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters
Lucy Punch's acting career has taken her from the school corridors of St Trinian's to her maisonette in SoHa (south Harlesden) in Amandaland to 'the shark capital of the world' with ITV. Despite often being cast as snooty, posh characters who think getting the bus is below them, the real life Lucy was brave enough to submerge herself in shark infested waters in the name of entertainment on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters. With an impressive list of credits up her sleeve, here's everything you need to know about Lucy, including the noughties films you may have seen her in before. Lucy Punch is an English actress from Hammersmith in London. She performed with the National Youth Theatre between 1993 and 1997 and then enrolled at University College London before dropping out to pursue acting. She is perhaps best known for her role as Amanda in Sharon Horgan's hit series Motherland , which earned her a spin-off show called Amandaland which launched in February this year. Lucy is 47 years old. She was born on 30 December 1977. Lucy has starred in everything from the Woody Allen film Into the Woods to A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix, Bad Teacher and the How to Build a Girl series where she played Sylvia Plath. Speaking about her triumphant role as Amanda in Motherland and Amandaland, Lucy said, 'I've always thought of Amanda as an arrested teenager. She's a mean girl. Now it's almost like she's coming of age, growing up a bit, having to make friends, having to try.' Of course, Lucy's most recent project took her to the Bahamas to conquer her fear of sharks. 'We really are right in the middle of nowhere in the sea on our own with a load of sharks but I'm hoping when Tristin comes he's going to reassure us about what we are doing and that it's safer than it looks,' she said in the first episode. She is joined on the new show by Helen George, Ade Adepitan, Rachel Riley, Dougie Poynter, Lenny Henry and Ross Noble. Lucy has reportedly been with her partner Dinos Chapman since 2014 and they live together in LA. Dinos is one half of the visual art duo The Chapman Brothers. He has two daughters from his previous marriage to Tiphaine de Lussy. While Lucy has two sons aged nine and three. No, Lucy is notoriously private about her personal life and does not have social media. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is on Mondays on ITV1 at 9pm or you can stream the entire series on ITVX. Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores slashes price of perfect Skims dupe top to just €3 in summer sale
DUNNES Stores has slashed the price of a cute top that's the perfect dupe for Skims to just €3 - but fashion fans need to act fast. The lemon Crop Fitted Polyamide Stretch Top was originally priced at €8. 2 The top is a bargain at €3 2 It's ideal for summer "An everyday essential, it has a crew neck and short sleeves." It comes in sizes XS to XXL. However, some sizes are already sold out online but may still be available in your nearest store. READ MORE IN FASHION The Dunnes version is also stocked in black and pink for €8. It's the perfect dupe for Skims' cotton jersey t-shirt which is priced at €59. The Skims description reads: "Our viral t-shirt in the cotton everyone craves. "This perfect five-star tee is made with our stretchy, lightweight cotton that enhances your curves with its body-hugging fit and elevates your comfort with its incredibly soft feel. Most read in Fabulous "Features stitching details along the short sleeves and hem and hits below the natural waist. Fits true to size." Meanwhile, a fashion fan has alerted shoppers to a I tried 'gorgeous' tie front summer top from Dunnes Stores - here's how I styled it Style lover Lucy, who goes by @ She invited her followers to She said: 'Style an outfit with me: I want to style this gorgeous white top I've picked up in Dunnes with these leopard print shorts I'm obsessed with. "And I got it from Asos. I loved it. I think it is so cute." The Its description reads: 'This cotton poplin waistcoat from Savida features a flattering tie-front design and delicate lettuce-edged trims. 'Adorned with all-over perforated embroidery, it offers a light, breezy feel that is perfect for sunny days.' The cute summer top, in white, ranges in sizes XXS to XXL. Lucy has bagged the gorgeous piece for just €20 in But shoppers are being warned that the summer top is currently not available on the Dunnes website but may still be available in your local store. Separately, The new outfit will add a pop of colour to any wardrobe this The pink set consists of a waistcoat, shorts and a blazer. The striking pink Crepe Waistcoat is a steal at €20. The 'Style it with the matching shorts and blazer (sold separately) for warm-weather days at the office.' The cute waistcoat, available in sizes 8 to 18, is selling out fast online. Sizes 16 and 18 have sold out on the website already. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
