Latest news with #LucySteele
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- 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
23-07-2025
- 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 Sun
23-07-2025
- General
- The 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 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. 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 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."
BBC News
22-07-2025
- BBC News
Warning after tortoise 'smuggled into UK in cigarette packet'
A woman who allegedly bought a baby tortoise for £10 at a Tunisian market then smuggled it into the UK in a cigarette packet has sparked a police 29-year-old woman from Boston is being investigated by Lincolnshire Police on suspicion of bringing the reptile into the country without a is believed to be a Testudo graeca - also known as a Greek tortoise - which is an endangered species protected under international law."We are using this report to warn and educate the public about the dangers and legal consequences of buying exotic animals abroad," a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said. The incident has also been criticised by Wild Things Rescue UK, where the tortoise - named Gulliver - is now being cared Steele, from the charity, said the animal was "not in the best condition" when he arrived."It was a surprise to be asked to care for an animal from Tunisia, especially under such distressing circumstances," she said."He is a wild animal, not an accessory and should never have been treated this way." The suspected offences came under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and can result in a fine or up to seven years in Con Aaron Flint, from the force, urged anyone thinking about bringing animals into the UK to check laws."What may seem like an innocent souvenir - even if purchased for a small amount -can result in serious criminal charges," he said."Don't take the risk – the consequences can be severe."Anyone with information about the potential illegal trade or importation of endangered species should contact the force. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
ITV News
22-07-2025
- ITV News
Lincolnshire woman smuggled baby tortoise into the UK
Police are warning travellers not to bring exotic animals into the UK after seizing a baby tortoise that was smuggled into the UK inside a cigarette packet. A 29-year-old woman from Boston, Lincolnshire, is under investigation after allegedly bringing the reptile from Tunisia, where she reportedly bought it at a market for £10. A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: 'Smuggling wildlife can pose serious risks to both an animal's welfare and UK biosecurity. 'Wild animals are not an accessory and no tortoise should ever be treated this way.' The tortoise, which has been named Gulliver, is thought to be a Testudo graeca, commonly known as the Greek tortoise or spur-thighed tortoise. The species is protected under international law due to its endangered status and trade in such animals is heavily restricted. An import permit would be needed to bring a Greek tortoise into the UK. Wildlife crime officer Det Con Aaron Flint said: 'Endangered species such as tortoises are protected under international law, and bringing one into the country without the correct permits is a criminal offence. 'I ask that anyone thinking about bringing animals or animal products into the UK checks the legislation around how this must be done. 'What may seem like an innocent souvenir — even if purchased for a small amount - can result in serious criminal charges." The tortoise has now been taken into specialist care at Wild Things Rescue. Lucy Steele, of Wild Things Rescue, said: 'We usually work with British wildlife, so it was a surprise to be asked to care for an animal from Tunisia, especially under such distressing circumstances. 'The tortoise is not in the best condition and will be seeing a specialist vet to give him the best possible chance at a healthy future. He is a wild animal, not an accessory and should never have been treated this way.'
