Latest news with #Victorian-style
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Ridgetown celebrates 150th, Ridge House celebrates 50th
The Ridge House Museum reopened for the 2025 season on the weekend with a fresh new look in time for the community's 150th and its own 50th anniversary. The exterior of the restored 1875 Victorian-style has been repainted, and the pollinator garden has been cleaned up in time for Ridgetown's Sesquicentennial celebrations. The museum had been on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's waiting list for an extended period for life cycle projects. At press time, all work is complete except for the new fence. 'The fence is up, but not completely painted,' said Marlee Robinson, volunteer and advocate for the Ridge House Museum. 'The Pollinator Patch Garden that the Ridgetown Horticultural Society looks after has been totally cleaned up for spring ... and looking amazing.' Robinson, a retired art historian and active volunteer in Chatham-Kent's cultural, tourism, and art community, said she is glad the building and grounds will be pristine for Canada Day weekend when Ridgetown celebrates the 150th anniversary of its incorporation as a village. The Ridge House Museum will have exhibits to tie in with the celebrations. A new exhibit titled 'Making the Map: the Settlers of Ridgetown' will highlight stories and artifacts from the four families who settled in the area that led to the town's foundation. Along with the town's Sesquicentennial, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Ridge House Museum. As the town prepared for its centennial celebration in 1975, the Ridgetown Rotary Club purchased the Victorian house at 53 Erie St. S. as its centennial project. Led by the Ridgetown & District Historical Society, the Ridge House Museum was established to collect and preserve artifacts and specimens significant to the area represented by Ridgetown and the former Howard Township. The Discovery Den, an interactive creative space for children, will host activities tied to the museum's 50th anniversary. The museum will host 'Escape the Ridge House: Happy Birthday Ridgetown' events on the July 19-20 and Aug. 16-17 weekends. Other than these dates, the Ridge House Museum is open to drop-in visitors for the 2025 season on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will be offered guided tours to see what middle-class life was like in 1875, and children can play in the Discovery Den. Visitors can walk around the grounds and enjoy the Pollinator Patch, a mix of Ontario native plants and heritage flowers developed in partnership with the Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society. Admission is by donation. The museum closes for the season on Aug. 31. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Even If You Don't Buy Anything, These 32 Products Are Great Inspo For Anyone Who Wants To Take Their Interior Design To The Next Level
A hand-carved Himalayan salt lamp on a wooden base, because it gives off a soothing glow that'll make your space feel more calming. Plus, it has a dimmer so you can customize the brightness to your preferences! Promising review: "This is a fantastic salt lamp. It's made exceptionally well. Very heavy! Medium sized. Dimmer switch and bulb included. The salt piece itself is cut into a perfect square that sits on a dark wooden stand. The salt lamp does not come loose from the stand, it is attached strongly. Adds a lot of light to the room. Would buy again and recommend to anyone looking for something built well, a good size, and aesthetically pleasing." —Zelda ZoinkGet it from Amazon for $29.99. A corner shelf to take advantage of that awkward part of any room where your other furniture might not fit. Now you can use it to display your knick knacks, family photos, plants, and other things that might clutter up your other surfaces. Promising review: "I was surprised at how sturdy and nice this shelf was. Very expensive looking and sturdy when out together. The biggest bonus was how the parts where all labeled and it came with the exact tools you needed to put together. Very happy with my purchase!" —Rhonda CoeGet it from Amazon for $109.98+ (available in three colors and two sizes). Some wooden wall decor for anyone who wants to transform a blank wall into something that looks straight out of a gallery. These'll add some natural-looking charm and warmth to any room! Promising review: "Absolutely stunning! We were looking for art that provided warm wood tones and texture and these hit the nail on the head! They are so unique and everyone that sees them compliments them. They were also extremely well packed for transport. Do not hesitate to purchase!" —KSPGet it from Amazon for $59.99. A coffee table with an eye-catching design and two tiers of surface space where you can keep books, decor, or your favorite beverages and snacks. Promising review: "Really pleased with the quality and appearance of this table. It was easy to put together, the top is very thick and sturdy, and the look is quite upscale. Great buy for the price." —Stacey PenningtonGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in five colors). A toothbrush holder designed to be a convenient and stylish place to hold a variety of bathroom accessories. Plus, the built-in drainage holes will keep your toiletries nice and dry. Promising review: "It is well worth the money, solid, sturdy has water drain holes and a wonderfully marbled appearance. Cleans easily, is exactly as described, and I am thrilled with this buy!!!" —C TillmanGet it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three styles and four colors). A metal platform bed frame that'll add some farmhouse vibes to your bedroom. The high headboard will make it extra comfy to lean against your pillows, and the Victorian-style iron frame offers a cool touch. Promising review: "This is a beautiful bed frame. It's simple and classic. It's well made. It was easy and straightforward to assemble. It's sturdy and heavy. The mattress fit perfectly on it and provides sufficient support. Definitely recommend." —Leah GreenGet it from Amazon for $69.29+ available in Twin - California King sizes and five colors). And a duvet cover — it comes in a variety of pretty colors, a checkered or boho design, and also happens to be extremely soft and cozy so you can drift into slumber in style. Promising review: "This duvet cover is beautiful. It's exactly what I was looking for! The beige color is lovely, and the strings make it easy to attach to the comforter. It is easy to clean and fits perfectly over my queen size comforter." —TGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in Twin - California King sizes, 28 colors, and two styles). A bathroom hardware set, because it'll make even a tiny, unexciting bathroom feel a whole lot more luxurious. It includes two towel bars, a towel ring, toilet paper holder, and a unique double hook where you can hang other accessories or let wet towels dry out quickly. Promising review: "Perfect complement to new bathroom. Looks beautiful. Very functional and stylish." —Phil SheridanGet it from Amazon $75.99+ (available in four finishes). A scalloped tray you can use as a serving tray or just somewhere to place decor or accessories on a dining room table, nightstand, kitchen island, or anywhere else in your home that could use an accent piece. Promising review: "Charming and functional – the perfect decorative touch. This wicker scalloped tray is beautifully crafted and adds the perfect touch of texture and charm to any space. The scalloped edges give it a unique, vintage-inspired look, and it's just the right size for styling candles, coffee table books, vases, or use as a food tray. Lightweight but sturdy, it's as practical as it is pretty. A lovely piece for any home." —Simply_DazlynGet it from Amazon for $19.79+ (available in five sizes and two styles). Some abstract metal wall art with a three dimensional effect that just might make your guests think you're a high end art collector — without having to spend anywhere close to that type of money. Promising review: "I really love how these look! These are nice and sturdy metal art pieces. They had all the hardware needed to hang them, and because they have spacers that push them out a little from the wall, it creates a nice 3D effect." —Kimberly it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three sizes and two styles). An indoor plant stand for all the plant parents out there who want a fashionable place to show off their collection of greenery. The ladder design can hold at least eight potted plants, depending on their size, and the included hooks make it easy to attach your hanging plants to the top wire shelf. Promising review: "Loved this so much, I bought another one! Great display piece in the living room for my plants, etc. I feel like it's made a big impact on the space. Feels sturdy, looks nice, and put together easily. Should I buy two more? :) Seriously a top favorite design purchase ever." —HNGet it from Amazon for $112.99+ (available in three colors). A chunky knit throw blanket to dress up any couch, chair, or bed that could use an extra dose of style. Plus, it's so soft and cozy that you might find yourself spending more time underneath it than looking at it from across the room. Promising review: "This is perhaps my best purchase on Amazon ever. It's gorgeous. It's beautifully made. It's thick, soft, and warm. It comes in a reusable drawstring bag that gives the impression that the purchase is designer — what a great touch! I can't say enough how much I love the color, texture, and richness of this throw. I know I'll have to purchase one for my daughter.I've had this a while and have washed it in the machine on delicate and dried in the dryer, and it still looks just as it did when it arrived. It did not stretch out or shrink, and is still soft. I have to fight my dogs and my daughter over it lol. I LOVE this blanket!" — it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in eight colors and three sizes). A set of two velvet mid-century lounge chairs that'll most likely get compliments from everyone that sets their eyes (and behinds) on them. A beautiful desk with a natural birch finish and three rattan-detailed drawers, because if you're gonna spend most of your day stuck in your home office, you might as well be sitting at a stunning desk that'll make you feel on top of the world. It also makes a great vanity table! Some faux pampas grass plumes here to turn an empty vase into the most scene-stealing decor in the room. A cute tissue box cover you'll wanna keep stocked at all times because of how fun it is to pull tissues out of the chimney. A porcelain vase — it doesn't even need plants in it to look cool thanks to its vintage-inspired orange juice carton design! A unique, dimmable three-tiered ring floor lamp in case you're looking for a conversation piece that also brings beautiful ambience to any room. It also comes in a multicolor option if you're looking for more bold lighting! A set of charmingly colorful retro wall plates to turn what is quite possibly the most boring home accessory into something much more pleasing to look at. A velvet accent chair with a petal-back design, gold metal legs, and a padded seat if you wanna feel like you're sitting in a comfy lil' flower! A gold bar cart so you can impress your friends when you invite them over for fancy cocktail parties. A gorgeous sofa that comes in a variety of cute colors and has a button-tufted seat to add some extra style to your living room without sacrificing comfort. A beautiful, antique-looking brass floor lamp designed for reading or other detail-oriented tasks. It has an LED bulb with a loooong lifespan, and a touchpad dimmer so you set the perfect lighting for your space. A cool replacement handrail if you wanna give your stairwell a minimalist vibe that'll make your home feel more on-trend. A cute shelf with a rounded top design that'll elevate anything you put on it — both literally and figuratively! Plus, when you put multiple next to each other, they take on a new look that'll seriously upgrade whatever room they grace with their presence. Promising review: "Love them!! I was looking for something modern looking to display my cacti collection. I started with one to give it a try and ended up with four of them!! The more you put together the better they look. They are light weight but sturdy and super easy to put together. I'm obsessed!!" —N.A SmithGet it from Amazon for $93.19+ (available in four colors two sizes, and sets of two). A set of removable stair riser tile decals — now you can easily ~step~ up your otherwise unexciting stairs so they're more fun to look at. A gorgeous three-drawer accent dresser that's basically a work of art! The mirrored surface and intricate geometric wooden overlays are simply stunning, and you can even get a matching cabinet if you want a companion piece in the same style. A shelf with built-in dimmable lights because your expertly curated collection of knick knacks and decor deserve a well-lit stage for them to shine on. Brightness and color temperature are easily adjustable using either the foot button or remote control — talk about convenient! Promising review: "This stylish and functional display shelf is the perfect way to add some pop to your home decor. Its attractive design features adjustable color temperature and brightness levels, allowing you to customize the lighting for your space. It also includes shelves for your collectibles or ornaments and has plenty of room to show them off. The dimmable lights provide the perfect lighting at night or for a cozy atmosphere. Overall, this display shelf is a great addition to any home." —Dessiree BrookerGet it from Amazon for $82.99+ (available in two colors). An elegant white and gold rolling office chair that'll take your home office to the next level so you won't mind spending so much time in there. A faux-cowhide rug with gold accents to give your space a subtle Western touch without the high price or ethical concerns of real cowhide. Plus, an asymmetrical rug can help instantly make a room more visually interesting if you aren't sure where to start in your redecorating process! An elegant golden metal end table ideal for the bedroom, living room, or even outdoors! Along with being super cute, it's also waterproof, which makes it perfect for holding plants — and the lipped edge helps keep any spilled liquids from making a mess on the floor! And finally, a chic arc-frame mirror that comes in a variety of sizes so you can make any room look bigger *and* more in vogue with one item!
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Retro and fantastical' Wellington Square Bookshop in PA has used books, wishing fountain
'Retro and fantastical' Wellington Square Bookshop in PA has used books, wishing fountain Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities. Each week, we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations. This week we have bookseller Angella Meanix of Wellington Square Bookshop in Exton, Pennsylvania. What's your store's story? We've been open for around 14 years. We started as a used bookstore and evolved into a new and used bookstore. Now we've fully embraced the emporium aspect of our logo. We pride ourselves on our customer service. We have a wishing fountain, coffee bar and a popular Victorian-style couch at the back of the store where friends, lovers, coworkers and new acquaintances convene. We have a variety of gifts, oddities, old-school candies and more. It's a passion project – the owner is an avid reader and has interviewed hundreds of authors since the store's inception, a true book aficionado and antiquarian. What makes your independent bookstore unique? The staff are top notch, the space is retro and fantastical – full of mermaids and suncatchers in addition to books, gifts, and decor that is eclectic and beckons you to come in, relax, feel safe and recede from the world. What's your favorite section in your store? The cafe is where conversations take place, delicious snacks are eaten, where adults unwind after a long day at work and where children practice their "please and thank you's." What book do you love to recommend to customers and why? "A History of My Brief Body" by Billy-Ray Belcourt is unexpected and shares the most intimate story of a life most lyrically and poetically. The writing is excellent and the book cracked me open. What book do you think deserves more attention and why? "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome" by Joy DeGruy. It dives into the core of why chattel slavery has affected and still affects us all. It moves beyond correctness and semantics and offers an actual emotional and psychological breakdown of the damage done. It should be required reading in schools. Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important? We believe it's the only way to really fall into a book you may have never otherwise encountered. When you choose a book off the shelf, the book next to it could change your life. You can't stumble across something this way online. Reading and collecting books is also a shared experience. Customers love to share their viewpoints and experiences, and it's exciting to be in a place where everyone shares a common interest in books. Book enthusiasts want to build their repertoire and broaden their knowledge, and that's what being around other book lovers can offer. There is no place like a well-run, friendly, independent bookstore. What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share? Book clubs are our most popular and well-attended happenings. We offer them all year round for fiction, non-fiction and classics. We also host a Poetry Writer's Group the first Sunday of each month.
The South African
22-05-2025
- The South African
Why Muizenberg's beach huts are a must-see before they're gone
Cape Town has no shortage of iconic sights – Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront to name a few – but few are as instantly recognisable or photogenic as the colourful beach huts of Muizenberg. Perched along the edge of False Bay, these bold, bright Victorian-style huts line the white sands like a postcard brought to life. But they're more than just eye candy – they're a symbol of Cape Town's coastal culture and a key stop on any traveller's itinerary. Muizenberg's beach huts are simple structures – small, uniform, and painted in every colour of the rainbow. But their impact is big. Against the backdrop of pale sand, deep blue sea, and dramatic sky, they pop with personality. They're a photographer's dream and Instagram gold, drawing travellers from across the world for that perfect shot. Well, these iconic beach huts will soon be undergoing significant changes as part of Muizenberg's comprehensive beachfront upgrade. The City of Cape Town has confirmed that the existing eight huts will be replaced with new structures that replicate the original design, colours, and patterns, ensuring the preservation of Muizenberg's historic aesthetic The existing beach huts will also be removed from their current location as the new upgraded promenade will be further inland. They will only be moved back by two metres. The beach huts will need to be dismantled in order to be moved, and are likely to be damaged during the process. This is also the reason why new like-for-like huts will be built to replace them. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Seaside town named among UK's most affordable places to live set for huge £6million waterfront revamp
A SEASIDE town named as one of the most affordable places to live in the UK is set to get a brand new £6m waterfront revamp. The beachside project is set to include a two-storey restaurant and cafe area. 6 Lowestoft is home to the popular First Lights Festival, a 24-hour beach arts event, which celebrates the UK's first sunrise Credit: Alamy A new lift will also be installed to improve access to the seafront for beach-goers with mobility issues and pushchairs. It comes as a recent report by property portal Zoopla highlighted Lowestoft, in Suffolk, as one of the most affordable places to live in the UK. Zoopla found that 80% of towns in the south of England now have average prices more than four times household income. 6 An artist's impression of the new seafront cafe and restaurant complex in Lowestoft Wisbech in Cambridgeshire is the only town in the south of England with prices below three times income while Lowestoft, Wisbeth, Great Yarmouth and Peterborough were among the most affordable towns. The £6 million waterfront revamp is expected to make the town even more attractive to homebuyers – though it's been a lengthy process with completion of the project now expected 'later this year' following delays in the tendering process. The delays also mean the project will not be completed in time for the popular First Light Festival in the town, which celebrates the summer solstice in June. The quaint seaside town holds an interesting claim to fame as it's the first place in the UK Most read in The Sun 6 Ness Point in Lowestoft is the most easterly point in the UK Credit: Alamy The beach town is home to Ness Point, the UK's most easterly point. Overlooking the sea, Ness Point is marked by a large metal plate on the ground. Deck chairs are often spotted along the promenade, with visitors travelling throughout the night during the summer solstice to watch the sunrise. The redevelopment of facilities comes after East Suffolk Council was awarded £4.3 million through the Government's Levelling Up Fund in March 2023. A further £600,000 investment from East Suffolk Council's capital programme pushed the total cost of the project to just below £5 million. 6 The seaside town is home to all the usual seaside attractions such as a Victorian-style pavilion and several beaches Credit: Alamy With planning permission granted early last year, the project - which forms the third phase of the Jubilee Parade vision, with the development to complement the Eastern Edge beach huts next to it - started in April last year. It saw the existing 1930s structures on Jubilee Parade demolished, with the promenade extended onto the beach, as Sunrise at Zak's relocated to a temporary building nearby and temporary toilets were installed. This first phase of works was completed last summer. 6 Lowestoft's South Pier and Triton statue are popular with locals and tourists The second phase of the project - involving the construction of the main building - was initially expected to start in June last year, and expected to be completed by Spring 2025. But with delays in the tendering process for the second phase and increased costs - which has seen the total cost of the overall scheme now reach £6 million - work started around three months later in September. This has now pushed the overall timeframe for completion of the second phase back. This week the council said that while "funding for the entire project has been secured," and it "remains scheduled for completion later this year," it will not however be complete by the time the First Light Festival opens in June. The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches A council spokesman said: "The first phase of construction was completed last summer, with some beach huts moved to create space for temporary toilets and cafe to be installed. "The existing structures were demolished, and the promenade extended onto the beach. "After a pause for the summer season, the second phase of construction began in the autumn last year and remains scheduled for completion later this year. "So far, the second phase of work has focused on engineering works to secure the site, including foundations and piling. "These works are progressing well." 6 Attractions in Lowestoft include this seafront train that runs near the Pavilion Credit: Alamy The council said the lift will connect the Upper Esplanade with the Lower Promenade, providing access to the restaurant space and first floor Eastern Edge beach huts. The council spokesman added: "Work on the structure of the building will begin upon completion of the ground works. "The new complex will greatly improve the facilities on offer at this part of the seafront and will also increase seafront access for everyone, and we are looking forward to its completion later this year. "We have seen increased costs however funding is secured for the entire £6m project. Read more on the Irish Sun "In August last year, the council took the decision to reallocate funding from the railway station project to provide further support for key Lowestoft regeneration projects, including Jubilee Parade. "The construction will not be complete by the time of the First Light Festival, but will be completed later in the year."
