Latest news with #WrenKitchens
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Alison Hammond admits her TV career 'could end tomorrow' in candid interview
This Morning presenter Alison Hammond has been a staple on TV screens since she first appeared on Big Brother back in 2002 but she has admitted that her career 'could end tomorrow' Alison Hammond, beloved by ITV watchers for her vibrant co-hosting on This Morning's Friday shows with Dermot O'Leary, has truly made a name for herself since her 2002 Big Brother stint. Prior to her TV success for years Alison worked as a tour rep following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a hard-working, no-nonsense travel agent. She says she owes her success down to 'being unapologetically me" and her mother. Asked about her biggest influence, she said: "Without a doubt, my mum. She taught me to laugh loud, love big and always be myself. And look where that's got me - This Morning, Bake Off, three books, working with Maybelline..." From her beginnings informing viewers of the latest competitions on ITV, she seamlessly transitioned to joining the presenting team in 2021, stepping into the shoes previously filled by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford. Alison has graced our screens in various capacities, including dancing on Strictly Come Dancing and even teaming up with Noel Fielding for hosting duties on The Great British Bake Off. Alison earned a huge sum last year, making around £35,000 per week after landing a series of lucrative deals. Host Alison also has money spinning jobs like being the voice of Wren Kitchens which brings in thousands of pounds. The host also has a deal with online firm Very. Despite her success, Alison remains grateful for her career in television, as she revealed to Radio Times with heartwarming candour: "I'm so happy! I'm in such a good place. I'm 50, I've done everything I needed to do in life, and now I'm just enjoying it!". She continued candidly: "I've had hard times, and I know television is fickle, so tomorrow I could be out of work. This might not be for ever, so you've got to enjoy every single day, and it's not the end of the world if it ends. I could go get a job in Tesco and be more than happy there as well", reports Birmingham Live. This April, BBC audiences will get the chance to see Alison in a fresh light with her new programme, Alison Hammond's Big Weekend. Venturing into the personal spheres of familiar faces like Perrie Edwards, Spice Girl Mel B, and Sir Lenny Henry, the six-part series promises to offer an intimate look at the lives and backgrounds of these popular celebrities. The synopsis reveals: "All six celebrities open themselves up to Alison, sharing personal revelations, fun times, and the occasional tear as they show Alison the people and places that have shaped them into the stars they are today. The show takes Alison across the UK as she asks the big questions viewers are dying to know - all in her unique and hilarious way that has made the star one of the country's most beloved TV personalities." Ahead of the series premiere, Alison hinted at some emotional moments and plenty of laughs. When quizzed about what viewers can anticipate, she responded: "Oh, babes, buckle up! Big Weekend is all about me getting celebs to have the juiciest, funniest, and sometimes most emotional chats. It's a full-blown experience! We're talking deep convos, belly laughs and spontaneous singalongs. From roller coasters with Mel B to ice baths with Jimmy Carr, this series is packed with surprises."
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How to decorate your home in style with second-hand and recycled finds
Walking into interior designer Alex Legendre's home in Shoreham-by-Sea is like stepping back more than 100 years in time. It has its origins in the late 1800s, and features including the Edwardian entranceway, weathered floorboards and patches of peeling wallpaper remain intact. 'I felt drawn to the bones of the building, and to the joy to be found in its imperfections,' says Legendre. What made her buy the house – which she shares with her partner 'Ging', a café owner – was picturing how her existing collection of antiques would complement its features. As co-founder of lifestyle emporium Igigi General Store, in Hove, East Sussex, which closed in 2022 after 24 years in business, Legendre had a lock-up full of pieces collected over the decades: reclaimed materials and one-of-a-kind antiques including an old bath, original taps, chandeliers, antique fabrics and boxes of decorative finds. A hoarder, she says, 'I buy items I Iove and keep them in mind for future projects.' Browsing boot fairs and retail stores, Legendre has gathered pieces celebrating different cultures and textures. Furniture reupholstered in linen can be found alongside jute rugs, Turkish tapestries and distressed-leather chairs. A particular find is the artisan style brass tap/faucet from high-street store Wren Kitchens, which gives the impression of designer detailing when paired with a vintage marble sink. The only structural change involved removing the wall between the dining and sitting rooms to increase the light and create an open-plan kitchen/dining space from the former pantry, galley and larder. Mindful of her carbon footprint, Legendre seeks out pre-loved furniture that has seen years of daily use – notched surfaces, galvanised metal, bare wood, waxed details and natural fibres. Spanning many periods, it works as a whole; the palette looks monochrome at first, but on closer scrutiny reveals hints of colour in the form of clay, wood and leather. 'I choose pieces that will continue to look better with age,' says Legendre. It is an approach that works for the whole house. This is an edited extract from Colourful Homes for the Soul by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars of The Contented Nest, which will be published by Ryland Peters & Small on 13 May, £25. To pre-order a copy for £21.25 until 18 May, go to or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over £25. © Ryland Peters & Small
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful houseplants that get rid of unwanted kitchen odours and purify the air
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it's also the room that sees the most work on a daily basis. These houseplants will help purify the air and get rid of any pungent odours Houseplants are not only visually appealing, but they also serve a practical purpose in your home. The kitchen is undeniably the hub of most households, but it's also the room that endures the most wear and tear on a daily basis. While preparing three meals a day for yourself and your loved ones brings about tasty food and unforgettable memories, cooking can also result in lingering odours that aren't as pleasant as the meal itself. Despite the temptation to grab a chemical-laden air freshener, there's actually a healthier and more natural way to eliminate unwanted smells and ensure clean air in your home - houseplants. These specific plants not only purify the air in your home and banish any stubborn odours, but they also contribute to a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, and are aesthetically pleasing. Experts from Wren Kitchens teamed up with Fantastic Gardeners to identify the best multitasking houseplants you can introduce into your kitchen that will add a pop of colour to your home while simultaneously working to keep it smelling fresh. These six expert-endorsed plants are all relatively low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for those who don't have the best track record when it comes to plant care. First on the list for a breath of fresh air in your home is the English Ivy plant, hailed by specialists as a top pick for cleansing your indoor atmosphere. "English ivy is easy to grow indoors and can add a beautiful splash of colour to any kitchen," Radek Babicek from Fantastic Gardeners points out. "This plant is one of the best ones to help reduce indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde benzene, which is a by-product of tobacco smoke, burning gas and open fires, as well as mould and bacteria" But beware if you have pets at home - this green beauty should be placed high up away from curious paws. For those with a penchant for hanging greens, the aluminium plant comes highly recommended. Its eye-catching metallic and green foliage is a real showstopper in many kitchens. However, it's not too keen on temperature swings, so avoid placing it near windows. "Despite this, it's still an easy plant to care for," assures the gardening guru. "And its main appeal in the kitchen is its colouring. It's also a good hanging plant, which will save you valuable counter space." And let's not forget about the aloe vera plant, another champion in the air-purifying league according to experts. Beyond its toxin-battling prowess, there's a practical reason to have this succulent close at hand in the kitchen. "If you burn yourself, cut off a lower leaf near the stalk and rub the gel right on the burn," advised the expert. "You'll feel almost instant relief." Other top picks for your kitchen include the cast iron plant and the snake plant. These two are sure to make a bold statement, ideally placed on the floor due to their potential height. The snake plant is particularly low-maintenance, with an expert noting, "they do their best when you neglect them, and they don't need much watering or a lot of light," making it an ideal choice for those hesitant about adding plant care to their chores. Lastly, the experts suggest opting for a spider plant, renowned for its efficiency in eliminating "bad odours, fumes, and pollutants from the kitchen environment." This adaptable plant isn't fussy about light or temperature conditions, making it a suitable addition to virtually any kitchen.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Little-known rule every homeowner must know when renovating
Anyone renovating their home is being made aware of a little-known rule that you should apply when designing your kitchen. The 'kitchen triangle' is a old trend that continues to be beneficial in the interior design world. Homeowners are being advised to put this little-known rule to the test within their properties. To help provide some insight, Debra Hutt, Kitchen Expert at Wren Kitchens, has shared her expert knowledge. READ MORE: My dad went on A Place in the Sun and bought a house – here's what happens when the cameras stop READ MORE: Fastest way to paint your garden fence - and you don't need a paint brush 'Originating in the 1920's, this three-cornered rule was designed to offer the ultimate functionality in the kitchen," Debra explains. "The rule states that the three main areas within the kitchen (oven, sink and fridge) should be placed within each point of the triangle, allowing easy access to each appliance. 'One of the main benefits of this rule is practicality, allowing for a shorter distance in-between each area, meaning dishes can be transferred from worktop to sink and food from fridge to oven with ease." Debra adds: 'Another advantage is worktop maximisation, with each appliance evenly spread creating increased cooking space. This therefore fosters a calmer and cleaner kitchen environment, which is the ultimate goal for a busy home. 'To ensure you get the most out of this, ensure your worktops are clutter free, with only your most used utensils on display, utilising all available cupboard space to keep cooking areas clear. 'All of our homes are individual to us, and with this guide being created in 1920, technology and kitchens have massively evolved. "This effectiveness of this rule solely depends on your kitchen layout, if you have a standard U or L shaped design, the triangle will likely benefit you." However, Debra warns that some homeowners may not be able to apply the rule to their kitchen. "Those with limited space including galley kitchens, may struggle to find enough room between each area," she says. "This additionally applies to larger kitchens, with the issue being too much space in-between, or obstructions such as islands which usually don't hold standard built-in appliances such as ovens."
