Latest news with #lick
Metro
12-08-2025
- Business
- Metro
5 outstanding 'before and after' interiors that will inspire your home's glow-up
Some spaces simply need a lick of fresh paint, others need a complete re-vamp. But these five remarkable transformations prove that with the right touch, even the most tired interiors can be entirely revitalised. If you're thinking of renovating, you'll find all the inspiration you need in the 'Best Before and After' category of the Home Awards, in partnership with Metro. This year's finalists – sponsored by Rightmove – have transformed once-forgotten spaces into sanctuaries of style, revived with character and an inspired creative eye. See how these spaces were transformed and don't forget to check back in for the winners announcement in October! The lounge in Daniel Bland's Victorian home was feeling lack-lustre before he was able to reinvent the space into an image of antique elegance. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Intent on highlighting the original architectural features, Daniel chose dark paints and paneling that preserved the room's period authenticity while adding a modern, refined touch. Every piece of furniture and décor was selected and placed with masterful precision. Entering this transformation with a clear artistic vision and determination to unlock the space's full potential, Daniel has actualised timeless character and sophisticated charm into his living space. Determined to give the 'awkward extension' of her home a real meaning, Kirstie stripped the space back to its bare brick before transforming it into a thoughtfully designed playroom for her two children. She took on the panelling and painting herself, then carefully styled the room to ensure it could evolve as her children grow, knowing its role will naturally shift over time. Bursting with colour and charm, the space features a cosy gold velvet tee-pee set atop a lively, harlequin-patterned rug. Now full of life, this transitional space in the Waterston home has found an identity, balancing vibrant energy with a refined sense of purpose. This transformation doesn't just upgrade the aesthetic of Leekim Stewart's bedroom window, it significantly enhances the room's functionality, comfort, and sense of personality. What was once a plain and underutilised wall has been reimagined into a warm, characterful focal point that perfectly balances form and function. Keeping the natural light as the star of the show, the installation of the seating and shelving units creates the ultimate pink reading nook. With the intention of seamlessly blending practicality with personality, Leekim has delivered a transformation that feels both curated and effortless. Nicki and her husband put all the elbow grease they had into transforming this once-tired horse lorry into a stylish, upscale glamping retreat. What was previously a purely practical vehicle has been thoughtfully redesigned into a cosy and contemporary getaway on wheels, without sacrificing comfort or charm. More Trending Now fully equipped to sleep four, the space includes a cleverly designed kitchen with all the essentials, as well as a fully functioning shower. The Castle family have truly transformed this trailer into the ultimate family weekend escape. Having lived through the restoration of her 19th century manor house, Sarah Ellis approached revamping her interiors with a deep respect for the building's history. Each space is designed to celebrate the original architectural features whilst embracing the comfort of modern living. Period details, ornate ceiling mouldings and the original wall panelling are elegantly offset by modern additions, honouring the past without compromising on contemporary function or style. View More » From colour palette to materials to lighting, Sarah seamlessly integrates old and new in her renovation, creating the perfect blend of antique grandeur and modern sophistication. Metro has teamed up with and Blinds 2go – proud sponsor of the Best Bedroom category in the Home Awards – to give one lucky winner the chance to win £1,000 to spend on Blinds 2go's stunning collection of made-to-measure blinds and curtains and give your windows the ultimate glow up. Enter your details below and turn your windows into the best-dressed feature in your home. You have until midnight on 19 August to enter. Good luck! Form not loading? Enter here. * Open to GB residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+. Entrants must be 18 years or over at the time of entry. Promotion opens at 17:01 on 29/7/25 and closes at 23:59 on 19/8/25. Entrant must submit their first and last name, email address, telephone number, date of birth and postcode when prompted via the entry form available on (available here). 1 prize available of £1,000 to spend on Blinds 2go's or Curtains 2go's collection of made-to-measure blinds and/or curtains. The Prize is subject to the Promoter's standard terms and conditions available here. Maximum 1 entry per person. Full T&Cs apply, see here. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Powder rooms with personality – 7 bathroom renovations to inspire your next DIY MORE: Phil Spencer shares 5 tips to help your home fly off the market
Scoop
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Auckland Live Launches A Festival Of Arts, Imagination And Adventures – ‘We The Young' In Tāmaki Makaurau This September
Press Release – 818. Auckland Live proudly presents the inaugural We The Young, a festival of arts, imagination and adventures, created for Auckland's tamariki and rangatahi. Running from Tuesday 16 September to Sunday 28 September 2025, this inclusive festival that celebrates young people and their loved ones will feature over 19 live performances, creative workshops, interactive art experiences, and free outdoor fun. We The Young marks Auckland Live's first ever arts festival exclusively for young audiences, with shows to entertain six month olds, to sixteen year olds. The festival will take over some of the city's most iconic venues, Auckland Town Hall, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Civic and Aotea Square. Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live says: ' We The Young is our response to enhancing Auckland's cultural offering, giving tamariki and rangatahi the chance to experience and participate in imaginative, world-class artforms. This festival is about recognising their place in our creative community today, while nurturing the artists and audiences of tomorrow. Our vision is to see We The Young become a signature annual event on Auckland's arts calendar, complementing our existing performing arts programme.' Rosa Strati, Creative Producer at Auckland Live, says: ' We The Young is a vibrant celebration of our incredible young people in Tāmaki Makaurau and we are committed to ensuring high-quality, age-specific arts experiences are accessible for everyone. Our programme includes multiple highly-visual, sound-based and NZSL interpreted events, every single show has a relaxed session available and we even have a digital work you can enjoy without leaving your home. We The Young has been designed with families in mind – over half of our shows are completely free and prices for those shows that are ticketed, have been set to be accessible and affordable.' Young audiences can expect a diverse line-up of shows and experiences, including Creation Creation, a playful, big-hearted theatre work from Australia for ages 10+. The show tackles life's biggest mysteries like 'Are aliens real?' and 'Is it possible to lick your elbow?' through interviews with people aged 8 to 102. Full of laughs, Creation Creation will show at Herald Theatre from 25-28 September. Paper Planet is an enchanting international installation where children and families have the opportunity to build a forest from cardboard and paper, transforming it into a living, breathing world of creatures, costumes, and stories. Presented at the Aotea Centre from 25-28 September. The Tantrum, a joyous dance-theatre work for 3-8 year olds, exploring big emotions and the creative chaos of childhood. With shows on 20-21 September at Herald Theatre, The Tantrum uses music, dance and the imagination to tackle big, unruly, hard-to-figure-out emotions. Up and Away is a gentle, sensory performance designed for pre-walking babies, offering a unique first theatre experience. Presented at the Aotea Centre from 16-21 September, Up and Away creates a cosy, safe space in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Waiata, whānau, and the wonders of Te Taiao (the natural world) will be brought to life at Pīpī Paopao on 27–28 September at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall. Created by Rutene Spooner, this vibrant, interactive performance for kids aged 3-7 years celebrates the beauty of te reo Māori. The Imaginarium is a playful and welcoming one-day event for Disabled and non-disabled young people alike. Led by an experienced team of artists and support crew, attendees will be guided through hands-on, inclusive workshops that celebrate individuality, imagination, and joy. Taking place on 20 September in the Hunua & Waitākere Rooms at the Aotea Centre. Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is the thrilling grand final of Auckland's premier youth talent competition, showcasing the city's most promising singers, musicians, and dancers. Happening at Auckland Town Hall on 20 September, this free, ticketed event sees Auckland's rising stars go head-to-head in five finale categories. Massive Company will be running physical theatre workshops for ages 12-16, helping young people unlock confidence and creativity through movement and storytelling at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall on 23 and 25 September. The Valentina is an audio adventure available online, blending theatre, illustration, and sound to whisk young listeners on a cosmic journey alongside Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. Ticket holders will be given six month access to this YouTube performance. We The Young also features a vibrant free programme designed to transform Aotea Square into a hub of playful activity. Families can dance up a storm at the Dance-O-Mat, unleash creativity at A Taste of Art Battle – Young Guns, discover global tales in the Little Language Lounge, or join in the fun of a live broadcast of the beloved 95bFM Kids Show. During the festival, Aotea Square will come alive daily with free, hands-on fun for the whole whānau from Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 September. Surrounding the ticketed events, families can make a full day of it with a lively mix of creative activities, from imaginative Junk & Craft sessions and whimsical Tea Parties, to Circus Workshops with Te Kura Maninirau and traditional Māori games with Ngaa Taonga Taakaro. These playful, interactive experiences are designed to spark imagination, get tamariki moving, and create joyful memories, all at no cost. Adding to the festival's mission to make arts accessible for all, many events are relaxed performances, highly visual, or audio-based, welcoming neurodiverse audiences and ensuring young people of all abilities can participate. The festival will also feature Stage Play, a specially curated, subsidised schools programme offering primary school groups a day-long adventure through performances, workshops and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into The Civic's magical world. With tickets across the festival priced to keep experiences accessible, and many free activities on offer, We The Young promises to be a landmark new fixture on Auckland's arts calendar.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Don't feed wildlife.' Why WA made it illegal to feed specific animals
If you're an avid wildlife enthusiast who loves to leave treats for wild animals who visit your yard, the state of Washington has a request: Please stop. As of May 17, 2025, it is illegal in Washington state to feed specific wild animals — deer, elk and moose in particular. Prior to the new law, Bellingham was the only local government in the state that already had a similar ban in place. In 2017, Bellingham made it illegal to feed deer. Part of the problem is that new illnesses are popping up among the state's wild residents and officials want to curb them from spreading and worsening. 'People often think they are helping wildlife by feeding them, or simply hoping that providing food will give them a better opportunity to observe their wild neighbors,' states a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Medium post published over the weekend. 'Unfortunately, feeding wildlife can cause more harm than good, especially with new wildlife diseases being found in Washington.' Groups of animals gathering in concentrated areas has led to the appearance of chronic wasting disease, which is typically lethal to deer, elk and moose. The disease first appeared in the state in 2024, according to WDFW. Food like corn, grains and fruit can be difficult for these animals to digest. In response, WDFW now has a new rule that it is illegal to feed deer, moose and elk. It is now also illegal for hunters to bait them. That's because sick animals at a feeding site — like a salt lick or a bird feeder — can contaminate the food, spreading the illness to other animals. State residents are encouraged, however, to create and support native habitat. The WDFW Habitat at Home program provides guidelines and helpful hints for making sure the habitat is beneficial to wild animals. Sick, injured or diseased animals can be reported with WDFW's online reporting tool. If you want more information on how to view wildlife safely, without endangering them, you can find some guidelines here.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
I'm a paint expert – the exact temperature to give your garden a glow-up & when it's TOO hot to get the best results
MANY of us have been flocking to our gardens in recent weeks to enjoy the lovely burst of sunshine and hot weather. Whether we want to enjoy quality time with family and friends or take a quiet moment alone to relax, our gardens are a sanctuary when it's warm outside. Advertisement 2 Experts have warned against painting your garden during the hot weather Credit: GETTY 2 And they revealed the exact temperature you could give your garden a fresh coat Credit: Getty Which is why homeowners are starting to give their outdoor spaces a glow-up if they haven't already. And an easy way to do that is by giving the space a fresh coat of paint - everything from fences to wooden furniture can be spruced up with a lick of paint. So why not pick up a brush when the sun's out and we can top up our tan while getting some much-needed DIY work done? Well, before you go rushing to your local home improvement store, experts have warned that this isn't the best idea. Advertisement READ MORE FABULOUS Paint and Interiors Expert Lucy Steele, from And she explained exactly why you should never paint in the heat, even though it may seem like a good idea. If you're unsure of whether or not you can paint, a simple rule would be if the surface you wish to paint is warm to the touch, then it is too warm to paint Lucy Steele Paint and Interiors Expert from V&CO Paint She said: "When painting in a heatwave, you'll most likely find the paint will dry much quicker than when the weather is cooler. "Whilst this might seem like a good thing, it most definitely isn't. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "When the paint dries too quickly, it can cause many problems, such as uneven finishes, cracks, fading and can cause the paint to peel off. Lucy also added that paint is at risk of overheating if it's left out in hot weather or sunshine. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' She continued: "If you've not left paint in a cool storage space, then there is a high chance that the paint will overheat in these temperatures. "Applying paint that has overheated will create bumps and blisters on the surface of the wall. Advertisement "This will cause an uneven finish, meaning you'll have to start all over again." So, what is the perfect temperature for painting outside? Lucy explained that it should be no higher than 21C outside when you pick up the paintbrush. But if you can't wait that long, then you could go a little higher, but Lucy warns you should never paint if it's hotter than 32C. Advertisement She explained: "When painting exteriors, and the temperature is 32C or above outside, then it's advised to wait until the weather is much cooler outside before you begin. "Ideally, when painting exteriors, you want the temperature to be no more than 21C to avoid the risk of the paint drying too quickly and therefore not settling properly. "The general rule is to not start painting if the surrounding temperature exceeds 32C. "If you're unsure of whether or not you can paint, a simple rule would be if the surface you wish to paint is warm to the touch, then it is too warm to paint. Advertisement "To avoid the risk of your paint drying too quickly and causing any damage, we'd always recommend you refrain from painting if you know there is going to be a heatwave." Three colours to paint your fence to will make your garden look bigger IN a bid to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor space, garden experts have revealed how homeowners can be creative with the space they have. And if you want to make your garden look bigger, they have a helpful trick up their sleeve. You might not realise it, but the colour of your fence can make a huge difference. Matthew Lock, director of luxurious garden furniture specialists , revealed that painting your fence the right shade can trick the eye into thinking there's more space than there really is. He said: " Light grey softens the boundaries of your garden, adding a subtle touch of elegance and allowing other design elements such as plants and garden furniture to stand out more. 'A soft shade of green can be another smart option, giving an earthy and homely look and feel and combining well with other greens in your garden such as your lawn or shrubs. 'Pastel colours in general, such as a soft pink or blue, are a popular choice in the UK, giving you a chance to make your space more vibrant without being domineering. 'Given that garden fence paint can start from around £10, you don't have to break the bank to give your outdoor space the transformation you want in time for summer.'
The Spinoff
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Windbag: The urbanist value of a rainbow crossing
Roadway art like Wellington's rainbow crossing can be a cheap way to improve inner-city vibrancy and pedestrian safety. Windbag is The Spinoff's Wellington issues column, written by Wellington editor Joel MacManus. Subscribe to the Windbag newsletter to receive columns early. Wellington's rainbow crossing at Cuba Street and Dixon Street opened with pomp and circumstance on October 10, 2018. The date marked the birthday of Carmen Rupe, the local celebrity drag queen whose silhouette appears on the green pedestrian lights along Cuba Street. The mayor at the time, Justin Lester, helped to paint the crossing. After the ceremonial cutting of the rainbow ribbon, drag performers strutted over the rainbow to cheers from an assembled crowd. Rainbow crossings became a global trend after the first one was installed in West Hollywood during Pride Month in 2012. LGBTQ+ communities embraced them as a symbol that said we are here. Cities – and specifically, liberal politicians within those cities – introduced them as a way to say we welcome you. That's exactly what Lester said in his speech: 'Everyone's welcome in Wellington.' Of course, painting a rainbow on the road costs money, and every use of public funds is open to criticism. Wellington's rainbow crossing cost $26,844 to install and $5,314 to repaint in 2022. That's about 20% more than a standard zebra crossing. But there are other examples where they've become boondoggles – such as a recently abandoned rainbow intersection in Dunedin, which blew out to an estimated $276,000. Comparing the cost of the rainbow crossing to a zebra crossing is slightly misleading, because a rainbow crossing is not an official pedestrian crossing. In a legal sense, it's just paint on the road. Still, paint on the road makes a difference. Compared to multi-year, multi-million-dollar transformations like the Golden Mile upgrade, a lick of paint is a cheap and quick way to add a bit of flair and personality to an otherwise dreary bit of concrete. It also helps to add a sense of pedestrian priority by acting as a colourful reminder to drivers to look out for people crossing. From the moment rainbow crossings arrived in cities, anti-LGBTQ+ groups opposed them. Often, they couched their opposition in costs or safety concerns, but the underlying message was clear: we don't welcome you. That's why Destiny Church members painted over the Karangahape Road rainbow crossing in Auckland. And it's why a group of individuals affiliated with Destiny Church launched a judicial review against Wellington's crossing on Cuba Street earlier this year. The challenge was on narrow legal grounds. They argued that the rainbow crossing breached the NZTA guidelines for road markings because it could be confused with a standard pedestrian crossing. There was some basis for this; emails from 2017 and 2018 showed that NZTA Waka Kotahi officials told Wellington City Council that a rainbow crossing would not comply with traffic control rules. The rules were changed in 2020 under transport minister Phil Twyford to introduce the concept of 'roadway art', which is allowed as long as it is in a 'lower-risk environment' and doesn't resemble a standard road marking. NZTA Waka Kotahi's Handbook for Tactical Urbanism in Aotearoa says road art may be used to create a sense of place, highlight pedestrian crossings, encourage slower vehicle speeds, show support for a community, or enhance the streetscape by contributing to liveability and vibrancy. Justice Jason McHerran found that Dixon Street was a 'lower risk environment' based on the 85th percentile vehicle speed of 24km/h. On the matter of whether people inaccurately believed the rainbow crossing to be a legal pedestrian crossing, a Stantec report showed that the vast majority of pedestrians crossed during the green light, showing they understood it did not function as a zebra crossing. McHerran ruled that the rainbow crossing was allowed under the 2020 rules and also would have been acceptable under the previous rules. It was a win for the council and the LGBTQ+ activists who requested it in the first place. It also helps to set a precedent that should give councils far more confidence to do creative stuff with their streets. The rainbow crossing case was only marginal because of its horizontal stripes. Any roadway art with vertical stripes, geometric shapes, patterns or pictures can be safely assumed to be legal, as long as it is in an appropriate location. Riddiford Street in Newtown could use a spruce-up. Some roadway art at the pedestrian lights on the corner of Constable Street wouldn't hurt. The same goes for Bay Road in Kilbirnie, Aro Street in Aro Valley, or countless other streets in suburbs and towns across New Zealand that might want a splash of colour in their community.
