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The Irish Sun
10 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."
Fashion Network
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
As it continues to focus on its turnaround, Burberry names regional chiefs to exec committee
Burberry said the appointments reflect its 'commitment to aligning leadership and decision-making more closely with the customer'. It also follows the decision to remove its vacant chief commercial officer position. The four president are all highly experienced execs. Before joining Burberry in 2018, Kim was GM at Bluebell Korea where she managed a portfolio of luxury fashion group brands within LVMH. And van Loon, who joined in 2020, had been VP EMEIA at Tom Ford as well as having held senior leadership roles at Brunello Cucinelli. Zhang has been with Burberry since 2016 and previously served as regional director at Christian Dior Couture. And Dubin-Wander, who's only been with the firm since last year, was the CEO of OTB Designer Brands, Americas. She's also held senior leadership roles at Coach and Christian Dior Couture. Schulman said that the 'announcement recognises the important role Claudia, Frank, Josie and Laura have each had in strengthening our businesses globally and putting the voice of the customer at the heart of every decision we make. Their market insights and deep customer knowledge are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to drive Burberry Forward'.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
First look at young Harry Potter filming TV show as star, 11, spotted in pivotal scenes with the Dursleys
HARRY Potter stars have been spotted filming the exciting new series at London Zoo for the first time. This week, the new Harry Potter film and book franchise. 15 Harry Potter stars have been spotted filming the exciting new series at London Zoo for the first time Credit: Click News and Media 15 The iconic Dursley family have been spotted for the first time Credit: Click News and Media 15 The upcoming series will adapt JK Rowling's novels for a new generation Credit: Aidan Monaghan / HBO Max 15 Amos Kitson plays the role of Dudley Dursley Credit: Click News and Media The first look photo shows actor Dominic McLaughin as Harry Potter, complete in his Hogwarts wizarding robes, iconic round eye glasses and infamous forehead scar. From HBO, the And now, the iconic Dursley family have been spotted alongside Harry for the first time, re-creating the well-known zoo scene from the books , where Harry talks to the snake. They, too, have filmed at London Zoo, like in the first movie, which is set on the edge of Regent's Park. Read More on Harry Potter The new Dursley family consists of Daniel Rigby in the role of blustering Uncle Vernon. Bel Powley transforms into Aunt Petunia, with Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley. The family were seen filming at the zoo in an exciting first-look, and all huddled around to watch the penguin show, amongst a group of onlookers. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were seen in wigs and glasses, and Dudley wore a tracksuit top and bottoms. Most read in News TV New Harry Potter star Dominic McLaughin, 11, is in attendance at the filming, seen in the iconic glasses with a large blue hoodie on. The family filmed as the crew busied around them, touching up makeup and taking photos, while getting everyone into position. Harry Potter legend breaks his silence as replacement cast in HBO TV series They were picture zipping between different areas of the zoo in golf buggies, reportedly shocking members of the the public in the process. Showrunners have guaranteed the new series will be a "faithful adaptation" of the books penned by controversial author, J.K Rowling, who is also serving as an executive producer. Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton will take on the role of Hermione Granger acting alongside him to round out the wizarding trio. The three new young stars join a talented cast including 15 The new Dursley family consists of Daniel Rigby in the role of blustering Uncle Vernon Credit: Click News and Media 15 Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were seen in wigs and glasses Credit: Click News and Media 15 Dudley spotted in a tracksuit Credit: Click News and Media 15 They were picture zipping between different areas of the zoo in golf buggies Credit: Click News and Media 15 The first look photo shows actor Dominic McLaughin as Harry Potter Credit: Click News and Media 15 A poster of the penguin show Credit: Click News and Media 15 The actors were pictured filming in a large crowd while enjoying ice cream Credit: Click News and Media The latest cast announced includes, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Johnny Flynn will Series regulars will include Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as groundskeeper Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape. Rounding out that announcement were Luke Thallon as Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Filch. They will also have big shoes to fill - succeeding the late The Sun revealed how HBO's adaptation It will include new roads, multi-storey car parks and vast hangars to house the sets. A TV insider said: 'Warner Bros are making a huge commitment to the new TV show, looking at next decade. 'So they see pumping a huge amount of cash in upfront to construct this infrastructure as a worthwhile investment which they'll eventually get a return on. 'What they'll have is a small metropolis which will not only provide the backdrop for the show but all the facilities the huge cast and crew need, too.' 15 A look at the set at London Zoo Credit: Click News and Media 15 A clothes rail of outfits pictured being brought onto the set Credit: Click News and Media 15 The family filmed as the crew busied around them, touching up makeup and taking photos, while getting everyone into position Credit: Click News and Media 15 Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin, and Alastair Stout will portray Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley Credit: AP
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Meet the ‘SAS' parents saving thousands on summer holidays by taking kids out of school early… and even risking JAIL
DROPPING her two daughters off at school, Wendy Nicholls* sensed an eerie quiet at the gates. Gone is the usual rabble of stressed parents dispatching their children, while the class WhatsApp group is conspicuously quiet. 5 Carrie Ann Booth, 43, reveals she's saved £1,500 by going on holiday during the last week of term Credit: Dan Prince 5 Paulomi Debnath, 45, received a £120 fine after taking her son out of school to save £1,200 on a family trip to Kos, Greece 5 Kids who stay in class are said to have better grades and confidence Credit: Getty At pick-up time, the youngest of her two daughters, aged five and eight, tells her that lessons have hardly any kids in them. No, this isn't a flashback to the dark days of Covid. This is what the final week of school looks like in 2025, when the We have entered the era of SAS – Skiving And Saving – parenting , says mum Wendy, and office worker from Derby, as she tells The Sun why families are totally unfazed by term-time fines... AS someone who sticks to the rules, I've booked a week-long holiday in a five-bed ramshackle cottage with my husband Bobby, a truck driver, in Cornwall. Costing an eye-watering £2,000, I can't help feeling like a mug. My little ones' pals, meanwhile, are enjoying a week in Turkey – while school is on – for a fraction of the cost. A quick web search on popular holiday website First Choice reveals prices start at around £1568 per person for a seven night all inclusive holiday for a family of four in Turkey in the week before schools break up - and the lowest price you can get two weeks later for the same break is £2072 . And while I'm looking forward to my English seaside trip, it rankles that my potentially soggy beach days will cost more than their sun-soaked, free bar-fuelled ones. A recent study found that parents have saved an average £567 by taking their kids out of school during term time. The same report by states that 16 per cent of families scored a term-time offer that was over £1,000 cheaper than travelling in peak summer. My daughter is never going to school because our eight family holidays per year are more important - parents who only take trips during the official breaks are 'utter muppets' But while bagging a hot holiday deal seems tempting, fines for unauthorised term-time absences in England and Scotland are now £80 per child – and per parent – if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days. Repeated fines can lead to a potential fine of up to £2,500, or even a jail sentence. But parents are clearly not put off by the fines, as in the 2023/24 academic year, 487,344 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised absences – a 22 per cent increase from 2022/23. I'm so angry about this whole system. It feels like a tax on people with constrained budgets. Carrie Ann Booth 'SAS' mum One parent who is unfazed by the fines is Carrie Ann Booth, 43. The mum-of-one from Carlisle, Cumbria, who is married, says: 'We saved £1,500 by taking my daughter out of school and going on holiday during the last week of term. 'We're going on a two-week cruise around Europe, visiting Rome, 'For us, it's about the history, the art, the culture and languages my daughter will soak up. 'She would certainly not get that in school during the last week of term, when it is lots of drawing and reflecting on the year.' Despite saving big, Carrie Ann, a former teacher and now the owner of an educational business, The Science Booth, says the fines are unfair. 'I've been fined £160 – £80 per parent – for taking my nine-year-old daughter on our holiday of a lifetime,' she says. 'I'm so angry about this whole system. It feels like a tax on people with constrained budgets. 'I tried to find a way to skip the fine, but the only exemptions included home educating my daughter. I seriously considered de-registering my daughter from school – just for a week – saying she'd be officially home-educated. But I worried she'd lose her place for the September term.' But Rachel Vecht, 51 , a former teacher from central London, who founded the parent support group Educating Matters, warns that prolonged gaps in school attendance have a 'Missing school even sporadically can impact long-term learning, resulting in poor grades,' she explains. 'It can also impact children's self-esteem and mental wellbeing if they return to school and feel like they are far behind their peers academically.' 5 Families face hefty fines for taking holidays during term Credit: Getty 5 Rachel Vecht warns that prolonged gaps in school attendance have a major impact on learning Credit: Supplied School attendance: the law In the UK, children are legally required to be in some form of education from the school term after their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they turn 16. They must attend school or be otherwise educated – such as through home education – during that period. You can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education. You will normally receive warnings – including fines – and offers of help from the local council first. Children can be absent from school if they are either too ill to attend, or have advance permission. Quality time Mum-of-one Paulomi Debnath, 45, from Romford, east London, downplays the negative impact taking kids out of school might have. 'I want to set a good example to my son, 14, about not breaking rules, but I also want him to experience different countries,' says Paulomi, an artist who owns the jewellery company Handmade By Tinni. 'I saved £1,200 on a family holiday to Kos, Greece two years ago, just by taking my son, then 12, out of school one week early. 'But I have not done this since, as I was threatened with legal action in the school's 'telling off' letter that accompanied our £120 fine. The note said I could be prosecuted if I took my son out of school again in the next three years.' Teachers are also stuck with expensive, out-of-term-time holidays Alice Abraham Teacher As I drag my two little girls to school, the sense that I'm one of the few mugs taking their kids on holiday at the official time is confirmed by primary teacher Alice Abraham, 41. 'Classrooms are empty,' she tells me. 'There is hardly any point being there as the kids have clocked off mentally, ready for their summer holidays. 'Teachers are also stuck with expensive, out-of-term-time holidays.' Switched-on parents are embracing the challenge of getting cheap holidays. They are also wising up to the fact that councils across England have differing rules. Retail worker Louise Brown, 35, who has two sons aged 18 and 15, says: 'My 15-year-old's attendance throughout the year is over 95 per cent, so I never feel guilty about taking him out at the end of a school term for family holidays. 'Every year, I flout a school rule loophole that states we can never take our child out of school for longer than five days – after five days, the school would issue a fine. Four days away from school isn't the end of the world Louise Brown 'So I book a holiday right at the end of the school year, or close to half term, saving around £1000 on the cost of a two-week holiday – even though a week of our break overlaps with the school holidays when prices shoot up.' Louise, who is married to Brian, 48, who works in retail and lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire, also doesn't believe short absences have an impact on education. 'Families need quality time together,' she says. 'Four days away from school isn't the end of the world.' While I might feel like the only parent NOT taking my children on holiday during the last week of school, it looks like more parents may be forced to follow my lead in coming years. Family law solicitor Kaleel Anwar, of Slater Heelis, warns that missing the last week of the term doesn't make a large fine less likely. 'Families are going to have to accept that in the near future, they are not going to be able to get a cheap holiday during term time,' he says. He adds: "We've already seen a big clamp down form the government in terms of fines recently. "At the moment, families are still saving quite a considerable amount of money by paying the fines in comparison to the thousands they save on holidays. "I think we will see them clamp down even further with higher fines if the rate of school absences continues to stay high. 'And it is worth remembering you cannot generally 'fight' a fine for taking a holiday during term time in the same way you might challenge a parking ticket. 'You can attempt to have the notice withdrawn by contacting the school and providing evidence that supports your case, but if the fine is upheld and not paid, you could face prosecution.' With the threat of prosecution, plus the dirty look I'd get from the headteacher, I think I'll take an outrageously expensive staycation over a humiliating court appearance. * Some names have been changed
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Meet the ‘SAS' parents saving thousands on summer holidays by taking kids out of school early… and even risking JAIL
Bagging a holiday deal by taking your kids out of school seems tempting... but unauthorised term-time absences can lead to penalties from fines to a jail sentence Bagging a holiday deal by taking your kids out of school seems tempting... but unauthorised term-time absences can lead to penalties from fines to a jail sentence NO KIDDING Meet the 'SAS' parents saving thousands on summer holidays by taking kids out of school early… and even risking JAIL DROPPING her two daughters off at school, Wendy Nicholls* sensed an eerie quiet at the gates. Gone is the usual rabble of stressed parents dispatching their children, while the class WhatsApp group is conspicuously quiet. Advertisement 5 Carrie Ann Booth, 43, reveals she's saved £1,500 by going on holiday during the last week of term Credit: Dan Prince 5 Paulomi Debnath, 45, received a £120 fine after taking her son out of school to save £1,200 on a family trip to Kos, Greece 5 Kids who stay in class are said to have better grades and confidence Credit: Getty At pick-up time, the youngest of her two daughters, aged five and eight, tells her that lessons have hardly any kids in them. No, this isn't a flashback to the dark days of Covid. Advertisement This is what the final week of school looks like in 2025, when the term-time getaway trend sees a wave of parents pulling their children out of class for a cheaper holiday – costing a fraction of the price compared to during the six-week summer break. We have entered the era of SAS – Skiving And Saving – parenting, says mum Wendy, and office worker from Derby, as she tells The Sun why families are totally unfazed by term-time fines... AS someone who sticks to the rules, I've booked a week-long holiday in a five-bed ramshackle cottage with my husband Bobby, a truck driver, in Cornwall. Costing an eye-watering £2,000, I can't help feeling like a mug. My little ones' pals, meanwhile, are enjoying a week in Turkey – while school is on – for a fraction of the cost. A quick web search on popular holiday website First Choice reveals prices start at around £1568 per person for a seven night all inclusive holiday for a family of four in Turkey in the week before schools break up - and the lowest price you can get two weeks later for the same break is £2072. Advertisement And while I'm looking forward to my English seaside trip, it rankles that my potentially soggy beach days will cost more than their sun-soaked, free bar-fuelled ones. A recent study found that parents have saved an average £567 by taking their kids out of school during term time. The same report by states that 16 per cent of families scored a term-time offer that was over £1,000 cheaper than travelling in peak summer. My daughter is never going to school because our eight family holidays per year are more important - parents who only take trips during the official breaks are 'utter muppets' But while bagging a hot holiday deal seems tempting, fines for unauthorised term-time absences in England and Scotland are now £80 per child – and per parent – if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days. Repeated fines can lead to a potential fine of up to £2,500, or even a jail sentence. Advertisement But parents are clearly not put off by the fines, as in the 2023/24 academic year, 487,344 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised absences – a 22 per cent increase from 2022/23. I'm so angry about this whole system. It feels like a tax on people with constrained budgets. Carrie Ann Booth One parent who is unfazed by the fines is Carrie Ann Booth, 43. The mum-of-one from Carlisle, Cumbria, who is married, says: 'We saved £1,500 by taking my daughter out of school and going on holiday during the last week of term. 'We're going on a two-week cruise around Europe, visiting Rome, Florence and Barcelona after saving up for two years. 'For us, it's about the history, the art, the culture and languages my daughter will soak up. Advertisement 'She would certainly not get that in school during the last week of term, when it is lots of drawing and reflecting on the year.' Despite saving big, Carrie Ann, a former teacher and now the owner of an educational business, The Science Booth, says the fines are unfair. 'I've been fined £160 – £80 per parent – for taking my nine-year-old daughter on our holiday of a lifetime,' she says. 'I'm so angry about this whole system. It feels like a tax on people with constrained budgets. 'I tried to find a way to skip the fine, but the only exemptions included home educating my daughter. I seriously considered de-registering my daughter from school – just for a week – saying she'd be officially home-educated. But I worried she'd lose her place for the September term.' Advertisement But Rachel Vecht, 51 , a former teacher from central London, who founded the parent support group Educating Matters, warns that prolonged gaps in school attendance have a major impact on learning. 'Missing school even sporadically can impact long-term learning, resulting in poor grades,' she explains. 'It can also impact children's self-esteem and mental wellbeing if they return to school and feel like they are far behind their peers academically.' 5 Families face hefty fines for taking holidays during term Credit: Getty 5 Rachel Vecht warns that prolonged gaps in school attendance have a major impact on learning Credit: Supplied Advertisement School attendance: the law In the UK, children are legally required to be in some form of education from the school term after their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they turn 16. They must attend school or be otherwise educated – such as through home education – during that period. You can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education. You will normally receive warnings – including fines – and offers of help from the local council first. Children can be absent from school if they are either too ill to attend, or have advance permission. Quality time Mum-of-one Paulomi Debnath, 45, from Romford, east London, downplays the negative impact taking kids out of school might have. 'I want to set a good example to my son, 14, about not breaking rules, but I also want him to experience different countries,' says Paulomi, an artist who owns the jewellery company Handmade By Tinni. 'I saved £1,200 on a family holiday to Kos, Greece two years ago, just by taking my son, then 12, out of school one week early. 'But I have not done this since, as I was threatened with legal action in the school's 'telling off' letter that accompanied our £120 fine. The note said I could be prosecuted if I took my son out of school again in the next three years.' Teachers are also stuck with expensive, out-of-term-time holidays Alice Abraham As I drag my two little girls to school, the sense that I'm one of the few mugs taking their kids on holiday at the official time is confirmed by primary teacher Alice Abraham, 41. Advertisement 'Classrooms are empty,' she tells me. 'There is hardly any point being there as the kids have clocked off mentally, ready for their summer holidays. 'Teachers are also stuck with expensive, out-of-term-time holidays.' Switched-on parents are embracing the challenge of getting cheap holidays. They are also wising up to the fact that councils across England have differing rules. Retail worker Louise Brown, 35, who has two sons aged 18 and 15, says: 'My 15-year-old's attendance throughout the year is over 95 per cent, so I never feel guilty about taking him out at the end of a school term for family holidays. 'Every year, I flout a school rule loophole that states we can never take our child out of school for longer than five days – after five days, the school would issue a fine. Advertisement Four days away from school isn't the end of the world Louise Brown 'So I book a holiday right at the end of the school year, or close to half term, saving around £1000 on the cost of a two-week holiday – even though a week of our break overlaps with the school holidays when prices shoot up.' Louise, who is married to Brian, 48, who works in retail and lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire, also doesn't believe short absences have an impact on education. 'Families need quality time together,' she says. 'Four days away from school isn't the end of the world.' While I might feel like the only parent NOT taking my children on holiday during the last week of school, it looks like more parents may be forced to follow my lead in coming years. Family law solicitor Kaleel Anwar, of Slater Heelis, warns that missing the last week of the term doesn't make a large fine less likely. Advertisement 'Families are going to have to accept that in the near future, they are not going to be able to get a cheap holiday during term time,' he says. He adds: "We've already seen a big clamp down form the government in terms of fines recently. "At the moment, families are still saving quite a considerable amount of money by paying the fines in comparison to the thousands they save on holidays. "I think we will see them clamp down even further with higher fines if the rate of school absences continues to stay high. 'And it is worth remembering you cannot generally 'fight' a fine for taking a holiday during term time in the same way you might challenge a parking ticket. Advertisement 'You can attempt to have the notice withdrawn by contacting the school and providing evidence that supports your case, but if the fine is upheld and not paid, you could face prosecution.' With the threat of prosecution, plus the dirty look I'd get from the headteacher, I think I'll take an outrageously expensive staycation over a humiliating court appearance.
