Latest news with #ValsparPaint
South Wales Guardian
02-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Expert shares 35p white vinegar hack that cleans patios
While you might reach for the jet washer when your patio becomes discoloured, it's not an essential tool for the job, according to experts. In fact, a simple kitchen cupboard ingredient will do the trick just as well – let's take a look. Have you tried this jetwasher alternative? (Image: Getty) Lucy Steele, a paint expert at Valspar Paint, suggested cleaning your patio with white vinegar – a cheap alternative to jet washing. White vinegar will clean a patio and remove any stains, but that's not all, as it can kill weeds in between paving stones too. A 568ml bottle of distilled vinegar (sometimes used instead of white vinegar) costs 35p at Tesco and Aldi. To use this hack, you'll need to mix together white vinegar and water at a 50:50 ratio, then apply it to your patio and leave for around 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, scrub the patio with a hard brush and wash it down with clean water. If you've got tougher stains on your patio, you'll need to repeat this method. Retailer B&M said: 'Although multipurpose cleaning products are certainly convenient because they can be used on a range of surfaces, many of them aren't good for our health or the environment. 'White wine vinegar, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of an ingredient when it comes to natural and eco-friendly cleaning. Vinegar is also made of acetic acid, which is a natural disinfectant for killing some of the most common germs like salmonella and E. coli. Recommended reading: Expert shares 90p tea hack that improves your garden's health and deters pests Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to make ideal environment for grass seeds Homeowners urged to try this 5p test to keep rats and mice away 'This is why here at B&M we recommend using white vinegar as it doesn't break the bank, is a non-toxic alternative and is eco-friendly.' The bargain retailer shared some items around the house that can be cleaned with white vinegar including washing machines, coffee makers, blenders and food processors, windows, cloudy wine glasses and more. For more information on how to clean these items with white vinegar, you can visit the B&M website (linked above).
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – four hacks to get the Love Island ‘look' in your home
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island is officially back on our screens, which means we'll all be spending the summer watching contestants compete in their quest to find true love. While the show is ready to turn heads with new twists and more drama, and plenty of coupling up, there's one thing that remains loyal — the iconic look of the Villa. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Stars stay in the iconic Villa in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar Credit: ITV 6 And experts have revealed how you can recreate the Villa look at home Credit: ITV 6 And it won't cost a fortune to make your space look like a real villa bombshell Credit: ITV 6 There are four easy ways you can incorporate the look Credit: ITV As always, stars in the 2025 series are staying in the swanky Villa in Mallorca, on the east coast of the island in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. But it had undergone a makeover for the tenth year anniversary to make sure it's bigger than ever with glam touch-ups. This year, there is a new, supersized hideaway, walk-in wardrobes, an exercise bike and a steamy hot tub beside the huge pool. A purple theme has also been added and extended through to the fire pit, while the rooms have been touched up with gold furnishings. Even though you might not be able to install a built-in hot tub or pool in your own garden, there are still ways you can 'crack on' and add a touch of Love Island luxury to your home. Interior experts have revealed that there are a few clever design choices that will serve up a vibe that's trendy and timeless. And they are surprisingly easy for anyone who loves the popular ITV show. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from Valspar Paint shared her four tips for helping your space look like a real villa bombshell. Go bright or go home Lucy has said that an essential tip for nailing the Love Island look at home is by pairing bright whites with pops of bold colour. She explained: "The interior of the Villa uses lots of brilliant whites as an easy backdrop for the bursts of fun colours throughout the space. Love Island fans spot clue islander is pretending to fancy her partner after awkward recoupling "Regularly using bold pinks, blues and butter yellows in the colour scheme of the Villa makes for a fun and playful aesthetic. "If you already have neutral walls at home, you can achieve this by using the iconic colour trio to paint feature walls. "Or simply coat doorframes and mirror frames for an instant refresh." Firepit drama No Love Island-inspired garden would be complete without the legendary fire pit. So if you want to recreate the look of the Villa in your own space, then you definitely need to pick up one of these. Lucy said: "This is an absolute must for the home, and it's actually fairly cheap to recreate. "In more basic styles, you can get a fire pit for as little as £20 in standard retailers like B&Q. "For a full-on Love Island garden vibe, add string fairy lights, sun loungers, and a splattering of colour-blocked cushions in the same blue, pink and yellow colour scheme. "You may also want to coordinate the colour of your outdoor furniture with natural wood and whites. "An easy way to achieve this cohesive look without splashing the cash is by painting your existing garden furniture with exterior paint, helping you stay loyal to the look." 6 The experts say every Love Island fan should have a fire pit in their home Credit: ITV Pop art inspo This is a fairly new one, but pop art goes perfectly with the theme of the Love Island Villa. Lucy advises: "Pop art was introduced to the design of the Villa fairly recently, and it works perfectly with the colour scheme throughout. "Pop art prints are relatively low cost, or you could DIY your own to give your space a cheeky, flirtatious edge. "Pop Art is a great way to add the Love Island look to your casa at a low cost. "And it can also be easily changed in the future to new and exciting art pieces." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' I've got a text… it says you need neon! According to the experts, anyone looking to bring the vibe of the Villa into their home needs to bring in touches of neon. Lucy explains: "Neon lights are an absolute must-have to achieve the Love Island look at home. "Think playful phrases, a neon heart above your bed, or a cheeky cocktail sign for the garden. "Neon is glam, Insta-ready, and surprisingly affordable. "Plus, it'll give your space that unmistakable glow. "It's perfect for setting the mood for your next pre-coupling party!"
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – four hacks to get the Love Island ‘look' in your home
LOVE Island is officially back on our screens, which means we'll all be spending the summer watching contestants compete in their quest to find true love. While the show is ready to turn heads with new twists and more drama, and plenty of coupling up, there's one thing that remains loyal — the iconic look of the Villa. Advertisement 6 Stars stay in the iconic Villa in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar Credit: ITV 6 And experts have revealed how you can recreate the Villa look at home Credit: ITV 6 And it won't cost a fortune to make your space look like a real villa bombshell Credit: ITV 6 There are four easy ways you can incorporate the look Credit: ITV As always, stars in the 2025 series are staying in the swanky Villa in Mallorca, on the east coast of the island in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. But it had undergone a makeover for the tenth year anniversary to make sure it's bigger than ever with glam touch-ups. This year, there is a new, supersized hideaway, walk-in wardrobes, an exercise bike and a steamy hot tub beside the huge pool. A purple theme has also been added and extended through to the fire pit, while the rooms have been touched up with gold furnishings. Advertisement Even though you might not be able to install a built-in hot tub or pool in your own garden, there are still ways you can 'crack on' and add a touch of Love Island luxury to your home. Interior experts have revealed that there are a few clever design choices that will serve up a vibe that's trendy and timeless . And they are surprisingly easy for anyone who loves the popular ITV show. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from Valspar Paint shared her four tips for helping your space look like a real villa bombshell. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Go bright or go home Lucy has said that an essential tip for nailing the Love Island look at home is by pairing bright whites with pops of bold colour. She explained: "The interior of the Villa uses lots of brilliant whites as an easy backdrop for the bursts of fun colours throughout the space. Love Island fans spot clue islander is pretending to fancy her partner after awkward recoupling "Regularly using bold pinks, blues and butter yellows in the colour scheme of the Villa makes for a fun and playful aesthetic. "If you already have neutral walls at home, you can achieve this by using the iconic colour trio to paint feature walls. Advertisement "Or simply coat doorframes and mirror frames for an instant refresh." Firepit drama No Love Island-inspired garden would be complete without the legendary fire pit. So if you want to recreate the look of the Villa in your own space, then you definitely need to pick up one of these. Advertisement Lucy said: "This is an absolute must for the home, and it's actually fairly cheap to recreate. "In more basic styles, you can get a fire pit for as little as £20 in standard retailers like B&Q. "For a full-on Love Island garden vibe, add string fairy lights, sun loungers, and a splattering of colour-blocked cushions in the same blue , pink and yellow colour scheme. "You may also want to coordinate the colour of your outdoor furniture with natural wood and whites. Advertisement "An easy way to achieve this cohesive look without splashing the cash is by painting your existing garden furniture with exterior paint, helping you stay loyal to the look." 6 The experts say every Love Island fan should have a fire pit in their home Credit: ITV Pop art inspo This is a fairly new one, but pop art goes perfectly with the theme of the Love Island Villa. Lucy advises: "Pop art was introduced to the design of the Villa fairly recently, and it works perfectly with the colour scheme throughout. Advertisement "Pop art prints are relatively low cost, or you could DIY your own to give your space a cheeky, flirtatious edge. "Pop Art is a great way to add the Love Island look to your casa at a low cost. "And it can also be easily changed in the future to new and exciting art pieces." 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.' I've got a text… it says you need neon! According to the experts, anyone looking to bring the vibe of the Villa into their home needs to bring in touches of neon. Advertisement Lucy explains: "Neon lights are an absolute must-have to achieve the Love Island look at home. "Think playful phrases, a neon heart above your bed, or a cheeky cocktail sign for the garden. "Neon is glam, Insta-ready, and surprisingly affordable. Read more on the Irish Sun "Plus, it'll give your space that unmistakable glow. Advertisement "It's perfect for setting the mood for your next pre-coupling party!" 6 Neon signs are a 'must have' if you want to receate the villa vibe Credit: ITV
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm an interiors expert – four hacks to get the Love Island ‘look' in your home
LOVE Island is officially back on our screens, which means we'll all be spending the summer watching contestants compete in their quest to find true love. While the show is ready to turn heads with new twists and more drama, and plenty of coupling up, there's one thing that remains loyal — the iconic look of the Villa. 6 6 6 6 As always, stars in the 2025 series are staying in the swanky Villa in Mallorca, on the east coast of the island in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. But it had undergone a makeover for the tenth year anniversary to make sure it's bigger than ever with glam touch-ups. This year, there is a new, supersized hideaway, walk-in wardrobes, an exercise bike and a steamy hot tub beside the huge pool. A purple theme has also been added and extended through to the fire pit, while the rooms have been touched up with gold furnishings. Even though you might not be able to install a built-in hot tub or pool in your own garden, there are still ways you can 'crack on' and add a touch of Love Island luxury to your home. Interior experts have revealed that there are a few clever design choices that will serve up a vibe that's trendy and timeless. And they are surprisingly easy for anyone who loves the popular ITV show. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from Valspar Paint shared her four tips for helping your space look like a real villa bombshell. Go bright or go home Lucy has said that an essential tip for nailing the Love Island look at home is by pairing bright whites with pops of bold colour. She explained: "The interior of the Villa uses lots of brilliant whites as an easy backdrop for the bursts of fun colours throughout the space. Love Island fans spot clue islander is pretending to fancy her partner after awkward recoupling "Regularly using bold pinks, blues and butter yellows in the colour scheme of the Villa makes for a fun and playful aesthetic. "If you already have neutral walls at home, you can achieve this by using the iconic colour trio to paint feature walls. "Or simply coat doorframes and mirror frames for an instant refresh." Firepit drama No Love Island-inspired garden would be complete without the legendary fire pit. So if you want to recreate the look of the Villa in your own space, then you definitely need to pick up one of these. Lucy said: "This is an absolute must for the home, and it's actually fairly cheap to recreate. "In more basic styles, you can get a fire pit for as little as £20 in standard retailers like B&Q. "For a full-on Love Island garden vibe, add string fairy lights, sun loungers, and a splattering of colour-blocked cushions in the same blue, pink and yellow colour scheme. "You may also want to coordinate the colour of your outdoor furniture with natural wood and whites. "An easy way to achieve this cohesive look without splashing the cash is by painting your existing garden furniture with exterior paint, helping you stay loyal to the look." 6 Pop art inspo This is a fairly new one, but pop art goes perfectly with the theme of the Love Island Villa. Lucy advises: "Pop art was introduced to the design of the Villa fairly recently, and it works perfectly with the colour scheme throughout. "Pop art prints are relatively low cost, or you could DIY your own to give your space a cheeky, flirtatious edge. "Pop Art is a great way to add the Love Island look to your casa at a low cost. "And it can also be easily changed in the future to new and exciting art pieces." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' I've got a text… it says you need neon! According to the experts, anyone looking to bring the vibe of the Villa into their home needs to bring in touches of neon. Lucy explains: "Neon lights are an absolute must-have to achieve the Love Island look at home. "Think playful phrases, a neon heart above your bed, or a cheeky cocktail sign for the garden. "Neon is glam, Insta-ready, and surprisingly affordable. "Plus, it'll give your space that unmistakable glow. "It's perfect for setting the mood for your next pre-coupling party!" 6
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I'm an interior expert – here's my five tips for creating a Mediterranean garden in time for summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR many of us, a Mediterranean garden style is the epitome of outdoor living. Not only does it create a warm and relaxing atmosphere, but it can transport us to stunning coastal areas like France, Greece, Italy and Spain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Many homeowners would love a Mediterranean garden Credit: Getty So it's no wonder that homeowners would love to turn their outdoor spaces into a Mediterranean paradise. However, with the cost-of-living crisis still having a tight hold on people's purses, it can be hard to fork out on products for the garden. Luckily, experts have revealed exactly how we can achieve this gorgeous look without breaking the bank. Lucy Steele, a paint and interiors expert from Valspar Paint, has shared her five clever tricks for creating the Mediterranean aesthetic without spending a fortune. She said: "The Mediterranean style is all about laid-back charm, sun-soaked colour palettes, rustic textures, and a mix of old-world elegance with natural elements. "But transforming your space into a Mediterranean haven doesn't have to drain your savings. "Here are some affordable hacks to help bring the breezy, coastal warmth of Southern Europe into your home, without booking a trip to Santorini. "Mediterranean design is relaxed and unpretentious. "Don't overthink it! Focus on comfort, simplicity, and a connection to nature. "Even a few small touches can transport your home from ordinary to Mediterranean bliss." Shoppers urged 'not to blink' and get their hands on Home Bargains garden essential that sold out fast last time and it makes your garden extra cute - TikTok homebargainsofficialuk Embrace a nature-inspired colour palette You might not realise it, but the colours you choose to use in your garden can really set the tone of the space. And Lucy says you should opt for a nature-inspired colour palette if you want to have a Mediterranean feel. She said: "Think creamy whites, burnt oranges, sandy yellows, vibrant greens, and blues. "You don't need to repaint the entire house, just focus on small areas. Try painting a single accent wall in warm terracotta or soft sand. "The great thing about a Mediterranean palette is that it relies on rich neutrals, which are easy to incorporate throughout the home." 4 Picking the right colours for your garden is key Credit: Getty Create a garden oasis A Mediterranean haven is all about creating the impression that summer never ends, which in turn creates a blissfully relaxing atmosphere. And Lucy revealed that creating your own garden oasis is key to achieving this. The expert revealed: "A Mediterranean garden creates the look of everlasting summer, full of colour, fragrant plants and flowers. "It's the perfect inspiration for your garden. "Herbs are a key part of a Mediterranean garden, so head to the herb section of your garden centre to form the backbone of your planting." Focus on textures It's not just colours that can have an impact on your outdoor space - textures are also important. Lucy explains: "Mediterranean homes are all about texture, like stone tiles and rustic woods. "For a low-cost hack, use a peel-and-stick faux stone backsplash instead of real stone or pricey plaster in your kitchen and bathroom. "Wicker, rattan, and seagrass are also Mediterranean must-haves! They bring warmth, texture, and rustic island charm. "Check second-hand shops and charity shops for vintage baskets or trays, and use things like placemats to add an earthy layer to your existing decor." 4 Rustic wood and stone tiles are perfect for a Mediterranean garden Credit: Getty Hang sheer, breezy curtains You might think that curtains only belong inside the home, but Lucy says it's time to bring them outside. To create the perfect Mediterranean paradise, you should hang a few light-coloured, sheer, breezy curtains around your space. She advises: "Mediterranean homes soak in natural light, and heavy curtains completely block that vibe. "Opt for sheer white or cream curtains to create a breezy feel throughout the home and encourage sunlight to shine through. "If you're crafty, make your own curtains from inexpensive fabric like muslin or even linen-look curtains!" 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 Luxus UK, 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.' Use mirrors to reflect light Mirrors aren't something you'd expect to see in the garden, but did you know they can make your outdoor space look bigger? Lucy says adding a few around your space can create a gorgeous feature. She explained: "Mediterranean interiors are airy and bright. Mirrors help bounce sunlight around. "They are also a perfect feature for the garden, especially if you're working with limited space and sunlight. "Mirrors can help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless transition from the house to the garden, which is a classic feature of Mediterranean architecture. "Again, look for secondhand mirrors at car boot sales or charity shops for a lower-cost addition to the home. "Or upcycle your current mirrors by repainting the frames in antique gold or distressed white for a more aesthetic feel."
