Latest news with #Woodie
Irish Independent
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Home help: I have a small outdoor space. How can I make it feel glam and grown-up?
Darren Kennedy asks Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke for some outdoor design tips Small garden? No problem. With the right tricks up your (green) sleeve, even the tiniest patio or balcony can be transformed into a grown-up, glam outdoor retreat. Whether you're aiming for a space to unwind with a book or entertain over summer drinks, it's all about working smarter with what you've got. To help, I turned to Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke for his top tips on how to make a stylish impact in even the most compact of spaces. It might sound counterintuitive, but bigger really is better in a small space, says Burke. 'Oversized pots and planters create a sense of scale and permanence,' he explains. 'They act as visual anchors and reduce clutter, unlike lots of small pots, which can make a space feel fussy.' Go for classic materials like terracotta, stone, or ceramic for a grown-up, elegant feel. One of the easiest ways to elevate your outdoor aesthetic is through colour restraint. 'Stick to two or three main tones and layer in whites and greens to keep things calm,' Burke advises. 'Too many clashing shades can make a small space feel chaotic rather than curated.' Think tonal and timeless, rather than tropical overload. To keep things interesting, layer in different textures. 'Soft outdoor cushions, woven throws, and natural materials like stone or metal add richness and contrast.' Even your planting can bring in textural variety — picture the lacy elegance of ferns next to the feathery branches of a Japanese maple. 'Texture adds visual interest without taking up more space.' Tall plants at the back, mid-height in the middle, and ground cover at the front — Burke recommends this 'planting hierarchy' to create depth and structure. 'Avoid sudden jumps in height. Use transitional plants to guide the eye and create flow.' Also don't shy away from furniture — just be strategic. 'A bistro table and chairs or a compact bench can create a designated zone for morning coffee or evening chats.' When the sun goes down, your garden doesn't have to. 'Lighting is the secret to outdoor glamour,' says Burke. Mix string lights, solar lanterns, and spotlights on focal plants or features. 'Wall-mounted lights add sophistication and make a tiny space feel layered and luxurious.' One standout feature — a water basin, a statement pot, or a climbing rose on a boundary wall — can give your space a sense of design and intention. 'A focal point anchors the garden and gives the eye somewhere to rest.' So even if you're working with just a few square feet, you can turn your little outdoor space into a stylish sanctuary — one that feels like an effortless extension of your home and a personal escape from the everyday.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Woodie's 'strong' start to 2025 sees revenue at owner Grafton Group rise by 7.6%
Woodie's owner Grafton Group saw its revenue grow to £773m (€909.5m) in the first four months of the year, reflecting a 7.6% rise on the same period of 2024. In a trading update on Thursday, the group said it was up 9% in constant currency, which discounts fluctuations from foreign currency prices. The company said it remained 'cognisant of the potential risks arising from the imposition of US tariffs on the broader Irish economy and future investment decisions'. Group average daily like-for-like revenue for the period was 2.7% higher than in the same period last year, while in Ireland, the average daily like-for-like revenue, in constant currency, rose 3.5% on the same period in 2024. "The outlook for growth in construction remains positive with strong support and policy continuity from the new Government to increase housing completions and infrastructure investment,' the group said. Woodie's business in Ireland had a 'very strong' start to the year, with like-for-like revenue up 10%. "Well set-up and merchandised stores and favourable weather conditions, combined with strong consumer spending in Ireland, resulted in excellent growth across the business with a particularly strong performance in plants and garden related products," the company said. In Ireland, Chadwicks delivered like-for-like revenue growth of 3.5% in the period as trading activity recovered strongly from the impact of Storm Éowyn. The company said the group revenue had also benefited from the acquisition of Salvador Escoda, a distributor of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water and renewable products in Spain, which was completed in October 2024. 'After a relatively subdued start to the year, and with the more material trading period lying ahead, we were pleased that our performance in the period was in line with our expectations, and we remain on track for the full year," said CEO Eric Born. 'We continue to prioritise meeting our customers' needs and expectations and strive to operate as efficiently as possible.'
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1965 Volkswagen Beetle ‘Woodie' Barn Find Emerges as Ideal Restoration Project
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A one-of-a-kind 1965 Volkswagen Beetle customized into a classic wood-paneled "Woodie" wagon has resurfaced after years in storage, capturing the imagination of vintage-car enthusiasts as an ideal restoration project. Featured recently on the popular automotive YouTube channel "Carchaeology," this unusual VW Beetle sat untouched for decades before being rediscovered. Its distinctive appearance—resembling a 1940s-era Ford Woodie complete with a retro-style hood and wooden panels—makes it a standout among vintage Beetle conversions. The car's previous owner inherited it from his uncle and initially planned a restoration. Despite purchasing a new vinyl roof and conducting some electrical work, he ultimately abandoned the project. As a result, the Beetle remained partially restored and largely neglected until the current owner acquired it, sparking renewed interest in its potential. Powered by Volkswagen's iconic rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, this unique Beetle retains its original mechanical layout, simplifying the restoration process for potential buyers. Though missing its rear hatch and showing signs of deterioration in the faux-wood paneling, automotive experts suggest the car remains a straightforward restoration candidate, ideal for a hobbyist seeking a quick turnaround project. Originally conceived in the 1980s by California-based Stevenson Projects, the "VW Woody" conversion was popularized through DIY plans. Although these designs are still available, they carry a disclaimer noting they're decades-old and lack DOT approval. Nonetheless, this particular car exemplifies a charming piece of automotive nostalgia that blends German engineering with classic American styling cues. With vintage Beetles remaining popular among classic-car collectors, this unusual Woodie Beetle has quickly generated excitement online. Enthusiasts hope its new owner can soon return it to the road, giving a quirky classic a well-deserved second chance.
