Latest news with #interiordesign
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Woman breaks down in tears after 'nightmare' home makeover leaves hallway 'looking like a black hole' - and swipes 'was the designer off his head?!'
A woman broke down in tears after a 'nightmare' home makeover left her hallway 'looking like a black hole'. The show, titled Your Home In Their Hands, aired on screens for just one series between 2014 and 2015 on BBC One. It saw homeowners give amateur interior designers free reign to revamp their property and was presented by Celia Sawyer. One episode saw a couple, Steve and June, left baffled by their makeover after the designers added a plant wall to their entrance and fish tanks in the walls of their staircase. 'That's different isn't in,' Steve apprehensively commented while his partner added: 'I wasn't expecting this.' 'I'm very shocked, it's not my hug I wanted. I don't really like the colour and I'm not sure about the carpet,' she said, looking down at the green flooring that resembled grass. She then went on to admit: '... at this moment in time, I'm regretting it'. June batted plants out of the way as the pair looked at the fish tanks in the walls. She commented: 'I'm assuming it's Rowan who's done this, I think he's off his head!' The couple then made their way upstairs to the bedroom which was painted in a garish blue and pale pink. 'Where's all the clothes going to go?' June asked as she looked at a small blue wardrobe in the corner of the room. Despite the contrasting colour scheme and storage concerns, she admitted: 'I quite like it though.' Steve looked doubtful and replied: 'Well, good.' Celia asked: 'So June, do you think this is what you were looking for? You wanted something more feminine?' One episode saw a couple, Steve and June (left), left baffled by their makeover after the designers added plant wall to their entrance and fish tanks in the walls of their staircase 'I don't dislike it,' June said. 'But I'm just worried about where we're going to put everything.' However, overall it wasn't what she was hoping for and she explained, 'The light I really wanted isn't there, so for that I'm disappointed.' 'Walking into the hallway was a nightmare for me because I was so worried it was so radical and it was very obvious walking in that June hated it,' Celia commented. 'There's no light in there, it's going to be like a black hole of clutter,' Jane said. 'I know how much time and effort Steve has put into the house and now I feel like I've taken it away from him,' she added tearfully. 'I feel I've let him down.' She cried as Steve hugged her and said: 'No you haven't.' Another episode saw a grimacing man rage 'it's an absolute mess!' after a BBC home makeover from hell that 'couldn't be any worse'. Couple John and Rachel Geoghegan appeared on Your Home In Their Hands 10 years ago. The pair had opposing preferences, with Rachel wanting more colour, while John was a fan of more plain interiors. At the end of the episode interior designer Celia Sawyer took them around their new home - and they were very pleased with the living room. However things took a nasty turn when they were shown their new bedroom.
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
dion seminara architecture Introduces Fully Integrated Architectural and Design Services in Brisbane
Brisbane homeowners benefit from dion seminara architecture's fully integrated model combining architecture, interiors, landscape, and custom design. 'Our clients appreciate having one team guiding the entire design journey'— Dion Seminara BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, June 28, 2025 / / -- Dion Seminara Architecture has announced a comprehensive suite of integrated services designed to streamline the design process for Brisbane homeowners. By combining architecture, interior design, landscape planning, and indoor-outdoor integration into a cohesive offering, the firm provides a tailored approach that puts lifestyle at the centre of every design decision. 'At dion seminara architecture, the best designs come from truly understanding how our clients want to live,' said Director Dion Seminara. 'Our integrated model gives clients the ability to shape their entire environment, inside and out, with one coordinated team.' The firm's holistic approach begins with a deep dive into the client's lifestyle. By understanding daily routines, values, frustrations, and long-term goals, the team ensures every element of the design is tailored to how the homeowner actually lives. Whether that means spaces for weekend brunches in bed, seamless entertaining zones, or calming private retreats. This collaborative process extends into the firm's suite of extra services, which support their core architectural offerings: - Interior Design: Material selection, lighting, furniture layout, and detailed finishes that complement the architectural intent. - Landscape Design: Outdoor zones, planting, pathways, and pool integration that enhance liveability and street appeal. - Indoor/Outdoor Design: Solutions that blur boundaries between interior and exterior spaces for year-round comfort and connection. - Custom Building Products: Bespoke details and elements that reflect the client's personality and elevate everyday function. Each of these services can be incorporated as part of a full architectural project or selected individually based on the needs of the client. The flexibility of this integrated model allows for clearer communication, improved efficiency, and a unified vision throughout the design and construction process. 'Our clients appreciate having one team guiding the entire design journey,' said Dion. 'It removes confusion, speeds up coordination, and delivers more considered outcomes.' dion seminara architecture has over 30 years of experience delivering architect-led residential projects across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. From new homes to renovations, the firm's holistic design approach ensures that architecture, interiors, and outdoor environments work together to reflect how people truly want to live. Dion Seminara dion seminara architecture +61 7 3899 9450 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Forbes
21 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
The Best Couch Covers That Offer Style And Protection
Once you've invested in a high-quality couch, it's natural to be apprehensive of pets, kids or even less-careful family members lounging on it. Stain anxieties are all too real—but a great way to alleviate them is with a reliable couch cover that protects your furniture from spills and scratches. Our team of editors, product experts and researchers spent months evaluating the best couch covers on the market that are not only reliably protective, but are also good-looking enough to contribute to the aesthetic of your space—not ruin it. In 2025, our top pick is the Easy-Going Stretch Soft Couch Cover, which is easy to install and designed to fit a variety of different sofas. The best couch covers from brands like Easy-Going and Nolan Interior offer protective and aesthetic ... More properties. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS 'Couch covers are well worth the cost of preserving your sofa,' says interior designer and founder of Iapicco Design Studio Michele Iapicco. 'It will protect from food and beverage stains, dirt from pets jumping on it, sweat, gum, markers and pens, everyday wear and tear and anything else that could stain something you've invested a lot of money into.' After months of research and expert consultation with Iapicco and others, we've determined that the options ahead are the best covers for most living spaces. Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, Medium, Medium X-L, Large, X-Large | Colors: 28 What you'll love: Stretchy elastic fabric is easy to install Available in sizes suited for chairs, loveseats and sofas Comes in 28 color options Machine washable Keep in mind: This cover has a simple design and comes in a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for almost any space. It's made from a polyester-spandex blend, which makes it both stretchy (all the better for a seamless installation) and resistant to stains. It's also available in several sizes, accommodating everything from armchairs to full-sized sofas. Installation is straightforward: Remove the cushions, stretch the main cover over the frame and arms, then slip the included pieces over the cushions and place them back. The finished look is impressively polished—more like a full furniture refresh than a quick cover-up. The material here is not waterproof; however, the pieces are machine washable, so it's easy enough to keep up with spills. Material: Jacquard polyester and spandex | Sizes: Seat, back, chaise, pillow | Colors: 11 What you'll love: Stylish cross-hatch pattern Anti-slip design Machine washable Spill-repellant Keep in mind: Not fully waterproof Sizes may run small Nolan Interior is known for its furniture covers that are designed to combine form and function. The Magic Sofa Cover is a great example, with an attractive cross-hatch pattern available in nearly a dozen colors to suit any space. Beyond looks, this cover is crafted with protection in mind. It's made of stretchy jacquard fabric designed for full coverage of each back, seat, chaise and even pillow cushion, to make sure no spot goes unprotected. They all feature an anti-slip material, and the fabric is thick, making it resistant to snags and tearing from rough or sharp objects. Additionally, these covers are repellent to minor spills, so you don't have to worry about enjoying a cocktail or cup of tea on the couch. That said, they're not totally waterproof, which means you may still have to practice some caution and keep up with spills as they happen to prevent stains. Luckily, the cover is machine washable for easy upkeep. Material: Polyester and spandex with waterproof coating | Sizes: 2-piece, 3 piece, medium back cover, large back cover, chaise cover, XL chaise cover | Colors: 11 What you'll love: Totally waterproof Oeko-Tex certified Non-slip straps included Keep in mind: If you want to enjoy beverages on your couch without worrying about messes, a waterproof couch cover is a must. This one features a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane backing and a waterproof coating, both of which work to repel liquids before they have a chance to soak into the fabric. An elastic bottom makes the pieces easy to install over couch cushions, while an included strap helps keep everything securely in place without slipping. There are several sizes available, including options for seat, back, and chaise cushions. Just keep in mind that some reviewers have noted the sizing can run large. (Fortunately, the brand offers free 30-day returns in case the covers don't quite fit your couch.) This product is also OEKO-Tex certified, meaning it's made from high-quality, sustainable materials that meet strict standards for both human and environmental health. Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, medium and large seat cover and back cover; Medium and large chaise cover | Colors: 12 What you'll love: Stretchy material is easy to install Machine washable Wrinkle-resistant Keep in mind: Finding the right couch material for pets that withstands sharp claws and occasional accidents can be daunting. That's why Nolan Interior offers the Miracle Sofa Cover, which is designed with fur babies in mind. It's made from a thick chenille fabric that's designed to combine plush comfort with durable protection, even from paws and spills. Although this couch cover is water resistant, it's not totally waterproof, which means users should try to wipe spills as soon as they happen in order to avoid them getting absorbed into the fabric. Luckily, this set is machine washable, so removing stains is painless if you don't absorb them quickly enough. This couch cover comes in a variety of stylish colors, and they feature anti-slip backing and elastic edges to keep them in place. Material: Polyester | Sizes: 6 sizes | Colors: 5 What you'll love: Eye-catching, double-sided design Fur-repellant and scratch-resistant Easy to remove, wash and reuse as needed Keep in mind: Not waterproof Prone to shifting If you're looking for a couch cover that's less permanent and easier to slip on and off, this boho chenille slipcover is an eye-catching choice recommended by Iapicco. 'I love an oversized slipcover that you can simply toss over the couch and throw in the wash when needed," she says. "One of my current favorites is this boho chenille style—soft, stylish and easy to care for.' This slipcover is made from a soft chenille material that's resistant to stains and machine washable, so it's easy to refresh as needed. It's also fur-repellant and scratch-resistant, making it a great surface for fur babies to rest on. The boho design is available in a few colorways, and each cover is double-sided, so you can switch up the design regularly to refresh your space. But keep in mind that slipcovers like this are more prone to shifting around couches without staying in place. The home team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of product experts who have evaluated countless products to help you make the best of your home, from sofas to rug pads. Monica Petrucci is a commerce writer at Forbes Vetted and the author of this article. She has been testing and researching home products for several years, including everything from fake plants to outdoor dinnerware. In order to gain expert insight for this piece, we interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Easter, a professor of textile science at the University of Kentucky. She offered expertise about the best fabrics to look for when shopping for durable couch covers, as well as how to care for them. We also received insight from interior designer Michele Iapicco, who offered expertise about the style and functionality components of couch covers and how they can be beneficial in the home. She also provided product recommendations based on firsthand experience. The Forbes Vetted team prioritizes producing content that is consistently relevant and up to date in order to best suit our readers. This piece was last updated in June 2025. We evaluated several retailers and products in order to find the best couch covers that suit several stylistic, functional and budgetary needs. We took into account the recommendations provided by textile expert Dr. Easter in order to prioritize the best quality couch cover fabrics. We included recommendations offered by Iapicco in order to provide expert-backed products with proven real world performance. We prioritized several features that consumers look for, including waterproof and scratch-resistant fabrics, as well as couch covers that stay in place and are machine washable. We scoured through consumer reviews in order to collect firsthand accounts of how these products perform in real world settings, exclusively including products with a 4-star rating or higher. There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for high-quality couch covers. According to Dr. Easter, 'Couch covers should protect the furniture from dust, soil, dirt and stains,' she says. 'They also protect the color of the couch and reduce or prevent wear.' Easter adds that the best couch covers are easy to put on and remove, they stay in place without shifting and they're machine washable for easy maintenance. In order to ensure they meet most or all of those standards, here are a few key features to look for. Material Iapicco says there are a few common materials used for couch covers due to their inherent qualities. 'Various versions of cotton, polyester, polyester blend, velvet and microfiber work best for sofa cushions due to their flexible fabric, washable and often water-resistant properties,' she says. Dr. Easter advises keeping an eye out for whether a couch cover is made from natural or synthetic fibers, as each has its own respective pros and cons. 'Natural fibers, such as cotton, will absorb liquid and particulate soils, but can be treated with a finish to protect against both,' she says. 'Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon and olefins, are more repellent to liquid stains but attract oil-based soils,' she says. 'However, they can be treated with a finish to provide resistance to oily stains.' Keep an eye on product descriptions to see whether the fabric has been appropriately treated to protect your sofa. Size Most couch covers are available in a wide variety of different size options. Fitted couch covers are available in sizes suited to specific cushions (seat, back or pillow), while throw covers offer different size dimensions to suit varying sofa types. The key is to make sure you accurately measure your couch and/or cushions before making your purchase, in order to find the best fit for your sofa. Usage Iapicco recommends keeping in mind how often you'd like to use your couch covers before making a purchase decision. 'If it's occasional use, then a waterproof throw might be a good option,' she says. Those are easy to toss on and off the sofa when you need extra protection, like hosting friends or pets. 'If you planning on using the covers every day, then I'd suggest choosing waterproof fitted ones you leave on.' Care One of the biggest benefits of couch covers it the ability to remove and wash them regularly. But not all upkeep is simple; before investing in a couch cover, be sure to look into its cleaning instructions. 'Washable covers are preferred over dry cleaning-only based on the function of the couch cover,' Dr. Easter says. If the cover is machine washable, that doesn't necessarily mean it can be tossed in the washer and dryer on a regular cycle. Read the care instructions carefully to ensure you're taking care to support the longevity of the fabric without damaging it. When it comes to stains or spills—especially on a cover that's not waterproof—speed is key. 'Spot clean a spill or stain as soon as possible to extend the useful life a cover and reduce the number of wash and dry cycles,' Dr. Easter says. What Fabric Is Best For A Sofa Cover? It's best to opt for a fabric that has—or has been treated with—stain-repellant or stain-resistant qualities. This makes it much easier to care for the cover without worrying about spills and stains. Waterproof couch covers take these benefits even further, repelling liquid and protecting the couch underneath from damage. How Do I Know If A Couch Cover Will Fit My Couch? Most couch covers are available in multiple sizes, with included size dimensions to help you make your decision. It's important to measure each cushion on your couch, as well as the couch itself, in order to ensure you're finding the best fit. Can You Put A Couch Cover On Any Couch? This is dependent on the shape of your couch and the type of couch cover you're looking for. For a single-piece throw, it's easy to find a size and shape that drapes over most couches. But for more thorough coverage over each cushion, it may be hard to find appropriate sizing for uniquely shaped couches and sofas. Be sure to check dimensions thoroughly before making a purchase.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bobby Berk Says He ‘Lost Money' Being on 'Queer Eye' for First 2 Seasons: 'Paying Us Basically Nothing'
Bobby Berk was on the first eight seasons of Queer Eye The interior design expert appeared on the latest edition of the Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF podcast He candidly discussed his time on the show during the podcast appearanceBobby Berk is getting candid about his time on Queer Eye. The interior design expert, 43, appeared on the latest edition of the Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF podcast, where he discussed the ins and outs of his time on the show. As fans may recall, Berk announced his departure from the series in November 2023 after eight seasons. Berk, who appeared on the unscripted makeover series alongside castmates Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness, recalled how he managed during the early seasons of the show. "The first two seasons, I definitely lost money being on the show," he said. "Because, I mean, they were paying us basically nothing." PEOPLE has reached out to Netflix for comment. "And the amount of money that I was losing from not running my company and being gone because we had to move away," he said. "We were gone for five months, and so half the year we were gone, and then we were on just constant press tours." It was not until season 3 and 4 that Berk said he finally "broke even." "To be frank, they never really paid us well. You know, compared to what they pay scripted stars, we made single digit percentage," said Berk. "Obviously, what it did, though, was open up doors for working with brands, working with companies." Berk recalled that fans often got "annoyed" with the Fab Five because they were frequently "promoting brands, promoting companies, doing brand partnerships." "They're like 'Oh, we're just so sick of this.' And we're like, 'Well, girl, we don't make money off the show. How do you think we continue to do the show?' " he said. However, the former reality star said that the exposure he got was "absolutely" worth it. "It was tough the first few seasons, but the doors that it has opened for other things — absolutely," he said. "I mean you can't pay for that type of exposure. We got really, really lucky to find lightning in a bottle, and the show came out, you know, right at a very defining moment in the world." "Donald [Trump] had just become president for the first time and people were really distraught and [at each] others' throats," said Berk. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "We were this happy feeling of five gays walking into red states and getting along and meeting people in the middle and being humans instead of political affiliations. It really became a cultural phenomenon," he continued. "I never regretted doing it." Read the original article on People
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
A Long, Winding Path to Selling Real Estate in the Hudson Valley
You could be forgiven for not realizing Upstate Down was a real estate brokerage. None of the usual accouterments can be found on its window display at its brick-and-mortar store in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Printed listings are replaced with charcoal linen pillows. Acrylic LED-backlit ads, with an ivory vintage vase the size of an overgrown toddler. Inside, gray shelves are stocked with Moroccan rugs and terra-cotta dinnerware sets. All of this, before customers even catch a whiff of its real estate business on the walls at the back of the office: framed portraits of houses that resemble something closer to art décor than it does marketing. Upstate Down — a hybrid interior design studio, furnishings store and real estate company — was founded in 2021 by the husband-and-wife and real-estate-agent duo, Jon and Delyse Berry. Bringing every aspect of a home's life cycle together isn't entirely novel, they acknowledged. Nor is their leaning into a lifestyle brand. Yet it's precisely this all-in-one model that has helped Upstate Down stand out among traditional brokerages and algorithm-driven platforms. 'We didn't just want to be forward-facing as a real estate office,' said Mrs. Berry, Upstate Down's chief executive. 'A home is not just a transaction; it's where you live, it's where you love, it's where you enjoy, and that's what I felt was missing at other firms.' Rachel Hyman-Rouse, principal broker and founder of Rouse + Co Real Estate, said it was encouraging to see the creative risks pay off for another boutique brokerage in Rhinebeck. 'They're morphing themselves into a new-age kind of business,' Ms. Hyman-Rouse said of Upstate Down. 'I don't know anybody else who does that, and it's a unique approach.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
