11 ways to channel seaside vibes at home
When you want to make your space feel beach beautiful, creating a coastal feel not only adds character – but everything feels that much more chilled. Inspired by summer’s seaside vibes, sunshine and the relaxing sound of ocean waves, think cool blues, natural elements and decor with some rugged flair… 1. ProCook Melamine Tableware Serving Bowl, £8.99; Dinner Plate, £4.99, Side Plate, £3.99, ProCook Summer salads will love this Mediterranean-inspired tableware, which pair well with seashells scattered along your tablescape. 2. Seaview Organic Cotton Table Runner, £45, XV Stripes This nautical print is tailor-made for seafood appetisers. 3. Blue Stripe Tufted Seat Pads, £15 each (was £25), The White Company Whether you’re perching on a patio seat wall or revamping your garden furniture, these trendy tufted seat pads will cushion you in style. 4. Flock of Seagulls Wall Art, £140, The Coastal Lifestyle Company This coastal inspired wall art with white metal seagulls brings home the sound of gulls, crashing waves and thoughts of clifftop walks. 5. Eat Drink Relax Napkins – Set of 4, £19.60 (was £28) rest of items from a selection, The White Company When you want to say it with words, these embroidered napkins make a stylish statement. 6. FlipFlop Beach Bag, £40, Basket Basket A great styling tool, raffia baskets can be hung from hooks – and they always look chic when placed nonchalantly around the house. 7. Desenio The Summer Coast Gallery Wall: 3 Posters, 3 Frames, £109.14, (was £138.65), Desenio When it’s time to settle down with a sundowner, these posters are right on point with their mood-boosting images to inspire a Riviera lifestyle. 8. White Conch Shell Vase, £24, Bon Bon Fistral Conch vases are particularly trendy right now, and this one is especially fetching with its matt white finish. Fresh or faux white flowers – such as creamy-white gardenias – will up its fabulousness. 9. St Eval Scented Coastal Collection: Tin Candles in Sea Salt, Samphire & Sage and Sea Mist, £13.85 each, St Eval A scented candle will bring you to the Cornish coast and the therapeutic effects of the sea. 10. Coral Wall Art: Marine Blue Coral Art Prints, Unframed, from £18 each, Beach House Art Looking to create a beautiful backdrop with coral and marine blues? These eye-catching prints will make a modish addition to any scheme. 11. Beach Text Cushion, £21, The Coastal Lifestyle Company Whether it’s a waterfront property or urban living, this denim-look scatter cushion will elevate any space.
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Colorado web designer told Supreme Court a man sought her services for his same-sex wedding. He says he didn't -- and he's straight
The Colorado web designer who wanted to refuse LGBTQ customers and just won her case at the Supreme Court had claimed in court filings that a man inquired about her services for his same-sex wedding.
1970-01-01 08:00
11 ways to work the colour clash trend at home
Some say the bolder the better. Especially high summer time when the sun’s streaming in – contrasting colours can create a collage-like effect, making everything look so much lovelier. Whether its pops of pink or playful prints, here’s how to get your graphic groove on with these happy hues and cheerful furnishings… 1. Honeycomb Jug Kettle 1.7L, £36.99; Four Slot Toaster, £42.99, The Range Bring a ray of sunshine to brekkie with this buttercup yellow kettle and toaster. 2. Palmilla Dinner Plate, (Set of 4), £71.96, rest of items from a selection, Wayfair From tropical fruit salads to salsa and dips, this melamine tableware with its tropical flower print will make every meal taste more exotic. 3. Colourful Marbled Bamboo Tumblers, £9 each, Rockett St George With their abstract swirls and pretty hues, these tasty tumblers signal sundowners. 4. Pablo Coasters, Set of 4, £7.95; Pablo Placemats, Set of 4, £25, Graham & Green These stylish seagrass placemats and coasters channel a Mediterranean vibe – we love their artisanal feel. 5. Lucy Tiffney at Next Ceramic Jug, £30, Next Pretty as a picture, this arty jug can double as a vase – and makes a beautiful statement with or without a fresh bouquet. 6. Gems Champagne/Cocktail Glass, £50, Set of 4; Tumbler, £45, Set of 4, LSA International If you’re looking to drink some summer bubbles, these minty green coupes have champagne cocktail written all over them. 7. Bombay Duck Colourful Carnival Pouffe, £150, Joe Browns A fabulous fusion of function and form, a pouffe can double up as a tabletop, footstool and accent piece to style up a curated corner. This one’s sure to please with its floral fiesta. 8. Sketch Rug in Confetti, from £95; Cut Velvet Cushion, £22, rest of items from a selection, Next This tufted wool rug has timeless appeal. Versatile enough to style up Scandi schemes, it’s also right at home with boho luxe interiors. 9. Sheridan Maplewood Quilt Cover Set in Pea, King, £69.50 (was £139), Sheridan Big blooms are all the rage and this lush, emerald green quilt cover evokes thoughts of a tropical island escape. 10. Negroni Framed Wall Art, £49.50, Oliver Bonas Sometimes even the simplest of recipes can make a showpiece. 11. John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Sunshine Beach Towel, Mustard and Blue, £20 each, John Lewis When you want to bathe in colour, these designer beach towels with their punchy pattern are right on point.
1970-01-01 08:00
Did Alan Turing Inspire the Apple Logo?
Apple's iconic logo is rumored to have been inspired by Eve's bite into the apple of knowledge, Newton's discovery of gravity, and Alan Turing's untimely end. Are any of these stories true?
1970-01-01 08:00
That Extra Loop of Fabric on Your Seatbelt Is Actually an Important Safety Feature
Though hopefully you’ll never need it, the loop on your seatbelt is there to prevent injury or even death in a crash.
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10 ways to give your home an instant summer glow
Summer really is a time to shine – and we’re not just talking about the weather. From sun-filled schemes to sipping sundowners in style on balmy evenings, it’s only natural we’d want to filter out the shadows and welcome in some summer decor updates. Think luminous decos and glimmering touches of gold. This is about channelling some of that sunny feel-good factor – much like we do with a sweep of bronzer and touch of shimmery lip gloss. Here are 10 ways to work a hint radiance at home this summer… 1. Set of 4 Grapefruit Plates, £45, Rockett St George For a citrusy twist to your summer tablescape, these gorgeous grapefruit plates come in lemon yellow, lime, orange and pink for mouth-watering starters and salads. 2. Gold Multi Tea Light Holder, £45, Graham & Green Play up the glamour with this striking gold centrepiece, which creates a harmonious blend of candlelight and artisan metalwork. Holds nine tealights. 3. Lauren Stemless Balloon Glasses With Gold-Rim – Pair, £24, Dress For Dinner Your best bubbles – be it fizz, a G&T or vodka and soda – will taste that much more delicious in trendy stemware without the stem! We love the glitzy gold rims. 4. Irregular Lustre Glass Flower Vase, £28, Next From fancy florals to faux ferns, this glistening vase makes a real statement with its voguish curves. And it’ll capture the light beautifully at this time of year. 5. Gatsby Marble Drinks Trolley, £349, Atkin And Thyme The pinnacle of proffering cocktails, this Art Deco style drinks trolley with marble top and glass base is a dream to dress up. From decadent decanters to crystal barware, a showy centrepiece to steal the spotlight. 6. John Lewis Pineapple Cocktail Shaker, £28, John Lewis And for the finishing touch, this charming silver and gold cocktail shaker is tailor-made for budding mixologists. Fun and fruity, what’s not to love? 7. Set of 3 Gold Swallow Wall Art Plaques, £20, Next A flight of fancy, plus a symbol of good fortune and luck, these gold swallows will make a graceful addition to a feature wall. 8. Gold Lobster Wall Décor, £75, Graham & Green Our favourite summer catch of the day? We’re going for gold with this striking lobster decoration. 9. STAR By Julien Macdonald Gold Metal Floral Frame Round Wall Mirror, currently £70 (was £100), Freemans This fabulous floral frame mirror will beam sunlight around your space, and provide an instant style update with its standout design. 10. Fab Hab Sydney Outdoor Rug in Gold & Cream, from £99.95, Cuckooland It’s amazing how a striking throw rug can spruce up your outdoor space – with underfoot comfort thrown in for good measure. This one’s made from recycled plastic bottles and is mildew resistant. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How – and why – to prioritise mindfulness in the busyness of summer 5 sandal trends that will be huge this summer 6 triggers asthma sufferers should watch out for this summer
1970-01-01 08:00
11 ways to dip into Mediterranean inspired decor
Who doesn’t yearn for a more Mediterranean lifestyle every now and then? Whether or not a getaway is on the cards this summer however, bringing those dreamy holiday vibes home with a style update is easier than you might think. “Pulling together a Mediterranean-inspired coastal scheme is all about perfecting an airy, bright feeling through the use of colour and material that harks back to ocean shores,” says Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. “A palette of cool blues and pared-back neutrals introduces a breath of fresh air into the home, and when paired with natural materials, it works to create this slightly bohemian beachside feeling.” Consider rustic rattan lamps, paired with beautiful linen shades in muted seascape tones too, Blacker suggests. Organic raffia pendant designs also make easy additions, which will allow you to incorporate elements of a sunny coastal scheme through lighting changes alone. Helen Pett, Arteriors design ambassador, says: “When looking at furniture and lighting design, opt for statement pieces crafted with woven rattan or open-weave detailing, materials such as coconut shell or wooden beading. “Alternatively, a timeless colour choice for any coastal destination-inspired décor scheme introduces a pleasant combination of varying blues to mimic a summer sky, and the reflective surface of the sea,” she adds. Here’s how to get the look… 1. Picnicware – Set of 4 Dinner Plates, £20, Next Summer salads and slow days call for lightweight tableware, especially eye-catching designs like this, with a shiny finish to look and feel just so. 2. Seashells Jug, £17.95, Annabel James She sells seashells on the seashore… this beautiful bone china jug is worth shelling out for. 3. Pooky Aphrodite Pendants, from £200 (other items from a selection/part of room set), Pooky Featuring an artisan woven effect and brass accents, these hanging pendants are right on point. 4. Maze Rope Decorative Tray, £15, Dunelm Favourite finds such as this woven tray imbibe thoughts of freshly baked bread at breakfast, topped with exotic fruit platters. 5. Hugh 4 Seater Sofa – Calix Boucle, Ivory, £949; matching Large Square Footstool, £399, and Tarland Pattern Accent Chair – Kirkton Floral, Duck Egg, £799 (items part of room set), DFS A sumptuous sofa like this makes a wonderful centrepiece, especially styled with mosaic print cushions, ocean blues and rattan accessories, for an airy, breezy aesthetic. 6. Abigail Ahern Elian Recycled Glass Table Lamp, £149, Freemans Contemporary and cool, this clear recycled glass lamp with raffia shade will style up any space. 7. Collection Luxe Josie Frame in Wood and Cane, from £850, Next A beautiful base to build around, this carved wood and cane bedframe – especially teamed with a jute carpet, ocean hues and sheer white curtains – is tailor-made for hot, sultry nights. 8. George Blue Arc Tufted Throw, currently £12 (was £15), Direct.asda The finishing touch to dressing the bed à la Med? A tufted blue throw strewn across crisp linen sheets. 9. Indigo Seaweed Print Wall Art, from £18 each (unframed), Beach House Art Beachcombers will be drawn to these pretty artwork prints. 10. Mediterranean 594 Evora Vinyl, from £24.99 per square metre, Carpetright (available early July) Suitable for kitchen, dining and bathroom schemes, this modish motif makes a real feature. 11. George Wooden Lounge Chair – Cream Rope (top), £99, and Wooden Lounge Chair – Cream Cross Straps, £99, Direct.asda These accent chairs with woven rope design or cream straps will style up your suntrap and bring smiles all round. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Whiten up your wardrobe with summer’s hottest trends Paternity leave should be paid for six weeks, campaigners tell Government My teenager gets all their news from TikTok – should I worry?
1970-01-01 08:00
11 ways to work white into your interiors
Creating a summery scheme with bright whites, creamy woods and natural decos signals carefree summer living – and feels right, right now. With warm days ahead and a possible heatwave on the cards, these brilliant white accessories and bleached-out homewares are just the ticket for a summer refresh – and relaxed lifestyle when you want chill out… 1. White Pearl Tableware: White Pearl Stoneware Side Plate, £7, Dinner Plate, £15, Salad Plate, £14, Pasta Bowl, £14, rest of items from a selection, Rose & Grey A must for summer tablescapes, this crisp white tableware suits every occasion; and works like a dream with rainbow salad recipes to show off those vibrant veggies and peppers. 2. Portland Storage Box – Large, £22, Garden Trading Stylish storage comes into its own come summertime, especially when you want to put the lid on foodie treats which might attract unwanted visitors. Versatile, easy to stack and pack, what’s not to love? 3. Off White Shell Vase, £38, Rose & Grey A go-to for coastal decor aesthetic, this shell vase with a seashell-like surface finish is a must-have for pampas grasses and natural driftwood branches. 4. George White Large Solar Candle Lights, £8 each, Direct.asda Decorative garden lighting is one of the cleverest tools for highlighting unexpected crooks and crannies, nurturing trailing greenery. 5. Roberts Play 11, White, £49.99, Roberts Radio One to add to your summer playlist with its streamlined tailoring, this new release from Roberts marries form and function with 20 station presets, DAB/DAB+/FM wavebands and portable battery power or via USB-C. 6. Moreton Whitewashed Kubu Rattan Trolley, £425, Marely Vase – Medium, £28, Marely Vase – Large, £48, White Bamboo Round Lantern – Medium, £65, The White Company A hero piece with timeless appeal, this beautiful bar cart will style up any indoor or outdoor space. Ideal for entertaining al fresco, it’s easy to wheel around and the removeable top tray can be used to proffer canapés and cocktails. With a side caddy for magazines or place settings, it can also be dressed up with artisan decos aplenty. 7. Habitat Kora Rattan Effect Garden Egg Chair, £230, Habitat When it’s time to invest in a chic, comfy seat, this egg-shaped pod pushes all the right buttons. With curvaceous steel frame, rattan detailing and four soft cushions to snug into, it can be upgraded to an accent chair with a luxurious snow white throw. 8. Lucerna Cream Tassel Solar Lanterns Trio, £34.99, Lights4fun Setting the scene for a summer soirée? These luxe boho solar lanterns will steal the spotlight when the sun goes down. Finished with decorative tassels and easy to hang from a branch, parasol or garden wall, simply pop them outside when the sun’s up and six to eight hours of sunshine will reward you with a warm, white, LED glow. 9. Dorma Purity Chiltern Bedspread, £120 to £140, rest of items from a selection, Dunelm Summer bedding signals a seasonal switch to an all-white theme… and fresh white bedspread to top your crisp, clean sheets. 10. Cotswolds Essentials Pure White Clothes Rail, £99, Cotswold Company If you’re planning a capsule wardrobe and switching out transitional pieces for something lightweight and fluid, you can’t go wrong with a dedicated clothes rail. With its sleek design and storage shelf, this will fit into the smallest of schemes. 11. White 100% Combed Egyptian Cotton Towels, 500 GSM, from £3.99 to £24.99, Homescapes Nothing channels a boutique hotel vibe like a bundle of white fluffy towels to pat yourself dry after a refreshing shower. Made from Egyptian cotton, these are soft and absorbent without being spendy.
1970-01-01 08:00
What Does the Juneteenth Flag Symbolize?
On June 19, 2023, the United States will celebrate Juneteenth and the anniversary of Black emancipation. Here’s the meaning behind the holiday’s official flag.
1970-01-01 08:00
How to make your home summer ready
With sunshine and blue skies around, there couldn’t be a better time to refresh your interiors. And Alysha Alli, who heads up the interior design team for Redrow, recommends “balancing the warm outside with fresh décor inside”. From tones and textures to ornaments and aesthetics, she says finding a style that complements your unique personality is essential to perfecting your interiors this summer. “Our homes have an undeniable impact on our wellbeing, so it’s important interior design incorporates elements of nature during the summer to help boost our energy,” suggests Alli. Here, she shares some key elements to help you get the right vibe… Go luxe-boho Layer patterned and textured throws with tassels and washed-out prints in natural fabrics like linen and 100% natural cottons, says Alli. “Aesthetics that embrace imperfections are entirely on trend, so observe your space and see where you can incorporate sustainable pieces such as hand-crafted ceramics too, then fill these with tall pampas and tactile bunny tail grasses for a gentle texture and aesthetic.” Make indoor plants a centrepiece Plants can complement natural materials such as real woods, ceramics and natural stones, Alli highlights. “Go for a cluster of different heights – ensuring the tallest is at the back of an arrangement, placed directly in the corner of your room on the opposing side of entry. “This will make your space appear more spacious and airier, perfect for cooling down the temperature.” She says cacti also look perfect catching the light on a bright en suite or main bathroom windowsill. If this space doesn’t get a lot of natural light, try aloe vera which thrives in humid conditions. Bring the outdoors in Alli says incorporating feature wallpapers in matcha colours and forest hues to more subdued olive greens will introduce a flow of serenity across your interiors. “Tones of green are also known to boost positivity and promote calmness throughout the home,” she adds. Depending on your budget, she suggests placing a khaki rug under a rich walnut coffee table for a warm aesthetic. “Exploring these deep earth tones and mixing with botanical greens really brings the beauty of nature into your space.” Add pops of colour around the home When creating more social and entertaining spaces, bursts of colour help bring rooms to life. With blooms flourishing in warmer weather, think about adding fresh flowers into an earthy rotund vase, suggests Alli. When arranging flowers, she likes to create a greenery base using foliage such as ivy, moss, eucalyptus or fern, then adds focal flowers and filler flowers into the gaps – aiming for a dome shape. Another way to boost your wellbeing – and colour code – is with funky photograph frames mounted with summer holiday snaps. If you’re looking to do something larger and more impressive, Alli suggests creating a cosy reading nook; or transforming your office space with Seventies-inspired furniture shaping. And who can resist a rattan weave retro style egg chair to chill out in? Switch to vivacious colours Think peachy tones and luminous apricot paint finishes – refreshing hues which Alli says awake the senses. “While it may not be the obvious choice for everyone, when paired with the right grounding pieces of furniture such as a bouclé or rattan accent armchair, it makes your interior feel contemporary and alive.” Take this a step further by complementing your design with an irregularly shaped mirror. “Balancing the straight lines of contemporary furniture with the rounded nature of accent pieces will draw attention to their detailed design and create contrast,” adds Alli. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jetting off this summer? Doctors share essential in-flight health tips How do heterosexual celebrities become LGBTQ+ icons? More help with childcare costs for families on universal credit from end of June
1970-01-01 08:00
Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?
Unpacking the reason hyperlinks are blue requires dipping into early internet history.
1970-01-01 08:00
Hands On: Adobe Firefly in Photoshop
Adobe this week announced that its artificial intelligence (AI) art generation tools, collectively known as
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