Author: News Room

Slow living isn’t easy – not today, when everything needs to move at the speed of light. Even our forms of entertainment are quicker, snappier and harder to follow than ever, thanks to shortening media formats and ever-shortening attention spans. Earning money is stressful, making that money stretch in a difficult economy is even more stressful, and there never seems to be any time to catch a breath. Luckily, you don’t need to take a sabbatical to re-introduce some calm into your life. While you might not be able to meaningfully practice slow living every day of the week, you…

There’s something deeply charming about a house with a sense of humour. Long before door numbers became the norm, homes were purely identified by names – and many of those names reflected personality, inside jokes, gentle irony, or a wink to the world outside the front gate. Today, funny house names feel like a small rebellion against sameness. They’re personal, memorable, and often surprisingly revealing. Whether you live in a tiny seaside cottage, a grand countryside home, a modern apartment, or a log cabin tucked into the woods, a humorous house name can instantly make your place feel more you. It…

As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want to improve, update, and personalise your space. From small fixes to bigger upgrades, there’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in. But not every project is suited to a DIY approach – and knowing when to call in an expert can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress. While there are plenty of home jobs you can confidently tackle yourself, some improvements require specialist skills, experience, and an understanding of safety regulations. In the sections below, we’ll look at the…

Fluted white-oak vanities are everywhere in 2025 makeovers, reviving the chic ’70s groove pattern designers love for its light-catching texture (Homes & Gardens). White oak isn’t just fashionable. According to Tools Radar, tight, tylose-filled pores limit the wood’s expansion to about two percent even at 90 percent humidity—roughly one-third that of red oak—so it resists warping in steamy bathrooms. We vetted seven standout cabinets—from a trim 30-inch single to a 72-inch double—rating build, storage, and style. First up is the Willow Bath & Vanity “Manhattan,” whose ribbed façade and hidden power drawer set a high bar for modern luxury. Why…

If you are hoping to add a Hans Wegner–style chair to your home, the decision can feel more layered than it first appears. Authentic originals offer history, craftsmanship, and quiet prestige, while replicas present the same iconic form at a gentler price point. When those differences aren’t immediately clear, hesitation can set in thus leaving you unsure which option truly fits your space, lifestyle, and expectations. Now that you are taking a closer look, clarity becomes your advantage. By understanding how authentic and replica chairs differ in construction, comfort, and long-term value, you can invest with intention rather than uncertainty.…

The best dinner parties aren’t about culinary acrobatics or hours of prep; they’re about gathering around a table with good food and even better company. The secret to hosting well is choosing dishes that do the heavy lifting for you, freeing you to pour the wine, light the candles, and actually be present for the evening. This article will walk you through a handful of reliable, impressive dishes designed for exactly this purpose. These aren’t complicated restaurant recipes; they’re forgiving, flavorful meals that scale easily for a crowd and look beautiful when brought to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned…

Turning up the thermostat when it gets cold is more of a luxury than most people think. Warming up your home is a process that requires so many different utilities working together in harmony, and when one of them breaks or stops working, you’re definitely going to notice it. Behind the scenes, there are so many different elements working in coordination to keep your home warm at just the turn of a dial. When these elements are properly supported, your home stays cozy without unnecessary strain on your budget. Many homeowners only think about scrambling to get home maintenance upgrades…

For decades, boilers have been an integral part of Otago homes in some guise or another. For decades, diesel, gas, and wood-fired systems have kept homes warm even in harsh winters. But as boilers break down, become prohibitively expensive to run, or are on their last legs, more homeowners like you are now beginning to weigh up options that could replace a boiler with an air-source heat pump-based central heating system. A heat pump for a boiler is not just a like-for-like replacement. It’s a whole new way of doing things that changes how heat is generated, distributed, and controlled…

Heat pumps are now widely used in homes throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County, CA. Many were added to increase efficiency, reduce gas usage, or replace older HVAC systems. But as these systems age, homeowners face a more pressing question: should the heat pump be repaired, or is it time to replace it? This is seldom obvious at first glance. A system might boot only to perform at its worst. Repair costs rise. Energy bills change. Knowing when to repair and when to replace can help you avoid wasting money and enduring discomfort. In this guide, we’ll help you work…

When snow begins to fall, we naturally look for a warm and comfortable place to call our own. When it comes to cold climates, Scandinavians are widely regarded as true experts in creating cosy interiors. What makes the nordic style so popular? We’ll dive right into what this interior design philosophy is based on. Let’s learn how to style your house in a truly timeless way. What defines Scandinavian interior design today Yevhenii Deshko for Unsplash+ Scandinavian style emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th century in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. This design school stems out of long and…