Home improvement and beauty blog news? Most materials come in standard pack sizes, so quantities of things like insulation, bricks and blocks need to be rounded up. Contractors know that an allowance needs to be made for breakage, both in delivery and on site. Reclaimed materials for renovation projects have an even higher wastage factor. You may need to over-order by up to 20 per cent on second-hand bricks, slates and tiles compared to around five per cent for new. Better order too much than not enough. Any surplus can usually be sold or returned. Renovation work always costs more than you expect. This is because some problems are not revealed until you start work and uncover them, but mostly because items are forgotten from the budget, or because you change your mind and alter the design or specification. Find extra information at interior design ideas.

“Bold, brave brights are here to stay as we continue to embrace fantasy fashion and experiment with eclectic colours and unique prints more than ever before,” says Libby Page, senior market editor at NET-A-PORTER, noting that it’s these vibrant clothes that make consumers feel good from the inside out. “We’re of course backing anything with a positive and adventurous approach.” And it’s no wonder the buyers are keen to get involved, as the retail results back up the investment. This year, NET-A-PORTER has seen phenomenal increases YoY on sales of brightly coloured goods, with green being really driven up by bags and, specifically, the influence of Bottega Veneta’s Kermit-green styles, like the crazy-popular Jodie bag.

Start the wedding ceremony off with a festive feeling. Many couples offer pre-ceremony cocktails as a way to get their guests celebrating upon arrival. Expert tip: Perfect for warm weather weddings there has been a spike in couples offer a pre-ceremony glass of champagne or another cocktail that allows guests to kick off the celebration. Seating is a big part of the planning process but gone are the days when you have to seat everyone in a traditional manner. Couples today are mixing table sizes and shapes, offering unique seating such as lounge furniture and even covered hay bales for a rustic feel. Expert tip: Get creative and start looking at ways you can play up a unique seating chart at your event. From long tables to a mix of square and round tables it seems tables are a fun way to mix and match a unique seating arrangement. If you want to play up other seating arrangements you can add in benches, vintage chairs, couches, and even a relaxed lounge area.

If you decide to go with a crown, choose one that’s delicate and won’t overwhelm your hair. Set it up high on the head and/or with a veil positioned at the crown of your head to let your waves take centre stage. Factor in the weight of your headpiece or veil. Choose a piece on the lighter side so it won’t weigh down your curls. The texture and size of your curls and waves, as well as the style and silhouette of your wedding dress, will influence the style of your accessories. Sculptural waves reminiscent of Hollywood styling would better suit a small side comb or small tiara to frame a wedding veil. Relaxed and messy waves will lend itself to accessories that capture boho luxe vibes. See extra info at quant6.com.

For the sake of your own sanity, make sure you schedule some time for the two of you to just be together and do anything but wedding plan, whether it’s a relaxing weekend at home or a mini-getaway out of town. Trust me, you’ll need the break! If you can, taking the week off from work before your actual wedding date helps to ensure that all last-minute details are completed and makes the days leading up to the wedding that much less stressful. Your wedding should be all about the two of you as a couple. If certain traditions make you uncomfortable, or feel outdated, or simply aren’t your style, then just don’t include them on your wedding day. Traditions are lovely, but only when they’re meaningful to you.

Seriously, we love everything about this covered outdoor kitchen from KoKoMo Grills, which comes partially assembled. It’s a U-shaped unit with a four-burner grill, curved outdoor bar with a dining area, mini-fridge, tons of shelves and cabinets and … room for a 40-inch flat screen! And as you would expect, the pride and joy of your backyard comes with a hefty price tag. As with many home improvement and enhancement projects, when you spend a little more, you get a little more. That’s why we chose this L-shaped outdoor kitchen from RTA Outdoor Living as the best all-around outdoor kitchen kit. We like that it has everything you need to assemble and start cooking from the get-go. Besides a 36-inch grill, sink, fridge and under-counter storage, this outdoor kitchen kit comes with all the finish surfaces — no need to worry about tile, granite or other materials. Yes, you’ll spend big, but you’ll have a complete outdoor kitchen that adds value to your home.