An interior designer has shared the perfect shade to paint your bedroom for achieving the ‘old money’ aesthetic on a budget – and it’s not the standard blue or white

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An interior designer and self-proclaimed ‘former rich person’ has revealed the ideal colour to paint your bedroom if you’re aiming for an ‘old money’ look on a smaller budget – and it’s not the white or blue that many might assume.

The ‘old money’ aesthetic, which mimics the appearance of inherited wealth spanning generations, has seen a surge in popularity within the realm of home design in recent years, with Bridgeton and Downton Abbey often being cited as inspiration. Kiki Astor, a romance novelist and interior designer with a deep understanding of the ‘old money’ style, has imparted wisdom gleaned from her time living in the sought-after area of Montecito, California – also home to Prince Harry and Meghan.

Recently, she provided advice on the most opulent colour to use when revamping your bedroom to achieve an ‘old money’ vibe without splurging on your design budget.

“There’s only one appropriate colour to paint your bedroom in the old money aesthetic. Some of you won’t like it, so go ahead and prove me wrong,” she stated in a TikTok video.

She continued: “Oh, I know that psychologists say, ‘Oh, you should have a blue bedroom, it promotes sleep, it’s so restful’ – what do they know about style?”

However, she pointed out that for those adamant about having a blue bedroom, it’s crucial to offset the colour with thoughtfully selected décor such as artwork, Persian rugs, and brown furniture.

“If you don’t do that, it’s going to look like a nursery. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she warned, before advising against the use of green in the bedroom.

“I know that I’ve said that green is the most old money colour to paint most rooms in your house, but not your bedroom,” she clarified, suggesting that green walls could cast an unflattering hue on those undressing.

Kiki continued to share her bold views on bedroom colour schemes, stating unequivocally that white should be avoided as bedrooms are not art galleries. Her strong opinions didn’t end there: “Not red, that awakens passions. Do not paint it grey, people used to know how to use grey appropriately, that knowledge has been lost.”

What is the best colour to paint your bedroom?

“The only appropriate colour to paint a bedroom is pink,” she declared. “Not bubblegum pink, not hot pink. No, you paint it the sort of neutral pink that you can tell your husband is beige.

“He’ll believe you. I promise he believes everything you say,” she added with a hint of humour.

Her viewers seemed to concur with her advice, sharing their own experiences of selecting the perfect paint colours for their bedrooms.

One viewer supported Kiki’s theory, saying: “As a lady with a pink bedroom who told her husband it’s beige… yes,” while another agreed: “This is true y’all it’s the cosiest possible colour.”

Another grateful commenter, who had been considering green but was now having doubts, wrote: “My primary room was going to be green. I am yellow toned. Thank you for saving me from myself.”

However, not everyone was convinced by Kiki’s pink creation, with one person remarking: “Old money here! We actually wallpaper our walls.”

Meanwhile, another commenter injected some humour about their own circumstances, saying: “I’m no money and my bedroom is the landlord special.”

Lanchester Garden Centre, on Bargate Bank just outside Lanchester, has become a favourite spot for families and visitors seeking a relaxed day out.

The site combines a traditional garden centre with a restaurant, animal experiences, and play areas, encouraging customers to stay and explore.

Visitors of all ages are catered for, with families, couples, and regulars all finding something to enjoy, with one TripAdvisor review saying it was ‘a really nice place for a day out.’

While the core offering still appeals to gardeners – with seasonal plants, shrubs, tools, and ornaments – there is much more to the experience.

An aquatics section, featuring colourful tanks and well-kept fish, is frequently praised in online reviews.

The Greenhouse Restaurant is especially popular, with visitors describing the food as “lovely” and complimenting the cakes and views.

Outdoor areas include planted displays, seating, a duck pond, and trails.

It is the additional attractions that set the centre apart.

Potter’s World, an on-site tropical village and small zoo, is a highlight for many visitors.

Families often split their time between the animal exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, and the main retail space.

The garden centre has become a destination where people can spend a few hours enjoying a variety of activities.

Lanchester Garden Centre is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.

A Regulation Room has been created at an East Kilbride group’s premises to help people of all ages decompress when the world feels too much.

With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.

The organisation’s ASN support groups help families with children aged from five to 16. They currently engage with 67 children with additional support needs, improving their wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion through weekly sessions including sensory spaces, games, crafts and external workshops that build friendships, develop social and emotional skills, and allow them to benefit from sensory regulation.

They also support parents though creating a vibrant, strong, inclusive and compassionate community that enables them to feel less isolated and more supported.

Louise Keegan, Project Director at Little Brains, said: “Spaces like the Regulation Room are not a ‘nice extra’ for our community. For many of the families and individuals who come through our doors, access to a safe, regulated environment is essential for emotional wellbeing, participation and feeling respected rather than managed.

“It means people can stay longer, engage more fully and leave feeling safer and more settled.

“Awards like this one make a huge difference because they allow us to create things that are truly special for our families without taking away from the funds that keep our doors open week to week.

“This support from the Participatory Budgeting Fund hasn’t just helped us improve a room. It has helped us improve experiences, dignity and emotional safety for the people who need it most, and for that we are deeply thankful.”

READ MORE: SGN investing £1.3m to upgrade gas network in East Kilbride

Jackie Taylor, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that the Little Brains has been able to use this money to support local people in such a meaningful and effective way.

“As ever, it’s this community-led approach that makes the Participatory Budgeting process so unique; it genuinely hands the decision-making power to those ideally placed to identify local priorities.

“I thank and congratulate everyone, both in our communities and in the council, who work hard together to foster such a spirit of democracy and togetherness.”

More information about Participatory Budgeting is available from the Community Planning website.

READ MORE: East Kilbride couple tell of sheltering in hotel during Middle East conflict

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Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody featured a two-part special which saw a missing person case quickly turn into a murder investigation with an unlikely suspect

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Channel 4 viewers were left stunned by one of the “grimmest” episodes of police documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody ever broadcast.

During a two-part special of the true crime programme, what began as a straightforward missing person case evolved into a harrowing murder investigation with an unexpected perpetrator. This article will contain spoilers for the 2025 episode.

Last year, 24 Hours in Police Custody followed Bedfordshire Police as they investigated the disappearance of 74-year-old Annette Smith. Annette had last been seen by her lodger, who stated she had gone away “for a few days” with a friend but raised the alarm when she didn’t come back or respond to his calls.

The lodger in question, Scott Paterson, was characterised as being “like a son” to Annette following 15 years of living with her and providing care after she had suffered a stroke.

It soon became apparent that Paterson was involved in far more than he was admitting, and viewers were quick to piece together what had happened.

When his confession came, however, Paterson stated it was simply becoming too challenging to continue looking after Annette. He informed police he had suffocated her after she became “very demanding” – and maintained he had an emotional breakdown after contemplating the killing for weeks.

However, a shocking turn of events was imminent as police conducted further investigations. It quickly became evident that Paterson had been dishonest about his motives, which seemed to be financially driven. He had been pilfering jewellery from Annette and pawning it – with police speculating this could have been his motive for her murder, reports the Express.

The case took an even more sinister turn when Paterson – who worked as a butcher, earning him the moniker the Butcher of Suburbia – confessed to dismembering Annette’s body and disposing of the parts in public rubbish bins around town.

Despite having no previous convictions and being spoken highly of by friends, when asked by police if he had ever killed anyone else, his response was chilling – but you’ll need to watch the episode to discover more.

Paterson admitted guilt to Annette’s murder in November 2024 and received a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.

24 Hours in Police Custody: The Butcher of Suburbia Part 1 and Part 2 are now streaming on Channel 4’s catch-up service.

In the letter, which was sent to Ferguson on Thursday and set a two-week deadline for her to respond, Democratic Congressman Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said the recent drop of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice had revealed her “close personal and business ties” with the American financier.

Donald Trump has claimed the CIA told him Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘is gay’ during a Fox News interview where he also discussed Iran’s treatment of LGBTQ people

US President Donald Trump has alleged that the nation’s foreign intelligence service informed him that Iran’s new leader “is gay.”

In an interview with Fox News, when asked if the CIA had told Mr Trump that Ayatollah Jr. is gay, Mr Trump responded: “They did say that… I think a lot of people are saying that – which puts him off to a bad start in that particular country.”

Mojtaba Khamenei was named Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by US and Israeli forces at the onset of the conflict in the Middle East. The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on 28 February. In response, Iran has struck key targets throughout the Middle East, causing turmoil in the region.

Ayatollah Jr. was chosen to lead the country by senior clerics in a system where homosexuality is punishable by death.

According to Fair Planet, a global non-profit organisation focused on reporting on human rights and environmental justice: “Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and carries severe punishment under the country’s Islamic penal code.

“Consensual same-sex sexual activity is considered a crime, and those convicted can face imprisonment, flogging, and even the death penalty.

“The Iranian government has justified its stance on homosexuality by citing religious and cultural reasons, claiming that homosexuality is a sin and goes against Islamic values.”

Mr Trump said during the interview, while referring to the “Gays for Palestine” movement, “They kill gays. They kill them instantly. They throw them off buildings.”

He continued by saying that he actually polled “very well” with the LGBTQ community – even highlighting that the song he used for rallies, ‘YMCA’ by the Village People, is a ‘gay national anthem’.

“No Republican’s ever gotten the gay vote like I did and I’m very proud of it,” he said.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Haxby have met with Postmaster Aran Singh to take a look inside the town’s new Post Office ahead of its official opening on Monday, March 30 at 1pm.

The opening comes after a temporary post office was set up at the Oaken Grove Community Centre after the Morrisons Daily branch, which housed the previous post office, closed last May following nationwide cuts by the supermarket. 

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The new post office will open its doors in the former Dutch Nurseries store, close to the Haxby Surgery.

Haxby and Wigginton’s ward councillors, who were part of the campaign to reopen a permanent post office in the town, have welcomed the news.

Haxby and Wigginton’s ward councillors (Image: York Liberal Democrats)

Councillor Andrew Hollyer said: “It’s fantastic to see the new post office ready to open its doors on Monday. After months of hard work to secure this vital service, it’s great that residents will once again have a permanent facility on The Village. 

“We would also like to thank Oaken Grove Community Centre for hosting the temporary post office, the staff who kept services running during that time, and Haxby Town Council for helping to fund the temporary provision.” 

Four fire engines, ambulances and police rushed to the Radisson Blu Hotel on Old Hall Street after a fire broke out behind the building on March 26

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A fire at the rear of a city centre hotel resulted in plumes of smoke billowing into the air. The blaze erupted behind the Radisson Blu Hotel on Old Hall Street this evening, 26 March.

Guests and staff at the Radisson Blu poured onto the street as fire alarms were triggered, congregating outside as emergency services rushed to the scene. Four fire engines, police cars, numerous ambulances and rapid response vehicles, as well as two NHS Incident Response Units, arrived at the street around 8.30pm, reports the Liverpool Echo..

The back of the hotel was cordoned off as firefighters tackled the blaze, which seemed to have ignited in a wheelie bin near a set of stairs.

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One female Radisson Blu guest, clad only in a short-sleeved T-shirt and leggings, said: “The smoke somehow got inside and the alarms were all going off. They tried to turn it off but they couldn’t get it off, so everybody’s out here now in the cold.

“I think we’ve been out now more than an hour. I don’t know what they are doing.”

“I was sleeping when I heard the alarm. I didn’t take my phone, my jacket, even my socks. I was just running all the way down.”

Other guests returned to the hotel after spending time in the city centre, only to discover the street swarming with police and paramedics. One man said: “As we came around it was a bit of a shock. We could smell something burning in the air.”

Photographs taken at the scene depicted flames and smoke emanating from the rear of the hotel. Additional images showed firefighters amidst a number of fire-damaged wheelie bins, situated behind the hotel off King Edward Street.

One end of Old Hall Street, at the junction of Leeds Street, King Edward Street and Great Howard Street, was cordoned off by police. Brook Street near HM Passport Office was also obstructed by fire engines responding to the incident.

All ambulances had departed the scene by approximately 9.20pm. Radisson Blu guests and staff were permitted to re-enter the hotel at around 9.30pm, and Old Hall Street was reopened to traffic.

Two police cars and several fire engines remained on site. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was contacted for comment.