#log style garage

[isomerisation]

Large mountain style backyard deck photo a sizable backyard deck in the mountain style

[gentlemensmuse]

Deck - Backyard

a sizable backyard deck in the mountain style

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Have you ever seen a castle made of logs? That's what this 2015 log cabin home is- a rustic log castle in Hakalau, HI. It's also a ranch with 4bds, 6ba, 8,543 sq ft, $22m. So, how did they combine both? Take a look and see.

It begins with gates to the property.

Wow, look at the size of the trees they used. They've got a fireplace that kind of looks like lava rock and a big trunk for a mantle.

I can't get over the size of the trees. It looks like they used the bottom of huge trees to prop up the cross beams.

Here's another, smaller, fireplace in the open concept family room.

They have a gothic style dining table set plus gothic doors in the dining room. So, in this room, there's a smaller fireplace, and stone walls, rather than logs.

I wish they would've shown more of the kitchen. I would imagine that the vintage looking stove is just for looks.

The everyday dining area opens directly out to the deck.

This is the owner's vision of a log castle turret. Note the gothic windows.

Here we have arrived at the top.

There's also a walk above the main living area. Look at that tree- it's hanging in the air with the actual roots, like a medallion or something. This is so interesting.

The primary bedroom looks like it has part of the turret wall and a small fireplace.

This bedroom suite has its own terrace and bath.

A child's room with a hobbit bed and sliders to the terrace.

The bath is pretty standard for a log cabin, but it has a nice counter and brass sinks.

A deck goes all around the house.

The upper terraces have great views.

The home features a double garage with rooms above, and a porte cochere.

There's a lovely waterfall on the property.

It's a huge piece of land- 792.04 acres. It's like having your own town to settle.

The forested parts are accessible by 4WD or horse and the new owner can make trails and build more cabins.

There's an extensive orchard that can also be expanded for more crops to be sold at the market.

There's a caretaker's cottage that counts as a 2nd residence. (This sprawling house is a cottage?) It even has a separate entrance on another road.

Look at the neighbors- A local rancher runs approximately 40 cows through multiple paddocks.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/29-596-Chin-Chuck-Rd-Hakalau-HI-96710/138311923_zpid/

[jamieontheroof]

Random things I noticed while playing What Remains Of Edith Finch

There was a poster of the cannery that Lewis worked at on the boat.

2. Edith Jr wears what appears to be an engagement on a necklace. Whether this is her ring or her mothers is not mentioned.

3. At the start of the game, Milton's missing posters are EVERYWHERE. There is even a giant pile of them in a nearby lake.

4. The dragon slide that crushed and killed Sven is still outside.

5. As you walk toward the house, the music gets louder.

6. The swing that Calvin flew off decades ago is still looped around the branch.

7. There was a spare peep hole in the garage that didn't have any names or dates on it.

8. At multiple points throughout the game you can hear a train in the background, despite the fact that the train tracks are clearly destroyed.

9. There are multiple pots throughout the Finch house that looks like they have eyes.

10. One of the books the Finches possessed was 'King in Yellow', a book known for making anyone who read it insane.

11. The house sounds alive, or like there are people constantly moving around it.

12. Walters bedroom is painted with both ocean and train designs. One of the paintings is the old house that Odin tried to bring to America.

13. There are drag marks on the ground of Walters bedroom (most likely made when his drawers were taken out of his room.)

14. The entrance to the tunnels is hidden by a book called 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a classic sci-fi story about a sea monster.

15. Molly's room is filled entirely with animal books.

16. There is a jelly fish on Molly's bed (possible connection to the monster??).

17. Molly has a chalkboard in her bedroom where she is a princess in an underwater castle and Sven is about to get attacked by a sea monster (slightly resembling the dragon slide).

18. As shark!Molly starts falling down the cliff, she passes a road where headlights are briefly scene.

19. When the monster gets back to Molly's room, the window that cat!Molly jumped through is still open.

20. There are still Christmas decorations in Molly's room.

21. The curse is 500 years old. That is a lot of dead people.

22. In Odin's viewfinder, it states "His [Odin's] daughter, Edie, is already dreaming of new Finch house" showing that even though her own father died not even a week ago, Edie has already moved on.

23. The house is filled head to toe with books about death, including two that Odin wrote.

24. Sven's shrine does not have a log painting like the rest of the family. His portrait is painted on a simple canvas.

25. Edie has a number of strange tapes in her room including one titled "conspiracy now".

26. The toys from Gregory's final bath are still in the bathroom.

27. There is an old bottle of alcohol in the bathroom bin.

28. A lot of Sam's photos are based on Calvin (a swing, astronauts).

29. All of Milton's drawings are based on the death. (Molly = cat, Barbara = pumpkin)

30. There are cigarettes and gin on Sam's side of the room he shared with Calvin.

31. Calvin already had bruises, Band-Aids and a cast on his leg when he died.

32. Sam blames himself for challenging Calvin.

33. In the story, Calvin doesn't fall. He keeps flying.

34. Barbara's birthday cake is still in her room.

35. Barbara is holding crutches in her portrait.

36. There are totem-esc styles statues of both Calvin and Molly

37. Barbara's outfit is over the railing.

This is the same way the Hook-Man falls

38. "Performance of her life" can also mean that it is the performance she is known for.

39. There are spare portrait logs in the basement.

40. There is a fake window in the basement.

41. Edie's grave is finished despite her dying and then nobody else going to the house.

42. There is no grave for Milton.

43. Lewis' grave has a crown on it.

44. There are times wear it seems like you can hear sobbing (this one may just be me).

45. There is a box of Kay's old stuff in Sam's bedroom.

46. Odin has a park named after him.

47. This isn't a fact but I think this may be one of the funniest photos of the game (LIKE SIR? YOUR DAUGHTER IS SOBBING!).

48. Both Calvin and Dawn are on Sam's shrine.

49. Gus has a skateboard over his name.

50. Gregory has the soap bottle from his final bath in his shrine.

51. The music cuts out when Gregory isn't moving.

52. Same also blames himself for Gregory.

53. Gus never met his step mother.

54. Gus was crushed by the (totem) statues of his deceased relatives.

55. Dawn's light switch is the only one on

56. Most of the rules are about past deaths. (No playing outside without permission : Calvin, No answering door for strangers : Barbara, No messes after dark : Molly (???)).

57. Milton's garden has a castle (reference to the Unfinished Swan)

58. There is a small Sanjay shrine in the classroom

59. Edith JR did an assignment on her family history.

60. Lewis drew on his desk.

61. There is no death date for Milton on his peephole.

62. Edith JR wrote Milton's death date as 2003 (the year he disappeared).

63. The door from the flip book is in Milton's room.

64. Lewis' dream Palace is decorated with fish.

65. The gnomes scattered around the house are outside the original house in Edie's story.

66. The credits roll in reverse order.

AND THAT'S IT!! I had a few others I thought didn't need to go in.

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 2: Two weeks and Counting Down

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

You steered the Expedition off the main road, guiding it onto the lengthy driveway leading to your home.

Jake looked around, his curiosity piqued. "Where is this?"

"We're on the driveway to our house," you explained.

As you continued, trees bordered both sides of the driveway, creating a secluded path. Gradually, the tree line began to thin, revealing fencing on the left side as the landscape opened up to your property.

Jake's eyes widened in amazement as the log cabin emerged into view. You directed the vehicle toward the garage, which automatically opened, allowing you to smoothly park inside. As you switched off the engine, the garage door began to lower behind you. Opening the truck's door, you were greeted by the sight of Chuck standing in the doorway to the mudroom.

Turning to Jake, you offered a gentle, "Welcome home." Then, you stepped out of the truck, and Jake, taking in his surroundings, opened his door to follow suit.

In his early to late fifties, standing about 5'8" tall and dressed in Wrangler jeans paired with a flannel shirt, Chuck approached the Expedition. His white hair was just visible beneath a well-worn baseball hat. As he neared, he announced, "Dinner's ready, Y/N."

"Thanks, Chuck," you responded with warmth in your voice. Turning to facilitate the introduction, you said, "Chuck, meet my husband, Lieutenant Jake Seresin. Jake, this is Chuck." You made the introductions as Jake walked over to join you.

Chuck extended his hand, offering a respectful greeting, "It's nice to finally meet you, Sir."

Jake accepted the handshake. "Likewise," he said, his gaze briefly wandering around the garage.

"Chuck, there are 4 bags in the truck. Could you grab them and bring them to," you started, glancing at Jake for a moment. He met your gaze.

"The master bedroom," Jake concluded.

"The master bedroom," you repeated, directing your attention back to Chuck. "I'd like to give my husband a quick tour of our house."

"Of course, Doc," Chuck replied, ready to assist.

As Chuck busied himself with retrieving the bags from the back of the truck, you focused on Jake, seizing the opportunity to share more about the home he was returning to.

"The place is heated," you mentioned casually, then gestured towards a section enclosed by a barn-style door. "Over there's the workshop. Chuck's pretty handy with repairs, too."

Jake followed your gaze to the workshop area, his interest piqued. "That's good to know. I might have a thing or two that needs fixing," he said, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

You smiled, walking closer to the barn-style door to give him a better view. "We've got a decent setup. Anything from vehicle repairs to some basic carpentry. Chuck has been invaluable around here."

As you slid the door open, revealing the organized chaos typical of a well-used workshop, Jake stepped in closer, inspecting the array of tools and machinery. "Looks like you've got everything you need."

"Yeah, Chuck likes to keep things organized. Says it makes the work go smoother," you explained, watching Jake as he ran his hand over a workbench, inspecting the tools laid out.

He turned to you, a thoughtful look on his face. "I used to help my uncle in his workshop back when I was a kid. Taught me a lot about fixing things, making do with what you have."

"It's a valuable skill to have," you agreed, closing the distance between you two. "Especially out here. It's not like we can just run to the store for every little thing."

Jake nodded, his gaze lingering on a half-assembled engine on one of the benches. "Maybe I can help out around here, too. It's been a while, but I'm sure it'll come back to me."

"I'm sure he'd be into that," you said, catching the direction of his gaze which had settled on a partially assembled engine. "I believe that's from the tractor."

"Come on. There's so much more to see, and tonight you'll only get a glimpse of it." You began to lead the way towards the door that opened into the mudroom.

Jake followed you, his steps mirroring your own anticipation. As you reached the door to the mudroom, you paused, hand on the knob, and glanced back at him. "Ready?"

He nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Lead the way."

Opening the door, you stepped into the mudroom, a well-organized space that immediately spoke of a home lived in and loved. The aroma of the outdoors mixed with the scent of clean laundry filled the air. You pointed out the various features, "Here's where the magic happens after a long day's work. Laundry, pet wash station, and plenty of storage. That bathroom is attached to the guest bedroom."

Jake's gaze wandered over the room, taking in the practical yet cozy setup. "I like it. It's... homey."

"That door over there takes you down the back porch steps and out towards the stables," you explained, moving towards the sliding barn door that would lead into the kitchen and living area.

The kitchen, living room, and dining room flowed together in an open concept layout, imbuing the space with a rustic charm.

Jake surveyed the surroundings, visibly mesmerized. "You built and planned all of this?"

"Yup," you confirmed with a sense of pride. "It was a lot of work, but worth every moment," you continued, watching as Jake absorbed the details of the space. "I wanted a home that felt welcoming, where every corner had a story or a purpose."

Jake walked over to the dining area, running his hand along the back of one of the chairs before turning to face you. "It's incredible. It has warmth, character… It's a reflection of us."

You couldn't help but blush at the compliment. "Thank you. I hoped to create a place that felt like a sanctuary, somewhere we could find peace and comfort."

He nodded, understandingly. "You've succeeded. It's more than just a house; it's a home."

Chuck descended the stairs, interrupting the moment with a practical inquiry, "Are you ready for dinner?"

You glanced at Jake, giving him the opportunity to respond.

"Yeah, I'm actually pretty hungry," he admitted, his attention shifting from the house's interior to the matter of dinner.

"Great," Chuck responded, his tone amiable. "I thought, considering the nights have been getting chillier, we'd have chili tonight." His suggestion seemed to perfectly suit the cozy, rustic atmosphere of the house.

"That sounds perfect," you agreed, pleased with the idea. "Chili is always a great choice for a chilly evening." You smiled at the unintended pun.

Jake chuckled. "Sounds good to me. I can't remember the last time I had homemade chili."

Chuck nodded towards you, "The dining room is all set for you."

"Thank you, Chuck," you replied, appreciating his attention to detail.

He then shifted his attention to Jake, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to drink?"

Jake gave a casual shrug. "A beer is fine," he responded, settling into the homely atmosphere.

"Coming up," Chuck acknowledged, before disappearing down a staircase to fetch the drink.

"Come on. This way to the dining room," you beckoned Jake, leading him to another area nearby.

As the two of you entered the dining room, the ambiance immediately struck you. Candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow in the dimly lit space, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the dining room was a large pine table, accompanied by matching chairs, all contributing to the room's rustic appeal. The wood's natural texture and the room's subtle, earthy tones created a sense of warmth and coziness, enhancing the intimate atmosphere set by the candlelight.

"You can sit wherever you like," you offered, gesturing to the table.

Jake looked around, then asked, "Where do you normally sit?"

You pointed to a specific chair. "When family is here, I sit at the head of the table."

"Then I'll sit next to you," he decided.

As you moved to navigate around Jake, he unexpectedly stepped in front of you, prompting you to stop and look up at him.

"Y/N…" Jake began, but his words were interrupted as Chuck re-entered the room, prompting you both to step apart.

"Here's your beer, Sir," Chuck said, extending the beverage to Jake.

Jake took the beer with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you."

"Dinner will be served shortly," Chuck announced, ready to bring in the meal.

"Great, thanks, Chuck," you replied, appreciating Chuck's help and timing as you sat down in the chair.

The interruption had momentarily paused your conversation with Jake, but as Chuck went back to the kitchen, there was a brief moment of silence between you two.

You looked at Jake, sensing there was something he wanted to say. "You were about to say something?" you prompted gently, encouraging him to continue.

Jake took a sip of his beer, gathering his thoughts. "I was just going to say… it's really nice here. You've done an amazing job with this place. It feels like a real home," he responded as he sat down in the chair to the left of you.

You smiled, touched by his words. "Thanks, Jake. That means a lot. I wanted to create a place that felt welcoming and comfortable."

The conversation was interrupted again as Chuck returned, this time with bowls of chili. The savory aroma filled the room.

"I'll leave you two to catch up," Chuck said and left.

Jake's gaze lingered on his wife, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Guilt crept in as he remembered how upset he had been when she chose not to quit school after their loss. It was a difficult time, and the distance that had grown between them in the past four years felt more profound in this moment of reflection.

He sighed, his eyes wandering over the dining room. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel impressed by what you had accomplished in their time apart. The home you had built was a testament to you resilience and dedication. It was clear you had considered both their tastes and needs in its design, creating a space that was both a reflection of your strength and a potential haven for your shared future.

Jake's internal struggle was evident as he continued to observe his surroundings. The home spoke volumes about the person you had become in his absence. It was warm, welcoming, and meticulously crafted—a stark contrast to the empty spaces he had grown accustomed to in his military life.

Realizing the gravity of his past decisions and the impact they had on your relationship, Jake turned to you with a newfound sense of understanding and humility. "Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I've been thinking about everything...about us. I know I haven't been there for you like I should have, especially after...after our loss."

You looked at him, your eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and cautious hope. You could sense the sincerity in his voice, something you hadn't felt from him in a long time.

Jake continued, "I was wrong to expect you to put your life on hold. What you've done here, it's incredible. You've built a life, a home, and I... I want to be a part of it, if you'll have me."

There was a long pause as you processed his words. The pain and misunderstandings of the past few years hung heavily between them, but so did the love and shared history they couldn't deny.

Finally, you spoke, your voice soft but steady. "Jake, I've missed you. I've missed us. But we can't just go back to how things were. We need to rebuild, to learn about each other again."

Jake nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I agree. I want to do that. I want to understand you, to support you. I want us to be a team again."

You took a moment, collecting you thoughts before asking, "When do you have to go back?"

Jake answered, "I have two weeks until I have to go back."

Hearing this, you met his gaze with a determined look. "Then we'll make it the best two weeks we've got." Your voice carried a mix of resolve and hope, signaling a willingness to make the most of the limited time you had together.

Tags:

@buckysteveloki-me

@bellyliveslife

@tgmreader

@callsign-barbell

@86laura11

@dizzybee03

@kmc1989

@guacam011y

[kingaegond]

Psycho! Aegon x Psycho! Reader (Honey Blood)

Warnings: Modern AU, Toxic relationship, psycho behaviour of both aegon and reader, smut, blood kink, +18

Part 2: Honey Blood (Aegon's POV)

Part 1: Honey blood (Y/N's pov)

He crossed the street and walked into the coffe shop.

She was there, with her doe eyes and her innocent expression. He thought she was anything but, she had been following him around and he had realized it long ago, but he enjoyed it somehow, putting on a show for her.

As he got closer to the cashier, she started to play with her hair, pulling some locks behind her ear. He wanted to touch her, pull her dark locks as he took her...

-You’re late- She said, almost a whisper.

She interrupted his thoughts.

-Never knew you were keeping taps, stalker- He said in a friendly tone.

-Sorry, i didn’t mean…- She stuttered.

-It’s alright love- He flashed a smile.

He could see he made her nervous and he loved how much she looked like a prey, ready to be devoured.

-What would you like?- She smiled.

-You tell me love.

-Chocolate with 3 sugars.

-You know me well- He smiled.

-

With a hand on his drink, he walked into the Targaryen Inc. building and went to his office on the 47th floor. The day proceeded as any other, until he received a call from his secretary. There was a girl in reception asking for his adress.

He quickly logged into the security cameras and saw her, his doe eyed prey, walking into his trap. He quickly told his secretary that he authorized his adress to be disclosed to her.

He would put on a show for her today.

He quickly unlocked his phone and called a random number, he didn't even bother to know the girl's name, a model he supposed and of course she gladly accepted to go out with the Targaryen heir.

He took the blonde girl to his place and went about it. His doe-eye girl right behind them, just as he wanted.

Aegon opened his door and he walked into his apartment as the blonde girl was kissing his neck. He made sure to open the door as much as he could so she could walk in behind them and she did, he could hear her slow steps one by one.

Then, she followed them upstairs. Aegon made sure to leave his room's door open and just as he thought she would, she walked into the walk-in-closet and kept the door slightly open. He could see he staring at him as he put on a show. He started kissing the blonde girl more roughtly, thinking of his doe-eyed prey watching him, taking off her clothes and trailing his tongue over her perk nipples, thinking of all the things he wante to do to her. And then, the blonde girl went down on him, taking him into her mouth and Aegon stared at his doe-eyed girl unabashedly, wanting so much for her to take the blonde's place, soon she would, gasping softly as he came into the blonde's mouth. As soon as he came, he told the blonde that he would call her and that he had gotten a sudden headache and needed to rest for tomorrow’s board meeting.

He escorted the blonde girl to the door as quickly as he could and then, he opened a hidden drawer on his living room and pull out a bottle of chloroform, spilling the liquid on his handkerchief.

He climbed the stairs hurriedly and opened the door of his walk-in-closet.

-Hi love- He said as the black of his eyes swallowed the blue. He had caught his prey.

-I… I…- She stuttered.

The words stuck at her tongue.

He suddenly came in and hugger her, caressing her dark long hair. And as soon as she relaxed into his touch, he quickly pressed the handkerchief over her nose.

-Shh….I know love, I know…- Aegon said softly as he caressed her cheek and her consciousness went away.

She collapsed into his arms. She was beautiful, so soft and tender, he couldnt help himself as he softly caressed her neck and her breast and her thights. Soon, he promised himself and he carried her into the trunk of his car. He took her to one of the place's he had outside the city.

-

As his car entered his garage, he quickly open the trunk and carried her bridal style to his basement.

As he was tying her to a pole, she woke up and headbutted him. He could feel the blood on his nose, but he had already caught his prey, he wouldn't let her get away, not now not ever. He quickly catched up to her and stood in front of her.

As soon as she saw him, she stood still, he pressed his hands to her shoulders and then her clavicle, feeling her pulse speeding up with each touch of his. She was staring at him, in a trance, looking at the blood falling on his lips, so he pressed his thumb to his blood and then licked his finger.

-Want a taste, love? - Aegon whispered into her mouth.

-Yes- She whispered.

Aegon kissed her as he had wanted to do since he first saw her, his blood coating her lips and her tongue. He wanted to taste her too, so he started to lick and nible at her lower lip until he draw blood. He grew hungrier and drank her in, sucking on her lips and coating her tongue in their blood. He wanted her. He pressed one of his hands to her waist as the other caressed her chest and her breast, feeling her nipples pebble as drops of their blood spilled onto her white shirt. Soon, he promised himself. Soon, he would taste all of her, take her and devour her, until all she knew was him.

He wanted to keep going, but he couldn't risk it, now he had her, he wouldn't let her go. He slowly reached for his pocket and pulled a syringe, and as he kept kissing her and tasting her, he prickled her thight. She passed out almost inmediately. He caressed her swollen wounded lips and pulled her dark locks from her face as he carried her bridal style to tie her up again. He had so many thoughts about what to do with her as she was his now.

[mariacallous]

What decade is “Magazine Dreams,” a spiritually stifled drama about a bodybuilder driven to fits of chemically induced rage, set in? In the early moments of the film, written and directed by Elijah Bynum, everything about the fashion, the setting, and the subject suggests the late seventies. Standing in the gaping maw of a garage is an Adonis, the bodybuilder Killian Maddox (Jonathan Majors). He is Black, but he appears blue in the suburban nighttime; he is muscled not merely by biology but by his own intervention. He wears short shorts and ringer socks, his hairline uncarved. He flexes for us. Inside his modest ranch-style home, his grandfather, Paw Paw, sits at the kitchen table staring blankly as an oxygen tank assists his lungs. The house is claustrophobic, containing one body at peak physique and the other at near-deterioration. Killian has turned the house into something of a shrine to his labor of body modification, plastering his bedroom walls with bodybuilding posters. In the outside world, he is awkward. He’s got a menial job at a grocery store, where he strains to secure the attention of Jessie (Haley Bennett), a diminutive blond cashier, whom Killian believes will deliver him from his purgatory of maladaptation.

And then this seeming period piece about aggression and psychological projection pulls a trick. Killian logs on to a computer and lurks in YouTube comment sections with other bodybuilding obsessives. Later, he Googles “How do you make people like you?” The man is of our time, and not. Bynum borrows the style and psychic mood of postwar American pop cinema to win us over, to add another layer to his otherwise basic male-rage parable. But he can’t seem to get “Magazine Dreams” to say something original. The film is naked Scorsese propaganda—“The King of Comedy” as much as “Taxi Driver”—but that’s not the only reason it feels reductive. The movie tries so hard to put forth a sweeping treatise on the paradox of a Black bodybuilder, to be a study of Black masculinity. Killian is an object who wants to be a subject. He’s not just masculine—he’s animalesque, growling as he pumps his iron. But it is he who gets beaten up throughout the first two-thirds of the film. The steroids prevent him from performing sexually; he’s essentially a eunuch, who wants to be seen as a buck.

How should we react to this Black man, an embodiment of our prejudiced fears toward Black men? This figure, who writes letters of adulation to a white bodybuilder—literally named Brad—and who has no real Black family around him? (Paw Paw is experiencing mental decline, and Killian’s parents are dead.) The camera’s interest in Killian is a physiognomic interest. No one else in this movie is Black like Killian. Practicing his mandatory poses in the mirror, the chest bulging and the arms curled, the focal point is always his face, which mangles every expression, which cannot produce the pinup smile. Majors is working out his beliefs about aggression and loneliness and how they destroy his character, as he gnashes his blood-stained teeth.

His mouth is full of blood, at that point, because he has sustained a beating by a group of white men. (Killian had taken a bat to their storefront, believing they’d cheated Paw Paw during a painting job.) After the beating, a long pan stalks Killian, who manages to get in his car and drive to a bodybuilding competition. Bloodied and limping, to the horror of the judges, he attempts to hit his carrousel of poses, until he collapses, until the body gives out.

Bynum has made a physical film about an existential fear; as the film develops, we sense Richard Wright’s novel of racial alienation, “Native Son,” exacting an influence as strong as Scorsese’s. The film makes gestures to the systems of oppression that have driven Killian mad, but they are perfunctory. Deep in his descent, Killian comes across one of the white men who beat him; the man is having a meal at a diner with his family. Killian rants incoherently—“African! Black! Negro! Nigger!”—scaring the man’s children, becoming the stereotype. The thinking is that, for Black adult filmgoers, this Bigger Thomas fan fiction might be enough.

The film begins and ends with the physical presence of Majors, and the film fails because of it. “Magazine Dreams” is as obsessed with the spectacularity of the flesh as its character is; the film leans on a tragic backstory to explain why Killian can’t mix with the world. He is the product of pure patriarchal violence: his father killed his mother and then himself. Rattling off his biography to Jessie, who has agreed to go out with him, Killian gives a mannered, halting speech, the words vomited rather than spoken. (Jessie disappears halfway through the date.) At one point, when he feels wronged—and he always feels wronged—he almost whispers to his target, “I’m going to split your skull open and drink your brains like soup.” His cruelty is the cruelty of the naïf. As the film reaches its ending, the double entendre of the title reveals itself. Killian procures a gun arsenal. It’s Bynum’s way of exploring a kind of cross-racial contamination; Killian uses white men’s violence to facilitate a Black man’s vengeance. Or does he? “Magazine Dreams” won’t commit. Killian’s expression of violence, his expression of his existence, may have been real or may have been a fantasy cooked up in his addled head.

I remember the talk around this film before it premièred at Sundance, back in January, 2023. The script did not intrigue as much as the casting of Majors. He had, by the early twenty-tens, completed a rare and coveted ascension in Hollywood. Industry people and critics alike thought of Majors as a race-man savior, the sort of talent that stirs inchoate comparisons to Sidney Poitier. He had pedigree, having graduated from the Yale School of Drama, but he also had an earthbound, solemn air—he didn’t seem like a millennial cupcake actor. He started with indies. As the doe-eyed playwright in Joe Talbot’s “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” Majors, in a tweed jacket and slouched button-downs, brought back the romanticism of the Black bohemian. The actor transitioned to mainstream movies elegantly, retaining a sense of dignity. In Spike Lee’s Vietnam War drama, “Da 5 Bloods,” Majors pulled focus from veteran actors, including Danny Glover and Delroy Lindo. He, too, instantly appealed to Black filmgoers; there wasn’t a fear that he would cross over and forget them.

He was a favorite son, and favorite sons aren’t easily abandoned. On March 25, 2023, Majors was arrested in New York City. He was charged with strangulation, assault, and the harassment of his then girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, who, at the time, was unknown to the public. Her finger was fractured, and she had a cut behind her left ear. By then, Majors was a mainstay in the trades, having appeared as charismatic villains in “Creed III” and the Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” The charges came as a real shock. Black women, in particular, had vaunted Majors for his emotional intelligence; the allegations of such vivid intimate-partner violence meant that he had taken advantage of their desire to protect him.

“Magazine Dreams,” which was slated to première that year, got dropped by its distributor, Searchlight Pictures. Majors’s management and his P.R. team also dropped him. Many of the film and television projects he had signed onto evaporated. Majors took some time away from interviews, but he did not remove himself from the spotlight. He instead entered a very public relationship with a Black actress, Meagan Good. Paparazzi captured the two holding hands, looking smitten. Good, a former child actress beloved for her canny roles, lent her reputation to the embattled man. Memorably, Majors once described her as his “Coretta,” as in Coretta Scott King. He likes inflating himself, casting himself as a martyr figure; during the domestic-violence trial, text messages between Jabbari and Majors show him admonishing Jabbari for not being a “Coretta” or a “Michelle,” as in Obama. Actors have special license to this mode of narcissism.

Did Majors’s public displays of so-called Black love, which occurred during the trial, prey on the public’s desire to protect one of their few Black male stars? The presence of Good, standing by her man, cast doubt on Jabbari, who is white, and helped create a counter-narrative: that a good Black man had been bamboozled by a conniving white woman. An atmosphere of conspiracy encircled Majors, Jabbari, and the trial, which occurred in late 2023. The release of CCTV surveillance footage from the night showed Jabbari running after Majors. Some pop-culture analysts took this to mean that Jabbari was the aggressor. At the same time, outlets diligently reported a troubling history of Majors’s volatility. Two of his former girlfriends spoke to the Times; one accused him of physical abuse, and the other of emotional abuse. Meanwhile, Majors continued his romance with Good, who provided a kind of dubious moral cover. Receiving the “Perseverance Award” at the Impact Awards (a show put on by a gossip blogger) last year, he got teary-eyed, praising Good for supporting him. “I’m imperfect,” he said. “I have shortcomings.”

In December, 2023, Majors was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges in the Jabbari case. (The two later settled a federal lawsuit.) Still, he maintained that “My hands have never struck a woman, ever.” Briarcliff Entertainment acquired the distribution rights to “Magazine Dreams,” which was released in late March, facilitating one of the more disturbing redemption tours in the wake of #MeToo reportage. A kind of eloquent self-flagellation colors his appearances and his interviews; he believes himself a victim of the genius that possesses him, that makes him vulnerable to a life of pain and suffering. He is the cover star of the March issue of The Hollywood Reporter, in which he details childhood abuse and his devotion to his punishing craft. The writer interviews Majors’s past girlfriends, but their testimonies are drowned out by the glamour of his supporters, who include Matthew McConaughey, Michael B. Jordan, and Whoopi Goldberg. “You don’t get to say sorry these days,” Goldberg lamented in reference to Majors’s plight. When did Majors apologize? Just days after the Hollywood Reporter profile was published, Rolling Stone produced audio of Majors admitting to assaulting Jabbari, back in 2022. “I’m ashamed I’ve ever . . . I’ve never [been] aggressive with a woman before,” he says in the recording. “I’ve never aggressed a woman—I aggressed you.”

The day after this clip was published, Majors and Good got married. The two pretend to a Black power-couple stance. His comeback tour has leaned on this, as well as the slippage between character and actor, to facilitate his rebrand. Majors recently appeared on Sherri Shepherd’s show, promoting “Magazine Dreams.” Shepherd was weeping, thanking him for his portrayal of a young Black man who is, as Majors put it, “mentally different”—like her own son, she adds. Shepard asks about the leaked recording. “God has a plan,” Major replies, “and sometimes you just throw your hands up.” Majors has a plan, too.

[eskewcity]

Eskewcity's Top Ten Games of 2023

Hello!!! I've decided to compile a list of the best games I played this past year. As such, this list is not limited to only 2023 releases (in fact a majority of the games I played are several years old atp). Additionally, I only considered games that I had completed by year's end. This means that fantastic games such as Signalis and The Talos Principle 2 will not be included, though I still highly recommend them.

Finally, I will put my ranking under a read more for the sake of not clogging anyways dash. Hope you all had a good 2023 and maybe can find something that interests you mwah <3

10. Subway Midnight by Bubby Darkstar

Board the train! Run away from a weirdo! Solve some puzzles! Make friends with some ghosts! Try not to become a ghost yourself!

While I am not someone usually willing to gloss over a somewhat lackluster story for the sake of gorgeous visuals, I will give Subway Midnight an exception. Even with a game that largely takes place in a subway car, it was exceptional when it came to its visual design. It has a blend of a cartoonish style for the characters mixed with extremely realistic environments. The gameplay itself was also quite fun, if not tedious in multiple runs and I really enjoyed the variety of characters that players encounter.

9. Broken Reality by Dynamic Media Triad

A humorous adventure set in a 3D parody of the internet. Diverse puzzles, beautiful worlds, friends, experiences, upgrades and more, await those who 'log on'!

Depending on yourself, Broken Reality might either be a headache inducing cacophony of colors or a fun exploration game about the internet and the commercialization of products and each other. For myself, I choose to look at it from the latter perspective. I found the game to put quite humorous and I really enjoyed all the different worlds to explore. Much like Subway Midnight, I would not recommend it much on its story but I think the design and concept certainly carries where that lacks.

8. Hylics by Mason Lindroth

Hylics is a recreational program with light JRPG elements.

At its core, Hylics is a game with a pretty simple concept. Fight your way through the world with the end goal of defeating the big bad, Gibby, King of Moon. However past that, get ready for a confusing and abstract adventure. This accounts for several reasons. For one, the dialogue of Hylics consists of randomly generated sentences that feel almost coherent while maintaining a healthy amount of head scratching. The game was also created through claymation leading to characters and environments whose shapes twists and turn in perplexing patterns. While this may seem to take away from the experience, I found this not to be the case at all. In fact, I would say it enhanced my time playing greatly. I could not stop thinking about Hylics after I played it simply because its weird and purposely lacks focus which makes it all the more memorable.

7. Babbdi by Sirius & Léonard Lemaitre

BABBDI is a short, first person exploration experience with light narrative and platforming elements. Visit the town of BABBDI, a forsaken district in the outer ring of the megalopolis. Meet its inhabitants and discover how to escape.

In Babbdi, your goal is to leave Babbdi. You must search through the city to find a train ticket that can guarantee your escape. However, the ironic part of playing this game was that I did not rush to leave. While being a free-to-play game, it had an incredibly sizable area to explore. The game actively encourages the player to search every inch of city to find its secrets while also reminding the player that their goal is to eventually leave all of this behind. If you have an hour or so to spare and love games focused more on exploration than action, this is definitely one to check out!

6. Who's Lila? by Garage Heathen

A reverse-detective adventure, where you control your character's face

In Who's Lila, you play as a young man named Will who cannot properly control the expressions on his face. As the player, your job is to ensure that he reacts properly to the world around him. The game even starts with a tutorial on how to respond accordingly to a variety of situations. While a seemingly simple concept, this game is not as it may appear. In fact, and without giving much away, Who's Lila requires multiple playthroughs to order to begin to piece together what is truly going on.

5. Hypnospace Outlaw by Tendershoot

Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!

Taking place in 1999, Hypnospace Outlaw tasks you as a moderator for a new form of technology which allows users to surf the internet in their sleep. As the player, you're tasked with seeking out policy violations and handing out warnings and even banning users, if necessary. There is so much about this game I can say but I find going in blind is the best. I definitely found some frustrations which some of the puzzles and how obtuse their solutions were but its undeniably one of the most unique games I have ever played.

4. Return of the Obra Dinn by Lucas Pope

Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person mystery adventure based on exploration and logical deduction.

In Return of the Obra Dinn, is a mystery game where you not only have to determine the fates of one person, but an entire ship's crew. Additionally, you have to determine the names of each individual based on existing records. By going in the past to witness the last moments of each individual, players can be able to slowly work out the mystery of the Obra Dinn. As someone who plays many puzzle games, I found this to be one of the most satisfying I've ever played. I also thought the game just looked gorgeous and was extremely fitting for the vibe it was going with.

3. Papers Please by Lucas Pope

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

As a border patrol officer, your job is determine the legitimacy of the documents that are brought to you by people wishing to enter the country of Arstotzka. This requires things such checking if their paperwork has expired, if they match their passport photo and if they have the necessary seals for entry. However, what if someone comes to the border fearing for their safety if they are denied, without the correct paperwork? Will you let them in, risking punishment for yourself or deny them, ensuring that you will able to provide for your family at home? Papers Please is a game that will continuously make you question your own ethics under a authoritarian regime. I found this game to be incredibly emotional and made me replay several days simply because I decided against my initial judgments. Certainly one of the most impactful games I played this year.

2. Presentable Liberty by Wertpol

You have been imprisoned without being told why. All you can hear day in day out is the faint ticking of a clock in your cell. That is, until the first of 5 fateful days begins.

Sometimes there are short indie games in the world that fundamentally change you and this is one of them for me. With that in mind, there is not much I want to say about Presentable Liberty since I find its best experienced blind. The short of it is you play as a prisoner as they receive letters from those on the outside. The gameplay is minimal since the player is stuck in their cell for the majority of the game but promise you when I say it does not much that action when its biggest strength comes from its writing. While this game had its short lived success on Youtube, I implore everyone out there to play it and see why I choose to rank it this high on the list.

1. Cry of Fear by Team Psykskallar

Cry of Fear is a psychological single-player and co-op horror game set in a deserted town filled with horrific creatures and nightmarish delusions. You play as a young man desperately searching for answers in the cold Scandinavian night, finding his way through the city as he slowly descends into madness.

Honestly, it's insane it took me so long to play this game especially when loving a piece of media that's a psychological horror featuring a depressed character wandering a city is kind of what I'm known for. However, I finally got around to it and I'm so glad I did. While not the most technically savvy game out there, it is incredible what Team Psykskallar managed to pull off while offering players the opportunity to experience the entire thing for free. Several times throughout playing Cry of Fear I couldn't stop thinking how much better it was than many of the games I've paid for. Like I said, its definitely not the most polished horror game out for sure but damn was I charmed. Even after I completed this game, I immediately had to restart so I could play with director's commentary as I was just that damn interested in learning about as much of this game's development as I could. And its because of how invested I got in playing this game but also its background, that I choose to make it my number 1 pick this year.

(fuck that train level though)

[cirerally]

Indie Browser Games Masterpost

⚠️ Make sure to check the descriptions of the games for information beforehand as some of them can be triggering! ⚠️ Also, feel free to suggest games to add! The platform doesn’t matter as long as it’s safe and you can play without necessarily logging in! 

Stylization 👾: pixel art 🎮: low poly (ps1 style) 🧊: 3D

Difficulty 🍃: easy 🍊: medium 🌶️: hard No emoji: doesn’t apply

Visual novels

Off day: "A point & click visual novel about appreciating the little things in life." (via itch.io)

👾 Is it that deep, bro?: "A text-based game where you navigate the tricky headspace of a teenager who is going to see a movie with his friend." (via itch.io)

Dating sims

👾 Nothing to say: "You're on a date with a cute girl, but you're feeling tongue-tied... Can you puzzle out how to confess your feelings?" (via itch.io)

Horror

👾 Five Nights at Freddy’s NES: do I have to explain. (via itch.io)

🎮 Burger & Frights: "It's a late night and you were craving burgers. It's time to ride home." (via itch.io)

👾 Egg friend: "Play games. Earn money. Feed it. Love it. Watch it grow. It is sure to love you back. "

Adventure

👾🍃 Princess Poffin and the Spider Invasion: "The moth kingdom has been covered in spiderwebs! it's up to poffin to find the spider responsible, and restore her kingdom to its former web-free glory!" (via itch.io)

Platformers

👾🌶️ HELP! NO BRAKE: "Hey umm, your car won't brake anymore. So better clear all the levels to get it fixed I guess."  (via itch.io)

👾🍊 Bio Evil 4: "Leave to me, Leon!"

Under 5 minutes

How to make a cup of tea: "Hello! You know, I could do with a good cup of tea. Could you please make me one? Don't worry, I'll guide you through it!" (via itch.io)

We become what we behold: the legend itself. (via itch.io)

Gacha

👾🍃 Catfishing cuties!: "Catfish to fish for some local cuties! Collect them all!" (via itch.io)

Text based (like, only text)

You Are Jeff Bezos: ‘’When you wake up this morning from unsettling dreams, you find yourself changed in your bed into a monstrous vermin.’’

Puzzle games

👾 Economical: "2D puzzle action game where saving coin is important!"

👾 Poca - A Thief’s Escape: "Steal all carrots in a level to exit."

👾 Knightin’:  "Knightin' is a little zelda-like adventure. Explore dungeon, fight monsters and solve puzzles." (via gamejolt)

👾🍊 Witch’s familiar: "Your master has tasked you with an urgent delivery." (via itch.io)

🍃 Good Morning!:  "A morning routine simulator." (via itch.io)

👾 Last seen online: ‘‘You find an old computer at a garage sale. So you decide to turn it on.’‘ (via itch.io)

Roguelike

👾🍃 Labor power: "A small Pikmin-inspired game dedicated to class solidarity and the betterment of working conditions."

Multiplayer

Local 

👾 Toe II Toe: "Who said fighting games need to be difficult and time consuming? (Seriously, punch those gatekeepers!)" (via itch.io)

Thwack: "Funky-legged tennis." (via itch.io) (also a demo)

Online

Count together: "Count all the passing creatures." (via itch.io)

Shooters

🧊🍊 Wolfgun: "You are WOLFGUN - an ornery, rage-filled werewolf on the set of a bad horror movie. Hordes of undead ghouls wielding knives have broken into the studio and want you dead, and it doesn't look like they're part of the crew." (via itch.io)

Demos

👾 Small town emo: a game set before Halloween in 2007 about a seventeen year old emo with a crush on his best friend. (via itch.io)

👾🍊 10 Minutes Till Dawn: "Survive the onslaught of an endless horde of monsters for 10 minutes!" (via itch.io)

🎮 Fear the Spotlight: follow your mysteriously-vanished friend to the abandoned area of Sunnyside High, but beware, something seems to be lurking there with you. (via itch.io)

Mr. Stretch and the Stolen Fortune: "Join the late Mr. Stretch on his quest to reclaim his fortune, stolen from him by an old enemy that Mr. Stretch can't quite remember."

No ending 

👾🍊 BASES LOADED: a baseball survival game... basically? (via itch.io)

👾🍃 Bunnyland:  "A bunny is shipwrecked on an island and your task is to survive and get off the island." (via itch.io)

👾🌶️ GB-Wordyl: A Wordle clone for the Game Boy that will ruin your life. (via itch.io)

🎮 Hungry ducks: "If there is no food... you become the food!!!" (via itch.io)

👾🍃 Ketris:  "Avenge your adorable dog by clearing rows and decatpitating the evil Kets! (via itch.io)

Plant daddy: "Your plants grow in real time–water them, buy some furniture, and then close the tab and come back when you have a spare moment!" (via itch.io)

👾🍃 Shoukan Connect: "Use your tripwire to prevent the ghosts from reaching the circle and connecting the 5 points of the star that has no affiliation to any existing religion!" (via itch.io)

Terraforma:  "Grow your land by placing blocks & buildings while carefully planning your placements, and make your own little world in this small idle game." (via itch.io)

[casspurrjoybell-17]

Heart’s Choice - Chapter 8 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Carlos Martinez  

"Damn, Martinez. You move fast."

Chief Laura Coleridge eyes the backpack of belongings beside my chair and Turner scowls. 

He'd brought me with him to the station, where I hung around awkwardly while he wrote a lengthy report before hauling me into the chief's office.

"It's temporary," Turner says.

"Just until we figure this out."

Coleridge leans back in her chair and fiddles with a pen. 

"So, Martinez. Who did you piss off this time?"

"More than usual?" I give her a weak smile and shrug.

"No idea."

"Hmm. Well, all I can say is you better get this case wrapped up air tight, Turner. I don't want it falling apart in court because someone finds out the key witness has been living with the lead detective."

Turner's scowl deepens. 

"It's just until we can get him in a safe house."

"A safe house?" Coleridge barks a laugh.

"What kind of budget do you think we're working with here, Turner? You want him in a safe house, you're it."

"What about Witness Protection?"

Coleridge shakes her head. 

"You know the hoops we'd have to jump through for that to happen. Might as well say it's not happening. You want my advice? Solve this case fast, and use every asset available to you."

She turns to me.

"Speaking of assets. You ready to sign that consulting contract?"

I see she's already got it printed out a ready for me and reach for a pen with a sigh. 

A wise man knows when he's beat.

"Make yourself at home"

I look around. 

Usually, when I visit a friend's place and they say ‘make yourself at home’ or something along those lines, it's easy enough to tell what they mean. 

They'll indicate a squishy old sofa or open the fridge to show what's on offer or gesture at the state of chaos as if to say, 

"See? Go ahead. Nothing you do could possibly make this worse."

Turner does none of those things. 

He just hangs his jacket on a peg by the door and sits on a cushioned bench to remove his shoes. 

Mimicking him, I do the same.

"Wow," I say.

"I didn't know police-work paid this well."

I had been surprised when Turner took the highway out of town and up into the mountains to one of the gated communities where rich people have second homes and even more surprised when he'd parked in the garage of one of the more ostentatious examples thereof. 

The place looked like a mansion pretending to be a bungalow.

Whole pine log pillars and a river-stone facade gave it the illusion of being built from the land and quaint touches like shuttered windows and a steeply gabled roof gave it cute mountain cabin vibes. 

At the same time, there was no mistaking it for anything but a luxury home.

"It doesn't," Turner says, rising and padding through the flag-stone entryway in his sock-clad feet.

"This is my brother's place."

"Oh." 

I follow him into a spacious living area of cream sofa sets, polished pine floors, large glass windows and tasteful accents. 

A painting of birch trees in autumn hangs above a stone fireplace and the coffee table looks like a piece of modern art. 

"This doesn't seem like your style. What's your brother do?"

"Nothing. He's dead."

"Oh. I'm sorry. When did he...?"

"Last year. Before that he was a high-powered attorney in L.A. He left all his money and property to his partner but for some reason, he left his vacation home to me."

"Wow. I guess it's lucky he vacationed in the town where you work."

Turner shoots me a look and I wince. 

‘Lucky’ isn't a word to use right after someone tells you someone close to them died.

"Sorry. What I mean is..."

"It's not a coincidence," he says.

"It's the reason I took this job but you're right. I don't believe in luck or fate but the fact is everything happened at once. My brother died, my wife divorced me, I inherited this place, I saw a job opening. I needed a place to live and a fresh start. Things worked out."

"Still... I'm sorry for your loss."

Turner shrugs and surveys the room, as if taking it in for the first time. 

"Quinn and I weren't on good terms. When I got the letter of inheritance, I expected it to contain a big fat 'fuck you' not the deed to a house. Come on... I show you upstairs."

Thrown by the abrupt change in subject, I follow him up a broad, curving flight of stone steps with a banister of light, natural wood. 

At the top is an open area overlooking the floor below and a brightly lit hallway with a huge, sliding glass door at the other end, which opens onto an expansive redwood deck.

"That's my room," he says, pointing to a door along the hall.

"You can go anywhere in the house, except in there."

"Is that where you keep the enchanted rose?"

"What?"

"You know. From Beauty and the Beast."

He scowls at me, unamused. 

"No. It's where I keep my private shit, which I don't want strangers poking their noses in. Understand?"

I raise my hands and take a step back. 

"Yeah, yeah. I understand."

"Good." 

He points at the three doors on the opposite side of the hall. 

"Two spare bedrooms. Bathroom's in the middle. Take your pick. I'll let you get settled in."

He returns downstairs, leaving me a bit lost. 

Nothing more awkward than feeling like an unwanted guest.

I turn to the spare rooms. 

Both doors are paneled in light wood with brushed bronze knobs.

"Eenie, meenie, minie, mo," I say and pick the one on the right, nearer the sliding glass doors.

The room is nice, probably the nicest place I've ever stayed and after sitting on the big four-poster bed for a bit and standing at the windows to admire the expensive view, reality starts to catch up to me.

I can't stay here.

Aside from the fact Turner can barely stand to look at me, I can't just hide while someone else solves my problems. 

I got bills to pay and mouths to feed (if you count the stray cats who live in the empty lot out back). 

‘No rest for the wicked.’

Suddenly exhausted I flop back on the bed and shut my eyes.

‘One night,’ I tell myself.

‘You can play Cinderella for one night, Carlos. Then it's back to work. Don't think the prince is coming for you either because this shoe clearly doesn't fit.’

~ ★ ~

"You got a death wish, Martinez?" Detective Turner asks, staring at me over a slice of greasy pepperoni pizza.

He'd had it delivered, which I'd discovered when I awoke from an accidental nap and came downstairs to find it was already dinnertime.

We're sitting at the long dining room table and with the blinds drawn, some blues playing from a hidden sound system and the news playing muted on a giant TV, it feels almost cozy.

"No, I want to live, obviously but if my business fails, I don't know how I'll afford to do that."

"You see ghosts, right?"

"Yeah...?" I lift a brow at him.

"You ever met a ghost who runs a business?"

I chomp on a bite of pizza and scowl at him, point taken.

Detective Turner huffs. 

"I didn't think so."

I set my food down. 

It's good, really good and I haven't had really good pizza in a long time but I don't have much appetite at the moment. 

"You own this place free and clear?"

He frowns but answers me. 

"Yeah. My brother did, anyway."

"Must be nice. Someday I'd like a place of my own. Not as big as this but more than a room over an auto-garage. You know what I mean?"

He leans back in his chair, regarding me.

 "I do, actually. My brother made a lot of money fast and I haven't done too bad myself but we grew up poor. Like, trailer park and food-stamps poor. So, yeah. I know what you mean.” 

I nod and lean forward. 

"Look... John," I say, taking his first name for a spin.

"I get paid to fix cars. No fixed cars means no money. No money means no food or utilities or phone or anything. Understand? I can't afford to hide."

He lifts a brow at me and takes a swig of beer. 

"Did you even read all those forms you signed?"

I wince. 

"No. It was a little hard to concentrate."

"So I'm guessing you didn't notice the rate of pay."

I shake my head.

"Fifty-six dollars an hour, Martinez. That's a few bucks above the national average for a police consultant. Granted, the hours are irregular. Some days you might work sixteen straight. Other days, none. But it evens out to a fair wage."

I frown at him. 

"Even so. How am I supposed to work at all if I'm hiding out here?"

"You won't be. You'll be with me."

"I will?"

He nods. 

"I haven't been here long but one thing I've already learned is that the chief gets what the chief wants and for whatever reason, the chief wants us to work together. So, we'll work together and I'll keep you safe. Tomorrow, for example, I'd like to retrace Kyle's steps on the day of his murder, try to piece together everywhere he went, everything he did. I'd also like to interview all of your mutual acquaintances, I'll need a list, if you don't mind. That's a twelve hour day, at least. You up for it?"

I do the math and my eyes go wide.

Turner's mouth quirks in a sharp smile. 

"That's more than you make in most weeks, with all the discounts you've been handing out."

"How you know that?"

He shrugs. 

"Had a look at your books. I thought you were my guy, remember?"

He makes eye contact and holds it and I feel my face flush. 

He's more relaxed than I've seen him so far and as I catch a glimpse of the man beneath the armor, warning lights go off in my brain. 

He's smoking hot and dangerous like fire and I can see myself falling hard and getting badly burned.

"So, why you doing work on the cheap if you need the money so bad?" he asks.

I shrug and take another drink of beer to steady my nerves and get my wandering thoughts in line. 

"Gotta build my customer base. I lose some money upfront but I get their loyalty in the long run, you know?"

Turner shakes his head. 

"Nah. In my experience, you give people something for free and they come to expect not to pay. So, are you my guy or not?"

I blink and then the rational part of my brain kicks in and tells me he's talking about working together. 

"I'm your guy, yeah. But I'm not doing it for the money."

For the first time since I met him, he grins wolfishly.

"Now that, I believe"

I clear my throat. 

"Uh, can I ask something, though?"

He nods. 

"Shoot."

"Call me Carlos, okay?"

He stands and walks towards me, pausing by my chair. 

I find myself frozen in place and keep my eyes on my plate as he rests a hand on my shoulder, hot as a brand through my shirt.

"Know your worth, Carlos and don't ask for anything less."

Mouth dry and feeling like my life hangs in the balance, I nod.

He pats my shoulder. 

"Be up by six a.m.. I like to get an early start."

I remain where I am as he wanders off, not daring to move until I hear a door open and shut somewhere deeper in the house.

As far as I know, I've only met one Alpha Werewolf in my life and despite the stereotype, he's a pretty chill guy.

John Turner is closer to what I'd imagined. 

I feel like if he snapped his fingers he could have me on my knees and like he knows it, too.

My life might be safe with him but my heart?

I let my head hang back on my shoulders and release the tension with my breath.

"The fuck have I gotten myself into now?" 

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Who doesn't love a perfectly preserved time capsule? This 1968 beauty in Rockford, IL is like stepping back in time. 4bds, 4ba, $450K.

The small entrance has tiled flooring to protect the carpet that runs all through the house.

Why is it always green? This was a dramatic home when it was new- stone fireplace, sunken living room, and wrought iron railings were the height of fashion.

The living area is huge. Note the large stone bench matching the fireplace and the cornice boards that discreetly hide the unsightly curtain rods.

The fireplace stone continues and has a huge mirror. In the corner is shelving and 2 steps up to the dining room.

The dining room has dated curtains that the buyer will inherit. I love the kitty-corner table. That was a common placement in mid-century style.

Next comes the kitchen. Actually, they must've updated it b/c I don't think that 2-tone cabinets were a thing yet. But, the ditzy, small, busy print of the wallpaper with matching shades was definitely the style. Note the original avocado dishwasher and dust shelving above the upper cabinetry, that was later replaced by soffits.

Wait a minute, I'm seeing props here- there's a new dishwasher and new ovens, but they kept the old avocado ones. I wonder if they work or, if it's just nostalgia. There are also 2 cooktops. Wow, they really preserved everything.

Look at the green glass.

Large laundry room off the kitchen.

Oh, look, an avocado washer/dryer set. This is amazing. And, look at the old sink. I hope someone who loves it, buys it, b/c it was so lovingly cared for.

Nice large everyday dining area has a pony wall separating the family room. So much green everywhere. I wonder if this set came that way or if they painted it.

Another stone fireplace flanked by shelving. Knotty pine walls, and folding shutter doors- all fashions of the past. I can't believe that they have the Colonial furniture that was so popular at the time. Even though it was all the rage, you don't see it around anymore. According to the listing, there is going to be an estate sale, so this furniture will be available.

The primary bedroom is pretty big. Geez, there's carpeting everywhere and some of it is looking gnarly.

It has an en-suite, which is unusual. Look at that fancy cabinet. Green laminate counter, too.

This bedroom is also pretty big. Look at the consummate girl's white bedroom furniture of the mid-century.

The den has a big old map probably with countries that don' t even exist anymore.

More bedrooms on the 2nd fl.

Oh, look at that! A hope chest! They were popular for a teenage girl to receive as a gift. Then, she would put in blankets, etc., in the hopes of one day getting married and using them. I can't get over the historic furniture in this place.

And, then they've got a big family room up here. Wow, this house has so much furniture and tchotchkes.

Winter? No problem. Just set the lawn furniture up in the basement.

There's also a finished part of the basement. This is a craft room, and there is also a canning room.

Look at the antique freezer on the right. This place is a museum.

This part of the basement isn't finished even though it has a brick fireplace. No matter, they still used it as a family room, anyway.

According to the listing, this is a 2 car garage, called a "cottage garage," b/c I guess it looks like a residence.

This cool log cabin on the property is used as a playhouse, according to the listing.

Yeah, but look at it, it's really a residence.

There's a lot of land, 3.50 acres.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6151-Newburg-Rd-Rockford-IL-61108/5537324_zpid/

[companionwolf]

Did....some inventory I guess. On myself? For logs. I'll put it here too.

Name: Cobalt? [? Is a part of my name like it is for Parker? and...I think only Parker? has ever had the ? added in]

Gender: male (he/him)

Species: human

Age: 20s; maybe body age-- it doesn't feel wrong at least; unsure if I age with the body, though...

Orientation: *squints* Gay?

Notes on internal appearance: white skin, short black hair; white collared shirt, black tie, black slacks; black baseball cap, glasses, and a headset that's worn around my neck

Place in hierarchy: 'blue collar' I guess (the hierarchy is stupid)

Relationships: no feelings towards collective or part-specific F/Os; family is awful; friends are okay

Typing style: I type more like Cobalt and swear a lot?

Memory: My memory connection is...weird; I feel like both Parker?'s and Cobalt's memories are mine, at least to a degree?

New?: i'm a new split or new sense of self or just.. something new -- I wasn't here before; some kind of ... not fusion, I don't think they fused, maybe some fragments of them did????, but in some form way or function I'm both Parker? and Cobalt (more Cobalt though; maybe I'm a split off of him?)

Can you see or hear anyone/thing inside: Uh, there's just void; feels like something shifted and I'm elsewhere than Constellation 1; there are higherups around (they were at the emergency meeting) but not like...in my vicinity AFAIK; the only other part actually here (or who was here...I don't know where they went) that I know of is Observer? (note the ?, like in my name; we... don't know if they're...a clone sort of part or not, but they've been here)

Likes of note: Blaseball, TTRPGs, baseball, the Garages, No Man's Sky, corporate horror/aesthetic, science fiction, Michael the coworker (unsure of degree or if this is in a romantic way)

The fact I have this much about myself is...not boding well for me being a 'shows up one time and then never fronts again' person. Fuck, whatever.

...Looking at this all, I'm way more of a Parker? clone mentally, but I don't feel like him very much-- I feel a lot more like Cobalt. That's...sort of interesting.

[better-built-barns]

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Sheds in Portland

In the heart of Portland, custom sheds have become a popular solution for homeowners seeking extra space. Whether you’re envisioning a man cave shed Portland for ultimate relaxation, a she shed Portland for peaceful reflection, or a studio shed Portland to fuel your creativity, the possibilities are endless. These versatile structures can be customized for various needs – from storage sheds to a guest house shed Portland, you can transform your backyard into a functional space that reflects your lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of sheds available in Portland and how Better Built Barns can help you build your ideal space. Let’s dive into the various options that will help you make the most out of your outdoor area.

What Makes a Custom Shed Perfect for Your Home?

A custom shed allows you to utilize your outdoor space in ways you might not have thought possible. By designing a shed to fit your specific needs, you can maximize functionality without compromising on style. Here are some of the most popular shed options available in Portland:

Man Cave Shed Portland: Your Personal Retreat

A man cave shed Portland is more than just a shed – it’s a personal sanctuary. Whether you want a place to unwind after a long day, set up your favorite hobby, or entertain friends, a man cave can be customized with furniture, lighting, and decorations that reflect your personality.

Adding electrical outlets, a cozy couch, and a bar area could turn your shed into the ultimate hangout spot. With the privacy and convenience of a backyard retreat, a man cave shed offers the perfect escape from the busy world.

She Shed Portland: A Tranquil Space for Women

A she shed Portland is a popular choice for women who crave a space to call their own. These sheds can be transformed into anything from a relaxing reading nook to a DIY crafting studio. Imagine a cozy, beautifully decorated space where you can enjoy hobbies, meditate, or simply relax in peace.

With ample space for comfortable furniture and creative touches, a she shed is a wonderful way to make the most of your backyard and create a retreat that aligns with your personal style.

Cabin Shed Portland: Cozy and Functional

If you’re looking for a rustic getaway without leaving the city, a cabin shed Portland might be the perfect fit. A cabin shed combines the charm of a log cabin with the practicality of a custom-built structure. These sheds can be designed with insulation, windows, and even small appliances to make them functional year-round.

Whether you’re using it as a guest house, a cozy winter retreat, or an outdoor office, a cabin shed offers a charming, comfortable space that can be personalized to meet your needs.

Workshop Shed Portland: The Ideal Space for Projects

For those with a passion for woodworking, gardening, or other hands-on hobbies, a workshop shed Portland provides the perfect environment to tackle your projects. These sheds are equipped with the necessary tools and ample storage space to keep everything organized. A workshop shed also allows you to keep the mess outside, freeing up your garage or home from clutter.

Customize your workshop shed Portland with shelves, tool racks, and workbenches to create an efficient and enjoyable workspace.

Storage Shed Portland: A Solution for Clutter

If your home is overflowing with seasonal items, sporting gear, or extra furniture, a storage shed Portland can help declutter your living space. Custom sheds can be built with shelves, cabinets, and lofted spaces to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

A storage shed offers a secure and weather-resistant solution for all your outdoor storage needs while adding value to your property.

Office Shed Portland: Create a Productive Workspace

An office shed Portland is a fantastic solution for anyone working from home. Whether you need a quiet space to focus or a professional environment to meet clients, an office shed can be tailored to fit your specific requirements. From comfortable office furniture to plenty of natural light, a custom office shed provides an ideal setting for productivity and creativity.

With a proper office setup, you can escape the distractions of your home while still being just a few steps away from your main living space.

Guest House Shed Portland: A Comfortable Stay for Visitors

If you regularly host guests or have family members visiting, a guest house shed Portland could be an excellent addition to your property. Custom sheds can be designed with living space in mind, complete with comfortable sleeping areas, a small kitchen, and even a bathroom.

A guest house shed offers the perfect balance of privacy and comfort for your visitors while keeping them close to home. With the ability to add plumbing and electrical work, your guest house shed Portland can be a fully functional space.

Studio Shed Portland: The Perfect Creative Space

For artists, photographers, or musicians, a studio shed Portland can become an inspiring environment. These sheds can be designed with excellent lighting, high ceilings, and ample wall space for displays or projects. Whether you’re creating art, recording music, or practicing your craft, a studio shed offers a quiet, distraction-free area for you to work.

Customizable features such as large windows for natural light, soundproofing, and storage for supplies can help you turn your studio shed Portland into your ideal creative haven.

Tool Shed Portland: Keep Your Tools Organized

A tool shed Portland is an essential addition to any home that requires outdoor maintenance. Whether you’re working on your garden, fixing up your house, or building something new, having a tool shed provides a convenient place to store all your equipment. By customizing your tool shed Portland with shelves, hooks, and compartments, you can keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Why Choose Better Built Barns for Your Custom Shed?

Better Built Barns is a leading provider of high-quality custom sheds Portland homeowners trust. Their team of experts works closely with clients to design and construct sheds that meet their unique needs and style preferences. With a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail, Better Built Barns ensures that every shed is built to last, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

In Portland, a custom shed is more than just an outdoor structure – it’s an extension of your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re in need of a man cave shed Portland, a she shed Portland, or a studio shed Portland, the options are endless. With the expertise of Better Built Barns, you can transform your backyard into a fully functional, personalized space that adds value and comfort to your home. Whatever your needs may be, a custom shed offers the perfect solution to enhance your living experience.

FAQs about Custom Sheds in Portland

1. Do I need a permit to build a shed in Portland? Yes, most sheds require a permit. Check with your local planning department for regulations.

2. How long does it take to build a custom shed? Construction time varies but typically takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the design complexity.

3. Can I use my shed year-round? Yes, with proper insulation and utilities, your shed can be used year-round.

4. What types of sheds can Better Built Barns design? Better Built Barns designs various sheds, including man cave sheds, she sheds, workshop sheds, office sheds, and more.

5. Can I add plumbing and electricity to my shed? Yes, custom sheds can include plumbing and electrical systems, perfect for a guest house shed Portland or office shed Portland.

6. Are custom sheds a good investment? Yes, custom sheds offer added space, functionality, and can increase your property's value.

7. How do I maintain my shed? Regular cleaning, checking for leaks, and periodic inspections will keep your shed in good condition.

8. What’s the difference between a man cave shed and a she shed? A man cave shed often includes features like a bar or TV setup, while a she shed is designed for relaxation, hobbies, or creative activities.

[thetomhallgroup-blog]

Welcome to 740 Northern Dancer Dr – where thoughtful design meets timeless craftsmanship. This stunning 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath home with a spacious 3-car garage sits on a beautifully landscaped .23-acre corner lot in the desirable Belmont Ridge II community. Built in 2010, this home blends elegance, functionality, and pride of ownership in every detail. The dedicated study features a closet and window and could easily serve as a fourth bedroom. The kitchen includes granite countertops, a center island with a peek-a-boo layout, and new built-in oven and microwave. Granite extends into the master bathroom, and the home showcases immaculate woodwork and trim throughout. Enjoy both formal dining and a separate eat-in kitchen area, perfect for hosting or everyday meals. The living area offers a stone fireplace with gas logs and a rich wood mantle. Additional features include a large laundry room with built-in storage, a mud bench, a full gutter system, and professional landscaping. Pella wood double-hung windows with built-in blinds are found in the office, dining, and bedroom areas, and the Pella front door was replaced in 2016 for added style and efficiency. The roof is approximately 10 years old and was recently inspected with excellent results. A tornado shelter is located in the third garage bay, and the garage also includes a Versa Lift attic storage elevator for added convenience. Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious covered patio with ornamental wood fencing. The community features a gated-entry neighborhood pool and a nearby playground. This home is zoned to the highly rated Edmond School District and located near top schools, shopping, and major routes, offering a refined lifestyle in Elementary School: Northern Hills Elementary School Middle School: Central Middle School High School: Edmond North High School

[ryanhillgroup]

24627 Kingston St. Plainfield, IL 60544

Renovated Beauty in Wallin Woods – Style, Space & Comfort in Every Room

Welcome to 24627 Kingston St, a thoughtfully upgraded 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home located in the desirable Wallin Woods subdivision of Plainfield. From the professionally landscaped exterior to the inviting and stylish interior, this home offers the perfect blend of luxury, warmth, and functionality.

Step Inside – Open, Airy, and Filled with Light

A charming brick exterior with aluminum siding sets the tone for this well-loved home. Inside, you’re welcomed by hardwood flooring throughout the main level, 9-foot ceilings, and an effortless flow that invites you to relax and explore.

Throughout the home, designer lighting fixtures and upgraded finishes add a layer of sophistication that’s both stylish and timeless.

The living room (15' x 11') is a cozy retreat with crown molding and hardwood flooring—ideal for reading, entertaining, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

A Kitchen That Inspires

Step into a kitchen (15' x 11') designed to bring people together. It features maple cabinetry with roll-out shelving, quartz countertops, a tile backsplash, and a center island that provides added storage and seating.

A built-in coffee bar with granite countertop and wine cooler adds a functional and elegant touch—perfect for daily routines or weekend hosting.

The breakfast room (15' x 9'), with its sliding doors leading to the backyard, is a sunlit spot to start the day or gather casually with family and friends.

Spacious family and dining rooms

The family room (17' x 15') is filled with natural light thanks to a bay window, and anchored by a gas log fireplace and recessed lighting. French doors connect this space to the living room for a seamless entertaining layout.

The dining room (15' x 11') is designed for gatherings, with a tray ceiling, 8-inch crown molding, wainscoting, and hardwood flooring that ties the space together beautifully.

Quiet Escape for Work, Study, or Creativity in This Den / Home Office (15' x 11')

Tucked away on the main level, this versatile space features rich hardwood flooring and elegant crown molding, offering a quiet retreat ideal for a home office, study, or creative studio. With its refined details and comfortable size, it's perfect for focused work, reading, or even as a private lounge.

The powder room (6.5’ x 3.5’) offers a modern, stylish update with a vessel sink vanity and hardwood floors.

Upstairs – Spacious, Serene & Smartly Designed

Upstairs, the primary bedroom (18' x 15') is your personal sanctuary. It features a tray ceiling, soft carpeting, and an expansive walk-in closet (22' x 7') finished in stunning Hickory hardwood flooring.

The primary bathroom (15' x 8') has been beautifully renovated with heated tile flooring, a freestanding soaking tub, curbless walk-in shower, and a double vanity with white oak cabinetry and interior outlets. A skylight above brings in soft natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere.

The additional bedrooms (13’ x 13’, 13’ x 11’, and 12’ x 11’) are spacious and versatile, perfect for family members, guests, or a home office.

Two include walk-in closets, and all share access to a renovated full hall bath featuring a floating double vanity, premium tile tub/shower surround, and a linen closet for added storage.

Lower Level – Built for Entertainment & Everyday Enjoyment

The finished lower level is ready for fun, function, and flexibility. A spacious recreation area offers plenty of space for entertaining, play, or creating a home theater.

Soft Berber carpeting throughout the lower level adds comfort and warmth, and a full bath with shower ensures guests or extended stays are always welcome.

Outdoor Living Made Easy

Step out to your backyard oasis—a paver patio perfect for summer BBQs, morning coffee, or evenings under the stars. The professionally landscaped wide lot offers ample room for play, gardening, or peaceful lounging.

Garage & Utility Features

The 3-car garage is built for more than just parking. It includes epoxy flooring, built-in shelving, and a peg wall for organized storage.

The laundry room features a stainless steel utility sink, cabinetry, upper storage, and a shiplap accent wall for added style and durability. There’s even walk-out access to the backyard for extra convenience.

Roof was replaced in 2021, giving you added peace of mind.

Location Highlights – Nature, Recreation & Community Just Steps Away

Located just a short stroll from Settlers’ Park, this home connects you to one of Plainfield’s most beloved community spaces. Enjoy access to walking and biking trails, a scenic lake, outdoor concerts, playgrounds, and peaceful picnic areas—perfect for weekend outings or everyday escapes.

The DuPage River is walking distance, offering a beautiful natural backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and a calming connection to nature. Whether you love kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the scenery, you’ll appreciate how easily accessible it all is from your doorstep.

Combine that with proximity to Downtown Plainfield’s dining, shopping, and seasonal events, and you’ve got a location that supports both relaxation and lifestyle convenience.

This Is the One You’ve Been Waiting For

24627 Kingston St, Plainfield, IL 60544 isn’t just a home—it’s where comfort, craftsmanship, and convenience come together. With its elegant updates, versatile layout, and move-in-ready condition, this home checks all the boxes.

To experience everything this exceptional home has to offer, contact listing agents Teresa Ryan or Ray Marion at 630-276-7575 to schedule your private showing today.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view  Home For Sale: 24627 Kingston St, Plainfield, IL 60544 on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8LOye654CS4?si=2JeC_ad-j8GfvMr0

[collincountygaragedoor]

The Latest Garage Door Design Trends Transforming Collin County Properties

When it comes to boosting curb appeal, many Collin County homeowners are turning their attention to a surprisingly impactful feature: the garage door. Once considered purely functional, garage doors are now a major design element that can enhance the aesthetic of a home, increase property value, and even improve energy efficiency.

As new homes continue to rise across communities like Frisco, McKinney, Allen, and Plano, homeowners are embracing fresh styles, materials, and technologies to make their garage doors stand out. Whether you’re building new or renovating an existing home, staying on top of the latest trends in Collin County Garage Doors can help you make the right statement—and investment.

Here’s a look at the most exciting garage door design trends shaping Collin County neighborhoods in 2025.

1. Modern Minimalism Takes Over

One of the most significant shifts in garage door design is the move toward sleek, minimalist styles. Homeowners are opting for doors with clean lines, flush panels, and muted color palettes to complement contemporary architecture.

Popular Features:

Smooth steel or aluminum panels

Frosted or tinted glass inserts

Frameless finishes

Matte black or neutral tones like charcoal, sand, and white

These designs pair beautifully with modern and transitional homes, creating a seamless, upscale exterior.

2. Wood-Look Doors (Without the Maintenance)

Real wood garage doors offer rustic charm and warmth, but in Collin County’s climate, they can warp, rot, or fade over time. That’s why one of the hottest trends in garage door design is faux wood finishes that mimic the look of wood—without the upkeep.

Composite, steel, or aluminum doors are now available in stunning woodgrain textures and colors like walnut, cedar, and driftwood. These doors deliver durability, low maintenance, and a high-end look all in one.

A trusted garage door company in Collin County can help you explore faux wood options that suit your budget and style.

3. Smart Garage Door Technology

Style isn’t the only thing evolving—garage door technology is also getting smarter. More homeowners are integrating Wi-Fi-connected garage door openers that offer enhanced control, security, and convenience.

Features on Trend:

Smartphone app control

Voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Home)

Motion detection lighting

Real-time alerts and activity logs

Smart openers are especially popular with busy families and remote workers in Collin County who want to monitor home access anytime, anywhere.

If you’re upgrading your system, ask your garage door repair technician about compatibility with your home’s smart ecosystem.

4. Glass and Full-View Doors

If you’re looking to make a bold architectural statement, glass garage doors are trending in upscale properties and custom builds across Collin County. These doors combine clean, modern lines with transparency and natural light, ideal for homes with a contemporary or mid-century modern aesthetic.

Available in full-view or partial glass designs, these doors use:

Tempered glass

Frosted or mirrored finishes

Black or brushed metal frames

While typically used in front-facing garages, they’re also gaining popularity in backyard workshops, converted gyms, and pool houses.

5. Bold Color Choices

While neutral tones remain classic, many homeowners are stepping out of the beige-and-white box and embracing bolder garage door colors that make their homes stand out.

Trending shades include:

Deep navy

Forest green

Matte black

Burgundy

Bronze

A colored garage door can tie in accent trim or contrast beautifully with a light-colored façade. Local Collin County Garage Doors specialists can help you choose paint finishes that hold up to Texas heat and UV exposure.

6. Insulated and Energy-Efficient Designs

Energy efficiency is a top concern for homeowners—and garage doors are a key part of the equation. Insulated doors help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce energy costs, and make garages more usable year-round.

In Collin County’s climate, where summers can be scorching and winters bring the occasional freeze, an insulated garage door can make a big difference in comfort and savings.

Look for:

Polyurethane or polystyrene insulation

Higher R-values (the higher, the better)

Dual- or triple-layer construction

Ask your garage door company about upgrading to an energy-efficient model that meets your environmental and budgetary goals.

7. Custom and Carriage House Styles

Rustic charm and custom craftsmanship are also in demand. Carriage-style doors—reminiscent of old barn doors—remain a popular choice for traditional and farmhouse-style homes. These doors often feature:

Decorative handles and hinges

Crossbeam patterns

Arched tops

Even modern homes are incorporating carriage-style designs with cleaner finishes or minimalist hardware. With dozens of customization options, a reputable garage door company can help design a door that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

8. Double-Duty Doors for Flexible Living

Homeowners are getting creative with garage space. With more people working from home or seeking additional living areas, multi-purpose garage doors are gaining traction.

Think:

Garage doors opening to patios or decks

Indoor/outdoor studios with glass roll-up doors

Workshop doors that let in natural light

Incorporating a high-quality, stylish garage door into your home’s living space can make your property more versatile—and valuable.

Keeping Design in Line with Function

While trends are exciting, it’s essential not to sacrifice function for style. No matter how beautiful a garage door looks, it must be:

Durable enough to withstand North Texas weather

Well-insulated to manage heat and cold

Easy to operate and maintain

Secure to protect your home and belongings

That’s where working with a professional garage door company pays off. The best providers in Collin County don’t just install beautiful doors—they help ensure long-term performance with expert installation and support.

Final Thoughts

As homeowners in Collin County continue to invest in home upgrades, garage doors are quickly becoming a focal point of style, security, and efficiency. Whether you want the timeless elegance of woodgrain textures, the sleek simplicity of glass and steel, or the cutting-edge convenience of smart tech, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

By working with a trusted garage door repair specialist or installer, you can be sure that your new door enhances your home’s curb appeal while standing up to local climate challenges.

Ready to elevate your home’s exterior? Contact a local Collin County Garage Doors professional to discover the latest designs, request a consultation, or schedule an upgrade. Your dream garage door is closer than you think.