#How to transform IKEA furniture

[formulaforza]

furniture-- c.leclerc

pairing: charles leclerc x reader word count: 750 a/n: thank u dani for snapping my writers block. art imitates life fr fr here

Are you busy? You texted him, tossed your phone onto the ground next to you and assessed the situation in front of you for the hundredth time. Pieces of wood everywhere, harware everywhere, a cordless drill your dad had given you when you moved out years ago–one he didn’t show you how to use. 

What had started as a simple Friday evening project, rearranging your apartment living room, had transformed into an all-consuming weekend of furniture and clutter shopping. The Ikea box–boxes–sit torn apart on the floor and the instruction pamphlet is disheveled amongst the mess somewhere. 

Never for you, he replies, you roll your eyes. 

You reach for your phone, quickly type out your response. Come over? You text, and immediately follow it up. Not for the reason you think.

He’s knocking on your door twenty-five minutes later, three knocks, pause, and then another. Just like always. You try to manuver your way out of the maze of wooden boards and dowels and hardware and the dreadful drill to get to the door. He’s on his phone when you open it, quickly shuts it off and shoves it in his pocket and smiles at you like an idiot. “Hi.”

“Help.” You say, straight-faced and serious because you’re in so over your head it’s not even funny. He laughs, you swing open the door nad mumble out a preemptive apology. 

He chokes your name out through a laugh as soon as he sees the mess. “What have you done?” 

“Can you help me?” You say over his shoulder, over his shaking head. Disbelief, amazement, fear, probably all of the above because you’ve truly created a monster.

“Cherie, what am I looking at, even?” He scratches the back of his head, his neck, just inside the collar of his t-shirt. 

“Entertainment center.”

He tries not to laugh. Fails miserably. “Are you sure?”

“I think.”

“Oh, mamma mia.” He shakes his head, looks at you and reflects your pout. “You’re so cute.”

You roll your eyes. “Are you going to help me, or not?” You are so far beyond help, mon amour, he sighed, told you to get something to drink and that he would figure out how to undo whatever you’d done and build the furniture the way it was originally intended to be built. “You don’t want my help?”

“I am scared of your help.” You would be offended if everything you’d managed to put together looked even a little bit like what the end goal was, but, he was probably right to be scared by what you could do. You were a little scared by how badly you’d managed to screw it up. It felt like maybe someone should take away your rights to adult if you couldn’t built a simple peice of furniture. “If I teach you, you won’t have to ask for my help next time.”

“This is truly an enlightening experience,” you say, pop another piece of fruit into your mouth. “Dinner and a show.” Who knew watching your guy-who-isn’t-your-guy play with high stakes Swedish legos could be so attractive. It’s just furniture, you’d try to remind yourself, and then he'd use your drill like his dad taught him how to use one instead of just giving him one as a gift. 

“Who gave this to you?” He asked about the drill the first time he picked it up. “I don’t think they liked you much.”

You laughed. He laughed at your laugh. “My dad,” you answered, and he shrugged his shoulders, didn’t confirm or deny his previous claim. You don’t know if he plays it safe because you’ve told him too much–or too little–information.

Despite a few of the screws angled just a bit awkwardly, the only real victim of the entertainment center debacle of 2023 is a single wooden dowel that snapped clean in half. “Do you have super glue?” He asked when the two of you finally stopped laughing about it. I have nail glue, you told him, and only time will tell if the cosmetic solution actually worked. 

“My hero!” You joked, stood up on your tip-toes to throw an arm around him, admired your–his–work now that the console had been set in it’s forever home. “I could not have done it without you.”

“You would’ve figured it out.” He says, smiles down at you like he isn’t a liar. “It just would have been…”

“A disaster?”

He chuckles. “Abstract.”

“Oh.” You laugh, kiss him because how can you not? “You’re sweet.”

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

The Arcana Drabbles: Explanation and Masterlist

I'm going to add examples below, but drabbles can range from several sentences to several paragraphs and cover everything from humor to angst to fluff! They're written more like train-of-thought fanfic, instead of the structured bullet points I use in HCs. What really sets them apart though is that drabbles focus on one or two characters at a time and are not limited to the M6!

Drabbles can be as oddly specific as you want, to as randomized as you want. Here's some examples of what you could request, and some links of past drabbles -

"I really like the idea of a cozy night in with Portia where she takes care of my hair, could you write a drabble for that?"

"Can I have drabbles of Selasi being just The Best to MC?"

"I have this really specific bittersweet moment in my head - [insert description here] - could you do a drabble of that with whichever M6 parent you think fits it best?"

"How about a drabble for [specific character]? Whatever you want to write about them!"

Julian and quill pens

Portia's hair

Asra and Muriel and campfire teamaking

Nadia and Favorite Foods

Scout's self care

Lucio's hair

Inanna and Muriel

Mercedes and Melchior and Lucio

Chandra missing Nadia

Malak and Julian

Pepi being a Cat

Faust and Asra and Faust's knife

Cuddling Birblian

MC transforms into a "monster"

Vesuvia Weekly: Baby Fever (M6 oneshot)

M6 building IKEA furniture

Lucio realizing the dogs are his familiars

Family-burdened MC and nothing-is-taboo Lucio

Asra's sweet tooth

Julian and his waterproof plague clothes

Nadia's poorly-worn clothes pet peeve

Portia's garden

Muriel's favorite colors

Vesuvia Weekly: Don't Wake MC!

Vesuvia Weekly: "Why are we hiding?"

Modern AU Pre-Prologue Setup

Work Lunches with Asra

Julian's Pirate Adventures

Prince!Lucio and Bodyguard!MC

Prince!Lucio and Bodyguard!MC, pt 2

M6 vs Mechanical Bull (oneshot)

Comforting Julian during a storm

Bodyguard!Muriel and Royalty!MC

Julian when MC gets tendonitis

Vesuvia Weekly: Learning (love) Languages

Vesuvia Weekly: Guilty Pleasures (poorly doodled)

Inanna protecting MC's stuffed animal

Malak upstaging Julian (on purpose)

Faust and Asra trying to learn MC's secrets

Chandra trying to share her puzzles with MC

Pepi sharing her secrets with MC

Mercedes and Melchior "helping" Lucio be a good boy

(Art prompt) Muriel's prosthetic proposal

Youngest Child Nadia

Honorary Grandma Portia

Big Brother Julian

Ageing Lucio angst

Resilient Asra angst

Asra's inherited fashion sense

Nadia the Countess Engineer

Julian as a castmate

Lucio's dental habits

Portia's domestic feminine rage

Muriel's bad posture

Julian and the canals

Asra and weekly dusting

Nadia and the South End Theatre

Muriel's pockets

Portia's to-do list

Lucio's bathtime

Post-upright route evening with Nadia, Asra, and Julian

Julian & Portia talk to Malak & Pepi

Knight!Muriel and Royalty!MC, pt 2

M6 all cook in one place

Asking Muriel to crush a watermelon between his thighs

Prince!Julian and bodyguard!MC

MC and Julian get arrested while Portia bails them out

When Muriel's kid is a walking heart attack

Mercedes and Melchior accidentally halfway merge

Julian getting used to normalcy

Asra sharing a bed with you

Nadia sharing her room for the first time

Muriel sharing his thoughts with you

Portia getting used to your attention

Lucio not understanding your love

Julian when you're stressed and quietly waiting

Asra when you've been wronged by someone

Nadia's fluctuating code of ethics

Muriel's scathing letter talents

Portia on AITA

Lucio realizing he can weaponizing his capacity to annoy

Vesuvia Weekly: A Date With Disaster

Vesuvia Weekly: To be loved is to be ...

Motorcycle Mishap

Julian with an MC who smells their hair to think

[seat-safety-switch]

Couple years ago I fell in with this weird art crowd. It wasn't entirely my fault, but rather my rip-roaring need to be loved and the fact that none of them had paid enough attention in math class to count how many more Zima I was sneaking from the gallery openings than I was formally allocated.

One of the big names was Teoric (not a typo, but we assumed it must originally have been one.) I fucking hated him and his holier-than-thou attitude. His thing was genocide. Not committing it, though I'm sure he would have been open to doing so, but documenting it in his art. Cruise control for shocking the common gallery-viewers. He wasn't even polite about it. Interpretive Dance Anne said that she had dibs on the Armenian Genocide, and Teoric swooped right in there with a mixed media collage moistened with his own tears.

Remember, I wanted to be loved. Pretty much everyone was done with his non-stop antics. So I volunteered to smooth things over. Teoric live-work-lived in a disused furniture factory that had been converted into artist lofts. They didn't believe in locks, and conveniently for me, I didn't believe in them either. I went over to Teoric's office, and sat down in a chair next to his working area. He immediately exploded with rage.

"You fucking bourgeois simpleton," he shrieked. "That is not a chair - that is a transformation of Ikea commodity furniture to honour the victims of Hrothgar the Terrible's mass execution in 673!"

At once, I saw an opportunity here. "You know, Teo" - he hated being called that - "a lot of new genocides happen every day. You could be the first artist to document them in history."

As I watched his plane depart from the pre-9/11 departures lounge (more ashtrays than now,) I had one thought on my mind. Well, two. I didn't know where Tajikistan actually was, and I hope whoever's credit card that was got some good karma for their contributions to local art.

When I got back, Interpretive Dance Anne had already moved into the now-vacant studio. She was overjoyed that I had managed to remove the thorn in her side, and offered to put a good word in for me with Obvious Dance Anne. I felt cheap. What had I done? My guilt grew until one evening, at the Ford dealership that a guerrilla art collective had seized and was now displaying portraits of the owners' family's last moments, I saw Teoric again. Just for an instant, but it was undeniably him. I rose from my chair, scattering the gaggle of local theatre journalists I had been holding court to, and pursued.

My flabby, booze-soaked legs could not catch him that evening, sliding on the rain-slicked dealership lot. The last I saw of Teoric was him climbing into a Chevy HHR and peeling out across the parking lot. Mixed-Media Ernie had seen me run out, and came to put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, assuming that I was about to vomit for a different reason.

"Oh yeah," Ernie said, as I explained the entire situation to him, "he sold out and started working for General Motors. Designs all their cars now."

The SSR too? "Yeah." He had found his muse in war crimes yet again.

[hournites]

I saw Hournite and immediately rushed to send in an ask! 😁 "Is this a date?" -Rhuben

Homemakers

Beth wiped silky cobweb film on her patchwork jeans. Mindful to not let her upbringing with wealthy parents and a spotless home cloud her judgment, she stepped away from the giant 80s curtains, continuing to meander through the fixer-upper. The wooden floorboards were swollen with old water damage and spreading apart by the front foyer, creaking beneath her tennis shoes. A stubborn stale smell lingered in the air, even after Rick opened windows to stop her sneezing.  

“I know it needs work.” Rick glanced around at the stains and barebones furniture, seeing his home through her eyes for the first time. “A lot of work.” 

“That doesn’t matter.” She turned around, full with so much gratitude. To her knowledge, Rick had never let anyone visit his house. When he casually suggested they stop by because he forgot his hourglass in his room, she nearly kicked her feet with giddy. She was happy just to be on his property for the first time, she didn’t expect him to give her a private tour. “I think this place is wonderful.” 

“It’s a shithole,” he corrected, shrugging a shoulder. “There was a pipe leak just last week. You don’t have to lie.” 

It wasn’t a lie. She wasn’t about to deny that it needed serious TLC. The rugs could use a good beating and every room she saw was practically begging for a deep clean. The only mirror was dirty and cracked in the bathroom. The couch could at minimum use a cover, but honestly needed to be replaced…Swiffer could do a commercial here for their mops. No dishwasher and a clothesline for his flannel to dry. At the same time, in all its depressing neglected glory, many trinkets belonging to Rick’s parents were left behind by Matt Harris, writing them off as worthless in value. It was humbling and reassuring to see the reminders of the house this once was. It brought Rick’s past alive. 

In fact, she was certain she could transform this into a rustic, positive and hospitable space Rick wouldn’t have to feel ashamed of. With some flowers in window planters and a few fruit trees for Grundy, they could even revive the farm and make it beautiful again. 

“Nonsense.” Sitting down on a soft duvet in the room they ended up in, she slipped her hands behind herself to curb the itch she had to fetch her goggles and measure dimensions. She flashed him a grin instead. “It just needs a trip to Ikea.”

“…Ikea?” he repeated, like it was a foreign word. 

Beth gave him an excited nod. “Mmhm!” 

Rick crossed his arms with a strange look on his face, leaning against the doorpost as she looked around, noticing a mismatching vibe she couldn’t quite place. She sniffed after another tickling sneeze, nose no longer quite so clogged with dust mite. An earthy scent greeted her at last. A hint of sandalwood and trees.

 “It smells so good here.” She settled in, crossing one leg underneath the other and pulled out her phone for Ikea’s web browser while ideas were still fresh. “Best spot so far.” 

“This is my room,” he told her, amused. “And that’s my bed, so you’re smelling me.” 

She gaped at him, ignoring the flush warming her cheeks. “Your room?” 

But there wasn’t a single personal item here on display! No books, snack wrappers, or any pictures…There was the bed and a chair, and, yes, admittedly now she did see his phone charger plugged into the outlet in the corner, but…she at least expected the hourglass to be somewhere noticeable. 

“What?” he teased. “Didn’t think my bed would be made?”

She stood up, sensitive to what was growing between them and unsure how to proceed. “I didn’t say that!” she protested hotly. 

“I know, B. I’m kidding.” 

His tone went soft. Like he loved to ruffle her feathers for the opportunity to gently set her at ease. 

Opening his door to her also opened a part of  himself that Beth always craved after. As guarded as he first was that she knew everything about where he came from, he’d quickly adapted and affirmed her presence much like the baby steps it took for Rick to invite her to sit shotgun in the Mustang. And now it was her unofficial official seat. 

“But why is it always you now,” Yolanda used to whine when Rick picked them up for school. Beth would shrug innocently, like she hadn’t been aware their dynamic was charged from the start. 

She wasn’t sure how long he’d ever had the peace they fostered in the Mustang, knowing this was the very place he’d used the car for to escape. It wasn’t lost on her that their friendship filled a lot of voids. Connection, solidarity, and, well, partnership. Which, at first, worked in the traditional sense on the team, but had now sailed into the uncharted gray area beyond intense friendship. She couldn’t help longing for more. And, she knew, she was the one that usually tested the boundary as the extrovert of the two, but it secretly thrilled her when it was Rick’s doing, which he was more often. 

It had only occurred to her that she’d never let Rick into her bedroom all the times he’d stayed over. Why was that? Her parents never set out any ground rules. And there she was, curling up in his private space–She could only dream what was running through his mind. Was there such a thing as too comfortable? How much was too much?

“And—” she continued to justify, even though Rick never asked. “I likely have your scent memorized because I’m familiar with your car. Or something.”

“Sure.” Rick lifted an eyebrow at her, and kept going. “Or, you just really like my aftershave.” Bending down, he pulled out a storage container from under his bed with a padlock and that had all his stuff. 

Beth glanced out the window at the field of dry grass, hoping he’d open it too when the room only grew warmer as more unwarranted thoughts of Rick shaving leisurely swirled around her head. 

Meanwhile, Rick latched onto the golden chain of the hourglass and slipped it round his neck. She decided she’d rather be embarrassed about finding such random things Rick does attractive than stay sad about the state of his living habits, clearly developed from living with his uncle. He deserved a teenage room, not a hotel safe. Now that thought drove her to wrap her arms around his middle. 

“Thanks for bringing me here.” 

Rick returned her hug hesitantly, genuinely confused. “Is this just an excuse to smell me?” 

“No,” she said with a roll of her eyes, a teeny tiny fib–she’d already buried her face into his shirt. But this was not the time for that, so she sacrificed the sandalwood for propriety and regretfully pulled away. “I know it matters, that’s all. You could’ve told me to wait in the car but you didn’t. So, thank you.” 

He nodded and Beth stepped back, folding her arms.“So, Ikea after training?” 

She watched him nervously rub his jaw and added, “We can set a budget. And you get veto power over anything we get.” She crossed her heart but in their business, didn’t think it prudent to hope to die. 

“Okay, but I veto.” 

Her hand is still over her chest. “You veto.” 

“It’s my budget not yours.” 

“Okay, but can I buy a few things?” 

“Define a few.” 

She held out a hand. “Ten things?” She saw his face twist and quickly adjusted. “Five things! Five things you really want!”

“One thing. Maybe. I’ll pay you back later. And, I’d need your advice anyway so don’t give me that look. And this is my house, not yours.” 

She saluted as he shepherded her out of his room with a hand on the small of her back.  “Message clear and understood.” 

-.-

“Is this a date?” She peered into a display box with a dozen different door knobs in one of the Ikea showrooms. Rick gave her a long sideways glance as he pushed a cart twice the length of Courtney’s staff. 

“What?” She laughed in his pointed silence. “People go on Ikea dates all the time! They browse interior decor, ask probing questions to get to know each other, share Pinterest ideas to share their dream house aesthetics, and find pieces that fit both styles. There’s a restaurant to eat Swedish meatballs for dinner…Not to mention the teamwork required afterwards for assembly.”

“You think building furniture together with wordless instructions is romantic?” 

“It can be with the right person! And a pair of very useful AI goggles. Or a guy with very convenient strength.” She picked up an eight dollar lampshade. “This one?”

He wrinkled his nose. “Does it come in black? And I thought you were very against using JSA stuff for non-JSA things.”

“Exceptions can be made–Are you sure you want black? That’s a depressing color.” 

“I’m sure.” 

She sighed, resigning to the unforgivable fact Rick was a monochromatic minimalist by default. She noted it down to collect in the maketplace. “So, is this a date?”  

The long cart came to a stop. Rick rested his elbow against the metal grate handle. “Believe it or not I do have standards. I’m not having a first date be a trip to Ikea because my house is so ugly it rendered you to tears.” 

She laughed again in disbelief, having so much fun. “I did not cry!” 

“You hugged me!” 

“Because you smelled really good, and I was in your room, which also smelled really good, and I was happy,” she explained, gesturing wildly. 

“You’re going to bump into that dresser,” Rick warned her, avoiding a backwards collision with the KOPPANG by tugging her close just in the nick of time. 

Greeted by sandalwood yet again, she whispered, “So a first date in your books would not include Ikea at all?”

“Not a first date. Not any date.”

“Noted.” She peered at him quickly, then glanced away to watch other families and couples shop, clasping her wrists behind her back as they walked along the long natural way. Rick strayed away to pick up a few things.

It was when she got lost going through the Turkish rug samples hanging from the ceiling that an arm wrapped around her and she got a kiss on her cheek felt all the way down to her toes. 

[hriobzagelthewanderer]

Things Hriob is No Longer Allowed to Do, Revised Edition - Part Quarte

#121 I am a Master of Conceptual and Elemental Magics, especially the Natural elements such as Wind, Lightning, Earth, Wood, and Water. However, no matter how ‘natural’ their existence may be, I cannot cast ‘Bear’ and it is not an element, and no amount of arguing, evidence, or demonstrations will change this.

#122 When courting certain individuals I will remember the following; “Using Protection” means the proper use of contraceptives or barriers during coitus, NOT using wards or other magical means of surviving close proximity to individuals whose mere existence provides a serious hazard to my health.

#123 Just because it is one of the few things that CAN still affect me given my supernatural constitution, and just because she is my friend, does not mean I am allowed to occasionally use Shylow-Venom as anti-anxiety medication a recreational drug for ANY reason on my own person or anyone else’s.

#124 When engaging in Small Talk with Lord Alexander, I am to respect the presence and personal safety of his Steward, Sir Cromwell, by politely avoiding use of the following terms and turns-of-phrase: ‘Splitting Hares’, ‘Hot Crossed Buns’, ‘Hare-Rasing’, ‘Hare Removal’, ‘Careful Hop-Timism’, ‘Bad Hare Day’, ‘Hoppily Ever After’, ‘I’m all Ears’, ‘Hare Conditioning’, and any other hilarious bad puns revolving around Lagomorphs in general. Upon further review, Bonnie Kalsang is to be given the extended benefits of this ruling.

#125 I shall remember that ‘Tuning’ is for Musical Instruments, ‘Attenuation’ is for Spiritual and Mystical aspects and machinations, and ‘Vibe Checks’ are for violently percussive maintenance on other people. Just because they SOUND like they’re the same thing doesn’t mean they ARE the same thing.

#126 If I am ever to host a ‘Movie Night’ with my friends/associates/subordinates/rivals/sworn enemies, I will avoid playing the following films for various reasons: Kill Bill, Repo: The Genetic Opera, Shrek 3, Saving Private Ryan, and any historical fiction "i may have been present for when it happened".

#127 I am forever forbidden from doing anything if I am preceding the action(s) in question with any variation of the phrase ‘Hey ___, Watch This!’

#128 I am forever forbidden from officiating Weddings Funerals Birthday Celebrations Coming-Of-Age-Ceremonies Duels Archery Contests Eating Contests Battle Royales Anything.

#129 I am a self-reincarnating Avatar of Life. I, at best, have an understanding with, and at worst, trying relationships with Entities that deeply connect to or convey Death as a Concept. This means that I need to maintain my moral superiority as best I can, which in turn means I should avoid conflict with them… and therefore not try to prank or annoy them.

#130 I am not the Patron Saint of Oktoberfest, no matter how much I wish to be.

#131 I am not allowed to visit Australia, nor am I to confuse it for Austria, be it to mess with other people or try and get around this ruling.

#132 I am forever barred from entering an IKEA store, and am forbidden from chanting backwards in Swedish in any language to assemble disassemble reconfigure rearrange manipulate IKEA-brand any furniture in any way.

#133 I am forever barred from teaching any variety of ‘Shop Class’.

#134 I am forever barred from leading field trips guided tours any sort of group of people for any reason through the following locations: Zoos, Museums, Government Buildings, Anarchist Buildings, Aquariums, Shopping Malls, Alternate Timelines, Alien Planets, Pocket Dimensions, Dimensional Nexus Points, Nuclear Reactors, Industrial Plants, and anything owned by a ‘rival’, ‘nemesis’, ‘adversary’, or any other hostile group or individual.

#135 I am not allowed to appropriate terminology research papers documents artifacts entities employees architecture ANYTHING from the SCP Foundation without due credit at all.

#136 Just because I am now able to transform into certain animals at will, does not mean I get to abuse the ability. This extends to bans against the following: eating my own paperwork and blaming ‘the dog’ on it, attempting to use ‘puppy-dog-eyes’ as a form of negotiation, massively decreasing the local wildlife population single-handedly, and leaving dog hair/fur in unpleasant locations as a petty form of revenge.

#137 I am forevermore banned from playing around with wax, especially heated. This is for my own safety and well-being more than any other reason.

#138 I am not allowed to start my own cult, religion, club, non-profit-organization, or any other form of organized group for any reason, least of all because I need an excuse to change any sort of government-issued id photo.

#139 I am an accomplished Arbormancer, capable of taking living trees of all kinds and fashioning them harmlessly into furnishings or tools, especially magical staves. I am Not, however, allowed to threaten sentient tree-based creatures such as demons, ents, and the like with transformation into such items, nor demonstrate my ability to do so.

#140 Just because some previously-incorporeal people enjoyed my gift of customized living human bodies for them to possess and inhabit, does not mean that Everyone will appreciate such a gift to the same degree. I am not to begin creating such vessels for those I know unless they specifically ask me to, no matter how convenient or helpful I think I am being.

#141 I am forevermore barred from following the ‘advice’ of the maxim ‘Tis better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission’, given that I have by now empirically proven it wrong.

#142 Just because I am a powerful and talented Oathkeeper for pacts and magical deals of all kinds, does not mean I can try and negotiate with children, especially those I am supposed to be babysitting.

#143 No matter how powerful and talented I am with Wood-based, Wind-based, and Ink-based magic, I am not allowed to make magically empowered paper planes and throw them into windstorms of any kind or origin. Not even if the kids ask nicely.

#144 I understand that, given my pact with the Worldspirit Gaia, I am often pulled to act as an emergency agent of their will to stop catastrophic incidents. I understand that, more often than not, those times when a single person is behind the danger, it is someone of necromantic alignment, skills, powers, or so on. Despite this, I am not to complain to them as I try to stop and/or slay them that they remind me of my ex-fiance, no matter how close, depressing, or infuriating the resemblance may be.

#145 I am forever banned from turning any portion of the Halls of the Mountain King into a Ball Pit of any size or depth.

#146 In regards to entry #53, given that I now do offer deals and pacts fairly regularly all things considered, I will remember to try and at least fall mostly in line with the Better Business Bureau’s ethical standards with said dealings.

#147 Given that prior rulings (#42 in particular) have failed, and I am happily sadly considered, among other things, The Wonderful Wizard of Gauze, I shall instead remind myself that flinging bandage wraps at people is not an effective attack. And that, strong as they may be, they cannot support my weight even in bulk - therefore I am forbidden from trying to swing off or around tall buildings with them as my ‘webs’. I am not ‘Spider-man’, and never will be - no matter what I attempt in order to change that.

#148 As an addition to the above ruling, I am to remember that, even if being able to wrap-and-pull items in the heat of battle is a neat and useful utility to have over my adversaries, using the same skill with my ‘bandage shooting’ to grab things around the Halls in a casual setting is frowned upon, even especially if people offer to be ‘test subjects’, ‘training dummies’, or any other kind of volunteer to be ‘shot’ thusly.

#149 Given item #72, I am to extend the same ‘general line of thought’ towards attempting to ‘forcibly evolve things with magic’, or any other medium to attempt the same end result. Spoiler alert: they always turn into crabs. Every. Single. Time. No more crabs.

#150 Just in case, I am forever banned from setting foot within 5 miles of Las Vegas, Nevada. No, not even if the magical forces behind it try to invite me.

[blissmissabi]

The Rise of Augmented Reality in Everyday Life

Augmented Reality (AR) is a transformative technology that superimposes digital information onto the real world, enhancing our perception of reality. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates an entirely immersive virtual environment, AR overlays digital elements—such as images, sounds, or text—onto our physical surroundings using devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses.

Present-day Uses of AR Augmented reality (AR) is altering how we interact with technology and the world around us by making substantial breakthroughs across multiple fields.

Retail: AR is being used by retailers to improve the in-store experience. Customers may see how makeup, accessories, and clothing will appear on them without having to visit a store by using virtual try-on apps. One example is the AR app from IKEA, which allows users to see how furniture would fit and appear in their houses.

Healthcare: AR is being used in healthcare to help with medical training and complicated procedures. During procedures, surgeons can access real-time data and 3D organ renderings with AR glasses, which will increase accuracy and improve results.

Education: By increasing interaction and engagement, augmented reality is revolutionizing the way people learn. By allowing students to investigate 3D replicas of historical sites, the solar system, or anatomical structures, they may make abstract ideas come to life.

Entertainment: AR has been warmly welcomed by the entertainment sector. Augmented reality (AR) is giving consumers new experiences in everything from immersive movie advertising to apps like Pokémon Go that mix virtual characters with actual locales.

Improving Social Media and Mobile App User Experiences AR features are being added to mobile apps and social media platforms more often to draw consumers in. AR filters are a feature of Instagram and Snapchat that enhance images and videos with fun, animated effects, encouraging user creativity and interaction. With the use of augmented reality (AR) apps like Google Lens, users can quickly get information about items, landmarks, and other subjects by pointing the camera of their phone at objects.

Effects on Marketing and Advertising Plans Through the creation of immersive, interactive campaigns that grab consumers' attention, augmented reality is transforming marketing and advertising. Through gamified marketing, interactive advertisements, and virtual product demos, brands are utilizing augmented reality to increase engagement and conversion. For instance, Pepsi's augmented reality bus stop campaign left a lasting impression by delighting onlookers with lifelike digital animations.

Prospects & Development Trends for AR in the Future The development of augmented reality (AR) is expected to continue due to ongoing technological developments. AR experiences will be improved, becoming more smooth and accessible with advancements in AR glasses, computing power, and AI integration. We may anticipate that augmented reality (AR) will revolutionize a number of businesses and how we communicate with one another.

Conclution The emergence of augmented reality is evidence of the infinite applications of technology. AR is changing our daily experiences in a variety of ways, from improving healthcare and retail to transforming education and entertainment. As augmented reality develops, it promises to usher in a day where the virtual and real worlds coexist peacefully, presenting countless chances for creativity and interaction.

[harkaranscanvas]

Competitor Analysis for Urban Nest: Transforming Student Living Spaces

To effectively position Urban Nest in the student home decor market, it’s crucial to understand the landscape by analyzing key competitors. This blog post examines three main competitors: Dormify, Ikea, and Society6. We will delve into their website experiences, market positioning, reviews, pricing, and social media presence to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and how Urban Nest can carve out a unique position.

1. Dormify

Website Experience:

User Interface: Dormify’s website is visually appealing and easy to navigate, with a clean design that emphasizes its trendy products.

Features: The site includes sections like “Shop by Style” and “Shop by Product,” making it easy for users to find decor that suits their tastes.

Customer Journey: Dormify offers a seamless shopping experience with clear product descriptions, high-quality images, and a smooth checkout process.

Market Positioning:

Target Audience: Primarily college students looking for stylish and coordinated decor.

Brand Message: Dormify positions itself as a one-stop shop for dorm room decor with a focus on trendy, coordinated looks.

Value Proposition: Trendy, ready-to-use decor bundles and individual pieces that align with current styles.

Reviews:

Customer Feedback: Generally positive, with praise for the trendy styles and quality. Some complaints about pricing and limited customization options.

Rating: 4.2/5 on Trustpilot.

Pricing:

Range: Mid to high; items typically range from $20 to $200.

Bundles: Offers curated decor bundles priced between $150 and $500.

Social Media:

Presence: Active on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Engagement: Uses influencers and user-generated content to promote products.

Strength: Strong visual appeal and trendy content resonate with the target demographic.

Strengths:

Stylish, coordinated decor options.

Seamless user experience.

Strong brand identity and social media engagement.

Weaknesses:

Higher price points may not appeal to budget-conscious students.

Limited customization options.

2. Ikea

Website Experience:

User Interface: Ikea’s website is functional with extensive product information, though it can be overwhelming due to the vast product range.

Features: Offers detailed product categories, room inspiration, and planning tools.

Customer Journey: Efficient but can be cumbersome due to the large number of products and sometimes confusing navigation.

Market Positioning:

Target Audience: Broad market including students, families, and professionals.

Brand Message: Affordable, functional home solutions with a Scandinavian design.

Value Proposition: Wide variety of affordable furniture and home accessories with a focus on practicality.

Reviews:

Customer Feedback: Generally positive, praised for affordability and functionality. Some complaints about the complexity of assembly and delivery issues.

Rating: 4.0/5 on Consumer Affairs.

Pricing:

Range: Low to mid; items typically range from $5 to $300.

Bundles: Sells individual pieces rather than bundles, but offers product series for a coordinated look.

Social Media:

Presence: Active on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Engagement: Uses home styling tips and DIY projects to engage users.

Strength: Focus on practical solutions and DIY inspiration.

Strengths:

Affordability and extensive product range.

Focus on functional and space-saving solutions.

Strong brand reputation and DIY community engagement.

Weaknesses:

Overwhelming product range can be confusing.

Less emphasis on trendy, student-specific decor.

3. Society6

Website Experience:

User Interface: Society6’s website is artistic and vibrant, highlighting unique designs by independent artists.

Features: Offers a variety of categories such as wall art, home decor, and lifestyle items, with a focus on artist collaboration.

Customer Journey: Attractive and easy to navigate, with clear emphasis on unique, artistic designs.

Market Positioning:

Target Audience: Art enthusiasts and consumers looking for unique, artistic home decor.

Brand Message: A platform for independent artists to sell unique designs on various products.

Value Proposition: Unique, artist-driven designs not found in mainstream retail.

Reviews:

Customer Feedback: Generally positive, praised for unique designs and supporting artists. Some complaints about pricing and product quality variability.

Rating: 4.3/5 on Trustpilot.

Pricing:

Range: Mid to high; items typically range from $15 to $150.

Bundles: Focuses on individual artist-designed pieces rather than bundles.

Social Media:

Presence: Active on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Engagement: Uses artist features and customer photos to showcase products.

Strength: Strong community of artists and visually appealing content.

Strengths:

Unique, artist-driven designs.

Support for independent artists.

Visually engaging social media presence.

Weaknesses:

Higher price points for artist-driven designs.

Product quality can vary depending on the artist.

Positioning Urban Nest

Differentiation Strategy:

Affordable, Stylish Solutions: Offer a balance between affordability and style, targeting budget-conscious students who want trendy decor.

Customization and Personalization: Provide customizable decor options to cater to individual tastes and preferences.

Niche Focus: Concentrate exclusively on college students, offering products that address small-space living and student-specific needs.

Conclusion:

By analyzing Dormify, Ikea, and Society6, Urban Nest can position itself as a unique player in the student home decor market by focusing on affordability, customization, and a niche market of college students. This strategy will help Urban Nest stand out and attract a loyal customer base in a competitive market.

[rudeflower]

Chapter 12

They stopped in front of the escalators to the show floor. For the twentieth time this weekend Jess marveled at how bizarre this was. He was helping Rory Gilmore furnish her house, then they would go back to her house and have sex. Have sex and possibly assemble her furniture. Then it would be over.

Jess asked, “Do you want to see the show floor? You have the list, you don’t need to.” 

"Um, don’t need to go to Furniture Disney World? Yes I need to. I have the list, but I still want to go upstairs. It's good to see everything before making a formal decision I think."

"Okay, sounds good," Jess agreed.

They moved through the fake show rooms. Fake apartments that seemed comically small, but he knew he’d lived in smaller apartments with multiple people in New York. Rory found one that was the exact size of her apartment when she was based in Japan for two months, and she stood in the middle of it giving him a tour as though her furniture had magically appeared, taking over the IKEA counters and built-in shelves. 

"Isn't this kind of not your mom's scene?" Jess asked.

"What do you mean?" Rory asked as she double checked the code she’d written down. 

"I mean your house had all original stuff."

"Our house had all garage sale stuff and lay-away stuff. She got me a mattress off the side of the road and our entire apartment got bed bugs. I want clean lines, new. It doesn’t have to be my mom’s scene.” She looked up from her work. “What?” 

[narratingvoice]

Shoot, it's that time already? I wanted to get that fanfic done by now... Oh well, the Ultra Delux anniversary will be around eventually.

A quick bouquet as a gift:

Have fun on your vacation!

Thank you very kindly. I had the Curator pick up the flowers while I was away. The flowers are lovely, and the best part is that because time doesn't flow in a linear fashion in here, they will take a very long time to wilt. You know, we really don't have enough splashes of bright colour around the office, and these purple ones especially really pop out against the beige walls. It gets me thinking, perhaps it's time to do a little redecorating. Not for some grand stunt to appease the fans, no no, not this time. Just to reinvigorate things a little bit. When you stare at the same interior decor for a decade it just grows stale and you stop noticing it altogether. A fresh coat of paint could lead to a fresh perspective, a renewed appreciation for what we've got.

We don't even have anything on the walls to look at except for some very generic artwork of leaves and mountains. I think I'll replace them with something cute, something to bring a smile to your face whenever you look at them. Like those classic motivational posters with the little kitty. You know the ones, like this. Aww, look at it, it's trying so hard to hang on! How adorable!

Yes, that's it, I'm going to take Stanley shopping for new office furniture. Some tables that aren't so serious, some decorations more permanent than balloons. We shall spend a whole day at Ikea, getting lost among the affordable bedroom sets and eating cheap meatballs. By the end of the day we will be able to transform a vacant office into a cozy mid-century modern breakfast nook. I hear Ikea has their own Line to follow; I hope it's not as rambunctious as ours.

[valmillion]

i saw a post with this video compilation of a bunch of manufacturing machines and it made me think about the AI debate. These machines are unquestionably some of the most useful inventions to the manufacturing process. Everyone loves How It's Made. I don't think your average person would have any strong opinions about these machines, specifically. No, if they did have an issue, it would be about the wider labor practices and environmental impact that these machines allow, and how they put people out of work because one machine could replace 100 workers, or, in products like furniture, cookware, metalwork, printing, etc, they took the artistry out of the products. What was once a handmade table with intricate carved details is now a slab of particle board painted black.

But it's not the tool's fault, it's capitalism. Industrial manufacturing machines allow for cheaper goods that can be produced on a scale that would allow everyone to have one if they wanted. That is not a bad thing. You can make quality goods at scale. But now artisans are few and far between and therefore their goods are now luxury items. You have to pay a premium for something that used to be common.

But again, the machine didn't cause this, we did. The system exploited the benefits these machines give for monetary gain.

-

AI is a tool, too. It is neither good nor bad. The system, the way it might be used, is at this point nebulous. No company that needs to get art for something is really going to fire all their artists just to have a very shitty rendering of some vague idea they typed in. And even if they did, they would still need artists to fix the crappy job the AI did so why have AI do it in the first place?

I see the most complaints about AI from people who made art as a hobby and turned it into a business (with an online following and taking commissions and such). But they have even less of an argument. Sure, maybe I could type in "in the style of X internet artist" to some prompt and get some mismash of your art style, but do you really think the people who follow you would do that instead of commissioning you?? And even if they did, who cares? The argument for pirating applies here too; money wasn't deducted from your bank account every time an AI spits out something that is a mashup of your, and hundreds of other artist's, styles.

What an AI image generator does is the definition of Free Use, it's impossible for it to create a direct copy of any one image. You can tell it to generate the Mona Lisa and you won't get the Mona Lisa, you'll get an amalgam of scans, pictures, alternate versions, and completely unrelated stuff mixed together to create something that is what the AI thinks the Mona Lisa is. If that's not transformative then I don't know what is.

What people are getting mad about is the perceived future of the art world where the artist is dead and AI generated art has killed them. That's not gonna happen, sorry. Did an industrial bread maker kill off all bakers everywhere? Did furniture makers go extinct because of IKEA? Some industries had it harder than others during industrialization but you get my point. I realize the situation isn't 1:1, because, come on, I think the impact of the AI is not gonna be nearly as catastrophic as industrialization. Chill the fuck out.

As for the copyright law stuff: 🫵 LOL DUMBASS CARES ABOUT COPYRIGHT. aww you got your own little IP? gonna sue me if i make derivative works? call the police cus i downloaded your art? i bet you jumped for joy when chuck tingle wanted to shut down the internet archive. grow up.

[devoqdesign]

The Intersection of AR and UI/UX: Crafting Immersive Digital-Physical Experiences

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Augmented Reality (AR) stands out as a transformative force, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. As AR continues to mature, its intersection with User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design becomes increasingly crucial. This convergence is paving the way for immersive digital-physical experiences that are not only technologically advanced but also intuitive, engaging, and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.

The Rise of AR in Everyday Life

Augmented Reality has come a long way from its nascent stages. What was once considered a futuristic concept is now a tangible reality, accessible through our smartphones, tablets, and specialized AR headsets. From gaming sensations like Pokémon GO to practical applications in retail, education, and healthcare, AR is rapidly becoming an integral part of our digital interactions.

As AR technology becomes more sophisticated and widespread, the challenge for designers and developers is to create interfaces and experiences that harness its full potential while remaining user-friendly and purposeful.

UI/UX Design: The Bridge Between AR and Users

User Interface and User Experience design serve as the critical bridge between AR technology and its users. In the context of AR, UI/UX design takes on new dimensions, quite literally. Designers must now consider not just flat screens, but three-dimensional spaces where digital elements coexist with the physical world.

Key Considerations in AR UI/UX Design:

Spatial Awareness: AR interfaces must be aware of and responsive to the physical environment. This includes understanding depth, surfaces, and obstacles in the real world to place digital elements convincingly.

Intuitive Interactions: With AR, users can interact with digital objects using natural gestures, voice commands, or even eye movements. Designing these interactions to feel natural and intuitive is crucial for user adoption.

Context-Awareness: AR experiences should adapt to the user's context, including location, time of day, and even personal preferences, to provide relevant and timely information or interactions.

Visual Hierarchy: In a mixed reality environment, designers must carefully consider how to draw attention to important elements without overwhelming the user or obscuring critical real-world information.

Accessibility: As with all digital design, AR experiences must be accessible to users with diverse abilities, considering factors like color contrast, text size, and alternative interaction methods.

Crafting Immersive Digital-Physical Experiences

The goal of combining AR with thoughtful UI/UX design is to create experiences that feel natural, engaging, and valuable. Here are some key strategies for crafting these immersive digital-physical experiences:

1. Seamless Integration

The most successful AR experiences are those that feel like a natural extension of the physical world rather than a separate layer imposed upon it. This requires careful consideration of how digital elements are introduced, how they behave, and how they respond to user interactions and environmental changes.

For example, IKEA's AR app allows users to place virtual furniture in their real rooms, with accurate sizing and lighting that matches the environment. This seamless integration helps users make informed decisions about their purchases.

2. Contextual Relevance

AR experiences should provide information or interactions that are relevant to the user's current context. This could mean offering historical information about a landmark when a user points their phone at it, or displaying nutritional information when looking at a menu item in a restaurant.

Google's Live View in Maps is an excellent example of contextual AR, overlaying navigation instructions directly onto the real-world view through the phone's camera.

3. Intuitive Interactions

As AR introduces new ways of interacting with digital content, it's crucial to design interactions that feel natural and intuitive. This might involve using hand gestures to manipulate 3D objects, voice commands to trigger actions, or gaze-based selection for hands-free operation.

The challenge lies in creating a consistent interaction language that users can easily learn and remember across different AR applications.

4. Minimalist Design

In AR, less is often more. With the physical world already providing a rich visual environment, AR interfaces should aim for simplicity and clarity. This means using clean, unobtrusive designs that complement rather than compete with the real-world environment.

Apple's ARKit guidelines emphasize the importance of minimalist design in AR experiences, encouraging developers to use simple, clear visuals that don't overcrowd the user's view.

5. Feedback and Affordances

Clear feedback and visual affordances are crucial in AR to help users understand what actions are possible and how their interactions are affecting the digital elements. This could include visual or haptic feedback when interacting with virtual objects, or clear indicators of where users can place digital elements in the physical space.

The Future of AR UI/UX

As AR technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to UI/UX design in this space. Some emerging trends include:

AI-Enhanced AR: Artificial Intelligence will play a bigger role in creating more personalized and context-aware AR experiences, predicting user needs and adapting interfaces in real-time.

Haptic Feedback: Advanced haptic technologies will provide more realistic tactile feedback for virtual objects, enhancing the sense of immersion.

Multi-User AR: Shared AR experiences will become more common, requiring new design paradigms for collaborative interactions in mixed reality environments.

Seamless Cross-Device Experiences: AR interfaces will need to adapt seamlessly across different devices, from smartphones to AR glasses and beyond.

Conclusion

The intersection of AR and UI/UX design represents a frontier of innovation in digital experiences. As we continue to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, designers and developers face exciting challenges and opportunities to create truly immersive and meaningful interactions.

The key to success in this evolving landscape lies in understanding the unique capabilities of AR technology while staying true to the fundamental principles of good UI/UX design: user-centricity, simplicity, and purposefulness. By focusing on these principles and embracing the new possibilities offered by AR, we can craft digital-physical experiences that not only wow users with their technological prowess but also provide genuine value and seamlessly integrate into their daily lives.

Devoq Design stands out as a top UI/UX design agency in Mildura and UI/UX design agency in Shepparton, offering innovative design solutions to businesses aiming to enhance their digital platforms. With a focus on creating user-friendly interfaces and exceptional user experiences, Devoq Design helps clients in these regions craft engaging and intuitive designs. Whether in Mildura or Shepparton, the agency’s expert team ensures that every project is customized to meet the unique needs of its clients, delivering digital experiences that resonate with users and drive business growth.

[shosiblog]

How Can Businesses Implement AR in eCommerce Marketing Strategies?

Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the way businesses engage with customers in eCommerce. By blending the digital and physical worlds, AR allows customers to interact with products in a virtual space, enhancing the online shopping experience. From visualizing furniture in a home setting to trying on clothes or makeup virtually, AR is reshaping the future of eCommerce marketing strategies.

For businesses looking to stand out in the competitive digital marketplace, implementing AR in eCommerce can be a game-changer. Here’s how businesses can effectively incorporate AR into their marketing strategies to drive sales, improve customer experience, and boost engagement.

1. Virtual Product Try-Ons

One of the most popular uses of AR in eCommerce is the virtual try-on feature. Whether it’s clothing, makeup, or accessories, AR allows customers to try products on virtually before making a purchase decision. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces the likelihood of returns, as buyers can see how products will look on them.

Example: Brands like Sephora and Nike have implemented AR apps that let users try on makeup or see how shoes fit their feet.

Implementation Tip: Businesses can collaborate with AR development platforms or create an app that supports virtual try-ons, improving user engagement.

2. 3D Product Visualization

AR enables customers to view products in 3D, allowing them to examine items from every angle as if they were physically present. This is particularly effective for furniture, home decor, and other large products, where visualizing the item in the customer’s environment can significantly influence buying decisions.

Example: IKEA’s AR-powered app allows customers to visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing, helping them make informed decisions.

Implementation Tip: Add AR-powered 3D product viewing features to your website or mobile app. This can be done using WebAR or integrating with third-party AR solutions.

3. Interactive Product Demos

With AR, businesses can provide interactive product demonstrations, allowing users to see how a product functions in a real-world setting. This is particularly beneficial for tech products, home appliances, or complex gadgets that customers need to see in action before buying.

Example: Samsung uses AR to showcase its home appliances, enabling customers to visualize products in their kitchens or living rooms.

Implementation Tip: Create AR-powered demos that guide users through the features and benefits of your products, making it easy for them to understand their value.

4. Enhanced In-Store Experience

While AR is transforming online shopping, it can also enhance the in-store shopping experience. Businesses can implement AR displays or mobile apps that allow customers to scan products or signage in-store to access additional information, reviews, and personalized recommendations.

Example: Zara has used AR in stores, allowing customers to point their smartphones at displays to see models wearing the latest collection, offering an interactive and engaging shopping experience.

Implementation Tip: Invest in AR-powered kiosks or apps that can enhance in-store shopping by providing additional content, real-time reviews, or product demonstrations.

5. Personalized Shopping Experience

AR can be used to create highly personalized shopping experiences by analyzing user preferences and behaviors. By integrating AR with data analytics, businesses can offer tailored product suggestions and experiences, improving customer satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of conversions.

Example: L’Oréal’s AR app uses facial recognition and AI to suggest personalized beauty products based on users’ skin tones and preferences.

Implementation Tip: Combine AR with artificial intelligence to offer personalized recommendations, which can lead to higher customer retention and satisfaction.

6. AR-Driven Marketing Campaigns

AR offers endless possibilities for creating unique and memorable marketing campaigns. Businesses can use AR to gamify the shopping experience, launch interactive advertising, or create immersive brand experiences that captivate customers and build brand loyalty.

Example: Pepsi Max’s “Unbelievable Bus Shelter” AR campaign engaged passersby by displaying fantastical images, such as UFOs or giant robots, in real-world environments, capturing attention and increasing brand recall.

Implementation Tip: Develop creative AR marketing campaigns that encourage customers to interact with your brand in innovative ways. These campaigns can also be shared on social media for greater visibility.

7. Virtual Storefronts

Some businesses are taking AR a step further by creating virtual storefronts where customers can browse and shop in a fully immersive AR environment. This allows customers to enjoy a shopping experience similar to visiting a physical store, but from the comfort of their homes.

Example: Shopify recently introduced a feature allowing brands to create virtual storefronts using AR, where customers can explore and interact with products just as they would in a real store.

Implementation Tip: Businesses can experiment with AR-powered virtual storefronts, offering customers an immersive and engaging shopping experience that feels personal and interactive.

8. Reducing Return Rates

One of the biggest challenges in eCommerce is high return rates, often due to customers not being fully satisfied with their purchases. AR helps reduce this by offering a more accurate representation of products through virtual try-ons and 3D visualization, ensuring customers know exactly what they’re buying.

Example: Warby Parker’s AR try-on feature lets customers see how different frames will look on their faces, minimizing dissatisfaction and reducing returns.

Implementation Tip: Implement AR features that help customers make informed purchasing decisions, lowering return rates and improving overall customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The implementation of AR in eCommerce marketing strategies opens new avenues for customer engagement, personalization, and sales growth. With AR technology, businesses can offer immersive shopping experiences, reduce return rates, and enhance customer loyalty. As this technology continues to evolve, brands that embrace AR early on will have a competitive edge in the rapidly changing digital marketplace.

If you're looking to take your eCommerce marketing strategy to the next level with innovative AR solutions, contact a Digital Marketing Agency in Tamil Nadu to help you integrate AR into your business and elevate your brand’s online presence.

[coolangattas-blog]

Upgrading Your Home? Here’s Why Expert Pipe and Fixture Installation is Crucial

So, you're considering upgrading your home? It could be that outdated bathroom with the avocado green tiles, or your kitchen is crying out for a modern touch. Whatever your renovation dreams are, one thing's for sure—when it comes to plumbing, you don't want to take any chances. Let's dive into why expert pipe and fixture installation should be on your priority list by an expert plumber in Coolangatta. 

Why You Shouldn’t Cut Corners on Plumbing

Do you know how some things just need to be done right the first time, like assembling IKEA furniture or applying sunscreen on a hot day? Plumbing is one of those things.It might be tempting to go with a quick fix or a cheaper option when upgrading your home. But trust me, when you hear about your friend’s basement flooding because they went with an inexperienced plumber, you’ll realise it’s not worth it. An adequately installed pipe or fixture isn’t just about convenience but protecting your home from potential disasters.

The Importance of Precision

Imagine this: You’ve just installed that dreamy, spa-like shower you’ve always wanted. But, oh no! A few weeks in, you notice water leaking from the ceiling below. Now, you’re dealing with a leaky shower and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs to fix the water damage. Yikes.

This is why precision matters. An expert plumber in Coolangatta will ensure that every pipe, every fixture, and every little connection is ideally in place. Precision in installation can prevent future headaches, saving you money and stress in the long run.

Fixtures: The Final Touch, Done Right

Upgrading your fixtures is like choosing the right accessories for an outfit. They might seem like a small detail, but they can completely transform a space. Whether adding a sleek, modern faucet to your kitchen or installing a luxurious rain showerhead in your bathroom, the right fixtures can elevate your home’s aesthetic.

But here’s the thing—if these fixtures aren’t installed correctly, they can quickly go from fabulous to frustrating. Leaky taps, low water pressure, or poorly fitted fixtures can make your renovation feel like a downgrade. By working with an experienced plumber in Coolangatta, you’ll ensure that your new fixtures look great and work perfectly, too.

The Long-Term Benefits of Professional Installation

We all love a good bargain, but you get what you pay for when it comes to plumbing. Investing in professional pipe and fixture installation might cost more upfront, but the long-term benefits are worth it.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Did you know that expertly installed fixtures can save money on your water bill? Yep, that’s right! An experienced plumber in Coolangatta will learn how to install fixtures to maximise water efficiency, helping you conserve water and lower your bills. Plus, adequately sealed pipes and connections reduce the risk of leaks and water wastage.

Peace of Mind

Finally, there’s that priceless peace of mind. Knowing that your home’s plumbing is in tip-top shape allows you to focus on the exciting parts of your renovation—like choosing the perfect paint colour or shopping for new furniture—without the nagging worry that something might go wrong.

Conclusion

Upgrading your home is an exciting journey, and getting the plumbing right is crucial in ensuring everything runs smoothly. So, if you’re planning a renovation, don’t forget to prioritise expert pipe and fixture installation. Your future self will thank you when your home looks and functions beautifully for years to come.

And remember, if you’re in the area and need a reliable, skilled plumber in Coolangatta, do your research and choose someone who will get the job done right the first time. Your home deserves nothing less!

[icarus-suraki]

I just learned about dorm room interior designers and I wanna go fight the fucking ocean.

Eden Bowen Montgomery, an interior designer whose focus is dorm rooms, designed custom-made fabrics and furniture for students at the University of Mississippi. Andrea Morales for The New York Times

“We’re moving away from Ikea, and getting the opposite of fast furniture,” said Ginger Curtis, the founder of Urbanology Designs, a high-end Dallas-based interior design space that works with students preparing to go to college. She said she can help students on a budget for $7,000 to $8,000, though the costs can grow much higher. Depending on the amount students (or really, their parents) are willing to spend, Ms. Curtis will recommend custom fabrics for the curtains, monogrammed pillows, linens, a couch and coffee table, headboard and dust ruffles; handmade murals or removable wallpaper; luxury light fixtures to replace fluorescent lights; and real wood hutches, shelves and cabinets custom-made to fit the room. When she began her freshman year at the University of Mississippi, where the tuition is $9,400 for in-state students, Lesley Lachman was taken aback by the dorm rooms, which she described as “completely not doable to live-in.”

So this year, Ms. Lachman, 18, joined forces with Essentials with Eden, an interior design company focused on dorm rooms. Ms. Lachman and her roommate spent about $3,000 for the design company to create a modern-looking, New York City-style dorm room with a touch of Southern charm. This included lamps, a custom cabinet, lettering above the bed and curtains in shades of pink, blue and green with gold accents. “I leave my door open with so much pride and confidence,” Ms. Lachman said. Eden Bowen Montgomery, the founder and owner of Essentials with Eden, got the idea for her dorm-focused design company after her freshman year at Ole Miss. By the time she graduated in 2021 with a degree in integrated marketing communications, Ms. Montgomery had already started her business.

This year, she had more than 200 dorm clients, requiring 25 seasonal employees. She charges about $10,000 per room ($5,000 per student) for the full service, which requires Ms. Montgomery and her team to arrive on move-in day and put together the rooms from scratch. Ms. Montgomery charges $100 for the initial consultation where the young women — because it’s almost always young women — go through fabric options and chat about their goals for their dorm room. Most of the students are looking for the custom bedding and drapery, a fancy cabinet to hide the mini-fridge and microwave, wallpaper and a matching headboard.

This elevated dorm room trend started taking off post-Covid, when students realized how important it was for them to be happy and comfortable in their space. TikTok and Instagram enhanced the trend, with students displaying before-and-after pictures of their dorm transformations. Ms. Lachman proudly explains that her dorm TikTok went viral, while Sadie Perkins, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Alabama, said her designer dorm room, complete with matching desk hutches, pillows, lamps and décor got about 200 “likes” on TikTok. Dawn Thomas, a Mississippi interior designer who is one of the leaders of the high-end dorm room trend, started about 20 years ago when her daughters went to college. Every year, she and her three helpers arrive at the dorms on move-in day to install room after room, each one taking three hours to complete. Ole Miss, which is Ms. Thomas’s alma mater and also one of the most-desired interior dorm room schools, presents some challenges, however. “It’s a two-hour wait to get your stuff into the elevator, so I had my move-in team carry everything up nine flights of stairs,” Ms. Thomas said.

Here's what that $10,00 gets you:

The overconsumption is just dripping out of this picture. It's just so much money spent on garbage.

I'm literally nauseous right now. I hate this so much. It's wasteful and it's unnecessary. Why are you in college if this is what you're so concerned about?

Go to fucking class.

[binarychai1]

What Makes Augmented Reality (AR) Mobile Apps the Next Big Thing in Technology?

In a world where technology continually reshapes our experiences, Augmented Reality (AR) mobile apps are emerging as a transformative force. But what exactly makes AR apps so revolutionary, and why should they matter to you? As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore how AR is revolutionizing the way we interact with our devices and how it’s poised to become an integral part of our daily lives.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) blends digital elements with the real world, enhancing our perception through digital overlays. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates a completely virtual environment, AR enhances our existing environment with interactive digital content. AR mobile apps leverage your smartphone’s camera and sensors to integrate virtual objects into your physical surroundings, providing an immersive experience that feels both innovative and intuitive.

Why Are AR Mobile Apps Gaining Popularity?

The popularity of AR mobile apps can be attributed to several key factors:

Enhanced User Experience: AR apps provide a unique and engaging user experience by merging digital and physical worlds. This creates opportunities for interactive and immersive applications, from gaming and entertainment to education and retail.

Increased Accessibility: With the proliferation of smartphones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors, AR technology is becoming more accessible. This democratization of AR allows developers to create innovative apps that reach a broader audience.

Improved Engagement: AR apps offer a novel way to engage users. Whether it's trying on virtual clothes, playing location-based games, or visualizing furniture in your home before making a purchase, AR creates memorable and interactive experiences that captivate users.

What Are the Most Exciting Applications of AR Mobile Apps?

The potential applications of AR mobile apps are vast and varied. Here are a few standout examples:

Retail and Shopping: AR revolutionizes the shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their real environment before buying. Apps like IKEA Place enable users to see how furniture will look in their home, while beauty brands use AR to let customers try on makeup virtually.

Gaming and Entertainment: AR games like Pokémon GO have demonstrated how AR can blend the digital and physical worlds to create engaging and interactive experiences. These games encourage players to explore their surroundings while interacting with virtual elements.

Education and Training: AR apps offer interactive learning experiences by overlaying educational content onto real-world objects. This can be particularly beneficial in fields like medicine, where AR can provide hands-on training for complex procedures.

Navigation and Travel: AR enhances navigation by overlaying directions and points of interest onto real-world views. This makes exploring new places more intuitive and enjoyable, turning your phone into a powerful travel companion.

How Do AR Mobile Apps Impact Businesses?

For businesses, AR mobile apps present exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. They offer new ways to engage customers, showcase products, and enhance brand experiences. Companies that embrace AR can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract tech-savvy consumers, and drive higher engagement and sales.

What Are the Challenges and Future Prospects of AR Mobile Apps?

Despite their promise, AR mobile apps face several challenges. These include technological limitations, such as battery life and processing power, as well as privacy and security concerns related to data collection. However, advancements in technology and increased investment in AR development are likely to address these issues over time.

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Marketing Magic: How Augmented Reality is Revolutionizing Advertising Campaigns

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing & advertising, staying ahead of the curve is essential for brands looking to make a lasting impact. One of the most groundbreaking advancements in recent years is the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into advertising campaigns. AR has transformed the way brands interact with consumers, creating immersive and engaging experiences that go beyond traditional advertising methods. In this guest blog, we’ll explore how AR is revolutionizing marketing & advertising campaigns and how companies like Apppl Combine are leading the charge in this exciting new era.

The Rise of Augmented Reality in Marketing & Advertising

Augmented Reality has swiftly moved from the realm of science fiction to a practical tool for marketers. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates entirely new worlds, AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing what we see, hear, and even feel. This technology has opened up endless possibilities for brands to connect with their audiences in more interactive and personalized ways.

Brands across various industries are leveraging AR to create memorable experiences that resonate with consumers. Whether it’s through interactive product demonstrations, virtual try-ons, or gamified marketing campaigns, AR is enabling brands to engage with their audience on a deeper level. For example, beauty brands are using AR to allow customers to virtually try on makeup before making a purchase, while furniture companies offer AR apps that let users see how a piece of furniture would look in their home.

The Impact of AR on Consumer Engagement

One of the key advantages of AR in marketing & advertising is its ability to drive consumer engagement. Traditional advertising methods, such as print and TV ads, are often passive and one-sided. In contrast, AR creates a two-way interaction where consumers can actively participate in the experience. This increased engagement leads to higher retention rates and a stronger emotional connection to the brand.

AR also allows for more personalized marketing. By using data analytics, brands can tailor AR experiences to individual preferences, ensuring that each interaction feels unique and relevant. This level of personalization not only enhances the consumer experience but also drives conversion rates and brand loyalty.

Success Stories: AR Campaigns that Made an Impact

Numerous brands have already reaped the benefits of integrating AR into their marketing & advertising strategies. One notable example is IKEA’s AR app, which allows customers to visualize how different furniture pieces will look in their homes. This innovative approach not only simplifies the buying process but also enhances customer satisfaction by reducing the uncertainty associated with online shopping.

Another success story comes from Pepsi’s “Unbelievable Bus Shelter” campaign. The company transformed a London bus shelter into an AR experience that showed unexpected and surreal scenarios, such as a tiger walking down the street or a UFO landing nearby. This campaign generated massive buzz and social media engagement, demonstrating the power of AR to capture attention and create shareable content.

Apppl Combine, a leader in the marketing & advertising industry, has also embraced AR to help clients achieve remarkable results. By combining creativity with cutting-edge technology, Apppl Combine has developed AR campaigns that captivate audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.

The Future of AR in Marketing & Advertising

As AR technology continues to evolve, its applications in marketing & advertising will only expand. We can expect to see more brands adopting AR to create immersive experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds. The future of marketing lies in creating meaningful connections with consumers, and AR is proving to be a powerful tool in achieving this goal.

Conclusion

Augmented Reality is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer in the world of marketing & advertising. By offering unique and interactive experiences, AR has the potential to revolutionize how brands connect with their audiences. Companies like Apppl Combine are at the forefront of this transformation, helping brands harness the magic of AR to create campaigns that leave a lasting impression.

Ready to elevate your advertising campaigns with Augmented Reality? Contact us at Apppl Combine and let’s create marketing magic together!