#Repurpose Lamp Shades

[ncspaint]

[eppujensen]

I don't think I'd have the patience to make this as neatly, but OMG it's pretty. How to Upcycle a Silk T-Shirt into an Ombre Lampshade at The Makely Blog. (Perhaps not the same color, either, but that's peanuts. Obvs.)

[gothhabiba]

[ID: Cross-stitch in various shades of red, pink, and green with bird, flower, cypress tree, and flower pot motifs. It is photographed alongside red glass lamps and perfume bottles, and a red ceramic pomegranate. End ID]

Tatreez raffle to benefit Palestine

This is an original design assembled from tatreez motifs typical of Ramallah, Palestine. It is stitched in cotton embroidery thread on cream linen, and is suitable as wall art, or to be repurposed as a cover for a cushion, tote bag, &c.

You can get your hands on this piece in one of two ways:

Enter the raffle by sending me proof of a donation of at least $5 USD to any evacuation fundraiser (check https://gazafunds.com/). Each multiple of $5 = 1 ticket! A winner will be randomly picked on Sunday, June 23rd.

Send me proof of a donation of at least $75 USD and I will stitch another one just for you.

This is a physical product and you will need to be willing to give me a shipping address.

Design is 10.5" x 4" (27 x 10cm)

Cotton on linen

Stitched 2 over 2 on 28 count linen evenweave (14 stitches per inch)

Colors are: DMC 321, 524, 523, 522, 3805, 3806

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Hidden Treasure 1

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, obsession, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: your quiet life is interrupted by a tempestuous man. (reader is Blair from Follow You Anywhere)

Characters: Thor

Note: I just did it, okay?

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Asking for more or putting ‘part 2?’ is not feedback.

Love you all. You are appreciated and your are worthy. Treat yourself with care. 💖

You lay out the hand-sewn coin purses along the left side of the table, completing the array of your hand-made and repurposed goods. It’s a good day to sell, sunny but not too hot, the early days of spring when people are eager to get out. At least it should be. Despite your selection, you’re not the most personable vendor along the square. 

The last detail is the hand-painted wood sign. You did it yourself; an antique frame you added a gold hue to and filled with a thin sheet of board. It isn’t much but it tells people what they’re looking at; handmade and renewed goods. 

You fold your hands and hover behind your table. You’re a one-person operation. It’s your own table, your own money, your own everything. It brings in enough for you to live. Just you and your cluttered apartment. 

The coin purses and the sleepers you sew by hand are the more popular sellers. Anything for children goes first, you notice. Everyone seems to be having them. The older crowd radiate towards the old candlesticks you polished to a shine or the glass-shaded lamps you tediously re-wired. Most try to haggle but your prices are fair enough. 

You peer around at the produce stands, the soap and candle makers, and the crocheted stuffies of your fellow sellers. You do a bit of window shopping but never follow through on your wandering eyes. You don’t need to waste the money on the pretty new things, you have lots of lovely old things. 

The traffic picks up and you busy yourself with the browsers. A woman with a stroller buys several of the infant dresses and headband, a group of older ladies peruse the aged hardcovers and pick out a few, while a couple comments on the brass-based lamp with the dangling chain. You do your best to smile through the transactions. 

The rises higher in the sky towards its apex. The steady flow keeps you busy, with some time in-between to work on fixing the binding of one of the old editions. You like to keep yourself distracted, thinking can be dangerous. With how much time you spend alone, it’s hard to avoid. 

As you lock up the cash box and tuck it back under the table, a shadow passes over, large than any other. For a moment, you think a cloud’s passing over the sun. You look up at the sky as a broad figure stands across from you.  

You don’t know how you didn’t see the man’s approach. He’s huge. Tall and wide. He doesn’t seem the type to be interested in your selection. Still, he leans in to eye the embroidered coin purses and gives a rumbling hum that sounds like distant thunder. 

He picks up one with primroses sewn into it. His thick thumb brushes the threaded design and his large hand makes the coin purse look even smaller. You tap your fingers on the table as his eyes flick up and meet yours. 

“Hi, uh, how can I help you?” You whittle out of your tight throat. It’s not often a lone man finds interest in your things. You cater to a more femme audience. 

“This is nice,” he remarks, “do you make these?” 

“Uh, yes, I do,” you give a tight-lipped smile, “I just embroider old used purses.” 

“Just? That’s splendid work,” he brings it closer to his face and looks down his nose at the little flowers and leaves, “my mother would love this... mother’s day is coming, eh?” 

“Oh, um, yes, I suppose,” you agree. “It’s five dollars. Cash only.” 

“Mm,” he traces his thumb over the metal clasp as he taps his back pocket with his other hand, “don’t think I’ve any on me. Could you hold this for me?” He offers the coin purse, “I’ll find the ATM.” 

“Sure, I could do that.” 

You take the coin purse, fingers brushing his rough skin, and you set it aside. 

“Thank you,” he smiles broadly, blue eyes twinkling as lines creases around them and across his forehead. 

He reluctantly trails away and you watch him go. His golden hair is longer than most, twisted into a low bun behind his hand as a few strands dangle freely around his face. He wears a denim jacket over dark red tee and grey jeans, along with a pair of scuffed brown boots. He stands out even in his casual attire. 

You shrug off the encounter and turn to your next customers. More baby clothes. The women chat about a baby show and you point them to the newborn sizes, telling them about the fabrics you use for each. They buy a few bibs along with the sleepers and diaper covers. 

You back up and sit in the folding chair, drinking deeply from your bottle of water. You don’t know if it’s the interactions or the sun making you dizzy. It’s close to noon. You always start to feel it around this time.  

The hours surrounded by strange faces and buzzing voices are clustering in your head and chest. Only a little longer; the market only runs until two. If the world didn’t require money to survive, you might never leave your apartment. Yet your table is the only means you have to keep walls around you. 

You sit a bit longer and get up again. You’re okay. You should’ve eaten before you left the apartment. How silly of you to forget the overnight oats you had put in the fridge just the night before. You do forget quite a few things. 

The market thrums with the late morning rush and you brace yourself for the final stretch. If you can clear off half the table, you might not have to come back next weekend. You’d be all too content to stay in your own little world, the one beyond is too loud and too bright. 

🕰️

You fold your table up and push the hook around the peg to keep it shut. You fold up the chair as well and lean both with your boxes. As the market clears out, you pull up your small two-door and load your wares into the back hatch. 

You peer over at the other vendors and their vans and trucks. Crews of half a dozen or more pack away goods and chatter just as loud as the previous crowds. It’s an isolating moment. You don’t mind going unnoticed but sometimes you feel so small. 

As you put a box in the back of the car, your keys slip off your finger. You bend and feel around the tire to retrieve them and sense a shadow above you. You clasp your hand around the keyring and stand-up suddenly, turning to face the figure behind you. There’s no one there. 

You peer around but find nothing out of the ordinary. You return to your task and pause. You don’t remember putting that box away yet... 

You shake your head. You’re just tired and forgetful. Your cardinal vices. Your mind wanders too much to rest, too much to keep order. 

You put the last box away and close the hatch. You get in the driver’s seat and turn the engine. It putters softly but it runs well enough. The old car has gotten you through the years just fine. There was a time that tiny thing was your home. 

You pull away down the lane parallel to the edge of the market square and pull out into traffic. You drive without seeing, led by habit as you stop at signs along the way, turning around corners mindlessly. You stop and wait to pull into your building’s lot and notice the large storm grey jeep behind you. It strikes you as peculiar; you enter from a back street to avoid the rush. 

You steer into the lot and the jeep continues down the street past the building. You forget it as quickly as it rolls beyond the faded brick. You find your spot, parking pass dangling from the mirror, and shut off the engine. You linger and take a breath. You're hungry and tired. 

You leave your things in the car and go upstairs. You slow as you pass your neighbour’s door. You saw her yesterday, she was in trouble about something. The police came as she hid from her boyfriend in your apartment. You didn’t even know she had one. You tried not to be nosy but she seemed real upset. 

Your cheeks tinge as you stare at the numbers on her door. She’s the only person who’s ever been inside your apartment. You don’t welcome people in, not into your home or your life. You hadn’t meant to let her in but you were so tired and confused, you couldn’t stop her. 

You cringe and continue down to your door with one last glance over your shoulder. You put the key in the slot and turn with a grind. You scurry inside and quickly lock the door, afraid she might once more emerge and follow you inside. Or that man, the big one with the beard. 

You twist the latch back into place and put your keys in the tray on the cramped shelf. The apartment is dark, the windows shrouded in black fabric, and you flip on the overhead light to guide you down the hallway. The walls are made tighter as their lined with endless shelves and tables, all filled with your collection of curiosities. 

You go to the fridge and take out the mason jar of steeped oats. You sit and eat the soft, pasty oats and the berries. You didn’t add enough cinnamon. It doesn’t matter, your stomach greedily mulches it. You put the kettle on and wait for it to steam. 

As you pace around, you hear a loud rumble. An engine. You don’t think much of it but you go to the window to peek out around the dark fabric. A woman walks a large dog past a grey jeep parked along the curb. Is it the same one you saw before? 

The question doesn’t pique your mind much. That’s the way of the world, you find. It’s a lot smaller than it seems, yet to you, it’s inexorably vast. It’s too fast, too unpredictable. You retreat as the kettle whistles. 

Your apartment is small and warm and safe. The world can’t follow you back here. Not if you don’t let it in and you won’t be doing that again. 

-🕰️

You decide, against your better instincts, to go to market. The weather is nice and it wouldn’t be so bad add a few extra bucks to your nest egg. You never know what might come up, or what you might find! Too many times you stumbled upon an antique you just couldn’t afford. 

You go through your usual ritual. You set up the table and the chair, and arrange your things in the same way around the wooden sign. As you put your boxes to the side, you hear a rattle at the bottom of one. You look into the crate and notice the silver ring. How’d that get in there? You didn’t bring any jewelry. 

You put down the box and reach inside. You take out the ring and turn it. You’ve never seen it before. There’s a strange stick symbol on the flat face. Maybe another language or a run of some type. You turn it in your hand and tuck it in your pocket. You’ll have to give a closer look at home. 

It’s early and a few stragglers trickle in, but they all walk by your table without pause. 

You sit and take out the jar of oats. You remembered today. You’d woken up with a hunger so deep, you almost ate before you left. You know better than to eat too early. Instead, you had your tea and got yourself moving. 

You stir the blueberries in and eat slowly, trying to measure your bites so you don’t feel sick after. You watch the other vendors, some still setting up, and lazily swallow down the thick oatmeal. It feels like it might rain after all, there’s a touch of damp in the air. 

You finish up and put the jar away. As you wipe your mouth with your sleeve, a woman’s voice trills and pricks your ears. Silver hair with a few wisps of gold peak out from her silk headscarf. The teal fabric matches the pattern of her blouse, tucking into a finely pressed skirt. She’s not alone, she has her arm hooked through another. 

Her companion is younger than her. His golden hair is pulled half up at the crown of his head as he towers over her lithe frame. You squint, they might be related. As they approach, you get a whiff of deja vu. 

“Yes, it was this one, mother,” the man’s voice is deep. 

“How lovely, look at all these treasures,” she slips her arm free as she approaches, “hello, dear, is this all yours?” 

“Mhmm, yes,” you stand up, “are you looking for something in particular?” 

“I think we’re just browsing,” she smiles brightly, her lips painted a gentle shade of rose. 

“A coin purse,” the man says, “with prim rose? Do you recall?” 

You look at him. Faces aren’t easy for you but his voice strikes something in your mind, and his size. You haven’t seen a lot of men that big, only the one in your neighbour’s apartment. You think you remember holding something but the customer never came back. 

“This one,” you point to the coin purse, set back in the row. 

“Yes, that was me,” he chimes, “mother,” he pulls the primrose purse to the top. She takes it and he looks back to you, “I apologise that I didn’t return, there was an emergency and I had to be off.” 

“It’s okay,” you shrug, folding your hands together. 

The woman is looking at you. There’s something in her gaze that makes you squirm. Her eyes linger just a bit longer before she aims them at the purse, admiring the embroidery as she feels it beneath her thumb. 

“Yes, I do like this one,” she says. 

“I brought cash this time,” the man booms and reaches into his pocket, “five, I believe you said.” 

“Yes,” you accept the bill from him, his skin rough as his fingertips touch yours, “thanks. Erm, did you need a bag?” 

“For this? No,” she wiggles the purse playfully and reaches for the man, her son, with other hand. She caresses his knuckles as she faces him, “you were right. Very beautiful.” 

He smiles broadly, proudly almost. It’s just a purse. You hide your discomfort as you grip your arm at your elbow. 

“Thank you,” the woman chirps back at you, sending another grin in your direction, “you might see us again.” 

She hooks her arm once more through her son’s and leads him to the next booth. You peer after them as her attention clings to the purse as she continues to feel it between her fingers. She leans into his arm as she speaks to him quietly. They seem close, it’s sweet. Your own mother had never been so affectionate. 

You look away before the scene can pluck in your chest. It doesn’t matter. You’re grown up now. That’s all behind you. 

[crappy-writings]

Keeper of Shadows

Wanda MaximoffxReader // Series

Series Summary: An odd series of fatal attacks in Upstate New York piques your interest, especially when they seem to be related to the strange powers you received when you were 10 years old. By some stroke of luck or misfortune, the Avengers too are investigating the case, and you are their number one suspect. In a temporary alliance, you work together to discover why people are dying, unraveling a line of love, secrets, and betrayal.

*Image is not mine, credit to the creator

Chapter 1: The Agent, The Witch, and The Sword

(Chapter) Summary: With a strange rise of murders in the outskirts of New York, Natasha and Wanda are sent to investigate. While scouting the scene, they meet a rather curious figure, one they have not determined if they are friend or foe.

Trigger Warnings: descriptive murder details, crime scene details, guns, blood, injuries, cannon typical violence, I think that's it

Word Count: 3,714

A/N: This has been on the backburner for about 2 years, I think, and only now got around to writing it. Like, there’s a whole 10 page doc about this idea. I don't know if its any good but hopefully it makes sense.

Also, there’s a line here that feels topical and I wanna say Free Palestine.

Chapter 2 →

KoS Masterlist | Main Masterlist | Reblogged Fics

Wanda’s room at the Avengers Compound still felt rather… uncomfortable. She had spent months trying to find authentic Sokovian trinkets, crafts and cultural items to remind her of home, but they were hard to come by out here in the states. She filled it with other things, generic room decor like blue candles, and blue shaded lamps, a small hourglass with red sand, and a globe that she had added red push pins to, marking the places she had been to. A guitar with a stand and sheet music laid beside her bed.

She has a pin board that hangs over her desk, salvaged photographs of her family reminding her of a life short lived. One was a family photo, her mother carrying a four-year-old Pietro while her father carried a four-year-old Wanda, bright goofy smiles over the children’s face. Another, an image of her mother holding a baby Wanda and baby Pietro,  as well as a photograph of a young Pietro, a mess of toys and household objects scattered about.

She hoped that keeping mementos of home would bring her comfort. Instead, it brought waves of bittersweetness and nostalgia. Although there was comfort in home, she was also reminded that she would never return there. There was nowhere to return to. Where once stood a war-torn yet proud country remained a pile of ash, and rubble, and death.

She sighs deeply, dropping her clothes in her hamper, having had swapped it out for a somewhat loose fitting, black, repurposed S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform. She finished adjusting the standard issue gauntlets and belt, before sitting down on her bed to put on her boots. A soft knocking came from the door.

“Come in,” Wanda’s accented voice calls out as she laces up her boots. “You ready?” Natasha asks as she poked her head through the door. 

“Yeah,” she replies as she stands from her bed.

“Alright then, let’s go, Hill’s contact is waiting for us,” the red-headed assassin says as Wanda approaches her. Natasha also wore a similarly fitting S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform, except she wore her own customized gauntlets and belt, along with her usual weapons. 

“Why exactly did we get called in by the FBI?” the brunette asked as both women walked through the corridors of the Compound. 

“Well, one of Hill’s old contacts called in a favor. They’re working a case that seems to be… more aligned with our type of work,” Natasha says cryptically. “You mean aliens, godly beings, Hydra experiments and genocidal robots?” Wanda asks at an attempt at humor.

“Yep, just about sums it up,” Natasha gives her a small smirk as they walk towards the garage. 

“Is there anything we know about the case?” Wanda asks as both Avengers approach Natasha’s Black-colored Corvette.

“There’s been a series of murders at one of the national forests. Fourth body was found about three hours ago. Here’s the file,” Natasha opened the driver’s side door, and handed Wanda a yellow file folder as she sat in the passenger’s seat.

“Since when do we investigate murders?” Wanda asks curiously as she takes the file from Natasha’s hand.

“You’ll understand once you read the file,” she sighs as she begins to drive out of the Compound. 

The file details a series of gruesome attacks, most of them having taken place just a few miles away from the Finger Lakes National Forest, the investigation being led by Special Agent Gregory Miller. All of them had happened in the span of the last four months, each body was found approximately 25 miles away from each other. The file included the postmortem reports of three victims, detailing blackened scratches and long cuts throughout the victim’s entire body, as well as odd, swirl-patterned burn marks along the upper body. Bruises circled the victims’ necks and one of the victims had a sprained ankle, believed to have occurred as they attempted to run from their attacker. The file included forensic photographs of the victims, much to Wanda’s discomfort.

Interviews with the victims’ kin all described them to be acting angry and erratic, before leaving without notification. No victim was known to take any illegal substances, nor were they diagnosed with any ailments that could potentially cause their sudden change in behavior. 

Forensics reports that the attacks seem to be almost animalistic. The blackened nature of the wounds was not due to decay and were not consistent with regular burns. They did not exactly understand what it was. The official determined cause of death for all the victims was strangulation.

Lastly, the report included newspaper clippings describing the attacks to the general public:

Bear attacks or murder? Odd series of fatal attacks in Upstate New York confound authorities

Concerns among citizens of the Upstate area rise as another body is found near the Finger Lakes National Forest. 

The body of Elijah Brown, a 46-year-old accountant from the Upstate area, was found 10 miles away from the outskirts of the National Forest. This is the third victim to be found in the area.

Local law enforcement informed investigators that the injuries and cause of death for the three victims are consistent with bear attacks. Citizens voiced their concerns over the wild creatures making their way to residences and potentially hurting them, their loved ones or neighbors.

Despite this, private sources indicate that authorities are considering it may be due to a new potential serial killer, despite the allegations of the deaths being caused by bear attacks. All three bodies have been found within approximately 25 miles away of each other, all within a four-month time period. 

When confronted with the allegation that it may instead be a serial killer, officer Davis stated, “We are currently waiting on the coroner's report of the victim to determine whether this was a tragic accident or a potential murder. Our investigation team is waiting on these results before determining what is going on.”

Investigators learned from the victim’s son that Mr. Brown was not known for hiking or hunting, putting into question why he had been out in the forest in the first place.

As the community waits for answers, Park officials and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife department advises hikers to remain on clearly marked paths when out and to wear bright or reflective clothing, and hunters are urged to take every necessary safety precaution, including staying in designated hunting areas, avoid refuge areas, and to make sure your certifications are up to date.

“This is…” Wanda interrupts the comfortable silence they had been riding in the last 30 minutes.

“Yeah,” Natasha says, her lips pressed tightly.

“I can see why he called in the favor,” Wanda comments as she closes the file, “do they have any leads?”

“Don’t think so, they would’ve included it in the file,” Natasha answers with a slight shake of her head. Wanda watched as they zipped through a winding road, a lush, autumn-colored forest stretching both in front and behind them. Up ahead, she notices a large “Finger Lakes National Forest” sign, along with other road signs nearby.

“Do you have any idea what it could be?” Wanda presses tentatively.

“Honestly? No. I’ve never seen anything like this,” the Widow replies.

Wanda hummed in acknowledgement. Both women carried on a pleasant conversation, talking about Wanda’s training progress before settling into a comfortable silence as they approached their destination. 

Natasha begins to drive off the main road, following a marked-out path into the forest. The car hit a few bumps as they drove through the beaten path. “I should've taken one of Tony’s cars,” Natasha muttered, earning a silent laugh from Wanda.

After about five more minutes, both Avengers saw the FBI trucks, agents spread throughout the forest in front of them. Natasha pulled up behind one of the trucks, leaving a generous amount of space between them.

“Here, put this on,” Natasha tosses Wanda a navy-blue jacket with yellow letters spelling “FBI” in the back as they get out of the car. “Hill’s contact wants us to blend in as best we can when we get here. Doesn’t want the public finding out that they had to call in the Avengers.” “And the S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform?” Wanda questions as she puts on the jacket. 

“Won’t stand out as much among the other uniforms, and Tony isn’t really funding clothes for missions. We make due with what we’ve got,” explained Natasha as they leave the car and head towards the crime scene.

Bright yellow police tape was wrapped around the trees surrounding the victim. Evidence markers were scarce, whatever evidence of who or what did this was near non-existent. People in white hazard suits investigated the body, taking samples and photographic evidence of the area and victim. Outside the police tape, some agents checked the perimeter, others were working away on laptops. Other forensic investigators seemed to be preparing to transport the body.

Natasha spotted Hill’s contact, a tall, brown-haired man with pale skin and a lean build. His hair was combed back, he wore black framed glasses, and he wore a large jacket, similar to the ones Natasha and Wanda had on. “Perfect timing. Special Agent Gregory Miller, thank you for offering your help,” the man introduced himself with a pressed smile, extending a warm hand to both women, “forensics is finishing up their investigation and sending the data to base as we speak.”

The man subtly cocks his head to the side and lets out a short chuckle. “What’s so funny?” Natasha asks, cocking an eyebrow at Gregory.

“No, no, it’s just,” he gestured to the Avengers’ uniforms, “if S.H.I.E.L.D. was still around, this case would’ve been taken off our hands a while ago.”

“Based on the information you sent us, definitely,” Natasha agrees.

“Yeah, well, anyways, this is James Gutierrez, age 34. A group of hunters went off the designated hunting area and found him. Wounds are consistent with what we’ve seen on the other three victims. Burns, bruises, scratches, all of it. We’ll still need to wait for the coroner’s report to establish the cause of death, but it will most likely be strangulation, just like the rest.”

Wanda was supposed to be listening to what Gregory was saying, but she was not. He repeated everything that had been in the file and although he was discussing the details of the fourth victim, they had still not gleaned any new information. 

Wanda looked around the scene as Gregory continued to talk. She saw the forensics team discuss something between them, and a few were putting away some equipment. A different forensics team was preparing to bag and transport the body. Other agents stood outside the bright yellow tape, discussing things Wanda could not hear from this distance, while others seemed to continue to verify the perimeter.

There was one agent that caught her eye, though. She could not see any distinguishing features from this distance, but she noticed they wore a black hat and jacket, printed with big white letters spelling “FBI.” She tilted her head to the side curiously as she observed the figure that simply stood there, alone. 

The figure seemed to be observing the crime scene, before pulling out a notebook from inside their jacket and writing something down. 

“Who’s that agent, the one in the hat?” Wanda asks out loud, interrupting Gregory from his monologue. “I’m sorry, what?” he asks, his eyes landing on Wanda.

“The agent up there. Their uniform is black and white, not blue and yellow,” Wanda explains.

Natasha follows Wanda’s gaze and clocks the figure immediately.

The figure approached the yellow tape but did not pass it. They subtly craned their neck, observing the victim, before writing something down again. 

“That’s the incorrect uniform,” Gregory says, furrowing his brow.

The figure looks up and accidentally makes eye contact with Wanda. A sudden rush of cold runs up Wanda’s spine, making her shiver involuntarily. They stare for a few moments, their head subtly cocking to the side in curiosity. 

Until something pulls the figure’s attention away as they suddenly look off to their right. Wanda follows their gaze but sees nothing. 

No, not nothing. The trees to the figure’s right were oddly distorted, moving from side to side in small, short waves. Best Wanda could describe it would be that it resembled heat waves radiating off hot pavements and cars. Wanda furrowed her brow in both confusion and curiosity.

But in the blink of an eye, the distortion disappears, the trees standing still behind the crime scene.

“That’s not one of my agents,” Gregory states. 

Wanda watches as the figure quickly puts away their notebook and begins to back away, their eyes never straying from whatever they saw to their right. They turn around and begin to hike up the small hill in front of them. Wanda saw out of the corner of her eye as Gregory reached for his communicator.

“Wanda, go from the right, I’ll take the left,” Natasha commands easily as she begins trailing the suspect.

Wanda nodded as she began running, circling around the right side of the yellow tape. The figure was already up the hill by the time they began their pursuit. Wanda found it odd, though, as the figure did not seem to be running away from them. Their faces gave away no signal of being caught, instead, they had looked at her in curiosity. Their focus was entirely placed on something beside them, beside the crime scene. They did not seem to be running towards something either.

No, they seemed to be leading something away.

Natasha and Wanda ran as quickly as they could, doing their best to avoid tripping over tree roots and rocks, the loud crunch of dead leaves sounding off with every quick step. The figure was fast, maintaining a good distance away from Natasha and her. That was before the stranger came to a sliding stop, staring at something in front of them. They stood quickly and backed up a few steps, their head raised as they stared at something slightly above them. 

Wanda herself began to slow down as she watched the figure do a subtle hand motion, followed by a bright light. A white light flashed in the figure’s hand, a sword magically appearing in their grip. The same cold shiver settled at the base of Wanda’s spine. 

The figure swiftly raises the sword as if to block themselves from something. She watched as the sword was met with brute strength, making it swing to the side forcefully. The figure backed up once more, before throwing an uncoordinated strike at something Wanda could not see.

Wanda tried focusing on whatever the figure was fighting, and suddenly the odd distortion, similar to the one at the crime scene, reemerged. The distortion was large, seeming to be at least three feet taller than the stranger they were pursuing. It moved swiftly, as it seemed to take a swipe at the stranger that stood in front of it, but the figure jumped out of the way just in time.

A low, bellowing sound resonated through the trees, but it sounded faint and far away. Wanda turned her head towards Natasha, “did you hear that?” 

“Hear what?” Natasha looked at Wanda with furrowed brows.

“There was this sound, and there’s something, over there,” Wanda stammers through her words as she turns back to watch the figure. They swing their sword again, and this time, it looks like it made contact with the odd distortion.

“I don’t see anything,” Natasha replied, giving Wanda a confused look.

Wanda continued staring as the distortion seemed to rise and come crashing down over the figure.

They yelled as it fell on top of them, knocking them onto the ground forcefully, their weapon falling out of their grip and their hat falling off their head. Whatever was on top of them had them pinned down as they were struggling to get up. They placed their feet firmly on the ground, attempting to squirm out of the distortion's hold to no avail. They begin kicking up into the air, as if hoping to get the mostly invisible creature off of them.

Wanda hears as Natasha takes out her gun and sees her point it forwards. Her finger hovered over the trigger but did not shoot.  

The figure suddenly screamed in pain, but Wanda could not exactly see what was happening. She watches as they struggle to reach for their sword, the weapon a few inches away from their fingers. The figure still kicked their feet up onto the air, but the distortion would not budge from place. 

Another faint, bellowing noise was heard, followed by the figure’s pained groan. Wanda’s irises flash a dark red color as she extends her hand out, urging the sword to fly into the stranger’s hand.

The figure’s head turns towards the sword, before gripping it tight and stabbing it into the air above them and twisting the blade. The figure kicked up into the air once more with a forceful yell, digging their weapon deeper into the creature’s presumed wound.

Wanda hears the creature roar again, this time louder and clearer than the other times. For a split second, Wanda swears she saw something. An inky black mass that almost resembled a giant canine, but as quickly as she saw it, it disappeared. She almost assumes she imagined it.

The distortion seemed to bob upwards, no longer pinning down the stranger. They crawled backwards quickly, sword still in hand.

“Shoot,” Wanda said suddenly, glancing between Natasha and the odd display in front of them.

“Shoot what? I can’t see anything,” Natasha said, a mixture of confusion and frustration subtly ringing in her voice. 

“Straight forwards, about 5 feet over the suspect,” Wanda instructs, her eyes staring sharply at the scene before her. Natasha shot off two bullets and Wanda watched as the bullets disappeared into thin air. “Hit,” Wanda reports.

The figure jumped up to their feet, not looking back at the two Avengers that stood a couple of feet behind them. They slashed their sword twice into the distortion, and Wanda can only assume that they hit it.

The distortion moved and Wanda saw as it was about to come down on the stranger once more. They swung their sword upwards, the blade facing up to defend themselves from whatever was about to hit them.

The creature made an impact with the sword, the force strong enough to make the figure scream and buckle under the pressure. The same bellowing sound came again, this one louder than the one before. “Shoot, two feet above the suspect’s head,” Wanda commands, watching as the figure rightens themselves and backs up a few steps.

Natasha aims and takes a few seconds before shooting, taking the necessary precautions to not hit their only potential lead. 

She shoots off three more bullets, and Wanda sees as they ricochet off of the distorted creature. The stranger then charges, sword at the ready and seems to stab at the creature. They yell as they try digging the sword in deeper, and then forcefully drags the blade to the side. The figure did not stop until the blade no longer felt any resistance and cut freely through the air. A low, guttural sound reverberated through the forest and the distortion suddenly fell with a hard thud, the figure swiftly moving out of the way before impact.

The two Avengers watched as the figure breathed heavily, staring off into nothing. After a few moments, they groaned loudly, their free hand flying over to their shoulder, their sword in their other hand. Wanda could see as crimson began seeping through the stranger’s fingers. They turned and stared down at where Wanda last saw the distortion on the ground and nudged it with their foot. 

Oddly enough, Wanda could no longer see it, the ground and the trees of the forest remaining as still as ever. 

The figure continued to stare down at the ground, lowering their sword, the tip of the blade touching the dirt and leaves of the forest floor. With a sudden flash of white light, the figure drops the sword into the ground, the blade no longer visible. For the third time, a familiar cold shiver ripped through Wanda’s body.

The figure slowly turns and makes eye contact with Wanda and Natasha, fatigue evident in their face. They continued to breathe heavily as they stared. Without breaking eye contact, they extended their free hand off to the side and made a subtle circular motion. Once again, a bright flash appeared and both Avengers watched as the figure took one step to the side and dropped entirely from their view.

Natasha and Wanda looked at each other, before running up to where they last saw the stranger. Natasha bent down to the ground, running her hand over where the figure had been last, trying to find some explanation of how the stranger disappeared.

Wanda, in turn, approached where she last remembered seeing the distorted figure. She reached out and her hand came in contact with something. She startles and backs away slightly, not having expected to feel anything. 

She shakes her head, throwing away the nervousness and hesitation, before feeling around again. She feels it again, an odd, slimy, sticky texture that makes her grimace. “Natasha, there’s something here,” Wanda announces as she retracts her hand from the invisible creature. 

“What is it?” Natasha asks as she approaches the young brunette. “I-I don’t know, it’s sticky,” Wanda replies, cringing as she rubs her thumb over the rest of her fingers, still feeling the gross texture on her hand. She forcefully waves her hand downwards, trying to get any of the excess goop off of her hand.

“Today keeps getting stranger and stranger,” Natasha mutters, her brows furrowed together, having reached out with her index and middle finger to touch the invisible creature herself. 

“They left their hat behind,” Wanda comments as she notices the piece of clothing laying on the ground.

“We’re gonna need forensics over here,” Natasha announces as she backs away from it.

“And find that person with the sword,” Wanda adds. 

“I know just the right person who can help us with that,” Natasha replied as she pulled out a phone and made a call.

Chapter 2 →

[thestudentfarmer]

Hello and Good day!

Today I got to move the chicks from the grow out pen into the run 🐣🐥🐔 thought I'd share their journey so far :)

We chose to purchase chicks, rather than hatch as we don't currently have a rooster. To be perfectly honest, I'd like to test out with eggs from another source to be sure I know how to incubate properly before getting into that venture. (Though selling or trading chicks with the neighbours would be fun someday!)

They get put in a large tub, with a chick waterer on stone and wood shaving bedding. I leave the box they came home in the tub for shade from the heat lamp. They are so stinking small at this time and cuuute!

Later when they got bigger we upgraded to what we call the grow out pen. It used to be a trellis for one of the raised bed but got repurposed along with a few other things. No sense in wasting perfectly good material.

I started switching to grain and seed feed around 6 weeks of age. Mixing 50/50 chicken feed grain till the last bagw as empty. I also started sharing kitchen and garden scraps around this time. Mostly leafy greens and occasional bread slices.

They are always up and going! Even around 2 am lol

Today's moving day! Their a little skittish still when I snapped this photo and I expect they will continue to be for a few days yet as I try to remain fairly hands free for them. I'll probably move the lamp in tonight, but after awhile more, ill be removing it entirely. Tomorrow I'll be giving them a half tray of fresh lentil sprouts as a treat and they'll be getting some garden clean up too :)

That's it for now :)

🐣🐔Happy Homesteading!🐔🐣

12 29 2023

[lewis-winters]

If Easy Company is in a Zombie Apocalypse, what would be their choice of weapon and how will they fight?

1. Dick Winters

2. Lewis Nixon

3. Harry Welsh

4. Ronald Speirs

5. Carwood Lipton

6. Buck Compton

7. Don Malarkey

8. Joe Toye

9. Joe Liebgott

10. David Webster

Uhhhhhh last zombie media I consumed was Last of Us and there wasn't really much? zombie fighting in it (bc the focus was on the human condition)? so I am... gonna valiantly try.

1) Dick Winters - I mean. The man wants to be in control at all times. He has multiple weapons for sure. Rifle, of course, classic. But he has multiple knives hidden on his person and an emergency pistol in his belt. He probably prefers the knives + stealth, though, especially if zombies are attracted to sound. If he can kill quietly and quickly, he will. But he just strikes me as the kinda person who just. Would avoid places like cities or crowded towns in the first place and be very strategic about where they'd go? Sure, it's inevitable that you'd run into some festering, shambling corpse somewhere while hunting for supplies but if he has a choice, he will look for the road of least resistance. Even if it'll take twice as long.

2) Lewis Nixon - man's still alive? Dude, the boy has no will to live as it is. He barely survived the first wave by the skin of his teeth. Probably missing a hand after he got bit and Dick refused to watch him turn or murder him. Lewis did not fire a single bullet during the war what makes you think he'd be the same now? He has a knife. That's it. He barely knows how to use it, doesn't want to use it. When in the thick of an attack with the group, he's always in the middle, surrounded by the others, or at the back, where he's most protected. It's a group choice, because he's better at logistics and keeping everyone together. His whole mind is a map, he knows where they'd be safest for a time. Really good at sweet talking and trading with other groups too. He spends half the apocalypse drunk as all hell, but he's otherwise useful. When alone vs. zombies, he'd rather take his chances running.

3) Harry Welsh - something you can find in a gardening shed, probably. A machete? Or a pair of gardening sheers? something that, when you look at it, reminds you of home and is in great juxtaposition to all the gore dripping from it. maybe even a kitchen knife. or, if you want something really fun, a fireplace poker? or the body of a lamp. those long thin iron ones with a strong metal base? sans bulb and shade, dripping gore everywhere. he swings things around aimlessly, whatever gets caught in his path is an unlucky son of a bitch. there's a method to the madness, of course, but... well. even he doesn't know what it is just yet.

4) Ronald Speirs - my dude was in a military base when shit went down, buddy's in a TANK. ok, I kid, but yeah. Rifle. and various pistols........ lowkey? could see him as one of those. end-of-the-world conspiracy theorists pre-apocalypse, who was very much vindicated when the dead started to rise. man is THRIVING in this apocalypse, because he's a weirdo like that.

5) Carwood Lipton - huh. probably a repurposed javelin or something? i hesitate to say sword, because he's doesn't strike me as the sword type, but he definitely strikes me as a 'hit something very hard until the head caves in' kinda guy? or tbh just something boring and reliable, like a sawed off shot gun. he has only a limited number of bullets, so he's not gonna be using it a lot. I imagine when it's manageable, he's using the OH I KNOW. HE HAS AN AXE. YES. boy's from virginia he's a lumberjack for SURE. and that was the first thing he picked up the second the hordes started advancing. he uses the axe when it's manageable, but when the going gets tough, he gets everyone behind him and goes to take out as many as he can with his shotgun. but he works best with a team who has multiple other weapons, for sure. i could imagine him taking the forefront, whacking some zombies, and trusting explicitly those behind him who're offering support thru gun power, not to accidentally shoot him with a stray bullet while he's taking down zombies close range. it takes a lot of trust to do this, I feel. and he has a lot of it. maybe too much.

6) Buck Compton - BASEBALL BAT WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE. NEED I SAY MORE. probably has a few grenades on him as well that he scrounged up. he's got a wicked aim.

7) Don Malarkey - man's still alive? he's barely holding on. he had a gun, but they took it away because they feared he was getting suicidal. he gets something back later on, maybe a revolver, but only a limited amount of bullets. he has a small k-bar knife. but that's about it. sometimes, a very primal rage takes over him, and he can do some damage with just his bare hands, but those moments grow fewer and farther between the more they go on. ya know? life's hard in the apocalypse. before all that of course, he used to be real good at mixing gunpowders and making home made pipe bombs. but ever since skip died. well.

8) Joe Toye - mans has a SWORD and you fucking KNOW IT. it can be anything your heart wants. a katana? sure! a broad sword? whatever you say goes babey! a fucking... claymore? YES!! ALRIGHT!!!! I'm too enthusiastic about this bc I am not above admitting I find Joe's arms hot. all I'm saying is those arms? made to swing around a sword. yes they are. and he's a fucking pro at it too, you just know he is. i dunno if he has his amputation before, or during the end of the world, but both paths have many implications to them, and they'd be interesting to explore.

9) Joe Liebgott - SO FUN FACT ROSS MCCALL WAS ACTUALLY IN FEAR THE WALKING DEAD his character gets shot and killed by Marines and then he turns into a zombie. poor guy got his throat slit. he just wanted to help :((( anyway. Lieb's designated get away driver of the group. his car is the weapon. he's run over HORDES of zombies before, and he'll do it again! he prolly keeps like a small handgun as protection when he's waiting outside for the rest of the group, keeping the engine going in case they need to make a quick getaway.

10) David Webster - a MIRACLE this boy is still alive. he took archery as an extra curicular while he was in Harvard, and he liked it enough to keep up with it until his 3rd year, when it all started. man is constantly picking up arrows after himself. scrounging for new ones. I say... in formation he's definitely at the back, with Nix and Don and they cover for him a lot since he's long distance. but in a pinch he can whack somebody good with his bow. one of those heavy duty hunting ones, too. on his own... well. he probably sticks to high places, or hidden spots where he can get a jump on zombies or anyone else, before they can get a jump on him.

[artwithoutblood]

i did publish a thing for patreon [that i dont use anymore] that was supposed to be a sex game about dorian and erebus at a christmas party but they just went to erebus's office and chatted because i cant write sex

I thought it’d be more like Dorian reeling around obnoxiously hitting on the few colleagues he doesn’t dislike and trying to dance on things not meant for the purpose. Trying to swing around the poles of the floor lamps.

His hat is gone. Erebus is chasing him and growing increasingly agitated because Dorian has stolen Erebus’ collar chain and is wearing it around his head

He basically would. Maybe not the pole part but the rest I could see.

I'm using this below to paste the thing I wrote. It wasn't finished.

a few familiar faces. a few faces that blend in with one another. erebus is one of them, and he certainly doesn't want to be there. but it's rude to live with two demons who are organizing a party and not join in on the festivities.

aeron doesn't like to host parties. at their own events, they sit in a corner, legs crossed with a cold glass of water in one hand. their eyes gaze emptily into the crowds, consciousness scanning faces and bodies that are a million miles away.

genesis always has to beg them. dissonance loves the lights, the music, the celebration. he's grown to love christmas because of his time with his children over the years. "people in the human world get together and have holiday parties! they drink n' dance n' wear stupid outfits! they even do it at work! ain't that crazy, aeron? we've gotta host one. please? we can do it in the gallery!"

delusion agrees, as long as it's far away from any of the breakable art. they settle on a banquet hall, used often for receptions or special exhibits. aeron decorates with colorful lights and decorative pine needles. genesis caters food and puts together the perfect playlist of classical piano and ambient drones.

erebus never liked fancy suits. sure, his usual attire was regal, elegant, fit for an archivist who spent centuries combing through books. but the suit that scarlet had crafted for him was far beyond his usual dress.

"i had made this for your predicessor," she had explained to him when he begrudgedly came to pick it up, "but since he's…gone, i thought i'd modify this for you. to fit you better, y'know."

delirium always hated being compared to dreams. he just had to swallow it.

the suit was beautiful, emblazened with appliques of snakes, ancient words, and images of the sun. the brooches on each collar were handcrafted from celestial silver, meant for the demon of dreams and repurposed for erebus's small stature. beautiful shades of green and black and gray, matched against silver jewelry.

familiar faces pass by erebus as he stood near a row of paintings, away from the drink tables and towards a corner's emptiness. diana handed erebus a glass of water and told him to call her over if he needed anything. graves staring with empty eyes, empty words, and a small platter of cake in his hand. aeron runs their fingers through his hair and thanks him for coming. xinyue talks him down from his anxiety by filling his head with thoughts of the next few days and what work erebus can do once the party is over. that puts his mind at ease.

he treats himself to small, strawberry tarts, seated in his own corner. most attendees ignore him. and that's just how he likes it, sitting as quiet as one of the corpse statues that line some of the halls outside of this cheerful place.

erebus has always been used to eyes on him. he assumes aeron is always spying, even if delusion isn't doing it actively.

but tonight is different. erebus looks up, finds aeron in the crowd, and breathes a sigh of confusion when he realizes the painter has their full attention on a man that erebus has never seen before.

who's looking at him then? he scans the area over and over, puts down his dish and stands up to do so. sweat drips delicately down his forehead. erebus never thought he'd miss the prying eyes of delusion, replaced by something foreign to him.

all erebus had to do was look right in front of him. across the long hall is another man, adorned in similar glasses and a muzzle over his face, leaning against a bookshelf and swirling a fruity drink in his hand. he presses the straw through the bars of his muzzle and to his lips, stealing another glance at erebus.

he has met dorian a few times in the past. librarians of different fields come to know each other, share their knowledge. dorian just barely leaves his domain, deep in the circles. he occasionally visits the gallery to admire aeron's newest handiwork. the two of them exchange art for knowledge, sometimes vice versa. dorian has joined them for dinner before, but all that heresy does is sit patiently, drinking tea and listening patiently to whatever comes from delusion's mouth.

they lock eyes for a few moments before dorian breaks it, closing them to indulge himself deeper in his tea. what does heresy want? erebus isn't sure.

but he sighs. he knows he has to do the hard work of reaching out.

erebus stands in front of dorian, arms crossed, foot tapping gently against the floor. dorian doesn't notice him - on purpose, of course - waiting for delirium to speak for himself. erebus sighs, defeated.

"are you going to explain yourself?" he asks, his brows furrowed.

dorian pushes the bridge of his glasses further up his nose. "hm, explain what?"

"you've been staring at me from across the room for at least five minutes now. is there something on my face?"

"besides your pretty eyes, no."

erebus hasn't been able to blush in centuries, but he knew his ears would be burning red at that if he could.

dorian just laughs. "i'm teasing you, erebus. i've just been debating on whether or not i move to talk to you, but i was too absorbed in this drink…"

"that you were too lazy to move and walk over to me?"

"that's right."

but why talk to me?" erebus doesn't seem to understand why anyone would care for his presence at this party other than his own coworkers.

"a few reasons," dorian places his drink on a nearby table. "first, you're the only person here who looks just about as lonely as i."

"you don't have people to talk to, dorian? you're important. you're one of the most important people here, i'd say."

"you know i'd say the same about you, head archivist."

"erebus. just call me by my name." he clasps his hands together, gently squeezing his palms together.

"erebus." his name is heavy on dorian's lips, slow, said with a soft taste of pine in his voice.

"…you aren't pitying me right now, are you?" it's what erebus hates most.

"no…" dorian shakes his head. he eyes the exit next to him, where the lights grow dim and the music would dissolve into silence. "i can talk to anyone here whenever i'd like. but you are a rarity. even at archives receptions, you are holed up in your office or pretending to be busy so no one approaches you."

"you of all people should know how important our work is," erebus is frustrated, eyes darting away from dorian, hoping that someone will grab him by the arm and whisk him away from this obligation.

"i do. of course i do," dorian nods, "but…"

"but what?"

"is it wrong that i've wanted to get to know you? know you past the formalities of work?"

"heresy is a liar, you know. why should i believe you?"

"i'd like you to use my name too."

erebus swallows. his eyes land on aeron, who is in the middle of putting on a haphazard theatric performance of some horrible story that happened to them recently. aeron notices immediately and locks eyes, smiling, waving their left hand.

god, sometimes his roommate is so innocent.

"why, erebus, are you acting like i want to hurt you?" dorian is serious. he may have been teasing earlier, but his eyes are dark, lips now neutral as opposed to curled upright in his default smile. "is it because everyone else you've ever met has wanted to hurt you? or, at least, that's what you think is happening?"

erebus swallows hard. he looks through dorian, rather than at him.

"because…i'm not here to do that," dorian shakes his head. "especially not here, surrounded by people. in fact, i rather admire you and your commitment to your work. but even so…"

erebus can't bother to look at him right now.

"i can tell you want to talk about other kinds of things. you love your books, but you love other things. but you don't feel like you're worth it past what you're good at. i'm right, aren't i?"

delirium falls silent, his head to the floor, inhaling deep breaths despite no longer needing to use his fragile lungs. dorian does not break the silence between them. he waits for erebus to speak.

and erebus does. "but why does that matter to you? why do you care?"

"do i need to have a reason?"

erebus rubs the dark circles under his eyes.

dorian makes his intentions clear. "i'm asking if the two of us can exit this loud, crowded room. i want to sit down with you, alone, and i want to hear erebus talk. not the archivist, not delirium, but erebus."

erebus looks back up, locks eyes with dorian. "you want me alone?"

"so i can focus on all of you, yes."

delirium will admit he would much prefer to be pulled away from the loud noise and the heat of other bodies. erebus can already feel the weight lifting off his chest, only to be replaced with nearly equal weight, all from one person: dorian.

erebus gives in. "fine."

dorian smiles.

erebus leads dorian down the hall, and the music that encapsulated them starts to fade. he knocks every so often against the wood finishings of corners, of the frames of old paintings. dorian cocks his head in confusion.

"i have a door somewhere between here and my office," erebus explains. doors are like small portals. genesis hides dozens of them in their shared space, all so he can steal trinkets and food from the other two members. he steals erebus's teabags and areon's sewing supplies, but he gives nothing back in return.

eventually, an old painting of a boat, ravaged by a stubborn sea, glows blue with absolute light. a small door opens, and erebus bows, inviting dorian inside.

"can i get you something new to drink?" erebus asks, "i know you just had…what were you drinking?"

"a shirley temple," dorian responds. erebus's office is small, ornately decorated yet humble all in the same visage. it was much like erebus was, strung with books on every wall, with globes and keys and small vials of ink leaving the place in its own orderly disarray. erebus pulls the chair from behind the desk to the front, allowing dorian and erebus to sit on equal footing. "i'm alright. thank you."

erebus nods, makes himself a cup of green tea with jasmine, and sits down.

it takes a few minutes, a few spits of reassurance from dorian for erebus to talk. sometimes, his eyes never leave the swirling liquid inside his teacup. eventually, erebus unravels. he talks about his greenhouse and all the plants he's been growing inside. he talks about his collection of antiques from before his own demonhood, all related to the stars above. he talks about some novels he's read, not novels he's written.

erebus has never been very good at reading emotions.he checks dorian's eyes, his mouth (or what he can of it due to the muzzle), but dorian does not break eye contact once. he sits with full attention on erebus, only moving to settle deeper into his chair. there seem to be stars in his eyes, admiration circling those irises of his. erebus swallows, adjusts his glasses, continues.

does dorian like it? is this just a ploy to collect information on him? erebus didn't really care; his mouth were running faster than his brain was.

but the intense staring, mind swimming…it makes erebus anxious, after an hour or so of infodumping all over this man who was barely more than a stranger.

"am i…bothering you? you look disappointed in me."

dorian refuses to break eye contact (erebus's worst nightmare) as he reaches two of his fingers up to his face. they slide between the bars of his muzzle and swipe gently over his own black lips. "i'm not disappointed in you, erebus. not at all. i'm disappointed in myself."

"why is that?"

heresy stands, his intricately-embroidered coat unfurling with him, revealing shimmering spider lilies and camellias. he gently pushes his glasses further up his nose. erebus is cautious and takes a stand as well, moving his body away from the chair.

"dorian? is everything alright?" erebus asks, but he fears his question will fall on deaf ears.

erebus has always been shorter than dorian, but as dorian approaches him, those silver-plated high heels on his feet, erebus realizes the size difference much clearer. it doesn't take long for erebus to find his back to a wall, with dorian placing one arm next to erebus's head, preventing any escape.

"i'm just disappointed that…" dorian breathes a heavy sigh. any twinge of shame lies behind that muzzle and refuses to leak out. "…i can't kiss you right now."

erebus's eyes go wide. "i'm sorry…?"

in most situations, erebus would have fished a pair of scissors from his pocket and driven them straight into dorian's chest. two problems arose:

one: he doesn't have his scissors, because this wasn't his usual outfit. he must have left them in the pocket of his uniform.

two: he doesn't really…want to, no matter how much his voice swims in confusion.

they sit in silience, whose pressure never bursts or dwindles, and dorian stares with those stars still in his eyes.

erebus is the first to break the silence. "why?"

dorian does not answer at first. that makes erebus anxious.

"…please let me go."

dorian responds immediately. "i'm trying to find a way to explain this that would help you understand. if i tell you that i have no reason, you'll panic. if i tell you it's because you're beautiful, alluring even in your mystery, you'll deny it. if i sit in silence, contemplating an answer, your hands will shake, as they do now."

he locks his fingers with one of erebus's hands. delirium's limbs make small tremors. dorian remedies this by pressing his forehead against delirium's. erebus's eyes light up, confusion being sprinkled with…wonder? relief? he wasn't sure. all erebus knows is that someone is using his name, is holding him and singing him sweet praises that he's never heard in his life (this isn't true, erebus just was not receptive, but that barely matters when heresy pins you against a wall in your own office).

dorian's hand slides back to erebus's face, gently cupping his cheek, thumb running along his jawline. "if you're so anxious, i can stop, we can return to our conversation, and we can pretend this never happened."

erebus does not respond for a long, long while. his mind was swimming, trying to drown his own complex. dorian was, without a doubt, beautiful; something about his mismatched eyes, his black lips, his off-white skin, it was all beautiful. dorian makes himself irresistable just by his existence, and erebus was still trying to wrap his head around why dorian was interested in someone as boring, mean, and hard to obtain as erebus.

maybe the last part was it. it didn't matter now. the bird has caught the snake, right on his own grounds.

erebus raises a hand up to one of the long pieces of dorian's hair. the rest had been tied into a delicate bun and secured with silver hair accessories, save for two sections that trailed down to his chest. his eyes focused on the variations in colors of dorian's hair. peach, off-white cream, gray, strawberry blonde.

"is…everything alright, erebus?"

"pretty."

"what?"

"your hair is pretty."

dorian laughs. "you really think so?"

"yes."

"it used to be curly," dorian explains, "but i suppose the first death and the ash somehow flattened it. thankfully, it's still soft.

"i like it like this," and erebus brings the hair to his nose, inhaling the scent. dorian smells like patchouli and rose with a hint of vanilla.

heresy's ears light up with red, making the silver jewelry glow even brighter.

"for someone so touch-averse, i'm surprised you had the nerve to…sniff my hair?"

"i like nice-smelling things. it puts me at ease." erebus opens his eyes and looks back up at dorian, and the anxiety flushes back in.

"you're a little weird, don't you know that?"

"i…i'm sorry." erebus looks embarrassed.

"no, that's a good thing. i like that."

[divineinnovation]

How to Achieve a Luxurious Office Interior Look on a Budget

Creating a luxurious office interior doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a bit of creativity, careful planning, and strategic choices, you can transform your workspace into a sophisticated and stylish environment without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can achieve that high-end look on a budget.

1. Prioritize Key Areas

First things first, identify the areas in your office that will have the most impact when upgraded. Reception areas, conference rooms, and executive offices are prime spots to focus on. By investing in these spaces, you can make a big impression without having to renovate the entire office.

2. Play with Paint

One of the most affordable methods to refresh a space is through paint. A new coat in a deep, elegant color can immediately enhance the aesthetic of your office. Opt for neutral tones like charcoal gray, deep navy, or crisp white, which exude elegance and professionalism. Adding an accent wall in a complementary shade can also add a touch of luxury.

3. Upgrade Lighting

A luxurious atmosphere hinges on the quality of lighting. Swap out basic fluorescent lights for stylish fixtures that add character to your space. Look for affordable options that mimic high-end designs, such as pendant lights or chandeliers. Additionally, consider using floor lamps and table lamps to create a warm, inviting ambiance.

4. Opt for Quality Over Quantity

When working with a limited budget, it’s better to invest in a few high-quality pieces than to fill the space with cheap, low-quality items. Choose key pieces like a statement desk, a comfortable ergonomic chair, or a sleek conference table that will stand the test of time and add a touch of luxury to your office.

5. Incorporate Greenery

Plants are an inexpensive way to bring life and luxury into your office. Large potted plants or a well-placed indoor tree can make a big impact. Select low-maintenance greenery that enhances the look and feel of your space.  Not only do they look good, but they also improve air quality and create a more pleasant work environment.

6. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors can create the illusion of more space and reflect light, making your office feel brighter and more open. A large, well-placed mirror can also serve as a statement piece. Look for decorative mirrors with unique frames that add a touch of elegance to the room.

7. Accessorize Wisely

The right accessories can make all the difference in achieving a luxurious look. Invest in a few key decor items like stylish desk organizers, artwork, or elegant rugs. These small touches can elevate the overall aesthetic of your office without requiring a large investment.

8. Repurpose and DIY

Tap into your creativity by embarking on DIY projects and reimagining your existing furniture. A fresh coat of paint on an old desk, new upholstery on office chairs, or refinished wood surfaces can give your office a high-end look for a fraction of the cost. There are plenty of online tutorials and resources to help you transform your office furniture into something unique and luxurious.

9. Add Textures and Layers

Incorporating a variety of textures and layers can add depth and richness to your office design. Mix materials like leather, wood, metal, and fabric to create a sophisticated look. A plush area rug, velvet cushions, or a textured throw can add warmth and luxury to your space.

10. Keep It Clutter-Free

A luxurious office is one that is clean, organized, and free of clutter. Invest in storage solutions that keep your workspace tidy and efficient. Minimalism is key to creating a high-end look, so be selective about what you display and keep surfaces clear.

Conclusion

Achieving a luxurious office interior look on a budget is entirely possible with a little creativity and thoughtful planning. By focusing on key elements like layout, lighting, and texture, you can transform your workspace into a stylish and sophisticated environment that reflects the high standards of your business.

If you’re looking to elevate your office without overspending, consider choosing a low-cost interior designer. An experienced Interior design company can guide you through the process, ensuring that every penny is well spent and that the final result is nothing short of stunning.

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Farmhouse Living Room Ideas You Will love

The farmhouse aesthetic continues to reign supreme in interior design, offering a warm and inviting look for your living room. Characterized by its blend of rustic charm, cozy comfort, and natural elements, the farmhouse style evokes a sense of nostalgia and casual elegance. Whether you reside in a charming farmhouse  living room decor or a modern apartment, you can capture the essence of this style with a few key design choices.

This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about creating the perfect farmhouse living room. We'll explore furniture selections, color palettes, decorating tips, and inspirational design ideas to help you transform your space. 

THE FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS OF A FARMHOUSE LIVING ROOM

 Farmhouse living room furniture  prioritizes comfort and functionality over sleek, modern lines. Look for pieces crafted from natural materials like wood, wicker, and wrought iron. Consider these options:

Sofas and Chairs:Opt for plush sofas with slipcovers or weathered leather. Wingback chairs, rolled-arm sofas, and armchairs with exposed wood frames all add to the rustic charm. 

Coffee Tables:Chunky wood coffee tables with a distressed finish or reclaimed wood pieces create a perfect centerpiece. 

Accent Tables:Side tables and console tables made from reclaimed wood, wrought iron, or even repurposed trunks add character and provide additional storage. 

Bookshelves:Open shelving crafted from wood or metal showcases books, decorative baskets, and other farmhouse-inspired accents. 

COLOR PALETTE

The farmhouse color scheme typically utilizes a neutral foundation of white, cream, beige, and gray, creating a sense of spaciousness and allowing for pops of color through decor and accessories. Consider incorporating these elements: 

White Walls:White or light-colored walls are a staple, reflecting light and creating a bright and airy feel. 

Accents:Introduce warmth with natural wood tones in furniture, exposed beams, or flooring. Soft greens, blues, and yellows can be used sparingly in throw pillows, rugs, or artwork for a touch of personality. 

Black Accents:A touch of black through hardware, metal accents, or picture frames can add a touch of sophistication and definition. 

Farmhouse living rooms typically feature natural flooring materials that exude warmth and texture. Popular choices include: 

Hardwood:Stained or distressed hardwood floors are a classic option, offering durability and a timeless look. 

Engineered Wood:Engineered wood with a weathered or rustic finish provides a budget-friendly alternative. 

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):LVP with a wood-look finish offers excellent water resistance and a comfortable feel underfoot. 

Rugs:Layered rugs add warmth, texture, and define sitting areas. Choose natural fibers like sisal, jute, or wool with geometric patterns or vintage-inspired designs. 

Farmhouse lighting focuses on creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Here are some key elements:

Chandeliers:Consider a rustic chandelier made from wood, wrought iron, or mason jars.

Sconces:Wall sconces with exposed bulbs or antique-inspired designs add a touch of vintage charm.

Table Lamps:Table lamps made from ceramic, glass, or metal with burlap or linen shades add a warm glow on side tables and consoles. 

Floor Lamps:Floor lamps with tripod stands or a rustic base provide additional lighting in corners or reading areas.

FARMHOUSE LIVING ROOM DESIGN INSPIRATION 

THE SHIPLAP STATEMENT WALL

Shiplap walls, a classic farmhouse element, add texture and visual interest. Paint them white for a clean look or embrace a weathered, distressed finish for a more rustic vibe.

THE COZY FIREPLACE

Nothing says farmhouse living room quite like a cozy fireplace. If you have a fireplace, consider using reclaimed wood for the mantel, adding decorative brickwork, or flanking it with built-in shelves for displaying collections.

THE RUSTIC CHIC COFFEE TABLE

A chunky wood coffee table with a distressed finish or a reclaimed wood piece with a natural finish serves as the heart of the living room. Decorate it with a rustic tray, vintage books, or a bowl of greenery.

THE WELCOMING ENTRYWAY

Create a warm welcome by incorporating a rustic entryway table or console. Display a vintage mirror, a galvanized metal bin for blankets, or a basket overflowing with throws.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES: RUSTIC CHARM

Improve your farmhouse living room with these finishing touches: 

Woven Baskets:Use woven baskets for storage or displaying throw blankets and pillows. 

Metal Accents:Incorporate metal accents through lanterns, candle holders, or picture frames for a touch of industrial charm.

Vintage Finds:Embrace the farmhouse aesthetic with vintage finds like antique clocks, galvanized metal watering cans, or old suitcases repurposed as coffee tables.

Greenery:Introduce life and color with potted plants like fiddle leaf figs, succulents, or herb gardens in galvanized metal containers.

Textiles:Layer cozy textures with throw pillows and blankets made from natural fibers like linen, wool, or faux fur. Choose plaids, stripes, or floral patterns in neutral tones with pops of color.

Artwork:Adorn your walls with rustic artwork like vintage landscapes, botanical prints, or framed antique maps.

FARMHOUSE LIVING ON A BUDGET

Creating a Modern farmhouse living room doesn't require a hefty budget. Here are some tips to achieve the look for less:

Shop Flea Markets and Thrift Stores:Hunt for vintage furniture pieces that can be refurbished or repurposed. You might find hidden gems like old trunks, side tables, or picture frames that add instant farmhouse charm. 

DIY Projects:Get creative with DIY projects! Build a rustic coffee table from reclaimed wood, create a shiplap accent wall yourself, or reupholster old chairs with farmhouse-inspired fabric. 

Embrace Natural Elements:Bring the outdoors in with branches, twigs, and greenery foraged from your own backyard or a local park. Arrange them in decorative vases or create a simple centerpiece. 

Focus on Lighting:Invest in lamps with a rustic aesthetic instead of a statement chandelier. Table lamps and sconces can create a warm and inviting ambiance without breaking the bank.

FARMHOUSE LIVING FOR DIFFERENT TASTES

The beauty of the farmhouse style is its versatility. Here are some ways to adapt it to your personal preferences:

Modern Farmhouse:For a more contemporary take, incorporate clean lines, sleek furniture pieces with a rustic finish, and black metal accents. 

French Farmhouse:Embrace a touch of French elegance with ornate mirrors, light and airy colors like pale lavender or sage green, and floral patterned throw pillows. 

Industrial Farmhouse:Mix in industrial elements like metal chairs, exposed brick walls, and vintage lighting fixtures for a touch of urban grit. 

FAQS 

How do I make my living room look farmhouse-style? 

Incorporate natural materials like wood and wrought iron in furniture, create a neutral color palette with pops of color, choose natural fiber rugs, and add rustic charm with vintage finds and greenery. 

What style is replacing modern farmhouses?

While farmhouse remains popular, Japandi and organic modern styles are gaining traction. Japandi blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, while organic modern emphasizes natural materials, curved lines, and a connection to nature. 

What is the most popular farmhouse decor?

Shiplap walls, vintage signs, galvanized metal accents, woven baskets, and throw pillows with natural textures are all popular farmhouse decor elements. 

How do you decorate a cozy farmhouse?

Layer cozy textures like chunky knit blankets and faux fur throws, add warm lighting with table lamps and candles, and incorporate natural elements like wood and greenery.

[ncspaint]

15 Steps To Make Your House Look More Expensive

High-end properties are not only more valuable in the real estate market, but they are also infinitely elegant and stylish. However, many people believe that they need a large budget to add a touch of glamour and luxury to their homes. However, with a little imagination and an eye for design, you can create a home that exudes sophistication and opulence. Continue reading for 47 budget-friendly home decorating ideas for 2023.

You must discover your own sense of style and express it through your home décor, while also incorporating elements that will transform your space into a dream home.

Begin by looking for inspiration in design magazines and collecting ideas on Pinterest. This will also provide you with a deeper understanding of interior design and assist you in decorating your home like a pro.

1. Repurpose Lamp Shades

Keep the base but replace the lamp shades with something more current and modern. Alternatively, spray paint the inside of a white drum shade with gold paint and the outside with your preferred fabric paint.

2.Rearrange the Furniture

Rearranging your furniture into a new layout gives your room a new look for free! This includes moving furniture from one room to another. Perhaps you could relocate your living room chaise lounge to the office and your two leather armchairs to the living room!

3.Backsplash With New Tile

A new tile backsplash is an excellent way to update your kitchen. For the most recent timeless inspirations, visit Tilebar.com. Choose the raised basketweave look with caution. They may be more difficult to clean up after spills in the kitchen. Don’t forget to think about getting a new Farmhouse apron front sink. This sink design would suit kitchens of all styles, including modern, Spanish, traditional, bungalow, and contemporary.

4.Family Photos

Decorating your home with family memories is a lovely way to decorate. However, mixing and matching frames, themes, and aesthetics is not the best idea. Instead, in each room you decorate, start with a theme. For example, in the kid’s play area, hang a gallery of photos from your Disney Cruise, wedding photos in the primary bedroom, and children throughout the year vertically up the staircase. With a black and white aesthetic, you can hide photography flaws read more …

[albinml]

Transform Your Space: Budget-Friendly Interior Design Tips You Need to Know

Redecorating your home doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. With some creativity and strategic planning, you can transform your space into a stylish and comfortable retreat without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide covers essential budget-friendly interior design tips to help you achieve a beautiful home on a budget.

Declutter and Clean

Before diving into the more exciting aspects of interior design, start with a clean slate. Decluttering and deep cleaning your space can make a significant difference in how your home feels.

Steps to Declutter and Clean:

Sort Through Belongings: Divide your items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and recycle. Be ruthless in your decisions to minimize clutter.

Organize Storage: Use bins, baskets, and shelving units to store items neatly. Label everything for easy access.

Deep Clean: Clean every nook and cranny of your home. This includes washing windows, dusting light fixtures, and scrubbing floors.

Benefits of Decluttering:

Creates a more open and spacious environment.

Reduces stress and improves mental clarity.

Makes it easier to implement new design ideas.

Paint: The Power of Color

Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a room. A fresh coat of paint can change the mood, make a space feel larger, and provide a clean backdrop for other design elements.

Choosing the Right Colors:

Neutral Shades: Whites, grays, and beiges create a versatile base that can be easily updated with accessories.

Accent Walls: Add a pop of color with an accent wall to create a focal point without overwhelming the space.

Mood Influencers: Consider the mood you want to set. For example, blues and greens are calming, while yellows and oranges are energizing.

DIY Painting Tips:

Use painter's tape for clean edges.

Invest in quality brushes and rollers.

Apply primer for a more even finish.

Furniture: Rearrange and Repurpose

You don’t need to buy new furniture to transform your space. Sometimes, rearranging what you already have or repurposing items can make a huge difference.

Rearrangement Strategies:

Functionality First: Arrange furniture to enhance the functionality of the space. Ensure there is a clear flow of movement.

Create Zones: Define areas for different activities, such as reading, dining, or relaxing, especially in open-plan spaces.

Focal Points: Arrange furniture around a focal point, such as a fireplace, large window, or a piece of art.

Repurposing Ideas:

Old Dressers: Convert an old dresser into a bathroom vanity or a stylish entryway console.

Bookshelves: Turn bookshelves into room dividers or display units.

Dining Tables: Use an old dining table as a desk or crafting table.

Thrift and DIY Decor

Embrace thrift stores, flea markets, and DIY projects to find unique and affordable decor items that add personality to your home.

Thrifting Tips:

Regular Visits: Inventory changes often, so frequent visits increase your chances of finding great items.

Look Beyond Surface: Consider the potential of items that may need minor repairs or a fresh coat of paint.

Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and eras for an eclectic look.

DIY Project Ideas:

Wall Art: Create your own art using canvases, paints, and even fabric.

Pillows and Throws: Sew your own pillow covers or throw blankets using affordable fabric.

Planters: Make planters from old jars, tins, or pallets.

Benefits of DIY Decor:

Customization to suit your personal taste.

Significant cost savings.

A sense of accomplishment and uniqueness.

Lighting: Brighten Up

Good lighting is essential in creating a welcoming and functional space. Instead of expensive fixtures, there are many budget-friendly ways to enhance your home’s lighting.

Layered Lighting Approach:

Ambient Lighting: Use ceiling fixtures or large lamps to provide overall illumination.

Task Lighting: Place task lights like desk lamps or under-cabinet lights in areas where focused lighting is needed.

Accent Lighting: Add accent lights such as string lights, candles, or small lamps to create ambiance.

Affordable Lighting Solutions:

LED Bulbs: Invest in energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on electricity bills.

DIY Fixtures: Create your own light fixtures using simple materials like mason jars or wire baskets.

Mirrors: Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and make the space feel brighter.

Textiles: Add Warmth and Texture

Textiles are an easy and affordable way to add warmth, color, and texture to your home. From rugs to curtains, the right textiles can pull a room together.

Textile Tips:

Layer Rugs: Use multiple rugs in different sizes and patterns to create depth and interest.

Seasonal Changes: Swap out throw pillows and blankets seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh.

Curtains: Hang curtains high and wide to make windows appear larger and the room more spacious.

Textile Projects:

No-Sew Curtains: Use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape to make curtains without sewing.

Custom Pillows: Mix and match fabrics to create unique pillow covers.

DIY Upholstery: Reupholster chairs or ottomans with new fabric for an instant update.

Greenery: Incorporate Plants

Plants bring life, color, and a sense of tranquility to any space. They are also known to improve air quality and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Plants:

Low Maintenance: Opt for plants like snake plants, pothos, and succulents that require minimal care.

Herbs and Edibles: Grow herbs in your kitchen for a functional and aesthetic addition.

Large Statement Plants: Use larger plants like fiddle leaf figs or monstera to make a bold statement.

Plant Display Ideas:

Hanging Planters: Save floor space and add visual interest with hanging planters.

Window Sills: Utilize window sills for small pots and herb gardens.

Grouping: Group plants of varying heights and types together for a lush, layered look.

Art and Accessories: Personalize Your Space

Art and accessories are the finishing touches that make a house feel like a home. They reflect your personality and can easily be updated or changed.

Art and Accessory Tips:

Gallery Walls: Create a gallery wall with a mix of photos, prints, and other artwork.

Personal Items: Display items that have sentimental value, such as travel souvenirs or family heirlooms.

Budget Finds: Look for affordable art prints online or at local markets.

DIY Art Projects:

Photo Collages: Arrange your favorite photos in a creative collage.

Fabric Art: Frame pieces of fabric or wallpaper samples for unique wall art.

Nature Inspired: Use natural elements like pressed flowers, leaves, or driftwood in your decor.

Functional and Stylish Storage

Effective storage solutions are essential for maintaining a clutter-free and organized home. Stylish storage options can also enhance your decor.

Storage Solutions:

Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans, benches, or coffee tables with shelves.

Baskets and Bins: Use decorative baskets and bins to store items while adding texture and interest.

Wall-Mounted Shelves: Utilize wall space with shelves for books, decor, and everyday items.

DIY Storage Ideas:

Customized Shelves: Build your own shelves using reclaimed wood or pallets.

Mason Jar Organizers: Attach mason jars to a wooden board for a rustic storage solution.

Pegboards: Use pegboards in kitchens, offices, or craft rooms for versatile and customizable storage.

Final Touches: Details Matter

The details in your decor can make a big difference. Small changes and thoughtful touches can elevate your home’s style and make it feel complete.

Detail Ideas:

Hardware: Update cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and doorknobs for a quick refresh.

Trim and Molding: Add or update trim and molding to give your home a polished look.

Switch Plates: Replace old switch plates with new, stylish ones.

Personal Touches:

Scents: Use candles, essential oils, or diffusers to add pleasant scents to your home.

Throws and Pillows: Add cozy throws and pillows in varying textures and colors.

Artwork Rotation: Regularly rotate artwork and decor items to keep your space feeling fresh.

Transforming your space on a budget is not only achievable but also a rewarding endeavor. By implementing these budget-friendly interior design tips, you can create a stylish, comfortable, and personalized home that you’ll love spending time in. Remember, the key to successful interior design lies in creativity, resourcefulness, and attention to detail. Happy decorating!

[ansiandyou]

DIY Home Art Studios on a Budget: Crafting Your Creative Space

Creating an art studio at home is a dream for many artists and hobbyists. However, setting up a designated space for your creative pursuits doesn't have to be expensive. With some clever tricks and a bit of DIY spirit, you can build an inspiring and functional art studio right in your home, even on a tight budget. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.

The first step in creating your home art studio is to select the appropriate space. It doesn't need to be large; even a small corner or a spare room can be transformed effectively. - Consider Natural Light: Natural light is crucial for art creation, especially if you're painting or drawing. Choose a space with good natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting. - Quiet and Privacy: If possible, select a space that is somewhat secluded to minimize distractions and noise.

1. Repurpose Furniture Instead of buying new furniture, look around your home for pieces that can be repurposed. An old table can serve as a work desk, and shelves can be rearranged to store supplies. - DIY Desk: Use old doors or boards on top of file cabinets or sawhorses to create large, sturdy tables. - Storage Solutions: Use jars, old mugs, and tins for holding brushes, pencils, and other small items. Install hooks or pegboards to hang supplies and tools. 2. Affordable Lighting Options Good lighting is essential in an art studio. If natural light is insufficient, supplement it with affordable lighting solutions. - Use LED Bulbs: LED lights are energy-efficient and provide excellent light quality, which can mimic daylight. - DIY Lamp Shades: Customize cheap lamp shades to direct light exactly where you need it on your workspace. 3. Creative Storage Solutions Organizing your art supplies efficiently will save you both time and space. You can create functional storage without spending a lot. - Upcycle and Reuse: Old bookshelves, crates, and bins can be painted and modified to fit the aesthetics of your studio. - Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space for storage. Install floating shelves or hang baskets on the walls to keep supplies handy but out of the way. 4. Inexpensive Flooring Since art projects can get messy, consider the flooring of your studio space. - Protect Existing Floors: Use large, inexpensive rugs or canvas drop cloths to protect the flooring from spills and stains. - Easy-to-Clean Surface: Vinyl flooring is an affordable option that is easy to clean and resistant to damage. 5. Decorate Creatively The ambiance of your studio should inspire creativity. Decorating your space doesn’t have to be costly. - DIY Art: Display your own creations or frame pages from old, illustrated books. - Natural Elements: Add plants or reclaimed wood elements to make the space more welcoming and vibrant. 6. Maximize Flexibility The needs of an artist can change based on the project. Design your space to be as flexible and adaptable as possible. - Mobile Furniture: Choose furniture on wheels or light enough to move around easily, allowing you to reconfigure the space according to your current project. - Modular Storage: Use stackable bins and movable drawers to reorganize supplies quickly.

Creating a home art studio doesn’t require a hefty investment. With some creativity and DIY efforts, you can set up a functional and inspiring space that enhances your creative process. Start small, use what you already have, and gradually build your studio as your artistic needs grow. This personalized space will not only foster your creativity but also allow you to explore your artistic abilities in a comfortable and tailored environment. Read the full article

[hcinteriordhruv]

Modular Kitchen Interior Designers in Delhi, Noida & Dwarka: Cost-Effective Kitchens 

Creating your dream kitchen doesn't require breaking the bank. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can achieve a stylish and functional space that fits your budget. 

Here, we'll explore 10 low-budget kitchen design ideas to inspire you, alongside valuable tips from modular kitchen interior designers in Delhi, Noida, and Dwarka.

Maximizing Space and Storage:

Embrace Open Shelving: Ditch bulky upper cabinets for open shelves. This creates a light and airy feel, showcases your favorite dishes, and saves money.

      Pro Tip from Delhi High Creation Interior Designers: Play with open shelving materials! Combine wood shelves with metal brackets for an industrial touch, or use sleek glass shelves for a modern vibe.

Utilize Smart Storage Solutions: Modular kitchen designers in Noida recommend installing pull-out drawers, corner cabinets, and under-sink organizers. These maximize space and keep your kitchen clutter-free.

Think Vertical Storage: Utilize floor-to-ceiling cabinets for maximum storage. You can even add hooks or rails on the sides for hanging pots and utensils.

Flooring and Backsplashes on a Budget:

Vinyl Flooring: Consider vinyl flooring for a budget-friendly and durable option. It comes in a variety of styles that mimic wood or stone, offering a luxurious look without the hefty price tag.

Pro Tip from Dwarka Designers:  Don't be afraid of patterns! Patterned vinyl tiles can add a pop of personality to your kitchen while staying cost-effective.

Subway Tile Backsplashes: Classic subway tiles are timeless and affordable. They're easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for a busy kitchen.

Embracing DIY and Upcycling:

Paint Your Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform your kitchen cabinets. Choose a light and bright color to create the illusion of a larger space.

Pro Tip from High Creation Interior Noida Designers: For a trendy and unique look, consider two-tone cabinets. Paint the lower cabinets a darker shade for a grounded feel, and keep the upper cabinets light and airy.

Repurpose Old Furniture: Don't underestimate the power of upcycling! An old dresser or console table can be transformed into a kitchen island or a breakfast bar.

Appliances and Finishing Touches:

Focus on Functionality: Prioritize functionality over fancy features when choosing appliances. Look for energy-efficient models that fit your needs.

Statement Lighting:  A statement pendant lamp or strategically placed sconces can elevate your kitchen's ambiance without a significant investment.

Accessorize Wisely: Don't underestimate the power of accessories! Add personality with colorful throw rugs, decorative towels, or eye-catching artwork.

Finding the Perfect Modular Kitchen Interior Designer:

Now that you have a treasure trove of budget-friendly kitchen design ideas, consider collaborating with a skilled modular kitchen interior designer in Delhi, Noida, or Dwarka. Here's what to look for:

Experience and Portfolio: Look for designers with experience in creating beautiful and functional kitchens within budget constraints. Ask to see their portfolio to get a sense of their style and expertise.

Communication and Collaboration: Choose a designer who listens to your needs and preferences. Effective communication is key to a successful and satisfying project.

Budget Transparency: Discuss your budget openly with the interior designer upfront. A reputable designer will work with you to create a plan that maximizes your investment.

By following these tips and collaborating with a talented modular kitchen interior designer, you can create a dream kitchen that's both stylish and budget-friendly. Remember, a little creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way in transforming your kitchen into a beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality.

[manofthefunhouse-blog]

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