For the latest edition in the  How To Get A Job At ____ series, Alexander Walter chatted with Christiana Moss from Studio Ma. Donna Sink commented "This is such a great series." Photo by Bill Timmerman.Plus Archinect spoke with Jessica Orlando, about the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter’s 'Ask an Architect' program aimed at helping homeowners impacted by the devastating Los Angeles Fires. News Nonprofits The Pew Charitable Trusts and Center for Building in North America released the "findings of the first-ever analysis of fire death rates in modern single-stairway buildings". Their report also "examines their potential benefits and risks, and provides relevant international comparisons." Thayer-D was excited "Legalizing these will be a boon to add much needed missing middle housing as well as getting smaller developers into the game, but best of all (from a pedestrian point of view), they make for much nicer streetscapes." Though, Edward Singer had doubts "Perhaps a 5 story type 3A b...

Developer Far From Home has announced that its survival game, Forever Skies, is now out of Early Access. The game, just got its 1.0 update, which brought with it a host of new content along with getting the game out of its Early Access period. Along with its official PC launch, Forever Skies is now also available on PS5. Check out the launch trailer below. Among the content that got added to Forever Skies thanks to its 1.0 update are new biomies, a host of new locations, and several new points of interest to explore. The new biomes are dubbed Silent City and Overgrown Ruins. Each biome will have its own unique vibe, and will have different things that players can scavenge for. Check out the full patch notes of the update below. Back when it had announced the 1.0 update release date for Forever Skies, Far From Home had also revealed a loose roadmap of future content for the game. Summer 2025, for instance, will be getting the Airship Expansion update. There is also a major content update planned for Fall 2025, and December will see a seasonal event. Forever Skies 1.0 Patch Notes: New content: World The world has been split into 3 different Biomes, with unique visuals – Silent City – Overgrown Ruins – New Nature Different gates surround different biomes – The Wall – Charged Blockade New locations – Cosmodrome – Workshop – AI-Tree Surface Lift – AI-Tree Roots New small locations / POIs – Loot Containers – Luciferin POIs – Three unique Colossal Life Form POIs Murals – 20+ unique world murals Story / Progression The story finale has been added with more than one possible ending New Research: Computers with blueprints for Airship parts Discoveries tab in the Studies menu showing all the collectibles (replacing Scanner tab) Lore tablets in the Ark Capsule Drop random event Tools & Devices Cutting Tool Extractor module: Organic Mural Frame New Balloons – Bulky – Flat – Tech Three Colossal Life Form Eggs for airship decoration Resources Luciferin Machine Scrap Technology Token Basic Research Part Advanced Research Part Unique Research Part Settings & UI Ingredients Auto Crafting added – you can now craft items in printers for which you don’t have all the necessary components, but you have resources to craft them. Scalable UI (up to 120%) HUD elements highlights (Select Item, Flashlight, Helm’s Lock Speed) for better visibility of useful key shortcuts HUD discoveries count while exploring locations All action bar slots are possible to bind A UI widget that shows when the game is being saved Difficulty settings description added to the main menu when starting a game Building mode description added to the main menu when starting a game Database button to mark all entries as read Option to leave the game to the desktop from the Pause Menu Gamepad input settings to Settings DLSS Frame Generator Changed: World / Locations The Lower Greenhouse platform changed into a small early standalone location Locations and their surroundings changed their height/altitude to adjust them to the relevant biomes Dust color presets have been assigned to each biome to make them look more visually distinct from one another Rains less often (every 15 minutes, more or less) Clients’ weather, especially rain, should now be better synchronised with the host’s session (small issues may still appear, though) Locations general level art and level design pass Sewer lid under Sleeping Lilies moved to its correct position on Underdust: Suburbs Moth Swarms spawn time reduced World generation minor changes to prevent spawning locations on other locations Collisions on some locations adjusted Story / Progression First Immunity drop moved from Greenhouse Tower to Underdust: Tunnels Second Immunity drop moved from Underdust: Tunnels to Overgrown Lift Researching Encrypted Data no longer needs Evolved Flora Hologram as its crafting component Food and Water tutorial quests made as optional Item economy balance to progress the main quest path has changed Extracting Biomass grants a blueprint for Biomass Fuel Organic Printer removed from the Blueprints menu Tools / Devices All special rewards from the Kickstarter campaign, the Holiday event and the WDC charity DLC have been moved from Device Fabricator into Furniture Fabricator Airship decoration items moved from Device Fabricator into Furniture Fabricator Boosters research recipes moved from Device Fabricator to Suit Printer tab Crossbow research recipe moved from Device Fabricator to Suit Printer tab Medium Backpack research moved from Device Fabricator to Upgrade Fabricator Bolt’s research moved from Device Fabricator to Suit Printer Radar visual changed to highlight surrounding biomes better – Biomes representation on the outer ring – The biome you’re currently exploring is represented by the background colour – Murals icons added – Container icons added – World events icons added Filtering Deck Extractor now allows you to select Biomass for extraction Basic Turbine and Advanced Turbine now give not only an altitude bonus but also a maximum weight bonus (+50 / +100 respectively) Altitude bonus for Advanced Turbine is now +30 (instead of +20) Airship ascends/descends faster now – it’s permanent, not related to Turbines Repair Thrower and Airship Builder now has a longer-lasting battery Both Automatic Extractors need Crystal Batteries Small Backpack moved from New Nature Territory to Greenhouse Tower Medium Backpack moved from Underdust: Suburbs to New Nature Territory Plant Oil and Organic Fertilizer are the default Distiller recipes now Low stamina animation with Knife plays its animation faster Wrecked versions of Repair Thrower and Paint Tool added so they match all the other Wrecked tools research process Crossbow bolts tweaked for a better lifespan, especially on long distances, e.g. for destroying the 3rd Biome gates Automatic Deck Extractor size reduced Automatic Deck Extractor crafting recipe changed (Fiberglass added) Metal Collector cannot be moved when there are some Metals gathered already Better detection range of Garden Pots placed under Sprinklers, less probability of those not being watered down with Sprinklers Sprinklers watering time reduced Sprinklers work when Garden Pots are out of water only Garden Pots collisions reduced so they can be placed closer together Paint Tool now contains 4 basic paints after acquiring this tool Airship The Ladder Room module now has a proper ladder matching climbing animation Landing the airship at high speed will no longer cause damage Resources / Balance Changes to flying debris: – Silicon is found in the Silent City biome – Biomass is found in the Overgrown Ruins biome – Glass is found in the New Nature biome Repair Patch stacks improved from 5 to 10 Biomass stacks changed from 50 to 100 Solid State Battery and Upgrade Fabricator crafting cost reduced Paint Tool moved from Furniture Fabricator to Suit Printer Energy Crystals are now craftable Fiberglass is now craftable All Keycards no longer need Access Modules as crafting ingredients Costs for crafting Polymer changed from 3 to 5 Plant Oil stacks Picking up a Firecracker plant now rewards with its fruits (with a random chance on getting its seed) Artifacts can’t be recycled anymore – they can only be sold in Artifacts Printers on the Dust Territories only Plants from the Overgrown Ruins biome need Organic Fertilizer for their growth process aboard your airship Plants that are pickable in Underdust locations only need Dust Fertilizer for their growth process aboard Radio Towers artifacts pool raised (from initial 2 to 6), so players can find a bigger variety of items Glowweed Seeds added as a loot on Infected Gardens Glowweed Seeds added and Petit Bruiseflower removed from Overgrown Lift Some plant spoiling timers were prolonged Rebalancing research and craft recipes Stacks Balance – Energy Crystal: 10->50 – Polymer: 20->50 – Epoxy: 20->50 – Transformer: 10->25 – Machine Parts: 25->50 – Synthetic Compound: 25->50 – Luciferin: 20->50 – Solid State Battery: 10->25 – Upgraded Battery: 10->25 – Copper Element: 25->50 – Virus samples 1->10 Energy Crystals can now be found on both Wild Habitat and New Nature Territory Energy Crystals can now be found in the Colossal Life Form cave in the New Nature biome Stamina Booster is now a reward from extracting Photophobia Virus Sample (previously assigned to Pyrexia) Biomass Fuel crafting recipe changed (Clean Water >> Dirty Water) Lobster Pepper plants added to Greenhouse towers again All Plants should have their boiled versions (instead of an Overcooked Meal) Synchronize the growing times with the water quantity in the soil Settings / UI Blueprint menu adjusted to uniform UI look Database entries stripped of any irrelevant data (like edible and nutrients sections) Suit Printer tab moved to the leftmost space in the Research Station Cooldowns to many repeatable VOs and message log lines Distiller message log informs about finishing the whole process instead of every stack of distilled liquid Hold time on an Insect Catcher device reduced Hold time on picking up placeable objects has been reduced Removed greyed out layer from locked slots, color change and paddle shake added instead Slight change in a selected inventory slot for better visibility Removed color coding from object health indicator, outline added instead Minor changes in UI for localization purposes Inventory gamepad bindings – “Move” is on Facebutton Bottom (X/A) and “Use” is on Facebutton Left (Square/X) Posters were rescaled Database icons and backgrounds adjusted Simplified controller’s Adaptive Triggers conditions for some tools Other Clients can’t join the session while the host is operating lift to or from Underdust locations to prevent further session problems Elevator ride “interactive loading screen” changed not to generate so many frame drops Scrapwing Hatchery no longer spawns when all players are sleeping at the same time Insect Catcher sound tweaked Player breathing sounds tweaked Player coughing sounds for Dust tweaked (oxygen threshold for coughing lowered) Ladder climbing sounds tweaked The virus, which the player is infected with, is named Grey Plague and updated in the Database entries Only the first intake of the Cure plays its animation Viewing Corner dimensions adjusted Stair Rooms dimensions adjusted Inverted Cockpit model adjusted General texts polish Many optimization works to boost the performance of the game – Further optimization of airship flight physics – Elevator rides should be less choppy – The intro movie should play more smoothly – Hosting a co-op game should now be less taxing on the host’s CPU – Other CPU-side optimization – Draw call reductions – Lighting optimization – Reduction of memory consumption of models and textures Fixes: Fixed a bug where Thunderstorms were looping indefinitely, which resulted in lowering performance Corner View room tops do not overlap with floors anymore, and its glass material has been corrected to standard airship modules’ glass Hanging Cabinet pivot lined with the center of the cabinet Fixed collisions on Infected Garden, blocking entry to one of the location branches Large Bloom Two-Deck Cockpit icon changed to a proper one Fixed a bug where the player could pick up Thorn Bee Hive, resulting in bees staying in the world forever Fixed a bug where players could rescue two Friendly Insect pets Fixed a bug where players couldn’t join a co-op session if their Steam names included some special characters Fixed a bug where clients in co-op sessions didn’t see plants growing Fixed a bug where non-picked-up items in buildings containing Wrecked Objects needed for main quest progression (e.g. Wrecked Basic Turbine) appeared again floating mid-air on the next visited locations Fixed a rare bug where the Sleeping screen (when a player got exhausted) didn’t fill the whole screen Fixed a bug where the Friendly Insect animation breaks when more than one player tries to pet it at the same time Fixed a bug where eating Green Colander raw treated the Pyrexia disease Fixed a bug where players caught anything other than Dust Moths during the tutorial Fixed a bug where clients in a co-op session didn’t see the dust on the Underdust: Suburbs Airship shouldn’t get stuck in a location’s geometry Fixed a bug where Charged Blockade sound wasn’t playing properly Fixed a bug where both biome gates weren’t playing sounds Underdust: Suburbs level design tweaked so Mantis enemies do not get stuck in the floor Fixed a bug where clients in a co-op session saw incorrect Docking Plank movement Fixed a bug where the Blueprints screen showed placeholder items on the first opening Fixed some bugs with levitating items Fixed bugs with the wrong interactive material setup for some objects Fixed a rare bug where the healing sound from a Medical Station didn’t end after healing was completed Fixed a bug where trigger for running a lift was present on the whole lift Fixed a bug where new Room frames were weirdly rotated in ghost mode Fixed a bug where player was stuttering while snapped to Helm during flight Fixed a bug where Filtering Bottle was showing durability 0/0 after crafting Fixed a bug where player could block themselves when building Balloon Core Fixed a bug when player is using a gamepad and is in the splitting menu, pressing anything on the mouse causes them to lose focus Fixed a bug with Dust shader visible on entering both combat locations Fixed a bug where Copper Elements on the Lower Wind Farm could be picked up again after saving and loading a game Fixed a bug where Alternator switch doors weren’t working on Underdust: Suburbs Fixed a bug with the wrong message being played and shown in the log when Engines were being placed Fixed a bug where items dropped on the airship were detached from it after save / load Fixed a bug where Moth Swarms were blocking players from interacting with world objects (no triggers were shown) Fixed a bug where some objects in a Greenhouse Tower weren’t visible for clients in a co-op session Fixed a bug where players couldn’t use the Artifact Trade Station properly with a controller Fixed a bug where clients in a co-op session saw some strange items in the middle of Underdust: Suburbs Fixed a bug where clients in a co-op session stopped seeing the Dust after they returned to the same location for the second time Fixed a bug where the crosshair disappeared after opening and closing the pause Menu Fixed a bug where clients, after joining a co-op session, saw an empty Radar (and it got refreshed only after moving the airship) Fixed a bug where some in-game screens lost their focus and couldn’t be interacted with when using a controller Fixed a bug where resources on a Standard Wind Farm lower landing pad were visible & floating midair after scanning the Wrecked Basic Turbine and then visiting a different Standard Wind Farm Fixed a bug where consuming items from dropped stacks removed the whole stack but gave a boost from a single item only Fixed a bug where clients, after joining a co-op session, couldn’t see the quest log on their HUD Fixed a bug where the Garden Pots preview stayed visible after the player moved the Sprinklers Fixed a bug where the ghost previews for Garden Pots, flickered while the airship was moving Fixed a bug where the Select Item menu was opening when the player wanted to pick up an object from the ground with a controller Fixed a rare bug where a client in a co-op session saw the Extractor ray pointed in a weird direction instead of towards the extracted object Fixed a bug with the player changing their look direction after using the Select Item menu with a controller Fixed a bug where Descent to the Underdust “!” mark stayed on the Radar after leaving this location Fixed a bug where Radar was placed upside down after loading a game or moving it Fixed a bug where player could lock their movement after using Cure from any container other than the inventory Fixed a bug where Friendly Insect Pet stayed in its cage after being rescued by a client in a co-op session Fixed a bug where Medical Station collisions prevented placement of other devices on the floor down below it Fixed a bug where a player standing from a chair could’ve been flying and falling off an airship Fixed a bug where a player using a controller had an additional, invisible row between Inventory and Backpack Fixed a bug where Friendly Insect Pet could get lost forever after player death Fixed a bug where Soft Cushion could be lost when placed on Catwalks and taken by a Scrapwing Hatchery Fixed a bug where blueprints in Artifact Trade Station and Technology Printer could be bought more than once Fixed a bug where the player couldn’t switch filters on an empty container of a Filtering Deck Extractor A set of vines, which could spawn on Wild Habitat arenas removed Level design and level art improved in some locations for a better exploration Several of the most common sources of a crashing game have been removed Final texture added to the recharge strap of the Extractor tool Known Issues: There’s a rare bug where the radial menu (C key bind) stops working and requires a save and reload to start working again There is a bug where the player’s position while using the Medical Station change when an airship is flying

Page-designed Indeed Tower in Austin, Texas (photo credit: Albert Vecerka/Esto). Canadian firm Stantec has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Page, a 1,400-person architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Washington, DC. The acquisition aims to deepen Stantec’s growth in areas such as advanced manufacturing, data centers, and healthcare, while strengthening Stantec’s U.S. offering in mission critical, academic, civic, cultural, aviation, science and technology, and commercial. “Page is a respected architecture and engineering firm with shared values and a commitment to design excellence and innovation,” said Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer of Stantec. “This acquisition will greatly support our strategic market growth in our Buildings business while enabling us to leverage our expanded platform to better serve our North American clients and grow our worldwide market presence.” With the addition of Page, Stantec’s U.S. Buildings practice will grow by approximately 35 per cent and the company’s overall U.S. employee headcount will expand to approximately 13,500 people. The purchase will make Stantec the second-largest architecture firm in the U.S. Stantec intends to fund the acquisition through existing funds and credit facilities. Founded in 1898 in Austin, Texas, Page has offices in 20 cities across the U.S. and Mexico. “Together, we will support our clients with expanded reach, greater expertise, and deeper resources. Our strategic plans were to achieve domestic primacy and global influence for our team, joining Stantec positions us to accelerate these plans,” said Thomas McCarthy, Washington, DC-based chief executive officer of Page. “We are delighted to be joining Stantec and elevating the capabilities of our talented team.” The post Stantec to acquire design, architecture, and engineering firm Page appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Glowing ‘Milky Seas’ Have Baffled Sailors for Centuries—New Research Brings Scientists One Step Closer to Solving the Mystery Historical accounts of vast ocean waters glowing in the dark go back hundreds of years, and researchers are still trying to determine exactly what triggers the phenomenon Glowing "milky seas," seen here from satellites, have confused and captivated sailors for centuries. Colorado State University, CIRA and NOAA From the deck of the American clipper ship Shooting Star, sailors watched a mysterious and unsettling scene. Describing the incident in 1854, off the coast of Java, Indonesia, the captain wrote: “The whole appearance of the ocean was like a plain covered with snow. There was scarce a cloud in the heavens, yet the sky… appeared as black as if a storm was raging. The scene was one of awful grandeur—the sea having turned to phosphorus, and the heavens being hung in blackness, and the stars going out, seemed to indicate that all nature was preparing for that last grand conflagration, which we are taught to believe is to annihilate this material world.” This dramatic testimony is just one of many witness accounts documenting a rare, bioluminescent display aptly dubbed “milky seas.” The nighttime phenomenon, which makes vast stretches of ocean glow bright green or blue for up to months at a time, has confused sailors for centuries. Researchers have a tentative explanation for the event: “We strongly suspect—based on the characteristics of the light and how long it lasts—that it is bacteria,” Justin Hudson, an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University, says in a statement. But that doesn’t clarify much. “It’s a question of, how do you take some of the smallest organisms on Earth and have them engage in some behavior that’s half the size of the state of Colorado?” Milky seas are currently unpredictable, making them all the more difficult to study. In fact, scientists are aware of only one photograph of the glow from sea level, captured in 2019. Now, however, researchers have taken a crucial step in solving the milky seas mystery. Hudson and his colleague Steven Miller, also a Colorado State University atmospheric scientist, have compiled records of milky seas sightings from the last 400 years into a database. By assembling eyewitness reports, testimonies submitted to the Marine Observer journal and satellite data, the pair of researchers identified 415 occurrences of the strange phenomenon throughout history. They hope the database will help scientists learn to predict the rare phenomenon in order to better study it. Not all testimonies come from scientists, and individuals without science backgrounds “capture the information completely differently,” Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, a plankton ecologist at University of Plymouth in England who wasn’t involved in the study, tells National Geographic’s Melissa Hobson. “They never thought it would be used for any ecological study.” Nonetheless, “I think they [Hudson and Miller] did the best job they could do with the kind of data they had available.” Milky seas captured in 2019—it's the only photograph of the phenomenon from sea level known to scientists. Steven D. Miller, PNAS 2022 As detailed last week in the journal Earth and Space Science, the compiled data revealed that most milky seas sightings take place in the Arabian Sea in the northwest Indian Ocean, as well as south of Java and in Indonesia’s Banda Sea. It also links the event to two large weather patterns: the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño Southern Oscillation. In 1985, a research vessel was able to collect a water sample during a milky seas event, which revealed the presence of a luminous kind of bacteria called Vibrio harveyi. This offers “potential proof” that milky seas are caused by a biological process linked to the bacteria, per the study. Accordingly, the regions where milky seas are most commonly spotted experience upwelling, when strong winds churn cold, nutrient-rich water toward the surface of the ocean. “They are spots that are primed for lots of biological activity to happen,” Hudson tells CNN’s Taylor Nicioli. Upwelling can also take place during the Indian Ocean Dipole. “But there’s lots of places on Earth that are like that,” adds Hudson to CNN. “So, what actually makes (these regions) special is a huge, open question.” Another huge, open question that remains is how milky seas fit into their ecosystems. For example, are the glowing patches of water a symptom of a healthy or distressed marine habitat? Ultimately, the new database “allows us to begin answering questions about milky seas beyond hoping and praying a ship runs into one accidentally,” Hudson says in a statement. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Devoted Holding, the parent of co-development firm Devoted Studios, is launching the Devoted Fusion freelancer hub to find game talent.Read More

Media company Gamurs Group reportedly lays off more staff The publisher behind Destructoid, Twinfinite and more appears to have made more layoffs News by Samuel Roberts Editorial Director Published on April 15, 2025 Gamurs Group, the media company behind websites like Dot Esports, Twinfinite, Prima Games, Siliconera and The Escapist, reportedly made more layoffs at the end of last week. As shared on LinkedIn, staff affected by job cuts over the past few days include Evergreen Updates Editor Chris Jecks, SEO Manager Jonna Turner, Lead Data Analyst Thomas Tallentire, Content Strategist Anne Banks and Assigning Editor Christian Smith. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Gamurs Group for comment on the number of staff affected in this latest round. We'll update this article if we get a response. A number of staff at Gamurs-owned outlets have shared layoff news since 2025 started. Back in March, editors at Gamurs-owned The Mary Sue and The Escapist reported being let go. In February, editors at Destructoid shared they'd been laid off on social media. In addition, as shared on BlueSky, the long-running PC enthusiast website PC Invasion is no longer accessible, and now redirects into the Prima Games website. Content from PC Invasion has been ported to Prima Games, according to writers on social media. PC Invasion is still listed as one of Gamurs' brands on its corporate website. Two previous rounds of layoffs at the company made headlines in July and September of 2024.

Most people know that buying a refurbished tech product will save you money compared to buying it new. It also gives a device a second life instead of sending it off to be recycled. Not only that, buying refurbished is sometimes a clever workaround for finding new or tough-to-find products at a lower price. If you’re gifting tech for the holidays, a birthday, or buying for yourself, it’s not a bad idea to see what kinds of stuff you can find refurbished across the web.Those are all good things — yet “refurbished” is still a loaded word for a lot of people. New means new, a product that nobody else has used. On the other hand, buying something refurbished can be a gamble, despite the fact that the product is probably significantly more affordable.If something has been refurbished, that could mean the product was either broken or roughed up enough to warrant a repair. It could also mean that whoever bought it simply decided they didn’t want it and returned it to the store. The definition of what makes for a refurbished product varies depending on the seller, though something that may ease some worry is that there are US laws that prevent once-used tech from being sold as new. We’ve seen it in action, too. In 2019, New York City filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile alleging that it had deceived buyers by selling used phones to customers who had paid for new ones.Still, buying refurbished brings up a lot of questions. Did the original manufacturer refurbish the product, or was it done by a third-party company? Was the product restored to a like-new state, or will it look visibly used when you receive it? Was it professionally cleaned and sanitized, and does it come with new accessories? Does it have a warranty, and who will be accountable if it breaks?It’s easy to see why a lot of people might prefer to just pay more for something new. However, it’s possible to both save money and not get swindled when buying refurbished products. Below, we’ve laid out some tips that you can follow when buying refurbished tech. None of this is fail-proof, but it will make the process a lot safer — and you can end up with some great devices at lower prices.Are you the type of person who’d consider buying refurbished earbuds? Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergeWhat to look for when you want to buy refurbishedIn general, if you purchase a refurbished product from its original manufacturer, it’s far less of a gamble than buying from a third-party retailer. The manufacturer is likely to have higher standards for refreshing and repackaging the product, and — crucially — should have access to authentic materials and components. In our experience, these first-party refurbished sales are rare to find, and they usually move stock quickly.But there are also many companies that exist solely to refurbish products, and they can do a good job, too. You’ll just need to be extra vigilant, ask the right questions, and make sure all of your questions get answered. In other words, if you’re buying a refurbished product, it helps to have criteria. This will quickly become second nature once you start making a habit of looking at refurbished tech. Here are some questions to start with:What condition is it in? Is it in like-new condition or somewhat used?Does it come with all original accessories and documentation?What kind of warranty does it have, and who is providing it?The answers to those questions aren’t necessarily obvious. Sometimes, the product might be visibly damaged, come in a different box, or only have a six-month (or less) warranty. That’s alright, so long as you know in advance of buying it. In fact, you can often use this info to your advantage to save some money, as resellers may sometimes lower the cost if the product isn’t in perfect condition. You’ll just have to decide what you’re willing to settle for.What is an open-box product?Sometimes products will be listed as “open-box.” This term can mean something different depending on the retailer, but most use it to mean that the product was opened by a customer who bought it, then it was returned to the store in its original box with all of its accessories. In other words, it didn’t need to be refurbished because the assumption is that it either wasn’t used at all or was only used once and then repackaged. Generally, it’s safe to assume that an open-box product will be in good condition, though it never hurts to ask for clarification or seek the info somewhere on the webpage.Buying an open-box product is a great way to get a bargain, but be on the lookout for flaws before the return policy expires. Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The VergeIs there anything that I shouldn’t buy refurbished?Ultimately, that’s your call to make. Some staffers at The Verge make a sour face at the idea of using refurbished headphones, especially earbuds or computer mice. I think it’s natural to have that reaction, considering how intimately you might use products like that. Many, but not all, companies claim to thoroughly clean refurbished products before reselling them; however, for some people, something that has been used that way is forever unclean.In my opinion, the most important thing to make sure of when buying a refurbished product is that the warranty is good enough to support you if the device fails. And if the retailer says that your product will arrive in a clean, well-packaged state, make sure that what you receive is representative of their claims.Update April 15th, 2025: This article was originally published on May 15th, 2020. It was updated slightly to ensure the content’s accuracy.See More:

It’s not often that I get to write about Pokémon TCG deals and smart light bulbs in the same guide, but here we are. Amazon’s finally offering decent prices on Journey Together sealed product, which is the closest thing we’ve had to a “normal” launch since Stellar Crown. Meanwhile, the IGN Store just opened preorders on a legitimately good-looking Kazuma Kiryu statue, Humble dropped a train simulator bundle for $15 that somehow has $283 worth of content, and Lepro’s doing their AI lighting thing again, except now it’s even cheaper. I didn’t expect to be tempted by half this stuff. Yet here I am.Today’s Best Deals: Pokémon TCG, Like a Dragon Kiryu Statue, Lepro Smart Lights, and MorePokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundleLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu - Statue$219.99 at IGN StorePokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleLepro O1 AI Floor Lamp$86.39 at AmazonLepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection$56.18 at AmazonMass Effect Merchandise$59.99 at IGN Store Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster BundleSee it at AmazonFellow Traveller Publisher Bundle Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box$54.96 at Amazon Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection$135.00 at AmazonPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box$53.46 at AmazonThe best part? Most of this is first-party stock. These aren’t third-party resellers or warehouse dumps. The Pokémon deals come straight from Amazon, the statue is from the IGN Store, and Lepro’s discounts are backed by coupons and Prime shipping. Even the Humble bundle supports CALM, so you can simulate locomotives and feel slightly better about your backlog at the same time.Add MLB.TV and Get $30 Off Your First Month of SlingNow through May 31, you can tack on MLB.TV and stream every single out-of-market game and get $30 off your first month of Sling TV. Get access to ESPN, TBS, FS1, and more, plus a free month of unlimited DVR.See it at Sling TVPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxThis is the first time I’ve seen the ETB for a reasonable price without having to buy it from someone’s backseat eBay hustle. Nine booster packs, full-art N’s Zorua promo, card sleeves, energy, dice, the works. I’ve seen this box selling for $90+ since launch, so $70.31 from Amazon is genuinely solid. Lillie’s Clefairy ex is still floating around $180 and N’s Zoroark ex has dropped to $13, which tells me the hype has deflated and we’re in “buy because it’s fun” territory again. I like it here.Maractus - 160/159$2.25 at TCG PlayerArticuno - 161/159$18.69 at TCG PlayerWailord 162/159$14.55 at TCG PlayerIono's Kilowattrel 163/159$12.49 at TCG PlayerLillie's Ribombee 164/159$8.00 at TCG PlayerSwinub 165/159$4.18 at TCG PlayerLycanroc 166/159$4.55 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram 167/159$16.00 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)$14.12 at TCG PlayerFurret 168/159$8.92 at TCG PlayerNoibat 169/159$6.85 at TCG PlayerHop's Wooloo 170/159$6.10 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundlePokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundleThis is the low-frills version for people who just want to open packs without pretending they’re going to organize their collection. Six Journey Together boosters and none of the ETB fluff. Honestly, this is how I like to test a set when prices cool off. You still have a shot at cards like Salamence ex SIR, which tanked from $250 to around $106, or a sub-$20 N’s Reshiram. Even if you pull nothing, at least you didn’t overpay trying to win the cardboard lottery.Volcanion ex 171/159$2.35 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 172/159See it at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 173/159$17.01 at TCG PlayerMamoswine ex 174/159$2.20 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 175/159$13.25 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 176/159$7.45 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 177/159$3.00 at TCG PlayerDudunsparce ex 178/159$2.65 at TCG PlayerBrock's Scouting 179/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerIris's Fighting Spirit 180/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu StatueLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu - StatuePre-order now$219.99 at IGN StoreI’m not usually a statue guy, but this one’s sharp. Kiryu looks like he walked straight out of Yakuza 0 mid-heat-action combo, and the 11.4-inch sculpt from Kotobukiya actually does him justice. It ships in October, which gives me time to clear desk space and justify the price. It’s not cheap, but I’ve seen statues this size with way less detail go for more. I think if you’re a Like a Dragon fan, this is an easy preorder.Pokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterPokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterI threw one of these in my cart last week just to hit the free shipping minimum. One pack, random art, decent discount. There’s no reason to expect anything big, but the price is finally low enough that I don’t feel bad if I just pull a Furret. And if you happen to land something like Articuno’s Illustration Rare (now $18.69) or Wailord (around $14.55), it’s a nice win from a $10 impulse buy.Volcanion ex 182/159$23.95 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 183/159$80.00 at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 184/159$180.00 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 185/159$90.00 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 186/159$49.95 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 187/159$104.77 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 188/159$16.99 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 189/159$35.00 at TCG PlayerSpiky Energy 190/159$8.50 at TCG PlayerTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleI don’t know how many people wake up wanting ten train simulator add-ons, but if you’re one of them, today is your day. For $15, you get Train Sim World 5’s Starter Pack plus nine routes and loco add-ons. Antelope Valley, Cajon Pass, Thameslink, Santa Fe F7—the whole diesel buffet. It’s Steam keys, it supports CALM, and the value is so off the rails (pun fully intended) that I bought it just to mess around with the Railpool BR193 Vectron. Don’t judge me.Lepro O1 AI Floor LampLepro O1 AI Floor Lamp$86.39 at AmazonThis is one of those “tech that doesn’t make sense until you try it” products. It’s a smart LED floor lamp with AI-generated lighting modes, music sync, voice control, app scheduling, and a vibe for every mood. It’s absurdly bright at 2300 lumens, and it looks clean in any corner setup. The AI stuff isn’t just fluff either. Say “I want relaxing light” and it’ll give you ten preset scenes. I think it’s great if you want one light to do everything without fiddling with settings for half an hour.Lepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsLepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsThese are the same AI bulbs as the ones in the floor lamp, but in classic 75W-equivalent LED form. They’re bright, colorful, and weirdly helpful if you’re too tired to fine-tune your lighting manually. The music sync is fun, the AI scenes work well, and the voice commands actually feel smart instead of gimmicky. I bought a set of these last month and haven’t touched the wall switch since. At $8 per bulb, it’s kind of a no-brainer.Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksI picked up Surging Sparks because six booster packs under $50 is lower than what Amazon has been charging recently (It's still above MSRP though) Honestly, I wanted something new to crack open. It’s part of the latest Scarlet & Violet expansion, so if you’re trying to keep up with current sets or just enjoy the chaos of pulling a good card, this one’s a smart grab.Pikachu ex - 238/191$399.99 at TCG PlayerMilotic ex - 237/191$140.00 at TCG PlayerPikachu ex - 247/191$95.97 at TCG PlayerHydreigon ex - 240/191$79.99 at TCG PlayerAlolan Exeggutor ex - 242/191$55.99 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium CollectionPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection$56.18 at AmazonThis one’s for the collectors who care as much about presentation as they do the pulls. Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection comes with six packs, a full-art promo, and a display sheet that’s more elaborate than it needs to be — in a good way. It's also a cool way to snag Journey Together packs with a fantastic promo card.Lillie's Clefairy ex - 184/159$224.74 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 185/159$249.97 at TCGPlayerIono's Bellibolt ex - 183/159$149.99 at TCGPlayerHop's Zacian ex - 186/159$100.39 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 189/159$62.95 at TCGPlayerFree to Play VR Sandbox Game: DigiGods on Meta QuestDigiGods is a free-to-play, physics-based, VR game that allows players to create, play, and share in a sandbox environment. Safety is a top priority with the use of AI content filtering and human moderators to ensure a safe and positive environment.See it at MetaMass Effect MerchandiseMass Effect Merchandise$59.99 at IGN StoreI think anyone who's replayed Mass Effect more than once knows exactly why these statues are tempting. I pre-ordered Jack immediately because, well, it felt necessary. The line includes Shepard, Tali, Legion, and others, and they look good enough that I’ve already made space for them on the shelf. If you're still quoting Garrus unironically, these are for you. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster Bundle Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster BundleSee it at AmazonPaldean Fates is priced a double MSRP, but it's also very hard to come by in 2025. I grabbed it because the baby shiny sub-set is awesome, but if you just want to grab the single cards from this set, it might actually save you money.Charizard VMAX 107/122$65.00 at TCG PlayerSkyla 072/072$13.76 at TCG PlayerDitto VMAX 119/122See itSuicune 022/122$2.50 at TCG PlayerGalarian Ponyta 047/122$5.20 at TCG PlayerFellow Traveller Publisher BundleFellow Traveller Publisher BundlePay less to get fewer items, or pay extra to give more to publishers, Humble, and charity One Tree PlantedThis bundle has some of the better narrative indies from the last few years. I paid the $12, added the games to my backlog like I always do, and immediately booted up The Pale Beyond. It’s a strong lineup if you like character-driven games and don’t mind occasionally being emotionally wrecked by minimalist storytelling. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box$54.96 at AmazonI think of this one as the all-in-one box for when you want cards and a bunch of gear you probably won’t use but still want around. Nine booster packs, a promo, sleeves, dice, and enough extras to make you feel like you’re doing more than just opening packs. It’s a solid option if you like having a little structure with your chaos.Persian - 078/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$67.61 at TCGPlayerCassiopeia - 094/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$59.98 at TCGPlayerFezandipiti ex - 092/064 - SV: Shrouded FableSee it at TCGPlayerHoundoom - 066/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$49.99 at TCGPlayerDuskull - 068/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$49.88 at TCGPlayer Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection$135.00 at AmazonI hesitated on this one, then immediately remembered it includes 18 booster packs and a playmat. It’s definitely a big spend, but if you’ve been waiting for a premium bundle that actually justifies the price, this checks out. I picked it up more for the experience than the individual cards, and that’s the right way to approach it.Squirtle - 148/142$75.31 at TCG PlayerBulbasaur - 143/142$74.88 at TCG PlayerTerapagos ex - 170/142$57.98 at TCG PlayerDachsbun ex - 169/142$38.00 at TCG PlayerHydrapple ex - 167/142$41.99 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V BoxPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box$53.46 at AmazonI grabbed Shining Fates Pikachu V mostly because I never actually opened it when it first dropped, and now seemed like a good excuse. Four booster packs, a Pikachu promo, and the oversized card that ends up somewhere near your desk — standard stuff, but still a nice throwback if you missed it the first time around.Yamper 039/122$3.00 at TCG PlayerLapras VMAX 111/122$4.50 at TCG PlayerGalarian Rapidash 048/122$4.75 at TCG PlayerAlcremie VMAX 073/072$4.40 at TCG PlayerPoke Kid 070/072$1.63 at TCG PlayerWhy Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

SummaryLushfoil Photography Sim is available today on Xbox Series X|S.Explore tranquil locations around the world, from saltwater beaches to mountainous countryside.Hone your photography skills and capture the perfect shot with faithfully recreated in-game cameras. I’m thrilled to introduce Lushfoil Photography Sim, a tranquil, open-ended photography exploration experience available today on Xbox Series X|S. While real-life photography can be accessible, it can be harder to commit the time and money to travel. Inspired by some real-world locations that had a huge impact on me, I wanted to virtually recreate some of the highlights of my travels so others can experience them too. I committed to learning Unreal Engine over the last few years in order to do each location justice, and make the game I’ve always wanted to make.Having grown up with photography, I believe it’s an important medium not only for self-expression, but as a way to remember our lives and all the details we would otherwise forget. With Lushfoil, photo taking isn’t a side objective or optional feature, but it’s at the core of the experience, allowing you to fully absorb the game’s atmosphere and appreciate details in your surroundings. Fully Simulated Camera Settings I spent a lot of time traveling with my Canon 1100, which inspired the main DSLR camera you find in Lushfoil. I’ve incorporated a full set of controls and settings that will be familiar to photographers, while also making these settings unobtrusive for beginners who just want to shoot. Lushfoil includes some cutting-edge capture techniques, such as properly simulated shutter speedandlong exposure. Immersive Real-World Locations There are 10 unlockable locations in the game, chosen to create as much variety as possible between maps, set in France, Italy, Japan, China, Australia, Nepal and Iceland. Each environment is filled to the brim with details, photo objectives that require you to traverse all corners of the map and has plenty of secrets and unlockable surprises. The main appeal of recreating these locations digitally is that you no longer have to wait for the perfect morning light or for the fog to settle, all of that is just already there.Unlockable weather presets, as well as the ability to fine tune all aspects of the scene – including sun angle, wind, rain, snow and more – gives you an even greater sense of immersion. Exploration and Gameplay While the core of Lushfoil is all about photography, I’ve also woven in objectives and exploration incentives that give the game a progressive structure. You can still play at your own pace, but progression is dependent on how much you’re able to notice and how willing you are to explore. I hope everyone finds something that satisfies them specifically, whether that’s playing like a completionist or taking it slow, working on your technique, and absorbing the atmosphere. For those of you who are looking to learn a bit more about camera settings and how to make the most of your real-world camera, there’s a bunch of educational material in the game too. Xbox Optimization I’ve worked hard to ensure the game runs smoothly and looks great on both Xbox Series X and S with minimal loading times and smooth framerates. The high-end hardware and graphics on Xbox Series X|S really allows me to push the quality of models, shadows and post processing, so the environments feel extra rich and detailed. Hopefully this will elevate the shots you take. Available Today I’m excited for everyone to experience Lushfoil Photography Sim today on Xbox Series X|S. Even after long years in development, it’s possible to show perspectives of the game that I’ve never seen before, which I can’t wait to see. Good luck shooting! Lushfoil Photography Sim Annapurna Interactive ☆☆☆☆☆ ★★★★★ $14.99 $11.99 Get it now Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully-featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant. The rich atmosphere of Lushfoil Photography Sim is enhanced by an ambient, ethereal soundtrack featuring licensed music from artists around the world. Capture the Perfect Shot The in-game camera includes an abundance of settings that you'd expect from a real-world professional DSLR camera. The camera simulates settings such as Auto/Manual Focus, Flash, Exposure, Contrast, White Balance, Aperture, Burst Shot and other effects for full creative control over your photography. The game further provides tools that allow for manipulation of the environmental conditions for your photos, such as manual adjustment of light angles, fog, snow, wind, and rain. Off the Beaten Path Dive deeper into the game’s many locations to find unlockable cameras and experience the world from unique perspectives. Find a first-person drone that allows you to soar above the landscape and capture the world from above, or find a hidden rowboat that allows you to traverse still waters in pursuit of the perfect shot. Very Efficiently Optimised Each environment has been created in Unreal Engine 5 and is built from the ground up to be both efficiently optimized and showcase the game’s locations in stunning visual fidelity. There are extensive custom settings that will help the game run on a wide range of PCs, while taking full advantage of high-end graphics cards. About Me My name is Matt, I'm from Perth in West Australia and I've been working on this project solo for about 4 years (as of April 2023). As an avid hiker and photographer I hope you're able to appreciate the atmosphere and details I have tried to encapsulate in these environments. I sincerely hope you have a great experience :')

Above: A serene blue bedroom by designer Breegan Jane.There’s an ongoing conversation in the health and wellness space surrounding sleep hygiene, or the practices and rituals that promote quality sleep. While sleep hygiene can include behavioral practices such as taking a warm shower before getting into bed, or meditating to clear the mind, the interior design of a person’s bedroom also plays a role. For example, according to research, the paint color or wallpaper of your bedroom can affect sleep by eliciting different emotional responses. Think about it: The last thing you see before you fall asleep is the atmosphere surrounding you. Even if you aren’t focused on the walls, they’re in your line of vision, and research suggests that, because colors have a neurological effect on humans, certain hues in the bedroom can have a poor effect on a person’s sleep quality. We reached out to a psychologist and interior designers, to find out more about the correlation between colors and mood. Below, we dive into how the paint and wallpaper colors in a person’s bedroom can positively and negatively affect their shut-eye, which colors to avoid, and which to consider for your next bedroom redesign.More Stories You Shouldn't Sleep OnHow Paint and Wallpaper Colors Affect SleepAccording to Leah Kaylor, CEO, psychologist, and prescribing psychologist at Leah Kaylor, Ph.D. PLLC, choosing the color of your bedroom doesn’t just influence the room’s aesthetic; because the human brain reacts to color on both a biological and emotional level, it also elicits a mind and body response every time you’re in the room.“Color affects how we feel, think, and respond. Some colors can calm us down, others can boost our energy, and some might even raise our heart rate,” Kaylor tells House Beautiful. “These reactions aren’t random, they are shaped by how our brains process visual input, along with personal and cultural associations.” If making adjustments to other parts of your nighttime routine isn’t improving your sleep, your bedroom wallpaper or paint color could be the culprit. Kaylor says high-contrast or bright hues, like red, neon yellow, and stark black-and-white patterns can cause a sensory overload. “They signal the brain to stay alert rather than unwind,” Kaylor explains, adding that highly patterned or chaotic wallpapers can have a similar effect, creating low-level sensory disruption that the brain continues to process even during sleep. “This can cause lighter sleep or increased wake after sleep onset (WASO), especially in individuals with anxiety or PTSD.”The Worst Paint and Wallpaper Colors for SleepRedLike black and white checkered print, red is considered a high contrast color. Though red is strongly associated with energy and passion, which, in theory, could be a benefit in the bedroom, Kaylor warns against red wallpaper and paint colors for your sleep space. “Red can be overstimulating and not ideal for sleep-focused environments,” Kaylor says. “Use it cautiously, perhaps only as an accent wall or in moderation.”Orange While Dashevsky is all for incorporating orange in your home gym designs, he recommends keeping it out of the bedroom. “Orange is an energizing color that can stimulate both the body and mind,” Dashevsky says. “It’s known to increase enthusiasm and excitement, and stimulates creativity and mental activity, making it suitable for spaces where brainstorming occurs.”Any Busy or Bold PatternJensen’s number one rule for interior design in the bedroom: Keep things calm. Busy geometric prints and bold stripes are a no for the designer, as they can feel loud and overwhelming. “They keep the eye darting around and brain alert,” Jensen warns, “which is not the intention in a bedroom setting.”The Best Paint and Wallpaper Choices to Promote Sleep Serena & LilyA soothing floral bedroom by Serena & Lily.By the same token, certain colors and patterns can help you sleep, as well. Here's what the pros recommend. Soft floralsFlorals for spring? Not so groundbreaking. Florals for your bedroom wall? Sleep promoting! Kathy Kuo Home founder and CEO noted interior designer, Kathy Kuo tells House Beautiful that soft floral and nature patterns are “lovely” choices for bedroom wallpaper because they’re rooted in the outdoors, lending themselves “organically to more muted color palettes that won’t be overly distracting.”Shades of Blue Blue is a serene color, encouraging calm, which is why Paul Dashevsky, co-CEO of the home renovation resource sites GreatBuildz.com and MaxableSpace.com, recommends that clients opt for bold shades of blue in the bedroom. “You might pick a dark navy or a bright teal,” Dashevsky says. “Either way, these bold blues will bring peace to your safe space.”Earthy Greens In addition to shades of blue, which are reminiscent of bodies of water, Dashevsky says other earthy hues, such as green, can also inspire feelings of relaxation and calm. As far as specific shades, the designer suggests opting for lighter greens, like mint or sage, to give your bedroom a breezy vibe that’s refreshing. Naturescapes and soft textures Isfira Jensen, the CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, recommends those in favor of wallpaper reach for calming imagery or soft, subtle textures and patterns. “Think flowing lines, gentle curves, or natural-inspired motifs like clouds or leaves,” Jensen instructs. “They create a soothing rhythm for the eye, helping the mind settle.” Tonal Hues Rather than pops of color, principal designer and founder at Gala Magriñá Design, Gala Magriñá advises clients to choose tonal shades—namely soft beiges and muted pinks, deep greens, and browns.“When it comes to how color affects our mood and energy, the hue makes all the difference,” Magriñá explains. “A gentle blush pink is great for a restful bedroom environment, for instance, while a brighter, vibrant pink brings a boost of energy that’s better suited to a workspace.” What If You Can’t Redo Your Room?If you determine the reason you’re getting poor quality sleep is likely your bedroom paint color or wallpaper, but a re-design isn’t in the cards, no worries. “Wallpapers [and paint] are a huge part of a room, but they are not the only part,” says Colin Pearson, an interiors expert at Stanton House Inn hotel in Connecticut. “Use soft lighting, introduce some softer visual breaks on the wall to take away from the strong wallpaper, or even change the room layout. Your room is yours and whatever makes you feel at peace will always be best.”Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.