Looking at social media comments, many seem confused, irritated, maybe a little scared by the fact that people indulge in virtual agriculture. How could they! And who are they, anyway? If the mere concept has you questioning the appeal of rural busywork, let us enlighten you.Pour yourself a cup of tea. Add a dash of your favorite energy drink, if you have to. Well explain who plays Farming Simulator and why they love it. Plus, with Farming Simulator 25 launching on Xbox Series X|S today, promising plenty of new updates and improvements its the perfect time to give a virtual farming career a try.Why Should You Start A Farm?Take your pick, there are many reasons: relaxation, escapism, self-determination, and generally wholesome entertainment are just the overarching buzzwords but heres a few more reasons to kick off your virtual farming career.Adapting to Challenges From yield improvement and timely management of fields to withstanding seasons and weather events like twisters. Youll be kept on your feet.Growing the Business Expand and grow your farm into an agricultural empire with construction projects, production chains, and the logistics to make it efficient.Mastering Agriculture Farmers never stop learning. Theres much for you to explore and experience. You will see tractors driving around with different eyes and maybe even appreciate the food in your fridge a bit more.Farming Simulator 25 offers plenty of possibilities to live out a farmers dream. For aspiring farmers as well as returning agriculturists who find new crops, animals, machine categories and depth of gameplay from the feeling of sinking into the mud of deformed soil, GPS-based steering for increased automation and efficiency, extended baling-mechanics based on consumable foil types (expert farmers really love it) up to new challenges like weather events, as twisters and hail prompt land owners to prepare.Who Even Plays This Stuff?Without flexing numbers, we can assure you that a lot of people play Farming Simulator. And we dont mean those with a knack for ironic entertainment, because lol, tractors. Sure, one fan told us he was given the game as a joke. He and his family now own a real farm because he got a bit hooked on the idea and is probably the last one laughing. While you may not be rushing out to purchase your own fertile land just yet, you could find yourself fitting into some of the below archetypes.Kids notoriously like tractors and learn how to potato with Farming Simulator. There is some educational value for everyone. Do you know the difference between a plow, a cultivator, and a subsoiler?Parents can relax and play it with tiny observers present. It might be a nice first bonding-experience over gaming, and appropriate for all ages.Gamers who are into cooperative multiplayer. Building a multi-faceted empire of field operations, production chains, and logistics. Everyone plays a role.Stressed-out people too empty after work to engage in competitive online games where verbal shootouts sadly mock the honor of their female guardians.Everyone looking for satisfaction paired with relaxation. Harvesting a crop that grows in straight rows with an Alien-looking machine just scratches this very particular itch.Farmers. The real ones. The ones harvesting the produce you buy at the supermarket and who are basically feeding the world. We know your next questionWhy Would Real Farmers Play It After Work?Hard to imagine for people who havent plowed before, but listen: playing Farming Simulator is not work!Farmers play it because of passion for agriculture. Its not just a job where you feel the need to numb yourself with social media doomscrolling.Farmers love machines, fine-mechanics, and impressive technology. Others enjoy that, too, and might get hooked on the 400+ machines all authentic and detailed.Farmers can experiment and so can you. 25 field crops, plus greenhouse crops, various tree species, and an ensemble of animals, now with goats & water buffalos.The reason is passion. Its as simple as that. For nature. For plants. For trees. Animals. Machines. And rewarding results. The game allows them to experiment with crops and machinery that they could never grow and operate on their own fields.Its hard to grow cotton in small fields somewhere in England, for example. Or buying cattle just so you can have natural, sustainable lawn mowers when you really have a sweet sugar beet farm. With three environments to choose from, North-America, Europe and East Asia, Farming Simulator 25 offers an agricultural variety not only farmers find exciting.Farming Simulator 25 Out TodayFarming Simulator 25 also features overall enhanced graphics, physics and effects making this entry of the family-friendly series the most atmospheric and immersive yet.If thats not enough for you, we have one of the most active modding communities with user-creations hands-on tested by our developers themselves available directly in the game.If you need help starting out, you can visit our Farming Simulator Academy, a series of official tutorials.Farming Simulator 25 is available today on Xbox Series X|S.Farming Simulator 25GIANTS Software GmbH11Get it nowPRE-ORDER NOW TO GET THE MacDon Pack FOR FREE!!!Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life. Whether you build your legacy single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer you decide: This Farm is Your Farm!New features include: * Three maps in North America, East Asia & Central Europe* Crops: Rice, spinach, peas & green beans* Animals: Goats, water buffalo & baby animals* 400+ machines from 150+ agricultural brands* Weather events (Twister & Hail) and improved effects* Ground deformation & GPS-assisted steering* New production chains & farm shops & constructions* Many quality-of-farming improvements

From home-cooked holiday meals shared with family to caroling door-to-door, there are a lot of reasons to love Christmas in the country. (And, did we mention all the cute small towns that are decorated for the holidays that we can't wait to visit?!) Our favorite, though, might just be decorating a fresh-cut fir with all our farmhouse trimmings. Whether the tree is festooned with freshly foraged goods or your best vintage ornaments, bringing a bit of that classic country charm to your tree is easier than you think, especially when you're up for a little Christmas crafting. But, have no fear: If you aren't feeling crafty there are some simple swaps you can make to play up the rustic feel. (We won't lie, we're obsessed with this woven tree collar we've been seeing everywhere!) Below, we've gathered up some of our favorite ways to add rustic charm to your Christmas tree. Ready To Decorate For Christmas? Start Here With Our Best Christmas Decorating Guides:1Add Playful Paper GarlandsBecky Luigart-StaynerNothing says homespun holiday like a simple paper chain garland. Here, homeowner Landon McAfee played up his preppy blue-and-green Christmas palette with a classic paper chain.RELATED: See More Behind The Scenes of Our New Holiday Issue (Including How We Landed On This Tree For The Cover!)2Just Add BellsAdam AlbrightA long-standing farmhouse staple, bells add timeless cheer to even the most simple of Christmas trees, such as the one seen here on Alyson and AJ Morgans Wisconsin porch. RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday DecorationsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Hang a Simple Popcorn Garland David A. LandIt doesnt get any more classic than DIY popcorn garland. Add some oversized bulbs, pop the tree into a makeshift wooden crate stand, and voil, a country Christmas tree at its finest. You can top with a punched tin tree topper for extra farmhouse flair!RELATED: Try One of Our Hall-of-Fame Christmas Garland Ideas 4Add Copper AccentsNat Rea; Styling by Matthew GleasonA mix of handmade and hand-me-down baubles festoon this Rhode Island tree, which is topped by a DIY star made from copper craft piping and ringed with DIY copper chain garland. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go for Collected OrnamentsDylan ChandlerWant to make your Christmas tree feel like its been years in the making? Try adding in a variety of ornaments! Just be sure to keep a clear color palette in mind (like a thread of red) so it still feels cohesive. RELATED: 25 Easy Crochet Christmas Ornaments That'll Cozy up Your Tree 6Gussy up Galvanized Tin OrnamentsDylan ChandlerPainted pine cones and dried orange slices pair perfectly with the rustic charm of galvanized tin bells and stars on this Missouri cabin porch tree. The overall look is cheerfully chippy, and will weather the elements an outdoor Christmas tree may face. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Repurpose Cutter QuiltsBecky Luigart-StaynerSometimes you want a tree that is pet and allergen friendly. Thats okay! If you have a stack of cutter or damaged quilts lying around that need a second life, try this clever DIY that will turn one into a country Christmas tree.To make: Cut a 1/2-inch-thick piece of foam core to the desired triangle size. Wrap your quilt tightly around the foam core and secure in place with straight pins (no cutting needed!). Set on a picnic basket tree trunk. RELATED: 93 DIY Christmas Decorations to Transform Your Home Into a Winter Wonderland8Embrace a Barely There TreeDavid MeredithThe skinnier branches of an alpine can be just as pretty as a full-blown fraser fir, and dont feel overwhelming in cozy corners. Add woodland creature and felt mushroom ornaments to bring the outdoors in like this crafty Utah family did in their farmhouse living room. RELATED: This Utah Family Home Has a Hands-On Approach to the HolidaysAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Opt for Candied OrnamentsGordon BeallCandy ornaments are a sweet (literally!) style for a kitchen countertop Christmas tree, and so easy to make. Pair with cranberry garland for an allover edible-inspired design.RELATED: Your Family Will Treasure These DIY Ornaments For Years to Come10Layer on the LightsRobert RadiferaTheres something to be said for a Christmas tree where a tiny white glow seems to emit from every branch. Its especially comforting to spot in the living room corner when you sneak downstairs to catch a peek of Santa.RELATED: Heres How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights Like a ProAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11DIY a Painted Tree StandBrian WoodcockFor extra country flair, we suggest you ditch the tree skirt and use a galvanized tub instead! You can even paint it with red stripes to resemble a grain sack. 12Opt for a Rattan Topper and Citrus GarlandRikki SnyderThis timeless farmhouse-style tree incorporates classic touches like red balls and plaid accents, as well as rustic natural elements like a dried citrus garland and a stunning rattan star topper. RELATED: See More of This Postcard-Perfect Farmhouse in the Catskills That Is All Decked Out for ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Illuminate With CandlesBrian WoodcockThis tree features details that harken back to earlier times, like a gingerbread star garland, electric clip-on candles (a nod to the early way trees were illuminated), and a straw star on top. A quilted tree skirt rounds out the homespun vibe.RELATED: This Is the Only Gingerbread Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Need14Pair Classic Ornaments with Paper EphemeraDylan ChandlerThis 200-year-old farmhouses Christmas decor includes a tree decorated with festive balls and paper ephemeralike sentimental numbersfound at flea markets and antique shops. A galvanized bucket as the tree stand finishes the rustic farmhouse look.RELATED: 100+ Best Places To Shop For Antique and Vintage Items Online, According to Our EditorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Use Vintage VesselsBrian WoodcockA vintage candy tin provides a perfectly sweet base for this flocked tree. Ribbon-candy ornaments tie the sweets motif together.RELATED: Heres How To Flock Your Christmas Tree, According to Experts 16Go All in on Natural TouchesVirginia MacdonaldHandmade ornaments are always more rustic than store-boughtand a lot more visually interesting too. In this classic stone farmhouse, simple citrus garlands hung with nylon string add an air of understated elegance. RELATED: See More of This Cozy Farmhouse That Has Something Called a Snug Room and Now We Want One Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Style up a Stoneware Crock Brian WoodcockAny entryway table would look lovely with this tree placed atop it. Here, a mini balsam fir is decorated with a simple plaid bow, a cranberry bead garland, and clip-on candlesticksall sitting in a stoneware crock.RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Trees With Big Holiday Spirit18Craft a Pennant Flag GarlandDavid Tsay, styling by Sunday HendricksonThe year-round use of red in this California cabins living room takes inspiration from the words of Charles Dickens: I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. The large Christmas tree is peppered with felt pennants from National Parks and roadside attractions.RELATED: Tour More of This California Lake Home That Is the Ultimate Christmas GetawayAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19DIY a Galvanized Funnel TreeBrian WoodcockNow this is a rustic tree! Stack vintage galvanized funnels in graduated sizes, then place the makeshift tree on a counter or open shelf in your home. Small wood beads, strung on baker's twine, make for a fitting trimming. RELATED: The 40+ Best Alternative Christmas Trees to Decorate Any Space in Your Home20Gussy up with GingerbreadAnnie Schlechter, styling by Matthew GleasonIn this Connecticut farmhouse dining room, a spindly Fraser fir features equally fragrant citrus and gingerbread ornaments alongside an old wooden wheelbarrow wielding plaid-wrapped packages.RELATED: Tour More of This Connecticut Home That Is Mad for Plaid at ChristmastimeAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.Its only fitting that ELLE DECOR A-Lister Lorenzo Castillo happened upon the Madrid apartment building that would become his future home while en route to El Rastro, the citys famous flea market. Madrids old neighborhoods harbor hidden treasures, he says. Its one of the things I love most about the city. Simon UptonIn the sitting room, a steel-and-ostrich-egg mirror hangs above a sofa upholstered in a 1960s David Hicks fabric; the Jacob Frres armchair is covered in a Rubelli velvet, and the cocktail table is from the 70s. The artworks include paintings by Xavier Vilat, bottom left, and Jos Mara Yturralde, center, and a Josep Maria Subirachs engraving and Miguel Macaya painting, right.Castillo was immediately drawn to the building. Its very madrileo, he saysin other words, its quintessentially Madridwith a neoclassical stone faade that is noble in scale but remarkably simple. The portera, or doorwoman, told him the history of the building, which was constructed in the 17th century and was once a convent: Located on the border between the now-trendy neighborhoods of Lavapis and Barrio de las Letras, it became one of the most prestigious addresses in the Spanish capital during the 18th and 19th centuries. A new facade added in the 1770s by Ventura Rodrguez, the architect of many iconic monuments in Madridincluding the sculptures of Neptune and Cybele on the Paseo del Pradoheightened the buildings allure. Simon UptonAn 18th-century rug covers a table in the entrance hall; the bench is in the Rgence style, the desk is by Marc du Plantier, and 18th-century engravings fill the walls. Two days after Castillos first visit, a half-floor apartment on an upper story was his. That was 10 years ago, when he was building a reputation as a leading antiques dealer in Spain. Now he runs his own interior design business, with assistance from his partner, Alfonso Reyero. Castillos projects range from a historic Andalusian country house to a London restaurant slated to open this summer. He recently renovated Madrids Santo Mauro, giving the hotel a five-star upgrade. As Castillos business has grown, so have his domestic needs. Nearly four years ago he sold that first apartment, along with his collection of furniture and art, to purchase and renovate an 11,000-square-foot space downstairs, spread over two floors. Simon UptonThe center table in the drawing room was designed by Castillo, and the Louis XVI daybed is upholstered in a Josef Frank fabric; the 18th-century portrait is French, and the screen is Japanese. After the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, the rooms that now house Castillos apartment served as the warehouse for one of the citys theatrical costumers. Such legendary figures as Maria Callas and Placido Domingo were fitted there for productions at the nearby Royal Opera House, Castillo says. By the time he bought the apartment, most of its signature architectural details were gone. The marble fireplace surrounds had been sold off or stolen during the war, and huge pieces of the decorative stucco moldings had crumbled or fallen off, he says. He spent a year supervising the renovation and traveling around Europe in search of period floors, fireplaces, fittings, and hardware. He became friends with the costume companys former owner, who could still conjure up memories of the apartments once-glorious appearance. Simon UptonThe armchairs, tables, and mirrors in the dining room are by Castillo, and the light fixtures are 19th century.Castillo managed to make the apartment look both classic and up-to-date. He wove a rich and sumptuous tapestry of timeless design by mixing pedigreed antiques and vintage pieces, including a desk of green leather and gilt bronze made in the 1940s by Marc du Plantier for the prince of Bavaria, tapestries by Rubens, a massive plaster bust from Pariss cole des Beaux-Arts, and 1970s Op Art. A carriageway behind the massive iron front doors leads to a glass-enclosed courtyard used as an indoor garden and decorated with chaises upholstered in a Madeleine Castaing fabric, the cast of a sculpture by Michelangelo, and an abstract painting by Lorenzos brother Santiago Castilloone of many throughout the house. A grand staircase, the type one expects to find in a Roman palazzo, ascends to a gallery where Castillo has continued the courtyards motif of plantings and black-and-white floor tiles. He cleverly deployed white trellis as a baseboard and as molding around the doors and balconies. Simon UptonA Louis XVI marble-top table and 1970s Italian chairs in the kitchen; the lacquer cabinetry is custom made, and the walls are painted in Farrow & Balls Lulworth Blue.Indeed, many of the room-defining elements are Castillos own subtle but beautifully executed designs, such as the coffered, mirrored panels that cover the walls of the glittering dining room, or the shimmering black-lacquer bookshelves with brass inlay that fill the library. A grand staircase, the type one expects to find in a Roman palazzo, ascends to a galleryThe upper floor is dominated by the 120-foot-long drawing room, the kind of space usually seen only in the backgrounds of princely portraits at the Prado. With five balconies and four seating areas, it is a sophisticatedand sometimes irreverentmix of periods, styles, and materials. French Second Empire, 19th-century Swedish, and 1950s Italian furniture share the stage with faded antique maps and crisp steel sculptures from the 70s. A massive hand-loomed carpet designed by Castillo provides the finishing touch.Simon UptonThe primary bedroom includes a tapestry by Rubens, a 17th-century octagonal mirror, and a 19th-century neo-Gothic dressing table; the wallpaper was designed by Castillo.Needless to say, such singular spaces make for fabulous parties. Castillo has hosted many, from intimate dinners to private couture fashion shows. But first and foremost, the home is where he and Reyero live and work every day. In the heat of summer well have lunch in the gallery, and on cold winter evenings we dine by candlelight in the mirrored dining room, he says. And since the home also serves as Castillos studio and showroom, he frequently slips into the guest suite to find a quiet place to concentrate. We truly live in the entire house, he declares proudly. Tour this former 17th-century convent in the heart of Madrid This story originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

How do you cowboycore? Or maybe you call it coastal cowgirl? Whatever your preferred terminology, the rich ranch aestheticpopularized on shows like Yellowstone and beloved for juxtaposing rustic farmhouse style with contemporary furnishingsis everywhere lately. Its not confined to the Lone Star State, though youll see traces of the aesthetic in homes in Austin and Houston, nor does one have to have a sprawling Napa Valley estate. But why is rich ranch decor so popular right now, and how does one bring the look home? We spoke to a few ELLE DECOR A-List designers for their yee-haute takes.Douglas FriedmanA rustic kitchen in a Sonoma, California, home designed by Ken Fulk.What Is Rich Ranch Decor?Surprisingly, the rich ranch decor trend may have started thousands of miles from the nearest corralin Switzerland. Or ELLE DECOR A-List designer Miles Redd cant help but think so, given the similarities between the look and the aprs-ski vibe of a Swiss chalet. A-List designer Ken Fulk considers the rich ranch aesthetic a mix of the Mexican vaquero and the gaucho culture in Argentina with the rustic charm of Provence and the romantic agrarian lifestyle of Tuscany. You see roots of ranch style throughout all cultures and continents.I think that people have been recently drawn to luxurious ranch living because it feels casual and approachable with an emphasis on organic materiality, says designer Augusta Hoffman. Being from Texas, I gravitate toward a Mexican hacienda influence: considered layers of limestone, terra-cotta, wrought iron, and reclaimed wood. Even better if there is a tequila bar welcoming the cowboys when they come home!I gravitate towardconsidered layers of limestone, terra-cotta, wrought iron, and reclaimed wood. Even better if there is a tequila bar welcoming the cowboys when they come home!Augusta HoffmanDallas-based Jean Liu similarly advises considered layersor what one might call restraint. Part of achieving the rich ranch look is to not infuse this type of home with as much of the expected patterns, fabrics, and decorative objects, says Liu, i.e., plaid, cowhide, and antlers. The gist of the trend is that the elements are similar, but the amount of the expected design ingredients is adjusted and refined to feel more sophisticated, elevated, and polished.A delicate touch is key when melding such disparate influences. The styles versatility shines through in its detailsfrom hand-stitched leather pillows to vintage Navajo textiles and burnished bronze fixtures, says designer Alfredo Paredes. Whether its a city-ranch vibe with dark, industrial contrasts or a California ranch with laid-back light wood, each setting can reinterpret the classic ranch look with fresh, tailored details while honoring authentic craftsmanship.Tim LenzIn a New York City residence designed by Augusta Hoffman, an antique Spanish Missionstyle table serves as a sideboard.What Makes Rich Ranch Decor Controversial?The look is not always PC, says Redd, since it can be heavy on the furs and spoils of trophy hunting. But Redd advises having luxurious faux sables and minks tossed over sofas, instead. [And] I do think antlers are a must. I love the Black Forest variety, which are often carved entirely out of wood.If youre a hunter, it makes sense to display the trophies, says Liu. But perhaps the mounts feature just the horns and not the entire head. Retailers including Pottery Barn also sell faux antler chandeliers, a sort of country lodge tiara for your living room. Fulk, wholl soon open his first standalone retail space in West Hollywood, California, suggests shopping for vintage trophy mounts and mixing them with Belgian boucl throws and pillows, to pay tribute to the classic California ranch.Chris MottaliniA Vermont ski house designed by Alfredo Paredes.How Do I Get the Rich Ranch Look at Home?Thematic decorating can get tricky, acknowledges L.A.-based designer Oliver Furth, whose firm has designed mountain homes in Aspen; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Park City, Utah. How to imbue a sense of place without it feeling clich or trite? To avoid getting too literal with your decorating, Furth suggests using pieces that will develop a patina with age and incorporating wood and stone to reference nature.Playing with contrastsplaster walls combined with a wood floor and wood ceilingcan provide a beautiful end result, adds New Yorkbased designer Shawn Henderson. I love adding richly textured fabrics and leaning into pattern, whether a plaid, a crewel, or even a large check for depth and warmth.The moral of the story is that no matter where you are in the world, you have a place at the rough-hewn, well-patinated, plaid-tablecloth-covered table of rich ranch decor. Giddyup!Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

When you think of British company Farrow & Ball, the first thing that comes to mind is probably its unique, exceedingly rich paint colors. But savvy design prosand now you, tooare wise to the brand's lesser-known but no-less-luxurious small-batch, handcrafted wallpapersa guaranteed way to make a space feel special.Unlike many mass-produced papers that are digitally printed using ink, Farrow & Ball's are created with the brand's actual paintswhich are made in a building that is literally next door to the wallpaper factoryso they deliver that same renowned depth of color. And each roll is unique, due to the company's commitment to traditional artisanal techniques that result in slight variations in tone and texture. "People are at the heart of every stage of our process," says Farrow & Ball creative director Charlotte Cosby. "Our experts cut the foam pads used for our striped designs by hand, line up the paper for multi-layered patterns, and even wrap the finished rolls in our brown paper packaging."Robin KitchinShallot No.CB3They start the process by mixing colored pigment into a white base paint. Each pigment is added by hand or a dispenser, depending on how much is needed, and arriving at the desired end color requires precise calibration and multiple quality-control checks, given that the shades can look very different in the vat. (The seemingly bright red pigment being stirred above is Shallot, from the Carte Blanche collectionwhich, by the time it's ready to be applied to paper, will be "a cheerful pink," according to the company.)Courtesy of Farrow & BallTented Stripe 1351Once the paints have been prepared, Farrow & Ball's craftspeople employ labor-intensive techniques like open-trough and roller-block printing to make the wall coverings. In the former, shown above, a foam pad is cut by hand to create the patternin this case, stripes. Paint flows through the pad, and the paper is dragged along it, applying a continuous flow of color. (The neutral background color in this Tented Stripe pattern has already been applied and allowed to dry.)Robin KitchinAuguste 6504James MerrellAuguste 6504In the latter process, a foam roller applies paint to a roller block into which the pattern has been carved. The whimsical floral above, shown both being printed and cheering up a bedroom wall, is Auguste, one of five patterns in the company's latest wallpaper collection, Purnon Papers. The green leaves (colored with Farrow & Ball's Bancha paint) have previously been applied using a different roller block, and now the blooms, in India Yellow, are being added in a second pass through the equipment. Once the paints have dried, a Farrow & Ball expert checks the wallpaper to make sure the two colored elements of the design are lined up correctly.James MerrellAdelaide 6303The Purnon Papers patterns are all inspired by designs found in the 18th-century Chteau de Purnon, in France's Loire Valley. Above is Adelade, named for one of the daughters of the marquis who built the residence and modeled on a pattern found in her dressing room. (The aforementioned yellow-and-green Auguste floral takes the name of the eldest son.) James MerrellPurnon 6204Other entries in the collection were similarly discovered in the centuries-old chteaunot an atypical source of inspiration for Farrow & Ball's creative team. Barac was inspired by a fading fragment unearthed in the home's attic. Purnon (shown above), a toile-like pattern that incorporates a heron, was found on a folding screen that had likely been used as a room divider. The geometric Achard was inauspiciously discovered inside a linen cabinet, then grandly given the family's surname."One of the main considerations we make when adding patterns to our wallpaper collection is whether the design complements our techniques," Cosby says. "Naturally, a lot of our more traditional designs are well suited to the traditional methods we use." This also applies to many designs beyond the Purnon Papers; Wisteria, for instance (Wisteria 2212 is pictured at top), is drawn from 19th-century woven fabrics.Regardless of what century inspired the brand's various wallpaper patterns (53 are currently offered), all are made with very 21st-century, planet-friendly practices. The company sources its raw materials for both paint and wallpaper from ethical suppliers and powers its factory with renewable energy. In addition, many of the designs are made to order, and Farrow & Ball's paint is made in small batches, Cosby points out. Mostly, though, the company's focus is on creating both stunning designs and devoted customers. "We don't follow trends," the designer says. "We want to empower people to understand color. It's all about helping people create a home they love for years to come."

Sometimes a design idea that looks great on Pinterest isn't actually all that practical in real life. Think elegant marble countertops that hold no chance against dribbles of red wine or open-door showers that create slip-and-fall hazards. Or maybe that wild wallpaper you took a risk on in the powder room turns out to be less fun and more headache. Design professionals have hear about their fair share of renovation regrets, so we asked contractors and interior designers to tell us about some of the most common design issues theyre called in to fix. Heres what they had to say.Related StoriesMarble Countertops Marble countertops are a classic. But the soft, porous stone is not always practical, which is why Laura Hammett, founder and creative Director of Laura Hammett Interiors finds herself frequently swapping out the material heavily used kitchens. (She recommends a sintered stone like Neolith.)Fernando BengoecheaClients love the look of marble but then find the reality is you cant spill a drop of food or drink before it gets stained, she says. For clients who love to cook, especially with colorful spices, we recommend stones which still look beautiful, but are much more durable and hardier."Open-Floor PlansWith the rise in multi-generational households and a rapid increase in the number of people who work from home, Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors says her clients are no longer fans of open-plan living and crave a little more alone time. She started to notice this trend during the pandemic when people were spending a lot of time together. To accommodate these requests, I've added hidden pocket doors behind new built-ins and sleek glass and steel framed partitions and doors to section off more open spaces, she says. Adams has found theres plenty of ways to allow for separation without building full walls. Glass doors and partitions strike the right balance between the privacy the clients want, and the openness that they may have originally desired, she says.Open-Air Outdoor Living SpacesYou may imagine yourself lounging outdoors with a book or enjoying al fresco meals and dips in a pool. But homeowners frequently change their mind about expansive loggias and open-air lounging spaces, Robert W. Burrage, founder of Palm Beach County, Florida-based RWB Concierge Builder, says. Factors like humidity, heat, and seasonal storms can make it tough to enjoy those outdoor living spaces to the max. As a result, we often find ourselves enclosing these outdoor spaces to create comfortable, usable areas that can be enjoyed year-round, he says. Barn Doors and Shiplap Walls When the farmhouse trend started to explode around 2015, everyone asked their contractor for barn doors and faux shiplap wallseven if it didn't suit the house's architecture or family's needs, says Lesley Myrick, an Atlanta area interior designer. She has since removed several barn doors from clients homes, adding that they are a terrible choice because they let sound and light through. She has also scrapped plenty of shiplap walls, which are known to collect dust between the horizontal boards.SDI ProductionsShiplap on a bathroom wall.Many people saw the farmhouse trend as both current and timeless and rushed to upgrade their homes with these design elements, she says. But when these types of additions dont prove to be functional for your home or lifestyle, it's a design disaster. Some of her projects have included removing barn doors and tracks and installing a single-paneled doors, and in at least one case, removing a floating shiplap wall, which made room for a kitchen reconfiguration with a large kitchen island. Trendy Tiles Tile selection has been an issue on a number of projects that Alexis Woodbury Earman, Wilmington, a North Carolina-based interior designer with The Woodbury Home, has worked on. Many homeowners choose tiles based on inspiration photos and current trends, she says. Though these tile choices can be beautiful in pictures, the owner can grow tired of the trend and want to replace it with something more classic.She ends up remedying these types of designs by choosing neutral-colored tiles and adding color to spaces with paint. That way, anytime in the future they want to change the color in the space, they can do so much more easily. Clear Glass Doors Kitchen cabinets or pantry doors with clear glass doors can be beautiful, but they come with a few practical challenges that make them hard to live with on a daily basis, says designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors.Since glass doors reveal what's inside, any clutter or mismatched items are easily visible, which can make even a new kitchen look messy if not perfectly maintained, she says. A quick fix is to update the clear glass to reeded glass, which obscures the visual, while still keeping the elegance of the material, she says.Courtesy Nicole Dianne PhotographyReeded glass, like those featured here on pantry doors in one of designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors projects, are an alternative to more transparent glass doors or cabinets. Doorless ShowersDoorless showers may look great, but people who have actually had them installed often find them to be more trouble than theyre worth, says interior designer Shiva Samiei, the CEO of Shiva Samiei & Co. Water tends to splash outside of the shower area, causing moisture damage and slip-and-fall hazards. They can also be decidedly un-cozy, leaving you feeling exposednot a pleasant sensation when you're bathing.Custom glass panels and new drainage solutions are usually the fix that strikes a middle ground, helping bathrooms preserve a modern look while containing all the water.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

When Apple Watch Series 10 was announced in September, the company also unveiled a new Gold Link Bracelet made of stainless steel. However, while the Natural and Slate versions were available from day one, the gold version was unavailable but that has just changed.Apple Watch Gold Link Bracelet now availableTwo months after it was announced, the gold version of the Link Bracelet for the Apple Watch is now available to order from Apples online store. However, theres a catch. As noted by Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple says that the first orders will be shipped in 5 to 6 weeks, which is around Christmas.Although the website gives the option for users to search for pickup availability at a nearby Apple Retail Store, it seems that the accessory is not available anywhere for now.The Link Bracelet was one of the first watch bands created for the Apple Watch. Its made of 316L stainless steel and has more than 100 components in its composition. With the launch of the Series 10, Apple has updated the Link Bracelet with new colors to match the finishes of the latest Apple Watch.Its worth noting that the 42mm version also works with previous smaller Apple Watch models, while the 46mm version also works with previous versions of the larger Apple Watch including the Ultra.You can now order the new Apple Watch Gold Link Bracelet for $349. Dont forget to take a look at some of the deals on Apple Watch bands at Amazon.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple recently announced a new generation of the Mac mini, which introduced a new and much more compact design. Weve already seen some tidbits about whats inside this Mac mini, but iFixit has now shared its traditional teardown showing even more details about how Apple built its most compact Mac ever.iFixit tears down the new Mac MiniFrom the start, iFixit praises how easy the Mac mini is to disassemble despite having a much more compact design. The bottom plate is held on by clips that can be detached without causing any damage. The first thing users will see after removing the bottom plate is the CMOS battery, which can be easily replaced just by removing two screws.By removing a few other screws, users can access the wireless module cables and then remove the inner plate that gives access to most of the internal components, such as the speaker and the large fan that takes up half of the Macs space.Apple has redesigned the thermal management of the new Mac mini so that the fan keeps the computer cool by drawing air from the base and circulating it through the components before expelling it. Interestingly, the version with the M4 Pro chip has a larger copper heatsink than the base M4 version.As previously reported, the new Mac mini has a replaceable storage module. However, upgrading isnt exactly easy since the module is proprietary, but it is possible. iFixit successfully swapped modules between two Mac minis and it worked. One thing to keep in mind is that the M4 Pro version has a larger storage module, so you cant use it in the M4 version and vice versa.The USB-C ports and the headphone jack on the front can also be removed, but the same cant be said for the ports on the back. The logic board is protected with a copper layer for better heat dissipation, and unsurprisingly, the M4 chip has RAM soldered onto it.Even so, iFixit gave the new Mac mini a 7 in its repairability score. According to the company, the Macs main components are easily replaceable, which makes it easier for users to keep their computer running for years if something stops working. iFixit said the new Mac mini has a bright and repairable future ahead.The new Mac mini is now available in stores with prices starting at $599.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

"You couldn't open the doors."Horrific EndFour people were killed in Toronto after the Tesla they were riding in crashed into a pillar and burst into flames.A fifth rider, an unidentified woman in her twenties, narrowly survived the crash after a bystander smashed open a window, allowing her to escape the burning vehicle.According to the heroic bystander's account, the Tesla Model Y's electronic doorsmay have been at fault for why the passengers were trapped inside the electric vehicle."You couldn't open the doors," the rescuer, Rick Harper, told the Toronto Star in a new interview. "I would assume the young lady would have tried to open the door from the inside, because she was pretty desperate to get out." Harper added that he didn't realize there were others trapped inside because the smoke was so thick."I don't know if that was the battery or what," Harper said. "But she couldn't get out."Death TrapPolice said the crash, which took place on October 24, occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle, struck a guardrail, and then slammed into a pillar, per the CBC, catching fire upon impact.Authorities are still investigating the crash and fire. But the details that we have so far implicate to some degree the electronic doors used by Tesla and other automakers, which require power to open.The Elon Musk-owned automaker has a troubling history of owners getting locked in their cars without power. Some of these cases may be down to user error, since most Teslas come with manual release levers.However, these emergency measures have been criticized for being poorly designed and unintuitively placed for certain models, often requiring intimate knowledge of the car something that most owners, let alone a passenger in a panic, aren't likely to have.Moreover, with the Model Y in particular, not all vehicles come with manual releases for the rear doors, as Tesla warns in the car's manual. It's unclear if the Model Y involved in the crash was equipped with the emergency feature.Fire HazardThis isn't the first time that occupants have died after being allegedly trapped in a Tesla.In 2019, a father of five was burned alive in his Model S after the car's auto-retracting door handles failed to deploy, his family alleged in a lawsuit, preventing bystanders and first responders from setting him free from the intense blaze.Another driver nearly suffered the same fate in 2021. When his Tesla Model S caught fire, he claimed he was briefly stuck inside due to the vehicle's malfunctioning high tech door handles, though he eventually managed to escape.Considering that EV battery fires are some of the most formidable out there and often take tens of thousands of gallons of water and hours of work to extinguish, a reliable way of getting out of one of these vehicles in a pinch is the least you could ask for.Share This Article

People will believe anything these days including, it seems, obvious AI slop.As a viral post on X-formerly-Twitter highlights, one such example poorly,which attempts to show Donald Trump's son Barron singing a treacly AI-generated song, has picked up an astonishing number of fawning comments though in a further sign of the times, it's unclear what percentage of those commentators are bots themselves."Forever great America," the uncanny AI voice, which sounds nothing like the youngest Trump son, sings over swelling Hillsong Church-style drumlines. "God bless all the people."In the comments viewed on the screen-recorded video, users with multiple numbers in their handles a trademark of bot accounts sounded off like parodies of sycophants."I love songs so much," one such user replied, ending their missive with three red heart emojis."I love your song," wrote another. "Thank you so much for your Dad the PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP will be going to protect the country GOD BLESS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP and Family."As several folks in the comments on X pointed out, these responses seem very much like they're AI-generated themselves."Bots applauding a bot," Johns Hopkins English professor Drew Daniel wrote, "the circle of virtual life completes itself, no humans necessary."While the now-viral video does indeed look like it was posted on YouTube, we weren't able to independently verify where it came from. We did, however, find others in a similar vein and they too appeared to harbor an unsettling mix of comments by bots and delusional humans.One such video, published by the "MAGA Songs" YouTube channel about a month ago, employs the same shoddy lip-syncing effect that has been used to turn static images into "singing" moving pictures for years now. Titled "My Father's Work is Never Done," the almost certainly AI-generated lyrics to this bizarre song essentially cast the serially-adultering president-elect in the role of an American Jesus."From the towers to the White House lawn, hes been the light when hope was gone," the fake Barron sings. "With every word, with every stand, he fights to save this promised land.""Never seen a family work so hard to Make America Great Again.!" one reply reads. "You deserved to win, congratulations!""Barron where are all the Beautiful songs that first hit YouTube, now wheres to be found??" another likely bot queries. "I just love your singing, is there a CD out to purchase?"Some human viewers are definitely being taken in, though; a video that went viral a few months ago showed two baffled elderly people insisting that a similar video of Barron singing as a younger cameraperson tries to explain that it's not.The entire experience of listening to these megachurch jam knockoffs offers an uncanny look into the world of conservative AI slop and it portends a grim future.Share This Article