Port St. Lucie boasts blazing-fast internet options -- here are CNETs top picks for the best ISPs in town.

Our Picks View details $2,495 at Formelife View details Table of Contents If you're looking for fitness solutions that don't take up much space, a smart fitness mirror is the way to go. These compact mirrors offer a huge selection of workout options. Sure, you can stick to the classics and deck out your at-home gym with a treadmill,elliptical or exercise bike, but a fitness mirror can make strength training, live personal training sessions, HIIT classes, dance cardio and more accessible for less. Plus, you can recreate the feel of in-person classes in your own home. Fitness mirrors also make for great holiday season gifts if you've got a fitness buff in your family.Some workout mirrors offer unique features such as rep counting, form correction and even access to apersonal trainer. They aren't cheap, though, so it's helpful to know what each one can offer you that a gym can't. We tested various popular smart mirrors at home and in CNET's testing lab to determine which are the best. We've factored in the installation process, classes and unique functions, as well as practicality. Check out our top picks for smart workout mirror options below.Editor's note: Lululemon stopped selling its smart mirror following a new partnership with Peloton. For more, read this story.Which is the best overall workout mirror?We determined there wasn't a best overall workout mirror since each one offers unique features that can't be compared against each other. Instead, we looked at what made them stand out and considered who'd appreciate these styles the most. Some people prefer a more customized workout so personal training is more up their alley, whereas others want the boutique fitness class to feel at home.Best smart mirrors of 2024 Pros Blends into any room Easy installation App is easy to use Screen display is high quality Perks offered at partner fitness studios and discounts at Lululemon Cons No touchscreen Lululemon studio membership is a separate cost Personal training costs extra Only connects to one third-party music app, Apple Music Doesn't come with exercise equipment See at Editor's note: You can no longer buy the Studio Mirror; the description below was written before the company discontinued the product. If you already bought a Studio Mirror, however, you now haveaccess to Peloton classes with your Lululemon subscription. You can read more on Lululemon's FAQ page. The Lululemon Studio Mirror connects you to your favorite boutique fitness classes by creating a hybrid experience at home and in person. When you order this smart mirror you have the option to have it installed by a delivery technician, or you can install it following their installation instructions. You can have your mirror on a stand that leans against the wall or mount it to your wall. The Lululemon Studio Mirror can only be controlled through its app. The app is easy to set up, but you will need to make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi and your smartphone's Bluetooth is on so you can pair it.For a smart mirror, I expected it to be a touch screen, so I was disappointed I had to operate it through my phone. The good news is the app (available for iOS and Android) is well-designed, intuitive and easy to follow. You will need a Lululemon Studio membership to access the classes (which include beginner, intermediate or advanced levels). Keep in mind you will need equipment at home like dumbbells, resistance bands or kettlebells, depending on the class you take.You'll never be bored because Lululemon drops new classes every week. Lululemon studio also offers Time Saver options, which are shorter classes in the 5- to 15-minute range for when you don't have time for a full-hour workout. You can also control the instructor's video size so you can view them as large, dynamic or small. The audio for both the music and the instructor can be individually adjusted, depending on which you prefer to hear more prominently. This was helpful when I was taking Rumble, a boxing class, and made it easier to pay attention to the cues the instructor was providing. As for music, you can only connect to an Apple Music account or pick studio music which is built into the Lululemon Studio app. You can also connect your Apple Watch or other compatible heart rate monitors with this device. During class there are a range of display settings: you can opt to not view yourself on camera, hide or show your data, use closed captioning and more.Because group fitness is all about community, you can view your community stream, which shows other users working out at the same time as you -- and you can cheer them on. If you have friends who own a Lululemon Studio Mirror, you can connect with them for some friendly competition as well. The Studio Mirror offers personal training for an additional fee and during sessions or live classes, you're able to turn on the two-way audio and video technology so you can receive instructor feedback in real-time.SpecsDimensions: 56.0" H, 22.4" W, 1.4" DWeight: 70 pounds Photo Gallery 1/1 $2,495 at Formelife Best personal training smart mirror Forme Studio $2,495 at Formelife If you want a more personalized experience, the Forme Studio may be the way to go. Forme offers two different types of mirrors: Forme Studio and Forme Lift. The Studio is the original mirror that offers on-demand classes and custom workouts as well as live 1:1 personal training. The Forme Lift is the upgraded version of the Forme Studio and offers the same classes and personal training but has motorized resistance cables (with up to 150 pounds of resistance) meant to elevate your strength training experience. The Forme Studio will run you $2,495, whereas the Forme Lift costs a hefty $6,495.I was able to test both but thought that the average person would find the Forme Studio more suitable for their homes. If you buy the Forme Studio, you have the option to lean it against or mount it to the wall for extra security. You will also need to make sure you have 6 by 6 feet of space, with a minimum of 7 feet from floor to ceiling to accommodate the unit. Your wall must have a 12-, 16- or 18-inch metal or wood stud spacing, poured concrete, or concrete masonry units.There's no denying the Forme Studio is a touchscreen, but also has an app (currently only available on iOS). I found the imagery on the Forme Studio to be the best of all the smart mirrors because it's filmed in 4K resolution, which is similar tosome nicer televisions on the market. The instructor also looks life-size on the screen, which feel like they are in the room with you. This device has two front-facing cameras which comes in handy if you sign up for personal training sessions (more on this later). Forme includes camera covers for added privacy.You will need Wi-Fi to use the Forme Studio. You have the option to connect your workout headphones, Forme Heart Rate Monitor (included in your accessories box), other compatible heart rate monitors or an Apple Smartwatch via Bluetooth. One downside is that you'll only be able to access the built-in music on the device.The Forme membership will cost you $49 for the first month, then $149 per month afterward, which is a steep price to pay when the unit itself isn't cheap. You'll need the membership to access over 700 on-demand classes and a fitness concierge, which has you fill out a survey that asks about your goals, fitness level and lifestyle and then curates a workout plan with recommended videos on demand frombarre attachment separatelyfor $395), strength training, boxing, yoga, pilates, Barry's X, dance and meditation. You can also join a program if you want to tackle a specific challenge for the month. Keep in mind some of these classes will require you to have additional equipment like dumbbells on hand. You can filter by the length of the class, type of workout, level, instructor and equipment needed.I tested out a few classes and for the most part, the experience was similar to other smart mirrors. You can adjust your audio based on whether you want to hear more of the music or the instructor, which I like since it can help you focus. During class, the mirror is not as impressive as I expected since it's only able to count your reps. Unlike the Lululemon Studio Mirror, there isn't a sense of camaraderie with other members if you're looking for that group fitness feel. I would've thought that the Forme Studio would be able to offer form corrections or cue suggestions like the Fiture Mini, but it doesn't. What makes the Forme Studio stand out is the 1:1 Live Personal Training (something you can set up through the fitness concierge).The experience is similar to doing a personal training session in person, and this is where the two front cameras are most useful. During a programmed session with your trainer, you'll be able to view them from your screen and vice versa. The trainer has the ability to provide feedback since the cameras track your movements and your whole frame (even if you're on the taller side). If you own the Forme Lift, the trainer can adjust the resistance on the machine remotely if they want to challenge you. Even if you're traveling, you can access your personal training sessions via a tablet. Your trainer will still be able to view you since camera tracking works similarly on tablets.SpecsDimensions: 6 by 6 foot space with a minimum of 7 feet from floor to ceilingWeight: 102 pounds (screen only), 125 pounds (screen with package) Photo Gallery 1/1 Other workout mirrors we tested Fiture Mini (Out of Stock): The Fiture Mini was our recommended pick for people with limited space. It's no longer available for purchase in the US. I was able to test it in my home, and I liked that it didn't require a lot of space for a workout. What made it unique was that it featured Motion Engine technology, which uses gesture controls, provides coaching cues, counts reps and guides your pace and form during class.Echelon Reflect: Compared with the other workout mirrors tested, the Echelon Reflect had a low-quality screen resolution and the instructor screen appeared smaller than the rest. You have the option to mount it to a wall or to a stand and we opted for a stand, but it felt flimsy when operated since it's a touchscreen. We also had issues connecting the app to the mirror and we couldn't control the volume separately from the instructor and the music, so the music always muffled the instructor's directions. We also found it was lacking in class selections compared with its competition. Show more How we test workout mirrors The setup: We looked at the ease or difficulty of the delivery and installation process and how the equipment looks in the testing space. The experience: We took into account the user experience and how easy it is to operate and navigate the smart mirror during class and while browsing the exercise library. We also looked at features that made the user experience easier or better. For example, having volume control over the music and the instructor speaking. The app: We looked at how easy it was to connect the app to the smart mirror and if it was easy to navigate and mirror the device itself. The workouts: Compared to a gym membership, we evaluated the class and program selection the smart mirrors offered and if there were options to personalize the workout even further, such as tracking, personal training or individualized programs. The music: We took into account whether the smart mirror lets you access a third-party music app like Spotify, or if you're expected to use a built-in music program. The content quality: We observed how the screen resolution appeared and how sophisticated the workout content felt, as well as the sound, smoothness and overall quality of the software. Show more What to look for when shopping for a workout mirror Decide if you want a mountable or free-standing mirror and if the manufacturer offers both options.Verify that white glove delivery and assembly are included with your order.Consider the library of workouts and how personalized you can make your experience.If privacy is a concern, confirm that camera covers come with the mirror for when it's not in use.Make sure you know how to clean your smart mirror. Most will include instructions on how to maintain it at home.Make sure you understand the company's warranty policy and know what they're willing to cover if your smart mirror were to break or malfunction. Show more Workout mirror FAQs Which mirror is best for a home gym? The best mirror will depend on the features you prefer. If personal training is important to you, for example, the Forme may be your best option. Show more Can workout mirror trainers see you? Some smart mirrors do have the option to have the instructor watch you during class to help with your form or offer guidance. Your user manual will mention if this is a feature that's included. Show more What are the benefits of workout mirrors? You can get the benefits of personal training or group fitness classes without leaving your home. It's also dual-purposed and can serve as both your home gym and a mirror. Show more How do you clean a smart mirror? It's recommended that the best way to clean your smart mirror is by using a microfiber cloth or with an approved cleaning solution that may be included in your order. Avoid using unapproved cleaning products and paper towels, which could be too abrasive for the surface. Show more

November 20, 20245 min readTrumps Anti-Climate Agenda Could Boost Chinas Global PowerTrumps retreat from climate agreements and tech funding will help China dominate global clean energy marketsBy Alec LuhnElectric vehicles bound for shipment to Europe at the Port of Taicang in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, China, on August 24, 2023. Bloomberg/Getty ImagesThis story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Centers Ocean Reporting Network.BAKU, AzerbaijanA steady stream of international government and business leaders have been trekking to the China Pavilion, one of the largest among dozens of showcase spaces here at this months 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Inside, a calligraphy artist inscribes folding fans to hand out, along with plush pandas and books by President Xi Jinping. Guests drink green tea and swap business cards with Chinese representatives amid flags and red paper lanterns.At the pavilions high-level forum on global South-South cooperation, government ministers from Nigeria and Chad spoke alongside U.N. officials. U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell praised China for leading by example with its clean energy investments in the developing world. We will need Chinas continued leadership at COP29, where countries are trying to agree on a new climate finance goal, as well as at COP30 next year in Brazil, Stiell said. Chinas minister of ecology and environment, Huang Runqiu, signed a memorandum of understanding to invest in renewable energy in Nigeria, Africas most populous country.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.The 19th century was the European century, the 20th century was the American century, and the 21st century will be, to a large extent, the Asian century, said Erik Solheim of Chinas Belt and Road Initiatives International Green Development Coalition.The U.S. delegation has largely been a lame duck here. Incoming president Donald Trump has said hell pull out of the Paris Agreement, under which these COP summits are held, and double down on oil and gas drilling. Hes also planning to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, including clean energy technologies, and, potentially, to break off normal trade relations with the country.U.S. import barriers would be a blow to Chinas economy in the short term. But in other ways, Trump may be giving Beijing a gift: U.S. withdrawal from international climate policy deliberations will allow China even greater influence. And if Trump overturns some of the Biden-era climate manufacturing subsidies Trump calls the Green New Scam, it could eventually mean less competition for China on cutting-edge tech.China is willing to take a more active role in global climate governance, said an official from its resources and environment planning body at a COP29 side event. Indeed, some participants say Beijing has been more visible and assertive in the current negotiations than in previous years.The U.S. has been pushing for Chinanow the worlds second-largest economy and second-largest historical emitter of greenhouse gasesto join the group of developed countries that will provide the most cash under the new climate finance arrangement, which urges richer nations to help fund adaptation measures in poorer ones. But last week China said it has already provided $24 billion for climate projects in developing countries since 2016, suggesting it will continue to resist any outside requirements. About to quit Paris, the U.S. has little grounds to argue. The U.S. and Chinese delegation offices, which were placed next to each other at the last two summits to encourage face time, are set apart this year.Speaking with Scientific American, Li Shuo of the Asia Society Policy Institute likened todays climate politics to a tricycle comprising the U.S., the European Union and Chinaand said the U.S. wheel is now falling off. We can still make progress if you have two wheels, he said. So well see more realignment between [China and the E.U.], and they will set the agenda without the U.S.An isolationist U.S. could also open opportunities for Chinas soft power. Xis Belt and Road Initiative has invested $1 trillion in energy and infrastructure projects in 150 countries over the past decade, garnering trade and resources, as well as political clout. The U.S. is also active in many of these countries, but that could change under Trump.Project 2025, a wish list for a second term created by 100-plus former Trump officials and others, calls for cutting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) budget to 2019 levels or lower and for eliminating funding to any [country] that engages with Chinese entities directly or indirectly. It also seeks to refocus USAID climate change programs on oil and gas.Chinas lead COP29 negotiator, Zhao Yingmin, told Scientific American that the nations Global South investment policy is fully based on our own capabilities and has nothing to do with other countries. But if the U.S. ends aid to countries such as Nigeria, which hosts several USAID projects, that could create a vacuum to be filled by rivals such as China, according to Michael Ivenso, an energy transition analyst with the Nigerian delegation.Under a memo of understanding signed at COP29, China will build a large solar farm in Nigeria funded by a grant rather than a loan, he told Scientific American. China has signed similar documents on climate cooperation with 42 other developing countries. When a power exits, it creates an opportunity for another to enter, Ivenso said. If the U.S. decides that thats what its going to do, and Chinaperhaps even Russia and some other [countries]now gets into that space that theyve left, then thats their problem to deal with.There is also tension over new technologies. China already controls 80 percent of the worlds solar panel supply chain. Several Biden-era laws, including the Inflation Reduction Act, were intended to help U.S. companies compete in more nascent markets such as batteries, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel. Trump, however, has said hell repeal such laws. Furthermore, his promised use of wide-reaching tariffs could turn the U.S. cleantech industry into what Li calls a fat bird living on an isolated island, safe from predation at home but unable to compete abroad.Scrapping the Biden laws could drive $80 billion of green energy investment abroad and cost the U.S. $50 billion in lost exports, according to a Johns Hopkins University report released this month. U.S. cleantech needs more collaboration instead of this high-fence, small-yard kind of mindset, said Haimeng Zhang, vice president of the major Chinese solar producer LONGi, which opened a factory in Ohio with a U.S. company this year. That's not very helpful to develop your own industry.Two U.S. congressional delegations to COP29 have embodied these two clashing visions. A delegation of four Republicans and one Democrat from the U.S. House of Representatives promised to unleash American energy with the reliable technologies of natural gas, hydropower, nuclear power and clean coal. Yet a delegation of Democratic Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Ed Markey of Massachusetts said a U.S. failure to keep investing in green energy innovation would let China take an insurmountable lead in new technologies. Markey promised a mighty battle over the Inflation Reduction Act in congress, where 18 House Republicans have spoken up in favor of the law.If [China] has a plan, and we do not have a plan, we will lose, he said. We will lose markets around the planet. We will lose the cutting-edge technological breakthroughs that otherwise would have been conceptualized here in the United States."

November 20, 20244 min readHealthResearch Could Face Severe Cuts and Changes under TrumpSweeping reorganization and more research scrutiny could be on the way for the U.S. National Institutes of HealthBy Max Kozlov & Nature magazineThe U.S. National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is composed of 27 institutes and centers. National Cancer Institute/WikimediaThe worlds largest public funder of biomedical research seems poised for a major overhaul in the next few years.Proposals from both chambers of the US Congress, as well as comments made by the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump show that there is significant appetite to reform the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its US$47-billion research portfolio. Whats less clear is how this transformation will unfold; proposals have included everything from shrinking the number of institutes by half to replacing a subset of the agencys staff members.Reflecting this increased scrutiny by the government, on 12 November, the NIH launched a series of meetings at which an advisory group of agency insiders and external scientists will consider the various proposals and offer its own recommendations for reforms.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.It will be a mad dash to the finish line among these parties in terms of whose vision will win out, says Jennifer Zeitzer, who leads the public-affairs office at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology in Rockville, Maryland. Theres absolutely movement on Capitol Hill to discuss how to optimize and reform the NIH, she says. We now also have the agency participating in that conversation.Shrinking and cuttingThe NIH advisory meeting comes in the wake of Republicans winning control of both chambers of Congress and the White House for 2025. This year, two separate legislative proposals to reform the agency were put forward by Republican congressional members one led by representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington State and one by senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. These proposals have in part been fuelled by discontent over the agencys response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the perception that its oversight of research on potentially risky pathogens has been lax.McMorris Rodgerss plan would collapse the number of institutes and centres at the NIH from 27 to 15, allow its parent agency to cancel any grant determined to be a threat to national security, impose a 5-year term limit on institute directors that can be renewed only once and enact stricter oversight of research involving risky pathogens. For his part, Cassidy, who is set to become the chair of the US Senates committee charged with overseeing health issues in 2025, said that he would introduce more transparency into processes that the agency uses to review research grant proposals.If these plans which are laid out in white papers come to pass, they would represent the first major reform of the NIH in nearly 20 years. The last time an overhaul happened, in 2006, the US Congress passed the legislation with bipartisan support, establishing a review board and requiring the agency to send updates to lawmakers every two years. The same support from both sides of the political aisle is unlikely to happen with the proposals currently under consideration, however.The NIH has been a frequent target of Trump and his Republican and other allies. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump has chosen to run the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the NIHs parent agency said in 2023 that he would seek an eight-year pause for infectious-diseases research at the NIH so that the biomedical funder can instead focus on chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. He also said on 9 November that he would seek to replace 600 employees at the NIH. (Neither Trump nor his appointees can currently fire career staff members at the agency, whose jobs are protected by law, but that might change if Trump makes good on a promise to reclassify the federal workforce.)Harold Varmus, a cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and a former head of the NIH, tells Nature that he is alarmed by Kennedys comments. We may need congressional Republicans and even Democrats who are traditional supporters of NIH to speak up for the agency and its importance for public health.Dash to the finish lineAt this weeks meeting of the NIHs advisory committee, called the Scientific Management Review Board (SMRB), panel members met for the first time since 2015 to review the agencys structure and research portfolio and to provide recommendations to the NIH director and the HHS. Congress requested that the agency kick-start this process.NIH officials hope that the group will meet five more times during the next calendar year so that they could draft a report of their findings and recommendations by November 2025. This ambitious timeline suggests that theres a recognition that the SMRB is going to have to move quickly to catch up with Congress, or risk Congress making decisions that they dont like, Zeitzer says.In fact, several committee members noted their trepidation during the 12 November meeting that Congress would act before the group delivers its report. Kate Klimczak, the NIHs director of the office of legislative policy and analysis, tried to reassure the committee: the authors of the different [congressional] proposals clearly wanted this board to be re-established and wanted this board to do their work, she said. We have to take them at their word that theyre looking forward to getting [a report] from you.NIH director Monica Bertagnolli, who will probably resign before Trump takes office, noted her disapproval with the proposals to collapse the number of institutes. She said that the current system offers people with diseases and patient-advocacy groups the ability to coordinate with a dedicated institute for their cause, for instance the National Institute of Mental Health or the National Institute on Aging. If we were to collapse, we would definitely lose something in terms of our engagement with the public, she said.Its unclear what direction the SMRB will go with its recommendations, but there were hints at the meeting. Several panellists were taken aback by the legislative proposals. For example, the McMorris Rodgers white paper says that decades of nonstrategic and uncoordinated growth created a system ripe for stagnant leadership, research duplication, gaps, misconduct and undue influence at the NIH. James Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, called this language almost offensive. He added: I know were not supposed to allow politics to creep into what we do, but how could it not?This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on November 15, 2024.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 borrowed all its animals from Planet Zoo"I called my friend, the CEO".Image credit: Eurogamer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 20, 2024 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is (science!) kind of like a piping bag, where all sorts of data - satellite imagery, elevation date, live weather info, and so on - gets shoved in at one end then squirted out the other to form a majestic aeronautical whole. But it turns out one of its sources is a fairly surprising one, with Asobo having now revealed it's festooned its newest digital world with animals borrowed straight from Frontier Development's marvellous Planet Zoo.Since its release back in 2019, Planet Zoo has amassed quite the menagerie across its base game and its post-launch DLC, with more than 190 species currently represented, from the humble Aardvark at one end of the alphabet right through to the Yellow Anaconda. And as Plant Zoo players will know, Frontier's artist and animators have done a typically brilliant job infusing them with life. Which is to say they're an absolutely perfect fit for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's astonishingly beautiful virtual world.And Flight Simulator boss Jorg Neumann clearly reached the same conclusion. "I've worked with Frontier Developments for a long time," he explained to PC Gamer. "And I called my friend, the CEO. His name is Jonny [Watts], and I said, 'Hey, Jonny, I'm working on Flight Sim, can I have your animals from Planet Zoo?' And he's like, 'Yeah, why not?'. We actually grabbed all the Planet Zoo animals and stuck them into our world, which is cool, you know?".A trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.Watch on YouTubeNeumann's revelation came as part of a chat about Flight Simulator 2024's advancements at ground level, where he explained the team's goal was to make the environments seen on foot "as good as a regular first-person shooter" this time around. To achieve its ambitious target, Asobo marked up 28,000 100m by 100m tiles of satellite data, according to Neumann. "This is sand, this is pebbles, this is little rocks, this is asphalt, this is grass, this is tall grass," he explained. "And then we fed that into the system."Having explored a lumpen mountainside village somewhere in the Alps this morning that looked like it had been fashioned from clay by an impatient four-year-old using a picture of the nuclear apocalypse as reference material, it's clear there are still a bit of work to be done on the road to visual perfection, but there's absolutely no denying Asobo's efforts have made Flight Simulator 2024's natural environments look incredible.Asobo's latest iteration of Flight Simulator has, of course, got off to a bit of a bumpy start, with launch day - in an almost exact repeat of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's release - seeing players experience stalled downloads, lengthy queues, and all sorts in-game mayhem. Asobo later blamed the troubles on "the server responsible for handling data requests [getting] overloaded, causing delays and errors", and things do seem to be settling down today. Even if those horrible AI voices do make me want to pull my ears off.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl dev acknowledges "rough edges", says its monitoring feedbackCommitted to hotfixes and more.Image credit: GSC News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on Nov. 20, 2024 Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl developer GSC Game World has released a statement on the state of its game, as its sequel finally becomes available to play.Stalker 2 made its debut today across Xbox and PC, but is already the subject of multiple technical issues - these issues are one of the reasons Eurogamer's own Stalker 2 review isn't on the site just yet.Writing on social media platform X, GSC has addressed these issues and acknowledged the game "may" have some "rough edges" now that it is out in the wild. However, the studio has assured its players will address any niggles that arise in the game, as and when it is able.STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Full Mission Gameplay in 4K on PC. Watch on YouTube"We are absolutely committed to being here, monitoring your feedback and quickly fixing any issues that need our attention," the developer wrote. "In the first few days after release, we'll be working with hotfixes, rolling them out as precisely as possible, but as frequently as we can."Following this, GSC will release more substantial updates for Stalker 2, as well as free in-game content. More details on the game's roadmap will be shared in December, GSC said, so stay tuned."We have big plans for the Stalker universe. In a way, today is both a return and the beginning of a grand new journey," the team closed. "We're blessed to have you before, we're blessed to have you now. The Zone belongs to you. Have fun." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The studio recently released a documentary all about developing Stalker 2 during a particularly difficult time for GSC. The documentary - War Game: The Making of Stalker 2 - touches on the developer's history and details what it has been like to work on the forthcoming sequel during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Since 2022, GSC has delayed Stalker 2 several times and relocated staff to safely finish the project elsewhere, while others have joined Ukraine's armed forces, and dealt with Russian hackers who leaked test builds.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereCrowds in racing games have long been the weakest part of even the most realistic titles out there, even titles like F1 24. After all, not many people care too much if youre zooming past them at 200 miles per hour. But with the PS5 Pro and PC gaming now actually hitting 8K fidelity, low detailed assets are now far easier to spot, and risk standing out and jarring when everything else around them is so realistic. F1 devs vow to improve crowdsIn the latest episode of the VideoGamer Podcast, we sat down with F1 24s Simon Lumb, technical producer at Codemasters, who revealed the team is now actively looking at improving these furniture assets as a result of fidelity and technology improving. The decision about how do you populate crowds, how do you improve the look, the feel, the realism, its all part of an authenticity pass, he said.We want to improve to our crowds, Lumb added. Theres opportunities to take the graphics technology thats always moving forward to give us better looking crowds, so its definitely something we talk about and hopefully we see some updates in future titles. Now weve got 8K, the fidelity, the resolution and what you can see in the crowds really increases. its definitely something we talk about and hopefully we see some updates in future titles.Simon LumbLumb also explained that while improved crowds may be something coming along in the future, there are already signifiacnt changes relating to in-game fences designed to make the most out of the new resolution. We tuned it (the fences) really effectively for 4K view but you add 8K to that and you kind of double that resolution, he said. You can see at what point the fences need to change because now we can see further. At that point, the art team saw it, took a look at it and agreed that it needed to reqork the fences. F1 has a lot of fences, so you rework that, you lift the whole game, you bring new fidelity.While F1 25 is still some time away, the PS5 Pro version of the F1 24 certainly makes use of the PS5 Pros beefed up hardware. Lumb mentioned that PSSR was too good to turn down in this years game, and told us that this is just the start of the journey exploring the newer, more powerful technology.F1 24Platform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):RacingSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe Finals Season 4 is now a couple of weeks past the midway point, and it has been fantastic thus far. It should get even better in December with Christmas activities similar to the recent celebrations of Halloween, but we still have some time to wait until then. Right now we can dive into The Finals update 4.8.0 patch notes, and they detail a slew of fixes for maps, modes, gameplay, and more.Last weeks patch 4.7.0 was merely an update to the store, but it ushered in fashion week with a competition for players to win free Multibucks and merch. While S4 has been a lot of fun and has plenty left to occur, fans can now start looking ahead to Season 5. Not a lot of details have been revealed about Embarks fifth chapter yet, but the developer has previously asked fans for help with the Battle Pass and they have also shared anew featurethat will hopefully debut.While Christmas celebrations will arrive in December with Season 5 closely behind, Embark has just now shared The Finals update 4.8.0 patch notes.The Finals update 4.8.0 patch notesBelow are The Finals update 4.8.0 patch notes:This weeks update cranks the volume to 11 with store items that bring the noise and some much-needed fixes to The Arena.Take center stage with Death by Rhodents! Smash your foes in style with the Wrath of Rats Set, complete with a sledgehammer electric guitar that riffs on inspect, or embrace your inner fan with the Thrash Rat Bundle. Prefer a more refined edge? The Synthronium Forge Set lets you channel futuristic craftsmanship in every encounter.On the technical side, weve tuned up a whole bunch of bugs and included some much-needed quality-of-life changes with everything from fixing the interrupt steal contract not rewarding players properly, to a new accessibility option that replaces flashbang whiteouts with blackouts.Looking ahead: Tomorrow kicks off Week 3 of the ISEUL-T Cup, alongside a brand-new community event. Stay tuned for all the details in tomorrows notes!And now, lets dig into the fixes!Content and Bug FixesAnimationFix for rare cases where animations could get stuck in the charge and slam poseFix for animations looking wrong when quickly inspecting after throwing a carriableAudioAdded a potential fix to audio issues that caused weapon sounds to loop or not make any soundsContractsFixed a bug with the contract for interrupting steals that would sometimes not reward players properlyGame ModesCashout GamemodesThe flashing indication on the cashout station marker now plays for everyone, regardless of which team is stealing the cashoutFix for vaults no longer spawning when two cashouts are completed in the exact same frameGameplayFixed the bug that turned leaking gas canisters into shields when picked upFixed an issue that caused gamemode objects (Cashboxes, Transfer stations, etc.) to bounce up and down in situations where they think they are out of boundsMapsMonacoFixed an issue near the park shed that allowed the cashbox to fall out of the gameplay spaceKyotoRe-fractured wall destruction into larger chunks to reduce the amount of small-scale debris and make destruction more consistent with other mapsKyoto, Seoul & Skyway StadiumObjective spawns have been added back to moving platforms and elevatorsMovementFixed an issue where input could become locked when using the Mesh Shield and inverted vertical camera controlPerformance & StabilityFixed an issue that caused the contestant selection portion of the pre-round not to showSecurityAdded a new cheating detection ruleSettingsFixed characters being stretched in strange ways when using an aspect ratio narrower than 16:9Added an accessibility option to make the flashbang blackout the screen, instead of a whiteoutAdded input hints to the settings menuSpecializationsGrapple HookAdded improved targeting, to solve the recurring bug where the hook would hit invisible targetsDashFixed an issue that allowed players to interrupt dashes by emoting, making them lunge further than intendedUIFixed an issue where explosive damage in the damage log would show the weapon that triggered the explosion instead of the explosion itselfGameplay UI is hidden while in the settings menu so that its not visible while in the Video settingsMade sure the Matchmaking information widget snaps to the correct location in ultra-wide resolutionsAdded input hints to all items when equippingAdded the emerald rewards on the World Tour info screenFixed an issue where the wrong sponsor might be shown in the map introduction sequenceFor more The Finals, check out our guide to thebest weapons in the game ranked, and we also have a guide to thebest gadgets. In addition, we have a guide to thebest FPS settingsto help you win matchesalong witharanking of the best classesin the game.The FinalsPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, First-Person Shooter, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

[Editors note: These rugs are available in a variety of sizes and/or shapes. If youre looking for something smaller, larger, or in a different shape, click through to the product, and youll most likely find the best rug size for you.]Best Budget Rug: Joanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent RugAmazonRachel FletcherJoanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent RugLets just get down to brass tacks: This rug is cute. With chocolate brown stripes set on a light charcoal gray background, its fairly neutral but still has some personality. Its perfect for a home without a lot of conflicting colors and patterns (though I will note that its available in several other colorways). Designed by Joanna Gaines, itd look very at-home in a space sporting her signature farmhouse style, a cozy cabin, or a Scandinavian space. Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorSpecsMaterials: 100% polyesterPile Height: 0.25 inchSizes available: 5'0" x 7'6"; 2'3" x 3'9"; 2'6" x 7'6"; 3'6" x 5'6"; 7'9" x 9'9"; 8'6" x 11'6"; 9'3" x 13'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not washable. The instructions say it can be hosed dry, which is handy! You can also wipe it clean with a damp cloth and hang it dry. Its also recommended that it be vacuumed without a beater bar.Keep in mindSomething I really love about this rug is that its made with recycled materials. Yes, its polyester, but it really doesnt look or feel like itI totally thought it was wool when I first rolled it out in my space. And that fact makes it way more affordable than similarly styled rugs that are 100% wool. That said, its definitely on the thinner side, so Id highly recommend a rug pad or backing of some sort.Best For Pet Owners: Castlery Cora Wool Area RugCastlery Cora Wool Area RugMy living room has a lot of colorful accents, so I gravitated toward this rug as a solid, neutral-but-not-boring option to balance out the space and separate my living space from my dining area. After years of walking across my old flat-weave rug, the plushness of this 100% wool, handmade creation is a major upgrade. The smallest size (5' x 8') is perfect for the room, and I love the subtle fringed edges. This rug isnt overly heavy (I carried it up to my fifth-floor apartment with only a moderate amount of sweat) but it feels well-made and sturdy. It laid flat immediately upon unrolling, without any pesky curled edges. Lizzie Soufleris, AD visuals editorSpecsMaterials: 100% wool blendPile Height: 0.5"Sizes available: 5' x 8'; 7.5' x 9'; 9' x 12'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not washable. Vacuum clean regularly using low suction and less pressure, spot clean only with water and mild soap. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.Keep in mindAs Castlery notes on their website, this rug is prone to shedding at first. So far, it hasnt been visually apparent: Ive just had to empty out my vacuum a little more frequently due to wool build-up. I worried that my two cats would destroy anything even remotely shaggy, but I have yet to see any evidence of their frequent scratching. In fact, theyve abandoned some of their favorite spots to lounge on this soft, squishy rug!Best Low-Pile Rug: Pottery Barn Merrin Hand-Knotted Wool RugPottery Barn Merrin Hand-Knotted Wool RugMoving into my boyfriends apartment has also meant that a revamp of his former bachelor pad is underway. (It would be unfair to say that he didnt try with his decor thougha headboard AND footboard? Good job, hun.) One of the first things we decided to tackle was the living room and this Pottery Barn Merrin oriental rug was the perfect choice to blend both of our styles: charming and chic, without being too busy or overtly feminine. The chambray multishade we chose has slight hints of grayish blue embedded in beige but still feels like a neutral grounding the room, which leads me to believe this would work in many different setups. A side note: The delivery team was super helpful and unpacked/set up the piece swiftly, moving any furniture out of the way and placing everything back to its original spot! Rebecca Grambone, AD social media managerSpecsMaterials: 100% woolPile height: 0.25 inchSizes available: 5' x 8'; 6' x 9'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'; 12' x 18'; 2.5' x 9'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not washable. Vacuum regularly and/or shake, blot spills immediately with a white cloth, professional rug cleaning recommended as needed.Keep in mindThis rug is definitely on the more delicate and thinner side than what I am used toI would keep this in mind before purchasing. Its extremely soft; however, I would not describe it as being plush. Luckily we havent had any spills or accidents yet and have not had to experience the cleaning process. But since it is a bit delicate, I am assuming that this might not be a simple task in the future, especially since the site recommends professional rug cleaning. Overall, I would choose this rug more for style than practicality reasons.Best For Busy Floors: Anthropologie Hand-Tufted Sculpted Daisy RugAnthropologieLauren ArzbaecherLauren ArzbaecherLauren ArzbaecherAnthropologie Hand-Tufted Sculpted Daisy RugThe faux marble floors in my apartment posed a dilemma in finding an area rug: What balances visually against a busy background without being boring? The answera simple color palette that loads up on texture. With hand-tufted floral details, this emerald green beauty brings three-dimensional intrigue to a monochromatic design. The color is reminiscent of faux grass, which I think adds a subtle, campy element to my spacealmost as if I could plop a plastic flamingo on top of it and it wouldnt look out of place. That small taste of humor behind an otherwise unassuming rug makes me smile every time I step into my living room. Lauren Arzbaecher, AD commerce producerSpecsMaterials: Wool, hand-tuftedPile Height: High-pile (0.55")Sizes available: 2' x 3'; 3' x 5'; 8' x 10'; 5' x 8; 9' x 12'; 2.5' x 9'; 10' x 14'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not washable. Vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting; blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth (professionally clean for best results).Keep in mindThis rug sheds a lot. The contrast of the dark green fibers against my light floors made the accumulation particularly noticeable. Anthropologie notes that the shedding will subside after around two months with regular vacuuming, though I still see a fair bit of shedding even after having had the rug for that long and running a robot vacuum once or twice each week.Best Jute Rug: Revival Hart Jute RugRevivalZo SessumsRevival Hart Jute RugI love a jute rug as a neutral, durable, area rug. This one softened up a multipurpose guest room/office thats frequented by cats who enjoy clawing the furniture, a.k.a. this rug can handle some claws and not look worse for the wear. This large, affordable rug is the perfect way to add texture to a space without dominating the design, and it seems incredibly durable. Zo Sessums, AD senior digital design editorSpecsMaterials: 100% natural, unbleached jutePile Height: Flatweave, approximately .2" thick (5 to 6mm)Sizes available: 2' x 3'; 3' x 5'; 4' x 6'; 5' x 8'; 6' x 9'; 7' x 7'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'; 12' x 16'; 2'6" x 9'; 2'6" x 12Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. The rug should be cleaned with a non-rotary, low-powered vacuum. It cannot be dry-cleaned or steam-cleaned. In case of spills, the liquid should be blotted with a paper towel or cloth. Jute is very absorbent, so it should be kept away from excessive moisture.Keep in mindThe rug took about a week to lay completely flat on the floorI had to place heavy books on the corners to keep it from curling up. Also, since it was folded instead of rolled, the creases of the folds took a couple of weeks to flatten out. Its pretty hefty, but I could manage carrying the 8' x 10' rug up three flights of stairs on my own.Best Shag Rug: The Citizenry Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain RugThe Citizenry Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain RugThis rug stood out to me because it features some colors I dont typically see paired: A rich rust and soft pinkI happen to have two macram leaves on my living room wall with that exact palette, so it was kismet. I love the rune-like figures, and it pulls off the look in a way thats really elegant and unexpected. Ive never had a shag rug before, but its so soft that I sometimes ditch my sofa and sit directly on it. Charlotte Collins, AD features editorSpecsMaterials: 100% woolPile Height: 1.5 inchesSizes available: 6' x 9'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Vacuum lightly at least once a week using only low suction and no beater brush, more frequent vacuuming will help prevent shedding. Avoid placing rugs in prolonged direct sunlight as this can cause fading. Rotate your rug every three to six months to prevent excessive wear and fading in one area.Keep in mindIt sheds! It doesnt shed as much as some other rugs Ive had, but its definitely something to be aware of. Apparently this is to be expected: The site info on the rug explains that shedding is normal in the first six months. Use a rug pad for this one or it will slide around a bit. This may be typical for shag rugs, but it feels a bit challenging to clean. I vacuum it once or twice a week, but because of its pile height, Im never 100% confident that its totally clean. However, I really love the look and feel of it, so Ive been able to overlook the drawbacks.Best Splurge Rug: Armadillo Cable RugArmadilloLila AllenLila AllenLila AllenArmadillo Cable RugThis high-end rug, which is made by Australian B-Corp brand Armadillo, uses a soumak weavea flatweave technique that yields a chevron pattern. I ordered the Chambray color, though it also comes in Bisque, a rusty shade, and Jade, an earthy sage. The rug body is composed entirely of Italian and Argentinian wool, and theres a small strip of white cotton fringe on the ends. These rugs add dimension to a space, but quietlyso maximalists, this may not be the one for you. They work well for most other decor schemes, though, whether you lean minimalist, organic, or eclectic. Because its a tight weave, this seems like a great pick for a higher-traffic environment. Lila Allen, AD PRO associate directorSpecsMaterials: WoolPile Height: FlatweaveSizes available: 5'7" x 7'10"; 6'7" x 9'10"; 8'2" x 11'6"; 9'10" x 13'2"Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Water-based spills (think juice, coffee, or even pet accidents), can be cleaned with water; youll want to use a gentle detergent for any oil-based spills. For that, Armadillo sells their Barefoot rug cleaner, which is safe for natural fibers like wool. Armadillo has a pretty helpful guide to cleaning your rug on their website.Keep in mindThere were zero surprises on the unboxingthe rug looked and felt exactly as it was presented online. Unlike other wool rugs Ive had, this one has mercifully shed very little, outside of a few tufts of fiber on the edges every once in a while. Given the flatweave construction and the fact that its a solid-ish shade, it can show dust and dirt faster than some other rugs. Be prepared to vacuum oftenthough, doing that helps maintain the health of your rug long-term anyway. (This may be less of an issue with lighter colors, like Seed or Calico.)Best Color Options: Nordic Knots Grand RugNordic KnotsLisa AikenLisa AikenLisa AikenNordic Knots Grand RugThe Grand Rug from Nordic Knots was originally chosen for my living room, owing to minimal aesthetic but with an interesting shot of colorsomething I find is surprisingly difficult to achieve. I dropped into the new SoHo store in New York to pick up a few sample options, which handily are 8x8 free swatches (available to take home or order online) and settled on the Pale Green. The tone and saturation strike a great balance, but I am most impressed by the weight and texture of the pile which is dense and compact, feels luxurious underfoot, and holds shape with heavy furniture on top. Lisa Aiken, Cond Nast executive fashion directorSpecsMaterials: 100% WoolPile Height: 0.5"Sizes available: 2.5" x 9"; 5" x 8"; 6" x 9"; 8" x 10"; 9" x 12"; 10" x 14", custom sizes availableCleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Vacuum only and professional care required for stains.Keep in mindThe weight of the rug is one of my favorite things, but laying it yourself is something to be aware ofits certainly not easy to maneuver. Similarly, the depth of the pile doesnt rebound if furniture is moved and it can be noticeable for days or weeks. The website warns of shedding but I havent had any experience of that.Best Rug For Families: Tumble Harlow Washable RugTumbleMegan WahnMegan WahnTumble Harlow Washable RugTumbles whole business model is creating rugs for everyday family life. This means making rugs that are machine washable and that can handle the wear and tear of kiddy shenanigans. One of the key ways the brand achieves making these kinds of sturdy home decor is by pairing their rugs with a nonslip pad that affixes to the material. They come in four or so puzzle pieces that then slot together and tuck into these pockets on each corner of the rug. I thought this construction was smart, but I particularly loved the pattern of this rug. I got the sage and natural colorway and felt really drawn to how the pattern and colors struck a fine balance between subtly neutral with just colorful enough. Megan Wahn, BA and Epicurious associate commerce editorSpecsMaterials: 100% polyesterPile Height: 1/8" highSizes available: 9' x 12'; 8' x 10'; 6' x 9'; 5' x 7'; 3' x 5'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is machine washable. Youre supposed to use a cold cycle and then dry on low heat.Keep in mindI hadnt realized the nonslip pad was a key part of the rugs construction and I couldnt really utilize it since I could move or lift my bed enough to get the foam pieces in place. I ended up ditching the foam cushioning and just rocking with the rug itselfwhich looks lovely in my space. The rug is quite thin and not using the foam cushioning means you lose any, well, cushioning with your rug. Still it accomplishes the job of making my room look less bare and more cozy.More Area Rugs We LoveHere you'll find even more fluffy rugs, some made with synthetic fibers (read: a breeze to clean), hand-knotted beauties, and choices for every color palette imaginable. Think: High-quality, well-reviewed, aesthetically pleasing picks in a variety of styles, textures, and price ranges.West Elm Tweed Flatweave Dhurrie RugThis high-quality, flatweave rug is a minimalists dream that would look equally lovely in a living room, loft, or dining room. Seen here in sand, its also available in granite (a light gray).Nisa Ink Black Tufted RugPlacing a rug in a high-traffic area? Consider a machine washable rug. Heres how it works: Most washable rugs are designed to be paired with a nonslip rug pad. The pad gives them the necessary cushion and comfort, but the top layer (the actual rug) can be popped off and tossed in the washing machine as needed. If your household has little kids or pets, that can mean a lot of wear and tear for your area rugsand knowing you can refresh them easily can provide a lot of peace of mind. This low-pile pick was designed by Hema Persad and is part of ADs collection with the brand.Article The Cossa RugArticle supplies both indoor and outdoor rug options, as well as unique options like this rustic staple. The natural cowhide will feature striking variations in pattern, color, and texture, which means each of these rugs is absolutely unique.Moroccan Berber Touch Checkered Area RugWere still not tired of the checked patternsee Aarica Nicholes green check rug in her Dallas home for inspirationand this best-selling beauty makes a bright and bold addition to your space. The handmade, wool rug is inspired by the checkered weavings crafted by nomadic tribes in Morocco. The Etsy shop Moroccan Berber Touch, has an extensive lineup of similar rugs in every color you can imagine (and they also make custom rugs).

A stylish fireplace design can anchor a room, all the while offering the practical benefits that come with adding coziness to a living space. But fireplace ideas shouldnt be something you ponder only when the temperatures drop. Whether sleek and modern or traditional and ornate, a well-designed fireplace reflects the personality of the space and its occupants, adding texture, showcasing materials, and ensuring the room feels cohesive and inviting, says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio in Newport Beach, California.For its October 1977 cover, Architectural Digest featured the carved woodwork of a fireplace in a Madrid manse.Photo: Jose Luis PerezWhile marble and stone fireplaces will always remain classic, as ADs own archive can attest, theres no one right way to do a fireplace. Below, browse 81 truly stunning roomsincluding the homes of Anne Hathaway and Diane Keatonall of which feature a beautiful fireplace. Plus, find advice from top design pros for an extra dose of inspiration.From eye-catching modern designs that can work in a family room to one-of-a-kind creations perfect for an exotic vacation home, these fireplace ideas will inspire you to get started on your own hearth makeover. Or at the very least, you can pick up a few mantle decor ideas.How can you make a fireplace attractive?To optimize a fireplaces appeal, the key is to create harmony with the surrounding decor, says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors in Fullerton, California. A statement surround, carefully chosen artwork above, or thoughtfully layered accessories can help elevate visual interest.Materials also play a huge role in aesthetics. Jordan Mosslar, the founder of FORM(LA), a Los Angeles-based design atelier, emphasizes that you cant go wrong with marble. Marble allows you to make a statement with a bold, grounding form, he says.Those looking to get creative should consider concrete fireplace surrounds that can be cast into smooth or textured forms, advised Sarah Barnard, a WELL and LEED accredited designer in California. These could even be crafted as a nod to flowing waves and kintsugi-inspired designsRegardless of the fireplace design in your home, keep the area clutter-free. It keeps your eye focused on the fireplace design and not the elements on the mantel, says Philadelphia-based interior designer Megan Gorelick.What are the trends when it comes to fireplace design?Current fireplace trends are centered around minimalism and natural materials. The use of materials such as marble, limestone, and reclaimed wood to frame fireplaces adds texture and an organic touch that complements a variety of interior styles, Galloway says.Looking ahead to 2025, the designer anticipates a stronger emphasis on bold, artistic design and unique visual elements. Fireplaces that feature distinctive shapes, unexpected materials, and asymmetrical layouts will gain traction, allowing homeowners to make a statement, she adds.What color fireplace makes a room look bigger?Interior designers often carefully consider fireplace color when striving to make a room bigger. A lighter-toned fireplace not only brightens the room but also creates an illusion of spaciousness, making the room feel larger and more open, Soto says.Mosslar recommends selecting a fireplace mantel color that is a close match to the walls. Color drenching really expands a space and has a calming effect, he says.However, theres also a case to be made for a moodier design. A darker fireplace can provide depth and create a larger looking fireplace wall, says Elizabeth Mollen, Chicago-based interior designer and CEO of Stone Textile Studio. This also gives it an attractive and finished look that will help cover up any smoke stains. Should you want to DIY this, check that the paint is flame resistant.Do fireplaces save on heating bills?It depends. Most people do not use a fireplace as a primary heat source, however a wood burning fireplace that works as a supplementary heat source may reduce a homes reliance on central heating. This could potentially lower your energy bill, if ever so slightly. Mollen considers a fireplace an extra layer of warmth and coziness not a way to save money.Its also worth noting that a gas fireplace may actually increase your energy bills as you will be paying extra for this fuel. Natural gas is a commodity and prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand. Look at your past utility bill to see your use and payment history before cranking up the fireplace.Now, onto the ideas.Sculptural plasterA sculptural surround can be the perfect complement to a traditional design.Photo: Elliot FuernissMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganDont be scared to step outside of the traditional fireplace design box. Jessica Davis, founder of interior design studio Atelier Davis, employed this sculptural plaster surround by Brent Warr in the formal living room of a French Colonial home. I love an interestingly shaped fireplace, she says. This is the perfect juxtaposition to an otherwise traditional interior, especially when flanked by the beautiful chartreuse Venetian glass sconces.Keep it lowA special accent wall can turn the entire area into a statement fireplace wall.Photo: Mike Van TassellModern fireplace ideas can depart from the traditional square shape of the hearthtake inspo from Galloway to create a fireplace wall. The hearth sits low, yet the slate-hued wall gives this design a grand moment.Picture-perfectUse your fireplace to determine art, as demonstrated in this room designed by Galloway.Photo: Shade DeggesMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganA remodel may be the perfect time to add a fireplace mantle. For the ultimate focal point, hang art that reflects the size and shape of the fireplace. By choosing a light palette, Galloway creates impact without overpowering the living space. High ceilings, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials add to the grandeur, she says, but the true centerpiece is the modern fireplace, which anchors the entire space.Think pinkA pastel pink can be the perfect addition next to a traditional marble fireplace.Photo: Molly CulverA pastel palette creates a demure transition between the fireplace mantel and the rest of the space, especially if youre big on delicate patterns. Pair it with classic marble for a timeless look. Going lighter and cleaner will make the space look much larger, says Houston-based designer Jennifer Barron. Painting the mantle the color of the room can make everything feel larger and cohesive throughout.Sleek plasterA plaster fireplace works well for homeowners who prefer sleek line, clean lines.Photo: Darlene HalabyMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganEpitomize sleek, modern design by featuring a refined white plaster surround that echoes elegance. The choice of a neutral white plaster enhances the clean lines of the fireplace and creates an airy ambiance by reflecting natural light, making the room feel more expansive, Soto explains. The wall-mounted TV complements the minimalist aesthetic, and the greenery framing the fireplace serve as a focal point that helps add balance to the overall inviting atmosphere.Back to blackSometimes a quick paint job can drastically make over a fireplace.Photo: Dustin HalleckFor her own home, Mollen wanted a more modern space, but didnt want to sacrifice the dentil details of the 100-year-old millwork. The solution: retiling the fireplace surround with marble and painting the original mantel in Farrow & Ball Off Black.Layer stoneJAMs simple design is elevated with bespoke stone.Photo: Gieves AndersonMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganJoe McGuier, cofounder and principal at JAM, designed this mantel for this years Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse.Using clean, stepped geometric forms in an asymmetrical arrangement, the mantel becomes a quiet canvas for the incredible amber marinace marble, McGuier says. Sourced and fabricated in collaboration with Agnes and Beata at BANDA Stone, this mantel is truly the off-center centerpiece of the room.Work with white wallsUse texture to differentiate a fireplace and wall that are painted the same color.Photo: Sam FrostA white fireplace wont get lost in a white wall if it has texture. When working on this room, Galloway drew inspiration from old Spanish architecture and European influences and opted for a raked plaster detail on the fireplacea modern take on the traditional exterior plaster of Spanish architecture. Instead of disappearing, it further enhances the layered design ideas.Striking silhouetteTurn your fireplace into sculptural art.Photo credit: Eefje De Coninck & Senne Van der VenMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganA fireplace can anchor any sitting area. Belgian interior architect Peter Ivens envisioned a bespoke silhouette that attracts without distracting. His recent monograph, Peter Ivens - Houses (Luster), highlights how to create character in a home without being ostentatious. A luxurious limestone construction for this fireplace mantel proves the point.Tune into natureMaterials like Ceppo di Gris add a natural element to a fireplace.Photo: Nils TimmChannel natural elements by adding a variegated Ceppo di Gris into the surround. This is a special place in your home as its alive, says Joelle Kutner at Ome Dezin in Los Angeles. It is the focal point of your room and a bit of a watering hole for you and your guests.Revive the brickPainted brick is a quick project for a modern upgrade.Photo: Dustin HalleckMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganFor this family room, Mollen designed custom built-ins around the original fireplace and updated the whole space with a beautiful charcoal gray paint color. Painting the brick the same color as the built-ins gives it a more modern look, she says.Find zen in zellige tilePhoto: Nils TimmZellige tile provides texture that is equally contemporary and lived in. Kutner emphasizes that the right fireplace doesnt necessarily make your main space look bigger, the goal is to make it feel more intimate, as seen here.Think steel surroundThe fireplaces surround serves as a backdrop in this Austin home.Photo: Douglas FriedmanMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganFor this ranch-style home in Austin, Ryan Street Architects designed a music lounge to entertain and host impromptu concerts. The fireplace features a steel surround with a matte finish creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop. The idea was to create a centerpiece that highlights the rooms balance of contemporary and organic materials, says designer and firm owner Ryan Street.Lean into geometryReferencing vernacular design ensures a home fits with its surroundings.Photo: Guillaume de LaubierTake inspiration from your locale. For this outdoor fireplace, designer Pirajean Lees was inspired by the Moroccan countryside. The geometric cutouts flanking the hearth create a version of an accent wall that feels as if its always been there.Consider clearGlass fireplaces work well in modern homes.Photo: Venjhamin ReyesMost PopularArchitecture + DesignNew York Skyline: Everything You Need to Know About the Big Apples Big BuildingsBy Elizabeth FazzareArchitecture + DesignThis Furniture Maker Built His Germantown House and Filled It With His Own CreationsBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignTour a Ray Kappe Home With a Japanese-Inspired RebootBy John WoganA custom glass fireplace may be just what you need for a modern living room design in a coastal abode. This way, no views are obstructed and the glass reflection can even make the room appear larger. It is especially beautiful in the moonlight, designer Gorelick says.Cozy minimalismPainted bricks and wood tones are a perfect match.Photo: Ace Misiunas Design: Sarah Barnard DesignMinimalist room ideas dont have to feel clinical. Painting brick fireplace faades the same color as the walls work for midcentury and modern farmhouse interiors, especially when paired with wood tones and plush textiles. Stone faades and mantels can introduce a luxurious visual connection to the natural world, Barnard says. Its a versatile material that can create contemporary, clean lines.Make it a museConsider your fireplace as a work of art.Photo: Julie SoeferMost Popular