Coined the Tiny Home, this micro-home prototype was designed by Indian architects Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain. The home is located on the outskirts of Indore, and it was designed as a solution to tackle Indias problem of affordable housing. Affordable housing solutions are lacking in India, and this little home in Madhya Pradesh showcases how the aspirational image of an Indian house can be conceived within a budget of 4,55,000 rupees. The home occupies a compact footprint of 19.5 square meters.Designer: Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi JainThe house design was based on a year-long research that included interactions with the target group living in houses of similar sizes whether they are rented houses, social housing, or self-builds, said Kothari and Jain. We realized that there was scope to experiment with and showcase that an aspirational house with aesthetic appeal could be built using standard methods of construction, at an affordable budget and quickly.The house is organized as a single cozy and flexible living space amped with high ceilings. It can be reconfigured for living, sleeping, and dining. A daybed has been placed near the homes entrance, which can be converted into a double bed. This is segregated from the kitchen using a foldable dining table near some shelving space.Inspired by tiny houses and conceptually reconfigured to respond to the Indian climate, the house is organized around a single, multifunctional volume that can transform throughout the day, said the architects. Furthermore, strategically placed windows allow for ample light and quick ventilation of the spaces.The rear section of the home accommodates a toilet and some storage cupboards which have been placed underneath a mezzanine floor. This mezzanine section includes an additional sleeping area that can be entered using a small ladder.A compact raised veranda has been placed in front of the house. This veranda is protected by a corrugated canopy, and it functions as an external seating area near the entrance. The veranda also protects the eastern side of the home from the heat of the late morning sun. Although the home is quite compact and economical, it was designed to be an aspirational Indian home. Materials like marble flooring, granite worktops, and teak window frames were utilized to achieve this effect. The brick walls showcase an earth-colored plaster.Material choices were dictated by the aspirational image of an Indian house and we wanted to showcase that through considerate design and optimized construction, these were achievable at an affordable price point, said Kothari and Jain.The post Compact & Economical Micro-Home Is Designed To Address The Lack of Low-Cost Housing In India first appeared on Yanko Design.

The holidays are the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and create lasting memories. But hosting a holiday party? Thats an art that requires a bit of planning, a sprinkle of creativity, and, of course, the right tools to set the stage. Whether youre throwing a cozy dinner party, a festive cocktail soiree, or a cheerful family gathering, having the right items can make all the difference. To help you deck the halls and dazzle your guests, weve rounded up the ultimate holiday home deals guide to ensure youre fully equipped for the season.1. Festive Tableware to Wow Your GuestsSource: Home With HollyYour dining table sets the tone for the entire event, so investing in festive tableware is a no-brainer. Look for pieces that reflect the season, such as plates with subtle snowflake patterns or gold-rimmed glasses for a touch of elegance.If youre hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, you might choose traditional porcelain plates with autumnal colors, while for Christmas, you might opt for plates with red, green, and gold designs.Ceramic plates with hand-painted details or fine china add a festive feel, while modern glassware can match any occasion. Opt for durable pieces that can withstand the excitement of a lively party but still look sophisticated for formal dinners.To give your table a little extra flair, consider using special serving dishes, such as gravy boats, salad bowls, and tiered cake stands, which allow you to display food attractively.2. Ambient Lighting for a Cozy AtmosphereSource: PinterestLighting is one of the most effective ways to set the mood for your holiday party. Soft, twinkling lights can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while bolder lighting adds excitement to the night. Whether youre decorating your dining room or outdoor patio, lighting has the power to change the entire feel of the event.String lights are a holiday classic and can be used in countless waysdrape them over your mantel, hang them across your dining table, or wrap them around your outdoor space for a magical look.Candles are another great optionthey add warmth and a soft glow to any room. If you want something that feels a little more special, try out chandeliers or pendant lights with seasonal motifs to give your gathering an extra touch of glam.3. Cozy Throw Blankets For ComfortSource: PinterestWhen hosting a holiday party, comfort is key, and theres nothing better than creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft throw blankets. Perfect for draping over couches, armchairs, or even providing a cozy corner for guests to retreat to, throw blankets bring an extra layer of warmth to your spaceboth physically and visually.Choose seasonal colors like deep reds, forest greens, or classic plaid patterns to complement your holiday theme. A plush, faux fur throw also adds a touch of luxury that makes your guests feel pampered. Theyre especially nice for outdoor gatherings when the evening air starts to get chilly.4. Chafing Dishes and Food WarmersSource: WayfairFor larger parties, a buffet-style setup is often the best way to go, and having the right tools to keep your food warm is key. Chafing dishes and food warmers are your best friends in these situations. They keep everything at the perfect temperature, so you dont have to worry about your food getting cold while youre busy entertaining. Plus, they give your setup a more professional, organized feel.The beauty of chafing dishes is that they come in all shapes and sizeswhether you need a few small dishes for appetizers or large trays for the main course, theres something for every need. And, if youre looking for something that adds a bit more flair, go for food warmers with sleek, modern designs or metallic finishes.6. Cocktail Shaker Set: Shake Things Up in StyleSource: WayfairA good cocktail shaker set is like a secret weapon for any holiday party. Whether youre serving up martinis, festive punches, or something a little more adventurous, a sleek shaker set adds both function and flair to your bar area. You dont have to be a professional bartender to impress your guests; a quality set is all you need to stir up some holiday magic.Look for a set that includes a shaker, strainer, jigger, and stirring spoonall the essentials to craft your signature cocktails. If youre feeling extra festive, go for a set with a polished finish or some fun holiday motifs, like reindeer or snowflakes. Its the kind of item thats both practical and a statement piece.Plus, it gives you a chance to get creative with your drinks and wow your guests with something special, whether its a spicy holiday margarita or a cozy spiked hot chocolate.7.Board Games: Bring Laughter and ConnectionTheres something timeless about pulling out a board game at a holiday party. Its a simple way to bring people together, spark laughter, and keep the good vibes rolling throughout the night. If youre hosting a family-friendly crowd, classics like Pictionary or Charades are a no-brainer. Theyre easy to play, require little setup, and always manage to get everyone laughing. For a group that loves strategy, something like Catan or Ticket to Ride can draw people in for a competitive and engaging round. And for adults who enjoy a more playful edge, games like Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme? can add some cheeky humor to the night.What makes board games special is how they naturally bring people closer. Theres no pressure to be seriousjust grab a seat, roll the dice, or draw a card, and the fun unfolds.8. Holiday-Themed Napkins and Place SettingsSource: PinterestEven something as simple as napkins can add a delightful touch to your holiday dcor, setting the tone for your party from the very first glance. During the holiday season, opt for festive, themed napkins that blend seamlessly with your dcor.Whether they feature classic holiday patterns like snowflakes, holly, or plaid, or showcase custom designs with fun holiday messages or your partys theme, they instantly add a special flair to the table.Place settings are another area where you can elevate the ambiance. Matching chargers, placemats, and napkin rings help bring cohesion to the table, making it feel well thought-out and sophisticated.9. Scented Candles To Set The MoodSource: WayfairThe power of scent to set the mood is undeniable, and scented candles are a simple yet effective way to elevate your holiday gathering. The right fragrance can evoke feelings of nostalgia, relaxation, and joy.During the holiday season, scents like cinnamon, pine, gingerbread, and vanilla can bring that cozy, festive feel to your home. Place a few strategically around your spaceon the coffee table, dining area, or bathroomand let the scent subtly add to the overall atmosphere. Candles also provide that warm, flickering light that adds a calm, intimate vibe to any room.10. Cocktail GlasswareSource: PinterestA holiday party wouldnt be complete without a well-stocked bar. Having the right cocktail glassware is essential for serving drinks and adding an element of class to your party. Depending on your drink menu, you may need martini glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes, and whiskey tumblers.Consider investing in a set of versatile glassware that can be used for various cocktails, from classic martinis to seasonal mulled wine. Opt for glassware with elegant designs, such as etched patterns or gold-rimmed edges, to make your drinks stand out. For a more modern or playful touch, consider colored glassware that complements your holiday dcor.11. Wreaths and Garlands: Natures Touch to DcorSource: PinterestTheres something magical about wreaths and garlands that can instantly make any space feel like the holidays. The best part? Wreaths and garlands are simple but impactful, giving your home that holiday hug feeling without overcomplicating things.You can choose from fresh greenery, which fills the air with a natural pine scent, or opt for artificial versions that still look beautiful but last season after season.A wreath on your front door not only sets the stage for whats inside, but it also tells your guests that youre ready to celebrate. Garlands are just as versatile: loop them around doorways, along your table centerpiece, or drape them across your dining room table for a stunning, festive effect.12. Holiday Photo Booth: Make the Moments UnforgettableSource: Blog StudioA holiday photo booth is one of those ideas that seems simple, but it adds so much fun to the party. Guests love an excuse to pose for silly pictures, and its the perfect way to capture those genuine, joyful moments. You dont need to go overboard to pull this offa blank wall with some fairy lights or a festive backdrop works wonders.Grab a few props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and maybe even a Naughty or Nice sign. Watching your friends and family laugh while they strike ridiculous poses is half the entertainment. Plus, those photos? Theyll be cherished memories, not just for you but for everyone who came.13. Holiday Crackers: A Pop of Fun and TraditionSource: PinterestHoliday crackers are the ultimate icebreaker for any festive gathering. These colorful, festive novelties arent just for kidsthey bring a sense of whimsy and tradition that guests of all ages will enjoy. When the moment comes to pull the crackers, the fun begins. Theres that satisfying snap, followed by laughter as everyone unveils the surprises inside. Whether its a small trinket, a paper crown, or a silly joke, holiday crackers spark conversation and a festive spirit. Those bright, shiny paper crowns? They look charmingly ridiculous on everyone, and thats the pointembracing the joy and silliness of the season together.You can find ready-made crackers in all kinds of themes, from classic red and gold to modern and chic designs, or even make your own to match your partys vibe. Fill them with items that suit your guests, whether its chocolates, mini gadgets, or personalized notes.14. Holiday Themed Table RunnerSource: PinterestA holiday-themed table runner is one of those little details that can really tie your whole table setup together. Its such a simple addition, but it has a big impact. Imagine your dining table dressed in a runner with rich reds, deep greens, or shimmering gold accentsit instantly says, holiday season is here!Whats great about a table runner is its versatility. You can go classic with one that has embroidered holly or poinsettias, or maybe choose something modern like a plaid design or one with metallic threads that catch the light.The runner isnt just decorativeit also creates a base for the rest of your table setup. Place candles, centerpieces, or even a few ornaments along its length, and suddenly your dining area feels so much more intentional and festive.15. Serving Trays and Drink DispensersSource: WayfairWhen hosting a large party, youll want to make sure youre serving your drinks in style, and nothing does that quite like a good serving tray or drink dispenser. Large beverage dispensers are perfect for punch, lemonade, or mulled cider, allowing guests to serve themselves while keeping the line moving.Serving trays are equally important for bringing out appetizers, snacks, and finger foods in a way thats easy to carry around and looks great. Whether youre serving drinks, food, or both, these items make hosting easier and more elegant, ensuring your guests never have to wait for a refill.Finishing NotesHosting a holiday party is all about combining functionality with festive charm, and these 20 must-have items are the perfect way to achieve that balance. At Home Designing, were passionate about helping you create spaces that inspire and elevate every occasion. Whether youre looking for expert tips or creative ideas to transform your home for the holidays, our website is your go-to resource for turning your vision into reality. Lets make your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable. Happy holidays!

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MacworldThe latest visionOS 2.2 update doesnt add much. Compared to iOS/iPadOS 18.2 with its numerous Apple Intelligence features, the updates in visionOS 2.2 seem positively threadbare.But if you have one, you should upgrade right away, as there is one new feature weve been waiting for since it was first announced: Support for wide and ultrawide resolutions when using Mac Virtual Display. Since Mac Virtual Display replaces your Macs output with the floating display in VR space, the feature in its original form didnt offer much benefit other than being larger than your Macs original display.With support for wide and ultrawide formats, however, the feature can now actually add significant new screen real estate compared to the built-in display on your Macbook or standard monitor hooked up to a desktop Mac. As Apple says, its like working on two 5K monitors side by side.VisionOS 2.2: Release notesHere are Apples release notes for visionOS 2.2:Mac Virtual Display Use Mac apps and games with a new aspect ratio: wide (21:9) and ultrawide (32:9) the equivalent of two 5K monitors side by side Route audio from your Mac to Apple Vision ProApple TV Watch up to five MLS and MLB games at once with Multiview Watch live sporting events together with SharePlaySafari Tap to view spatial photos and videos embedded on web pagesvisionOS 2.2: How to update your Apple Vision ProGo to Settings > General > Software Update.If an update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now.When the update is ready to install, an alert asks you to take off your Apple Vision Pro. You can see the progress of the update on the front of your device.

MacworldWe got our first taste of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1, but there were many missing features. With iOS 18.2, we get a lot of them, including Visual Intelligence, image generation, ChatGPT integration, and more. And if you have an older iPhone or just arent interested in Apple Intelligence, there are quite a few welcome improvements in the iOS/iPadOS 18.2 release that are not related to AI, too.However, while Siris interface changed in iOS 18.1, the new smarter Siri, one of the premier Apple Intelligence features, still isnt a part of this release. That will likely be coming in iOS 18.3 in January or 18.4, due for release around March 2025. You can learn more about it in our article about upcoming Apple Intelligence features.Apple announced Wednesday morning that iOS 18.2 will be arriving today. Apple usually pushes its software updates at 10am PT, but it could arrive at any moment.Update December 11: Apple has released iOS 18.2 (and its fellow iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS updates).iOS 18.2: New Apple Intelligence featuresThe Apple Intelligence features part of iOS 18.2 are still limited to just six phones: the entire iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. If your phone supports it, there is a secondary waiting list to access certain features. If you were on the original waiting list for Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 you will get access to ChatGPT integration, Visual Intelligence, and the new Writing Tools features. But youll have to hop onto a second waiting list for the image generation featuresGenmoji, Image Playground, and the Image Wand tool.Heres are all of the new Apple Intelligence features available in iOS 18.2:Writing Tools: Instead of just choosing to make a selection of text more professional, causal, or concise, you will have a freeform field to describe how you want to transform text. Examples: make this a poem, include a lot of dad jokes, or use a lot of sarcasm.Genmoji: Create a new emoji right on the system keyboard.Image Playground: Generate new images based on text prompts. Apple will suggest new costumes, items, or locations, and will make suggestions based on the context of a Messages thread or note in the Notes app. Images can be based on people you know by using identified images in Photos. Images are limited to cartoon or illustrative styles rather than realistic.Visual Intelligence: For iPhone 16 owners with the Camera Control button. Press and hold Camera Control to get additional information about a location, translate a sign or poster, detect phone numbers and addresses to quickly add to Contacts, and more. You can also tap a button to ask ChatGPT about whats on screen, or another to perform a Google image search.Image Wand: An offshoot of Image Playground, this uses Apples image generation tools to create an image in an open area on a note in the Notes app, using the context from the surrounding area and the rest of the note. Start with a blank area or a rough sketch you make yourself.ChatGPT integration: If Siri cant answer a question, it now has the option to ask ChatGPT. You need to give permission for each request and only limited data is shared. You dont need to log into ChatGPT, but you are able to if you want to, or have a premium ChatGPT account you wish to use. You can ask Siri to have ChatGPT generate images., and use ChatGPT in the Writing Tools to generate text, too.FoundryiOS 18.2: Other new featuresIn addition to the new user-facing features below, there are new developer tools for integrating image generation and writing tools into third-party apps. Apple Intelligence is localized into English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in this release.Default Apps: Users worldwide have a new Default Apps section at the top Settings > Apps, where you can choose your default email, messaging, calling, call filtering, browser, password app, and keyboard. The messaging and calling options are new, and the other options have all been brought under a single menu.EU-specific features: In the EU, third-party browser that use their own custom web engines can now add web apps. EU users will also be able to delete the App Store.AE/AF Lock: In Settings > Camera, youll find a new toggle for a light press on the Camera Control button to lock exposure and focus.Find My share item location: Find My will let you share the location of an AirTag (or other Find My compatible item) with a trusted person. The link can be opened on a non-Apple device and expires after a week.Mail app categories: The Mail app gets its AI-powered auto-category feature, splitting your inbox into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.Volume limits and lock screen slider: Youll be able to set volume limits for media playing from the iPhones speaker, and can restore the volume bar to the media card on the lock screen.The iPhone 16 is one of six phones able to run Apple Intelligence.Chris Martin / FoundryiOS 18.2: Release notesThese are Apples official release notes for iOS 18.2:Apple Intelligence (All iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max)Image PlaygroundA new app that lets you use concepts, descriptions, and people from your photo library to create fun, playful images in multiple stylesSwipe through previews and choose from as you add concepts to your playgroundChoose from animation and illustration styles when creating your imageCreate images in Messages and Freeform, as well as third party appsImages are synced in your Image Playground library across all your devices with iCloudGenmojiGenmoji allows you to create a custom emoji right from the keyboardGenmoji are synced in your sticker drawer across all your devices with iCloudChatGPT supportChatGPT from OpenAI can be accessed right from Siri or Writing ToolsCompose in Writing Tools allows you to create something from scratch with ChatGPTSiri can tap into ChatGPT when relevant to provide you an answerA ChatGPT account is not required and your requests will be anonymous and wont be used to train OpenAIs modelsSign in with ChatGPT to access your account benefits, and requests will be covered by OpenAIs data policiesImage Wand turns sketches and handwritten or typed notes into images in NotesDescribe your change in Writing Tools allows you to suggest how youd like something rewritten, for example as a poemCamera Control (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max)Visual Intelligence with Camera Control helps you instantly learn about places or interact with information simply by pointing your iPhone at the object, with the option to tap into Google Search or ChatGPTCamera Control two-stage shutter lets you lock focus and exposure in Camera when light pressing the Camera ControlMailMail Categorization sorts your messages to help you prioritize the most important messagesDigest view groups all of the messages from one sender into a single bundle for easy browsingPhotosVideo viewing improvements, including the ability to scrub frame-by-frame and a setting to turn off auto-looping video playbackImprovements when navigating Collections views, including the ability to swipe right to go back to the previous viewRecently Viewed and Recently Shared album history can be clearedFavorites album appears in the Utilities collection in addition to Pinned CollectionsSafariNew background images to customize your Safari Start PageImport and Export enables you to export your browsing data from Safari and import browsing data from another app into SafariHTTPS Priority upgrades URLs to HTTPS whenever possibleFile Download Live Activity shows the progress of a file download in the Dynamic Island and on your home screenThis update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:Voice Memos supports layered recording, letting you add vocals over an existing song idea without the need for headphones then import your two-track projects directly into Logic Pro (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max)Share Item Location in Find My helps you locate and recover misplaced items by easily and securely sharing the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with trusted third parties, such as airlinesNatural language search in Apple Music and Apple TV app lets you describe what youre looking for using any combination of categories like genres, moods, actors, decades, and moreFavorite Categories in Podcasts allows you to choose your favorite categories and get relevant show recommendations that you can easily access in your LibraryPersonalized Search page in Podcasts highlights the most relevant categories and editorially curated collections tailored to youSudoku for News+ Puzzles provided in three difficulty levels and available for News+ subscribersSupport for the Hearing Test feature on AirPods Pro 2 in Cyprus, Czechia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United KingdomSupport for the Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in United Arab EmiratesPre-market price quotes in Stocks lets you track NASDAQ and NYSE tickers prior to market openFixes an issue where recently captured photos do not appear immediately in the All Photos gridFixes an issue where Night mode photos in Camera could appear degraded when capturing long exposures (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max)iOS 18.2: Security updatesAs with all updates, iOS 18.2 will include numerous security patches and fixes that are crucial to compatible iPhones. More information can be found onApples security releases support page.iOS 18.2: How to installTo get the latest version of iOS 18 on your phone, head over to the Settings app, thenGeneralandSoftware Update. Then follow the prompts to restart and install the update. If you dont want to wait until the official update arrives, you can install the most recent release candidate, which will be identical to the public release, by turning on Beta Updates in the Software Update tab.