SummaryMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024s impressive photogrammetry technology has produced a stunning digital twin of Planet Earth.We revisit some of our favorite places weve personally explored in real life, conjuring up memories and personal nostalgia.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available now for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Steam.As I get older, I find myself reminiscing more often about the places Ive lived and traveled throughout the world, and marvel at the growing list of countries I still want to visit (Im looking at you, Japan). It has become a growing appreciation of my good fortune that Ive been to so many and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has in turn become a wonderful conduit of nostalgia that allows me to revisit every one of them.Thanks to its incredible photogrammetry and enhanced digital elevation maps, its digital twin of Planet Earth has produced a stunning world to explore. Its lifelike detail allows me to fly over my old neighborhoods, revisit a national park, or recreate a memorable coastline drive that I havent taken in years. I can even get out of my aircraft and take a jaunt around nearly any location in the world now and you can too.Flying Through MemoriesWhat I realized during Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)s development is that the most emotional stories are the ones that already reside in us, says Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann during a recent interview with Xbox Wire. While Earth might just be a rock, a hill, or a tree, it has special meaning for specific people because of their memories. These are very personal stories. Its almost a universal platform for an emotional connection because we all live here, and this is what our planet looks like.I saw the sunrise from the top of Haleakal decades ago and Im still thinking about it.Neumann taps into something I was feeling as well during my time thus far with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While it is an incredibly awesome flight simulator with a plethora of aircraft and experiences to be had, from its Career Mode to World Photographer mode, the aspect that had pulled me in so much was how emotionally impactful it was all starting to feel for me to just fly over familiar locations in significantly higher detail.I remember missing my parents a lot (during the pandemic), continues Neumann. My dad is in his mid-90s now, and I was worried that I might never see him again because none of us knew what was going to happen. So, I flew there in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), flew to my parents house, landed at the lake, and called my parents up. I said, Hey, I cant be there in person with you, but Im as close as I can get because Im looking at our house.Neuschwanstein Castle is commonly known as the inspiration behind DisneysCinderella castle.Now (with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024), its so much closer to reality. Its emotionally more impactful because now the right trees are around the lake, the ground looks right, the water looks correct. Its remarkable how all the things that you remember suddenly come back. I remember jumping into the lake as a kid, playing with my friends, swimming over for the first time. All these things that you saw, you can now digitally recreate.Revisiting Favorite PlacesI had many of the same emotional reactions as I began to revisit some of my favorite locations. Memories that I hadnt thought of for years, like the time I saw the sun rise at the top of Haleakal crater on Maui; walking across San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge; exploring the streets of Paris, France; getting lost in Venice, Italy. It was this emotional resonance that bubbled up again while flying around these memorable locations in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.The first place I went to was Kauai, Neumann tells me after asking him what some of the first places he likes to explore. The second place was Grindelwald, where I used to go skiing. I walked around the Alps to check it out. Then, I started going to New Zealand because I love it there and visit occasionally. I picked about 10 locations Ive been to in real life to verify how good they look now after that, I went on a movie tour and visited places where they filmed Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, and Out of Africa.I left my heart in San Francisco.The recent enhancements have made these unique experiences much more realistic for the entire flight sim community. Now we have detailed environments to fly around that include accurate terrain, rocks, and water conditions that enhance not only the functional aspect of flight simulation but increasingly the immersive and authentic experience as well. Theres so much detail now that even the rocks will trip your plane up if you dont have the right tires to manage the terrain.Becoming a Photographer of the WorldOnce youre on the ground, youll not only notice how much the trees and grass have improved, but also how fun it is to step outside your aircraft and walk around, capturing photographs of your adventure. Whether its local wildlife or iconic locations like the Great Pyramids of Giza or the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, theres tons of cool stuff to see in person. The World Photographer mode points you in many of these directions, giving you a challenge to not only discover these locations, but document them in such a way that the challenge becomes part of the fun of flight and appreciating the world in which we live.One of the communitys requests was to give them more to do, Neumann explains about how the World Photographer mode came about. I thought, OK, easy enough. Aviation Careers got it. Lets try to get as close to an actual aviation career as we can. Gamers like competition, so we came up with the Challenge League system. At some point, I was pushing hard for animals, because I realized I take a lot of pictures of humans, places, and animals. Then, I thought about people who just love the Earth, and I remember taking pictures with my parents using a slide projector to revisit our vacations. I wanted to have the ability to take pictures to represent a memory. Now its wonderful to see everyone enjoying it.This is just one of the volcanoes on the island of Hawaii.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is not just a step up from its previous iteration; its a significant technological leap that lets you explore the world more dynamically than ever before with its digital twin of Earth. Being able to hop from one end of the planet to the other in such incredibly high detail is not only incredibly cool but also functions as a gateway to your own personal travels and experience as well. It has not only renewed my passion for travel but also provided a unique way to relive cherished memories and explore new destinations from the comfort of my home. Its a remarkable blend of advanced technology and nostalgia, offering endless opportunities to discover the world anew, one flight at a time.A Few of My Favorite PlacesAs I mentioned earlier, Ive been fortunate enough to have travelled in my time. So, I thought Id share a few of my personal favorites that double as great locations to visit within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 a few of these spots double as a challenge in its World Photographer mode. For aircraft preference in Free Flight, because helicopters can be quite a challenge, I liked using CGS Hawk Arrow II when flying around these locals it maintained the appropriate speed and easy handling that let me really take in the views. Its also relatively easy to land on a short approach.ParisIve been lucky enough to visit Paris twice and both times I basically went back to all the same locations, like spending way too much time in the Louvre Museum, going up the Eiffel Tower, climbing the stairs of the Arc de Triomphe, visiting Notre Dame, and others. Its such a walkable city packed with history and doubles as a great location to fly around to really appreciate how massive that beautiful city is.Seeing Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe makes climbing all of its stairs worth it. SingaporeI visited Singapore for about three days during a work trip years ago and was blown away at how busy its shipping ports were. I knew it functioned as a major trade hub before visiting, but it was impressive to just see it in action. Also, the architecture in the city was equally impressive to see. At night, Id walk along the waterfront and marvel at some of its iconic spots, like the Marina Bay Sands, all which are worthy of a fly by in MSFS 2024.Next time Im going to swim in that ridiculous pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands. San Francisco Bay AreaI lived in the Bay Area for nearly 10 years and never tired of seeing many iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building, and so many other landmarks that make it one of the greatest cities on the planet. Its also a great starting point if you want to do a coastal flight over Highway 1 and follow that down (or up) the coastline.Nothing like it.SeattleSpeaking of sights, everyone knows of the Space Needle (I think its fine), but Ive never tired of seeing Mount Rainier off in the distance, which is a stunning landmark thats just south of the city that looks so damn awesome as cloud cover allows. Seattle is also surrounded by natural beauty any way you look, full of majestic waterways like the tremendous Lake Washington, and tons of greenery that make any location you fly over incredibly scenic. If youre up for flying around, go for a watercraft so you can touch down on any of the many bodies of water.Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, is just a short drive from Seattle. Nothing to worry about.Hawaiian IslandsIm very fortunate to say I grew up here, specifically on the island of Oahu in the town of Kailua, but I traveled to each of the main islands at least once while I lived there. I took an amazing helicopter tour on the island of Kauai; hiked Haleakala National Park on Maui; walked across (dry) lava fields on the island of Hawaii; and drove up to the North Shore so many times. So naturally I pick this as my home base in Career Mode with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, operating as a bit of a tour guide operator in my hometown.My hometown, Kailua.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard EditionXbox Game Studios616$69.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassStandard EditionExplore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Standard Edition includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports.Fly with Purpose Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.Advanced Simulation Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers all influenced by seasonal changes.The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe EditionXbox Game Studios949$99.99Get it nowDeluxe EditionExplore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.Fly with Purpose Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.Advanced Simulation Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers all influenced by seasonal changes.The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe EditionXbox Game Studios1050$129.99Get it nowPremium Deluxe EditionExplore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports.Fly with Purpose Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.Advanced Simulation Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers all influenced by seasonal changes.The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator EditionXbox Game Studios1069$199.99Get it nowAviator EditionExplore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Aviator Edition includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024.Fly with Purpose Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.Advanced Simulation Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers all influenced by seasonal changes.The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Make no mistake: small kitchens can be just as versatile and practical as their larger-footprint counterparts. Some are open-plan kitchens while others are humble galley kitchens with rich ranch dreams. Regardless of the bones of the space, one of the most impactful ways to incorporate a small kitchen into your design scheme is through color.While double-drenched spaces might be going viral, there are plenty of low-touch ways to make a statement in the kitchen. Whether your primary concern is style or you're looking for hard-wearing solutions for your family, the below small kitchen color ideas, pulled from the ELLE DECOR archives, are sure to get you cooking.1Sophisticated EmeraldYe Rin MokWhat better way to make the most of a small space than with a massive architectural gesture in the middle of your living room? Los Angeles-based firm LAUN designed this clever kitchen around an emerald green structure that conceals additional storage and the refrigerator. A wall of unlacquered brass cabinetry and island and countertops in red stone create a color triple threat that makes a bold style statement.2Acid KellyHelenio BarbettaAn acidic kelly green energizes this small kitchen in an artist's apartment in Rome. Bright teal cabinets and a backsplash of Sicilian tile keep things fresh and a little bit funkya potent small space combo!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Calming GreenKelly MarshallThe unexpected red theory strikes again! This time in the Manhattan home of athletes Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, designed by Elle Decor A-Lister Mark Grattan. Brazilian quartzite countertops and a backsplash are thoughtfully contrasted by oxblood counter chairs and Mutina tiles in Glossy Brun.4Glossy WhiteWilliam Jess LairdWhy not treat your kitchen like a closet? Elle Decor A-List designer Michelle R. Smith approached this Manhattan duplex's cooking space with her customarily sophisticated eye, bringing glossy white tiles to new heightsliterally, in this case, adorning the ceiling. Calacatta marble, used for everything from the shelving to the sink, adds organic patterning and depth throughout.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Smart GreigeChris MotalliniDesigner Andre Herrero, of the Elle Decor A-List firm of Charlap Hyman & Herrero, eschewed hardware in this West Hollywood kitchen to keep things cool, calm, and collected. And to heat things up? A yummy greige tone on the cabinets.6Cheerful AvocadoGiulio GhirardiCustom cabinetry is the star of this Paris kitchen, designed by Elle Decor A-List Titan Pierre Yovanovitch. Black fittings by Dornbracht keep things graphically spartan, while a custom tile backsplash by artist Matthieu Coss adds visual interest.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Soothing CucumberMatthew WilliamsThe husband and wife team behind Studio DB created a compact kitchen with tons of personality for one Manhattan couple. The secret ingredient to this successful color story? It was taken from Prada stores.8Bright WhiteMaureen M. EvansIn the Mexico City apartment of Elle Decor A-List designer Mark Grattan, the bright white custom cabinetry and tiled walls are offset by countertops of yellow Mexican travertine. The effect is visually clean, even if cleaning up becomes a bit of a challenge!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Charcoal BlackStephan JulliardIn a Paris kitchen by designer Pierre Gonalons, the black-stained oak cabinets and black marquina marble countertops create depth and visual cohesion.10White Cabinets with Black CountertopsKirsten FrancisElle Decor A-List designer Augusta Hoffman made the most of her small, open-plan kitchen with a simple palette of black and white. The dark fittings and marble backsplash add visual interest without overwhelming the space.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Black Cabinets with White CountertopsNicholas CalcottDesigner Darren Jett of Jett Projects created a moody, impactful small kitchen for a fashionable client in Brooklyn. The deep black cabinetry and coordinating pendant lights bring drama to the small space.12Stainless SteelBlaine DavisNew York-based studio BoND designed this custom VIPP kitchen for an art collector in Chelsea. The modular concept is open to the rest of the apartment, so its streamlined profile doesn't distract from the works on display.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Calming CreamChris MottaliniThe design firm of Husband Wife outfitted this kitchen with custom cabinets in a warm cream color that is at once expansive and inviting.14Grounding KhakiWilliam Jess LairdEarthy neutrals and warm wood tones make this kitchen, designed by Studio Muka, a family-friendly oasis. Reclaimed terracotta tiles add slate blue cabinetry complicate the color story without overpowering the small space.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Energizing Lime and Sky BlueLaure JolietDesigner Leah Ring of the firm Another Human brought her genre-defying color sensibility to this weekend retreat in Joshua Tree, California. The lime green cabinets are masterfully offset by sky blue walls and a countertop and flooring tiles in complementary colors.16Preppy MalachiteKelly MarshallThis personality-packed kitchen by Elle Decor A-List designer Rayman Boozer of the firm Apartment 48 contrasts bright malachite cabinets with a pale blue ceiling and striking pendant lights. The colorful stove and complementary patterned roman shades add to the buoyant mix.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

It's hard to wrest attention away from Angelina Jolie. But for her new film, Maria, based on the days preceding the death of Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, the actor is immersed in a series of exquisitely detailed backdrops that effortlessly support each emotional glance, quivering lip and tussle of a perfectly curled mane. Dare we say they steal the show?For the film, now streaming on Netflix, Chilean director Pablo Larran and two-time Academy Award Nominated production designer, Guy Hendrix Dyas, shot across Hungary, Italy, France and Greece, also building environments like Maria's chic Parisian apartment. Each set was created to be both historically accurate and reflective of the singer's complex emotional states throughout the course of her life.Such efforts involved meticulous research and coordination. Luckily for us, Dyas kept a detailed book throughout the production, noting his research, materials and other shooting needs. Here's what he shared with us.Marias Parisian Apartment Was Built on a StageCourtesy Netflix//NetflixAngelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Netflixs Maria.Callas had been living in Paris since the early 1960s and at the age of 53 lived in a chic apartment at 36 Avenue Georges-Mandel in the 16th arrondissement. For the film, Larran and Dyas built a replica of the apartment on a sound stage, filling it with historically accurate items that Callas would have brought into her home.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixDyass notebook shows early sketches for the vanity mirror he designed especially for the film.Dyas tracked down auction catalogs from 1978 for the furnishings. "Studying these, you notice that she favored classical furnishings and had some very rare pieces from all over the world," he explains. The two also visited the Maria Callas Foundation in Paris, where they were allowed to examine her personal items, from letters and cigarette lighters to books and vinyl records.We voluntarily mixed time periods and furniture styles," Dyas says. "For example, in Marias living room youll notice a matching pair of Art Deco cylindrical vitrine cabinets that contrast the timeless neoclassical tables and 17th-century Baroque giltwood mirrors."Courtesy Netflix//NetflixMarias vanity table was inspired by a backstage photograph of Callas at the Civic Opera House in Chicago during her 1954 Debut.Many elements, like her tabletop mirror and the collection of busts in her dressing room, were fabricated for the film. The busts, paralleling the antiquities that her lover, Aristotle Onassis, kept aboard his yacht, were designed to reflect both Marias appreciation for art history, "but also act as a visual metaphor, suggesting a broken heart and damaged personality, Dyas adds.Especially impressive was her collection of 16th century paintings by French, Italian and Spanish artists, something Dyas says they were keen to bring into the set. Certain paintings and etchings in her apartment were among her most cherished possessions," Dyas explains. "These works became lifelong companions, moving with her from one residence to another and staying by her side until her passing."Larran and Dyas treated every art work and collectible as an extension of Marias character, carefully considering its significance within the story. Titians Diana and Actaeon, which they recreated on set, was a treasured gift from her late husband, Giovanni Battista Meneghini, that said much about what that relationship meant to her.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixA suite of busts were designed to act as a visual metaphor for Callass emotional state.When Jolie first stepped into the apartment while filming, Dyas says it was a moment to remember. We felt a great sense of achievement, he Dyas. She moved softly through the space, absorbing its atmosphere. Within moments, it seemed as though the space had yielded to her, transforming by some quiet magic. The set was no longer our creation; it had effortlessly become her home.The Piano in Maria's Apartment Is Actually Two PianosCourtesy Netflix//NetflixThe Steinway piano in Callass apartment.As one might imagine, "Maria had very specific tastes when it came to the pianos she owned," says Dyas. The famous soprano singer kept a full concert grand Steinway in her apartment, which is exactly what the team brought on set for the film. However, to allow for scenes in which Callas tells her staff to move the piano to different parts of the apartment, a second, narrower, piano was built to be moved by the actors."It was much thinner and lighter for ease of movement from one room to another," Dyas explains. "This second piano was only shot at specific angles so as not to give away its very narrow proportions."Famously, Callas had another Steinway housed on Onassiss yacht during their relationship, though it wasn't shown in the film.Much of the film was shot in Budapest, HungaryCourtesy Netflix//NetflixDirector Pablo Larran on set with Jolie.While much of the film takes place in Paris, where Callas lived, the streets of Budapest made a convincing Paris in many scenes. The challenge was to transform both Budapest and Paris into a convincing representation of Paris in the autumn of 1977, says Dyas. This feat required designing portable set pieces like flower stands, bouquiniste stalls, phone booths, Art Nouveau Metro entrances, and street lampselements that could be used seamlessly in both Paris and Budapest.Dyas's team also curated a collection of period-accurate vehicles, including cars, bicycles, and scooters. Of course, one necessity couldn't exactly be recreated: a rare, stretched Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine with a striking red leather interior, as Marias personal car.The Crew Filmed on Location at the La Scala Opera HouseCourtesy NetflixSketches from Dyass notebook.Perhaps the most iconic moment of Callas' life was her legendary 1957 performance of Anna Bolena at the La Scala Opera House in Milan. For Dyas and Larran, re-staging this performance at the actual site at which it took place was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was profoundly moving for the entire crew to be able to experience this moment of connection between our film and Marias real life, says Dyas.The crew also recreated Callas's 1956 performance as Medea, a feat that Dyas says was quite a challenge. "Only minimal photographic reference exists for some of Marias early performances, so there wasnt much to draw upon," he explains. "I spent some time studying the operas themselves, channeling as best as I could the style of the stage designers of the period. It was a fascinating exercise to design a set within a set.The Original Aristotle Onassis Yacht Was Refurbished for the FilmCourtesy NetflixThe Aristotle Onassis yacht, Christina O.In 1954, Onassis acquired a former Canadian warship that served in World War II, further investing millions of dollars to transform it into the world's first luxury superyacht, famously featuring a mosaic-tiled swimming pool that could convert into a dance floor alongside sumptuous cabins.As Dyas and his team starting asking how they would recreate this set, they learned that the ship is still afloat today. Through our research we discovered that the Christina O was still an active vessel and was currently used for luxury cruises," Dyas says. The film's producer, Jonas Dornbach, arranged a scouting trip to assess the ship as a potential filming location, a success that sent Dyas and Larran to Greece to meet with the current owners and pitch their vision of renting the vessel and restoring it to its original 1959 design and layout.The set was no longer our creation; it had effortlessly become her home. Guy Hendrix Dyas"The owners, who had rescued the ship from a scrapyard years prior and lovingly modernized it, were enthusiastic about the proposal." Dyas says. "They shared a deep appreciation for its rich history.The restoration work was meticulous: carpeting was replaced, fiberglass walls were redone with authentic wood paneling, and curtains and furniture, both indoors and on the deck, were updated to match the original designs. Special attention was given to wall art, where recreations of Onassiss cherished Renoir and El Greco paintings were installed. In the casino, the team recreated a 1950s atmosphere by adding a large roulette table, a jazz quartet bandstand, a bar area, and buffet tables equipped with heated platters.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixJolie on set off the coast of Greece with Haluk Bliginer as Aristotle Onassis."All of the colors and materials were carefully selected and tested on film to ensure their appearance in black-and-white, as most scenes on the Christina O yacht were shot in this format," Dyas explains. Of course, vivid color footage was additionally captured to provide options.The production used Katakolo, Greece, as its home port, a filming location the team wasn't mad about. "Each day, we sailed approximately 30 miles along the coastline to maintain the Greek shoreline as a consistent, picturesque backdrop, Dyas says.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

In what feels like a blink of an eye, 2025 is almost herebut does that new year, new you sentiment apply to your real estate portfolio? According to Realtor.com, which just released its 2025 Housing Forecast, the next 12 months might be an excellent time to buy...and sell.Per the report, property prices are slated to grow by 3.7 percentand mortgage rates are poised to stay relatively steady at 6.3 percent until the end of the yearbut prospective home buyers can also expect to see an 11.7 percent increased inventory. The real estate platform indicates a large portion of their insights can be attributed to President-elect Donald Trump's plans to curb unnecessary regulations and make more federal land available for homebuilding. It's a phenomenon Danielle Hale, who is the chief economist at Realtor.com, calls the Trump bump.The size and direction of a Trump bump will depend on what campaign proposals ultimately become policy and when, Hale explains. For now, we expect a gradual improvement in housing market dynamics powered by broader economic factors. The new administration's policies have the potential to enhance or hamper the housing recovery, and the details will matter.Related StoryThough the incoming administration is likely to impact the real estate market, the report's findings are not just about politics. We take into account not only political factors but also both short and long-term macroeconomic factors into our regional and national housing market forecasts, says Ralph McLaughlin, the senior economist at Realtor.com.Since buying and selling are both projected to be on the rise in the New Year, it's important to use this balanced market to your advantage. Buyers should take advantage of higher inventory levels, slower moving homes, and a higher share of price cuts by taking their time to do their due diligence, McLaughlin explains. Find a home that best meets their needs and ask for concessions from sellers. Though McLaughlin says that sellers will need to be flexible and open for negotiation, he also says 2025 is an excellent time to make sure your property is marketableboth from a physical and pricing standpoint.But, wait a second: What about renters? So far, these dramatic shifts won't reach the rental market. We forecast rents to stay flat in 2025 due to a combination of a growing supply of multifamily rental housing as well as growing single-family rental housing, McLaughlin shares. Related Stories:Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

A police force in the UK is using Bluetooth tracking wristbands for people with dementia in a high-tech bid to keep them safe.Starting this month, Avon and Somerset Police will start giving out Bluetooth wristbands for free to families. Its part of a broader initiative to protect dementia patients, who often suffer from extreme memory loss and confusion as a result of the incurable condition.The wristbands are fitted with Tile, a popular tracking device similar to the Apple Airtag. Once the tag is attached to a patient, caregivers can track their location via a smartphone app. If the person strays too far, the app sends out an alert.The Tile tags Bluetooth range is typically limited to a few hundred metres. However, the device can make a virtual handshake with other smartphones running the Tile app, to create a crowdsourced tracking network. Life360, the US firm that makes Tile, claims over 76 million people use its app globally.Dementia is a growing problem globally, with over 55 million people currently living with the condition, according to the World Health Organisation.Watch Back NowThe scheme was launched by Inspector Stuart King in 2015, following a rise in missing person incidents involving people living with the disease.The introduction of Bluetooth-enabled devices from Life360 and Tile is a significant step forward in safeguarding those living with dementia, said Inspector King.These discreet and user-friendly devices not only offer reassurance to families but can be a critical tool in emergencies, enabling quick response and timely assistance, he said.Tile also incorporates QR code functionality. When the QR code on the back of the device is scanned, it allows the next of kin or carer to be contacted directly via phone or text.Unlike GPS devices which need regular charging, the battery on the Bluetooth wristbands should last for about three years.The initiative comes amid a boom in health tech, as startups develop high-tech solutions everything from machines that help detect cancer to algorithms that fastrack the discovery of new drugs. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

In 2018, Elon Musk put a Tesla in space. Like many of the billionaires antics, it was a publicity stunt. However, it pointed to an undeniable truth: the future of space travel is electric.Most spacecraft today like cars and trucks back on Earth burn chemicals to get around. But space agencies like NASA, ESA, and Frances CNES have been experimenting with electric thrusters for decades, in a bid for a cleaner, more efficient way to propel satellites. A few startups have spun out from this work. One of them is Paris-headquartered ION-X. It hopes to build the most efficient propulsion system ever put in space.ION-X has developed a so-called electrohydrodynamic (EHD) electrospray thruster. It works by applying a high-voltage electric field to an ionic liquid fuel. (Ionic liquid is made up of organic salts that are liquid at room temperature). The electric charge breaks up the fuel into tiny charged particles that eject from the back of the thruster at high speeds propelling the satellite through space.Today, ION-X announced it has raised 13mn in funding as it looks to break out from the lab and industrialise its technology. This adds to 4mn in seed capital, raised back in 2022.This funding round is a decisive step for ION-X, said Thomas Hiriart, the companys CEO. We are deeply convinced that our propulsion solutions can revolutionize the space mobility market, contribute to sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective space missions, and carve out a significant commercial position in a market eager for reliable thrusters.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!World-renowned engineer Jacques Girak founded ION-X in 2021 following decades of research into electrospray propulsion systems at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and CNES. Girak co-founded the company with Yves Matton, a partner at the early-stage deep-tech venture firm Technofounders, which has also invested in Ion-X.Unlike chemical thrusters, which burn fuel to produce thrust, or ion thrusters that use xenon, ION-Xs system is far more energy-efficient and compact. Its better at precisely manoeuvring satellites, the startup claims. The ionic liquid fuel is also non-toxic and nonflammable, and thus safer. However, its less powerful than combustion-based systems, so its better suited to smaller satellites, like those in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) which is, nevertheless, a booming market.ION-X is set to demonstrate its technology in orbit for the first time early next year. Its thrusters will propel a satellite by Danish company Space Inventor as part of a larger ESA mission. The company is also building a production facility near Paris. Here it hopes to produce 200 ion thrusters per year by 2028. The fundinground was led by aerospace-focused VC Expansion and Technofounders.The European Innovation Council (EIC) also joined in, as did the le-de-France Region, through its Reindustrialisation Fund. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

OpenAI has acknowledged that its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, is currently experiencing an outage, making the platform inaccessible to users all over the world. This issue has also impacted the integration with Siri following the public release of iOS 18.2 on Wednesday.According to OpenAI, the company has identified the cause of the outage and is actively working on a fix. While they aim to restore ChatGPTs functionality as soon as possible, no specific timeline for resolution has been provided. Many users are encountering random error messages when attempting to access the service. In some cases, users were even logged out of the app.The release of iOS 18.2 earlier today introduced new features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, including enhanced integration with ChatGPT through Siri. This allows users to interact with OpenAIs chatbot right from the Siri interface. However, due to the current outage, this feature is not working for some users who have updated to the latest software.Although OpenAI didnt give any details about the outage, some speculate that todays outage was caused by the huge influx of iOS users playing with the new ChatGPT integration.Notably, iOS users can interact with ChatGPT via Siri for free without needing an OpenAI account. Apple also lets users subscribe to ChatGPT Plus right from the Settings app on iOS so they can benefit from paid features.Is ChatGPT working for you? Let us know in the comments section below.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

As we recently reported, Apple released a second RC build of iOS 18.2 to developers and beta testers before releasing the update to everyone earlier today. Although the RC build is often the same as the one that becomes available to the public, this time beta users have another update to install on their devices.New iOS 18.2 build availableThats because Apple has released a new build of iOS 18.2 to the public, and this build is different from the iOS 18.2 RC 2 that was released to beta users on Monday. For comparison, here are the different build numbers:iOS 18.2 RC: 22C150iOS 18.2 RC 2: 22C151iOS 18.2 Official Release: 22C152Similar to iOS, Apples other operating systems have also been updated with new builds different from the previous one available to beta users. For instance, macOS 15.2 went from 24C100 (RC 2) to 24C101 in the final release. The final build of watchOS 11.2 (22S101) is also different from the RC.Although nothing significant has changed from one build to another except for bug fixes, its always important to keep all your devices updated with the latest software available.Both iOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2 add more Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs, including Image Playground and Genmoji. As for watchOS 11.2, the update brings improvements to the Camera Remote app.iPhone and iPad users can update the software by going to Settings > General > Software Update. On Mac, open the System Settings app, then go to General > Software Update. The process is similar on Apple Watch (the update can also be installed via the Watch app on the paired iPhone).Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Tesla's service center blew him off repeatedly while he was waiting for his truck to be fixed.Locked UpAfter discovering that his Cybertruck had a fatal flaw, allowing snow and ice to perfectly build up in front of the headlights, owner Joe Fay has encountered yet another glaring issue.After bragging on TikTok about what he said were the myriad benefits of his vehicle, Fay ran into a familiar mechanical issue for owners of the controversial pickup: the rear motor of the Cybertruck had given completely out."So I was just driving down the road," he said in a video last week. "It felt like somebody hit me from behind, so I turned around, but didn't see anything.""But then I got this notice," he said, pointing to an error message that the rear motor was "disabled."According to Fay, however, the truck was still "completely drivable" with just one motor. He also bragged that the fix would be "completely free" which, to be fair, is true of practically any other vehicle still under warranty.But over a week later, it's still unclear if Tesla has managed to address the issue, leaving Fay high and dry.Good LuckNeedless to say, the internet had a field day with Fay's disastrous experience with the divisive truck he'd boosted so strongly."'Completely free' if you disregard the loss of use and the loss of time to deal with it," one Reddit user wrote.Fay also got major flack for claiming that it would only take a "couple of days" to fix. The Cybertruck is notoriously difficult to repair, and replacement parts are hard to come by. Tesla has also garnered a reputation for less-than-stellar service.As expected, Fay still appears to be waiting after Tesla blew him off twice, promising a fix within a day or two on several different occasions.The problem turned out to be the inverter of the rear motor, according to Fay, a common issue with early production models.In the last update shared on Friday, Fay revealed that the truck was towed on Monday last week, and that the commenters telling him "good luck" on getting it back by Tuesday were "correct."At the time of writing, the truck still doesn't appear to be back in his possession, judging by a lack of an update. Instead, Fay is seemingly uploading old videos in an attempt to keep up engagement on his TikTok account. A video shared today,for instance, shows summer-like weather and a green lawn next to his house.Is Fay just engagement-baiting all of us with his slapstick Cybertruck faceplants? Given the widespread hatred for the truck, videos about it breaking down are getting huge numbers of views, making it an effective way to get attention online.Fay himself has accumulated 3.5 million subscribers through his Tesla-centric videos, whose comments sections are chock-full of people berating him for his life choices.But even if he was just trying to bait us, it wouldn't mean Fay's experience is anything out of the ordinary. The truck has quickly become a major thorn in the sides of owners, with frequent breakdowns, impossible-to-keep-clean body panels, and maddening design decisions.More on the Cybertruck: Something Has Gone Seriously Wrong With Cybertruck ProductionShare This Article

This is wild.Thrusters EngagedSpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, just got a lot richer.The private space company's valuation has sky-rocketed to $350 billion following a secondary share sale, CNBC reports, a stunning 67 percent rise from its June 2024 valuationthat further cements its dominance in the industry.That means SpaceX is now worth more than McDonald's, Coca-Cola or even other top US defense contractors, per CNBC.The news also highlights just how much Musk's influence over president-elect Donald Trump has instilled a sense of confidence among investors."Whats really crazy about this is that almost no investors wanted to sell shares even at a $350B valuation!" Musk tweeted. "SpaceX reduced the amount of shares it bought back from employees in order to allow some new investors in."Space DominationNow that Musk has established himself as the right-hand man of the soon-to-be most powerful person in the world, SpaceX could greatly expand its key businesses in a regulatory vacuum.The news comes after Trump promised Musk and other billionaires an easy way to bypass "approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental [sic] approvals.""This is awesome,"gloated Musk in response.SpaceX has plenty of irons in the fire. For one, it's currently developing its Starship, a heavy-lift launch platform that could soon play an important role in NASA's efforts to return humans to the surface of the Moon for the first time in over half a century.The company has also deployed over 6,700 Starlink satellites, by far the largest constellation to provide consumer-focused internet services.SpaceX has also established itself as a key launch partner for the Pentagon, allowing defense contractors to send spy satellites and other top-secret assets into orbit.Trump also recently named billionaire tech founder and SpaceX space tourist Jared Isaacman as the next head of NASA, which could give the space company even more leverage when it comes to federal funding and government contracts.Meanwhile, Musk's personal net worth has topped $400 billion the first person to ever do so.Share This Article