The U.S. Justice Department is suing several large landlords for allegedly coordinating to keep Americans rents high by using both an algorithm to help set rents and privately sharing sensitive information with their competitors to boost profits.The lawsuit arrives as U.S. renters continue to struggle under a merciless housing market, with incomes failing to keep up with rent increases. The latest figures show that half of American renters spent more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities in 2022, an all-time high.That means exhausting, day-to-day decisions between medications, groceries, school supplies and rent. It means eviction notices and protracted court cases in which children face the highest eviction rates, with 1.5 million evicted each year, according to Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab.While the housing crisis has been assigned several causes, including a slump in homes built over the last decade, the Justice Departments lawsuit claims major landlords are playing a part.The department, along with 10 states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado and California, is accusing six landlords that collectively operate more than 1.3 million units in 43 states and the District of Columbia of scheming to avoid lowering rents.The landlord Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, a defendant in the case, declined a request for comment from The Associated Press, but published an unsigned statement on its website.Greystar has and will conduct its business with the utmost integrity. At no time did Greystar engage in any anti-competitive practices, the statement read. We will vigorously defend ourselves in this lawsuit.The lawsuit accuses the landlords of sharing sensitive data on rents and occupancy with competing firms via email, phone calls or in groups. The information shared allegedly included renewal rates, how often they accept an algorithms price recommendation, the use of concessions such as offering one month free, and even their approach to pricing for the next quarter.The Justice Department said one of the six landlords agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. The proposed settlement would restrict how the company can use their competitors data and algorithms to set rents.Todays action against RealPage and six major landlords seeks to end their practice of putting profits over people and make housing more affordable for millions of people across the country, said Doha Mekki, the acting assistant attorney general for the departments antitrust division in Tuesdays press release.Those landlords were added to an existing lawsuit against RealPage, which runs an algorithm that recommends rental prices to landlords. Prosecutors say the algorithm uses sensitive competitive information, allowing landlords to align their prices and avoid competition that would otherwise push down rents.Jennifer Bowcock, RealPages senior vice president for communications, said in a statement to the AP that their software is used on fewer than 10% of rental units in the U.S., and that their price recommendations are used less than half the time.Its past time to stop scapegoating RealPage and now our customers for housing affordability problems when the root cause of high housing costs is the under-supply of housing, Bowcock said.Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press/Report for America

On Tuesday, a wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The fire has since spread across at least 2,900 acres and is burning throughout spaces equal to about five football fields every minute, according to CNN. So far, there have been no reported deaths attributed to the wildfires, which have consumed numerous homes and cars that had to be left behind as residents fled.One thing that is making the fires worse is the tornado-like winds also afflicting the region. Winds can literally fan the flames of a wildfire and fling embers up into the air, and carry them to new locations, causing additional fires to rise up. How far the fires will spread before they are contained is anyones guess at this moment. But there are several ways you can track the spread of the fires using online tools.[Screenshot: via Esri Wildfire Aware]The first is by using the Wildfire Aware map produced by the geographic information system (GIS) software firm Ersi. The map uses numerous data sources to show where wildfires have broken out. The orange and red areas on the map show where fires currently burn and by clicking on any given area, you can see how many personnel are on the scene fighting the fires.As of the time of this writing, Esis Wildfire Aware shows that there are 2,920 reported acres on fire and 800 personnel on the grounds fighting those fires. It currently says there is a 0% containment rate of the fires in the Palisades.[Screenshot: via NASA FIRMS]The second online mapping tool is the Fire Information for Resource Management Systems map, or FIRMS, which uses data from the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and NASA.This map is useful due to the tools it offers. For example, you can scrub through its timeline to see where and when the fires spread. It also offers measuring tools that you can use to determine the size of reported fires.Finally, the AirNow Fire and Smoke mapping tool, a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, lets you track air-quality levels by location. You can type in a specific zip code or use the interactive map tool to navigate over specific regions.

Remote, icy, and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsize role in the daily weather experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the planet.Greenland is where climate change, scarce resources, tense geopolitics, and new trade patterns all intersect, said Ohio University security and environment professor Geoff Dabelko.The worlds largest island is now central to the geopolitical, geoeconomic competition in many ways, partly because of climate change, Dabelko said.Since his first term in office, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, a longtime U.S. ally, and a founding member of NATO. It is also home to a large U.S. military base.Why is Greenland coveted?Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, and its in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York University climate scientist David Holland.Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be inaccessible but is becoming less so.Many of the same minerals are currently being supplied mostly by China, so other countries such as the United States are interested, Dabelko said. Three years ago, the Denmark government suspended oil development offshore from the territory of 57,000 people.But more than the oil, gas or minerals, theres icea ridiculous amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot of the University of California, Irvine.If that ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns in such a dramatic manner that the threat was the basis of a Hollywood disaster movie. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the worlds seas would rise by 24 feet (7.4 meters). Nearly a foot of that is so-called zombie ice, already doomed to melt no matter what happens, a 2022 study found.Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons (169 billion metric tons) of ice each year, with losses hitting 489 billion tons a year (444 billion metric tons) in 2019.Greenland will be a key focus point through the 21st century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado. It will likely become a bigger contributor in the future.That impact is perhaps unstoppable, NYUs Holland said.Are other climate factors at play?Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that influences Earths climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. Its called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and its slowing down because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland, Serreze said.A shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes, a scenario depicted in the 2004 movie The Day After Tomorrow.If this global current system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogetheras we know it has done in the pastnormal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change drastically, said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and normal weather would be a thing of the past.Greenland is also changing color as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy, Holland said.Greenland plays a role in the dramatic freeze that two-thirds of the United States is currently experiencing. And back in 2012, weather patterns over Greenland helped steer Superstorm Sandy into New York and New Jersey, according to winter weather expert Judah Cohen of the private firm Atmospheric and Environmental Research.Because of Greenlands mountains of ice, it also changes patterns in the jet stream, which brings storms across the globe and dictates daily weather. Often, especially in winter, a blocking system of high pressure off Greenland causes Arctic air to plunge to the west and east, smacking North America and Europe, Cohen said.Why is Greenlands location so important?Because it straddles the Arctic circle between the United States, Russia and Europe, Greenland is a geopolitical prize that the U.S. and others have eyed for more than 150 years. Its even more valuable as the Arctic opens up more to shipping and trade.None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some of the Earths oldest rocks.I see it as insanely beautiful. Its eye-watering to be there, said Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. Pieces of ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. Its just breathtaking.Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environmentFollow Seth Borenstein on X at @borenbearsThe Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer

Architecture studio Kennon has completed the 550 Spencer office building in Australia, forming the "first building in the country" to be powered on-site by a solar facade system.Located in Melbourne, the office building is defined by pleated glass facades that sit atop a brick base.Seeking to challenge current approaches to energy use in buildings, Kennon integrated 1,182 solar panels into the building's transparent facades effectively reducing its annual carbon emissions by 70-tonnes.Kennon has completed an office building in MelbourneDrawing on advanced European glazing tools, Kennon worked with both local and international experts to create 550 Spencer's intricate system."550 Spencer is the first building in the country to use its faade as a system for capturing on-site solar energy," the studio said."By harnessing the power of sunlight, this development challenges traditional approaches to energy use, offering a glimpse of sustainable architecture where innovation and aesthetics can coexisting and unite."The pleated facade is made up of 1,182 solar panelsOther energy-saving strategies featured in the design include the use of solid solar panels on the north-facing facade to capture sunlight, while clear glass panels were used on the southern facade to reduce heat gain.This strategy intends to create a comfortable environment inside the building, where decorative details include tiled floors and pleated wooden walls reminiscent of the facades.Read: "World's first net-positive energy" botanical garden completed in FloridaA rooftop garden tops the structure and hosts built-in seating space wrapped by vegetation."With 1,182 solar panels mounted to the faade, space is created for a rooftop garden, giving occupants a green space to enjoy, inviting connection and community," the studio said.Clear panels reduce solar gain on the southern facadeThe studio hopes that the building will give rise to more sustainable, energy-efficient structures."550 Spencer Street stands as a reflection of what we can achieve collectively when design, technology and sustainability unite," the studio said."It reminds us that architecture can be more than a shelter or structure, it can be a living testament to our responsibility to the planet," it added. "It shapes a future that meets the evolving needs of society while inspiring and guiding generations to come."A rooftop garden tops the buildingOther recently completed projects that adopt sustainable approaches include a group of off-grid holiday homes in Finland and a lake-side retreat made predominantly of recycled steel in Mexico.Dezeen also previously rounded up ten buildings that incorporate solar panels in creative ways, featuring Google's undulating Bay View campus built from 50,000 solar panels in the US.The photography is by Tom Ross.The post Kennon adds 1,182 solar panels to facade of Melbourne office building appeared first on Dezeen.

CLIP is a portable e-motor device that allows users to alternate between a regular mechanical bike and an electric bike without any tools.Founded in 2018 by Som Ray and Clem De Alcala in Brooklyn, New York, CLIPaims to overcome the constraints of e-bikes and existing e-bike conversion kits.CLIP is a portable e-motor that transforms a regular bike into an e-bike without any toolsAccording to the company, CLIP is the "world's first no tools plug and play solution to upgrade a regular bike into an e-bike".Unlike existing e-bike conversion kits, the format doesn't require the user to make any alterations to their bike before attaching it.The attachment doesn't require users to modify their existing bike before use"The idea was born from my own need while living in Brooklyn I bought a bike to commute to work, but it became a pain because of a long uphill gradient," CLIP co-founder Son Ray told Dezeen."An obvious solution was to get an e-bike, but I'd already invested in my own bike and loved it, and an e-bike is a whole magnitude more expensive," he said.It was created to overcome the pitfalls of conventional e-bikes or conversion kits"I looked at e-bike conversion kits, but they are often painfully complex to set up," said Ray."If you get a Swytch or something similar you have to remove your front wheel and put a new one in, wire it up and put the battery in and essentially end up with an e-bike"."What I really wanted was the flexibility to easily move between analogue and e-bike," Ray explained.The attachment is fitted onto the front tyre of the bikeDesigned as a solution for the urban commuter, the result is a 4kg device which, according to the company, can be attached to almost any bike "in a number of seconds" and can fit inside a backpack.Comprised of aluminium and fireproof nylon with lithium-ion batteries, CLIP provides pedal assist for up to 12 miles, allows for speeds of up to 15 miles per hour and can be recharged in under 60 minutes.A lever which opens the arms of the device also functions as a handleUsers pull a lever to open the arms of the device, which can then be fitted onto the front fork of the bike around the tyre once correctly aligned, users pull down on the clamp to secure the attachment. It can be detached by pulling up the lever to release the clamps."We wanted to keep the user experience simple, so the part used to release the clamps also becomes the handle," said Ray.A friction drive motor powers the bike via a roller that rotates the wheelA motor drives a roller on the main body of the CLIP, which powers the bike's front wheel through friction drive."Mechanically it's not anything new the first motorcycle that was ever conceived was based on the same principle of a roller driving the front wheel," said Ray."It's essentially a small gear driving a larger gear," he added. "We took that same principle and made it transportable".Users press a red button to activate the motor and kickstart the e-bike functionTo activate the motor, users press and hold a red button on a wireless bluetooth controller attached to the bike's handlebar via a rubber loop.A small white button on the same controller can be pressed for regenerative braking, allowing riders to recharge the battery while cycling downhill and extending the range. This remote component was designed to slot into the main dock for recharging and storage.The device weighs 4kg and can be fully recharged in under an hourWhen not in use, CLIP was designed to be compact enough to be easily carried around and stored in the workplace.Ray described the design as "architectural and minimal in its form". "We wanted it to be a product that can sit on your desk next to your laptop and look like it's part of the same ecosystem," he said.Read: Lemmo One bicycle transforms from analogue to electric with a simple attachmentAnother consideration behind the design was to create a product with a lower environmental impact compared to a conventional e-bike."In terms of the sustainability aspects of it, CLIP produces a fraction of the waste and 1/50th of the logistics impact of a typical e-bike," said Ray."We can essentially ship 30 CLIPS for the same volume of that of one e-bike," stated Ray.Other stories about bikes recently featured on Dezeen include an underwater bicycle park created in Amsterdamand a two-in-one bicycle by Lemmo that is both analogue and electric.Photography is courtesy of CLIP.The post Mechanical bike turns into e-bike "in a number of seconds" with CLIP device appeared first on Dezeen.

Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering has debuted a portable cat-shaped robot that blows air to cool down hot food and beverages at the Consumer Electronics Show.Named Nkojita FuFu, the robot is aimed at people with heat-sensitive tongues, a condition that an online survey in Japan revealed affects nearly 47 per cent of its population.The robot derives its name from the Japanese term nko-jita meaning cat tongue a phrase used to describe people who have a low tolerance for hot food.Yukai Engineering has unveiled a cat-shaped robot that cools hot drinks and foodThe second part of the name, FuFu, is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when blowing air to cool down food.Nkojita FuFu operates with an internal fan unit powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a specially developed algorithm, the "Fu-ing System", to mimic human breath.Switching between various blowing modes, such as the full-force "I've Got This!" and gentler "Not Gonna Spill" modes, the robot randomises its blowing strength and rhythm to ensure a personalised cooling experience while effectively reducing temperatures.Nkojita FuFu operates with an internal fan that has various blowing modesUnlike traditional heat-reducing mugs, the robot is a standalone device that can be attached to any dishware with a straight edge, making it versatile and compatible with various bowls, cups and mugs.It can cool hot water from 88 to 71 degrees Celsius in three minutes and to 66 degrees Celsius in five minutes.Created during Yukai Engineering's 2024 internal Make-a-Thon, Nkojita FuFu was inspired by a personal story from the company's chief marketing officer Tsubasa Tominaga.Read: Michael Candy creates robotic walking chairs that "amble" through spaceTominaga identified the need for the product while recalling his struggle with cooling hot baby food for his son, which often left him breathless and dizzy."We created Nkojita FuFu as a little personal meal partner, so you can solve your 'nko-jita' problem anywhere, anytime," said Tominaga."The robot doesn't just help you enjoy hot coffee. It can make it easier for seniors to down hot soup and reduce parents' chores by helping kids eat with less help."The robot is compatible with any dishware with a straight edgeThe company plans to launch Nkojita FuFu in Japan in mid-2025 following a crowdfunding campaign.Yukai Engineering is a Tokyo-based startup known for its innovative robot designs. The company has received several awards, including the CES 2023 Innovation Award for its BOCCO emo Platform, which enables Japan's utility companies and businesses to provide smart living services.Other recent robotics featured on Dezeen include a pair of walking chairs byBrooklyn artist Michael Candy and a "friendly" robot for domestic and commercial environments by Fuseproject.The photography is courtesy of Yukai Engineering.CES 2025takes place at various locations in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. SeeDezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Yukai Engineering unveils tiny cat robot that blows on hot food and drinks appeared first on Dezeen.

This attractive acrylic Annabell pendant lamp is by Mottoform, a/k/a industrial designer Elizabeth Salonen. "Light and darkness are a big part of life in Finland," says Salonen. "I'm inspired by light. When it's cold and dark in the Finnish winter, you stay inside. Fire and light are the closest you get to the sun's energy." "I was also inspired by the rounded, plastic shapes of the 1960s, which came about, in part, from the thermoforming process." The Annabell is in production by Finnish lighting manufacturer Fosto.

Segway is well known for its self-balancing micro-mobility commuters but now they are expanding their claws into the e-bike segment too. At Consumer Electronics Show 2025 the company introduced two new e-bikes that are up for pre-order right away with deliveries expected in February. Christened the Xyber and the Xafari, both electric bikes designed to elevate the riding experience with safer, more convenient, and accessible features.The bikes will come loaded with the Segway Intelligent Ride System and a range of smart tech and features. Theyll automatically shut down AirLock tech in case of theft, and the intelligent lighting system and even fitness data will be synchronized to the accompanying app. Also, the IOT features for remotely controlling the bikes, over-the-air updates and an automatic brightness adjustable TFT display make them a futureproof option.Designer: SegwayXyber is the beefier of the duo with design and performance aesthetics fit for the Cyberpunk universe. The e-bike comes with a 6,000-watt direct-drive motor system touting 175 Nm torque that makes it go from zero to 20 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds. The top speed of 35 mph makes it ideal for riders who crave a lasting adrenalin rush from an e-bike. The motocross-styled bike is going to be as good for dirt trails as it will be for the city thanks to the multi-surface 20 x 5.0-inch rugged terrain tires that are secured against any punctures courtesy of the flat-resistant inserts.Segway brings the two-wheeler with an optional 2,880Wh dual battery for a range of 112 miles or a single battery that can tick 56 miles on a single charge. In case you run out of battery power there are pedals with 12 levels of assist. The version showcased at the event is in the unclassified segment (not street legal) but the buyable version coming later in spring/early summer 2025 will conform to Class-2 mandates. Xyber will be available in three drive modes Eco, Sport, and Race for a price tag of $3,000.The Xafari is a little toned-down model for urban use with classic cruiser vibes, make no mistake, it still can traverse inhospitable terrain like its big brother. This e-bike comes with an adjustable 2.5 TFT display, seat height, stem, and handlebar for every riders comfort, no matter how tall or short they are. It rides on 26 x 3-inch tires and has an adjustable preload suspension with compression dampening and lockout on the fork.The bike goes from zero to 20 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds which is good enough for city traffic. Xafari gets a removable 936 Kw battery that can be charged at home and on full charge it has a range of 88 miles. City errands are going to be a breeze with the rear-mounted rack and in-frame hardshell. There are also softshell bags for storing groceries or anything else on the go. Xafari coming in three drive settings will have pedal assist and throttle mode only. It is priced at $2,400, with availability set around the same time as Xyber.The post Segway spices up the e-bike marketplace with Xyber, a powerful ride for city and rough terrains first appeared on Yanko Design.

Winters arrival brings shorter days, chilly temperatures, and for many of us, a sense of gloominess. Apartments, often smaller and less sunlight-filled than houses, can exacerbate this feeling of winter blues. But fear not! Thoughtful dcor changes can work wonders to brighten your space and uplift your mood. Luckily, the right dcor changes can work wonders to brighten up your space, both inside and out .Here are 10 thoroughly detailed ideas to help you combat the winter blues and make your apartment feel cozy, bright, and alive.1. Let There Be LightThe Right Kind of LightVisualizer: Hanna KostyriaYou know that feeling when sunlight streams through your window in the morning, and it feels like everything is going to be okay? Thats the magic of natural light. But in winter, when daylight hours are scarce, you have to get creative. Start by swapping out your heavy, dark curtains for something light and airy, like sheer white or cream panels. Theyll let in every bit of sunlight while still offering privacy.For those corners of your apartment that seem perpetually shadowed, invest in warm, layered lighting. Overhead lights can feel harsh and sterile, so think about adding floor lamps, table lamps, and even wall sconces. Warm-toned bulbs (around 2700K) mimic the golden glow of sunlight, instantly lifting the mood in any room. And if youre feeling adventurous, string fairy lights across your bookshelves or windows for a soft, magical touch.2. Bring the Outdoors In with Lush GreeneryVisualizer: Amir DawoodPlants arent just for spring and summer. In fact, during winter, theyre like little green beacons of hope, reminding you that life is still thriving somewhere. Even if you dont have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options to consider. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are nearly impossible to kill and thrive even with minimal sunlight. For an extra burst of brightness, opt for colorful planters or hanging pots in jewel tones.Consider grouping your plants together on a shelf or a corner stand to create a lush indoor garden effect. And dont forget to add a small plant to your desk or nightstand for a mood boost.3. Add a Mirror: Reflect Light and StyleVisualizer: Basma HeshamMirrors are one of the most transformative tools in interior design. They do so much more than show your reflectionthey can make small spaces feel larger, amplify natural light, and even create a sense of elegance. If your apartment feels a little dark or cramped during the winter, strategically placing a mirror can completely change the vibe of your space.Start by thinking about placement. A mirror opposite a window is a classic trickit reflects the light streaming in, making the room appear brighter and more open. If you dont have a lot of natural light, consider hanging a mirror near a light source, like a table lamp or pendant light. The reflection of the light creates a similar brightening effect, adding warmth and glow.4. Add Lots of Cozy Textures: Throws and Pillows That Hug You BackVisualizer: Madyana AhmedTheres something about winter that makes us crave softness. When its cold outside, your home should feel like a warm hug, and layering cozy textures is one of the easiest ways to achieve that. Throws and pillows arent just functional; theyre mood-setters, inviting you to curl up and stay awhile.Start with your couch or favorite chair. Drape a chunky knit throw over the armrest or back of the sofait instantly softens the space and adds a touch of visual interest. Chunky knits scream winter coziness, but dont stop there. Faux fur throws or velvet blankets are equally luxurious and can bring depth to your room with their tactile appeal.Now, move on to pillows. Mix and match different fabrics, sizes, and patterns to create a layered, lived-in look. Combine fluffy faux fur cushions with smooth, velvet pillows or woven textiles for variety. Opt for warm, rich colors like deep burgundy, mustard yellow, or earthy greens to make your space feel inviting.5. Add Vibrant Color Pops for a Mood BoostVisualizer: Hanna MiroshnikWhile neutrals are timeless, winter is the perfect time to introduce bold pops of color. Think throw blankets in sunny yellow, artwork in deep teal, or even a statement chair upholstered in cheerful coral. The idea isnt to overwhelm your space but to strategically place vibrant accents that draw the eye and energize the room.If youre worried about committing to bold colors, start small. Swap out your neutral throw pillows for something brighter, or add colorful table runners and placemats to your dining area.6. Make Use of Corners: Create Cozy Nooks or Functional SpacesVisualizers: Pragnya SindhuCorners are often the forgotten parts of a room. They sit empty, awkward, and overlooked. But with a little creativity, you can transform these small, unused spaces into some of the most charming and functional areas of your home.Place a comfortable armchair in the corner, paired with a small side table for your tea or coffee. Add a floor lamp with warm lighting, and throw a cozy blanket over the chair. If youre a plant lover, dedicate a corner to your greenery.Use tiered plant stands or hang pots at different heights to make the most of the vertical space. For those who work from home, a corner can become a compact but efficient desk setup. A corner desk or floating shelves with a small stool can create a minimalist workspace without taking over the entire room.7. Try Metallic AccentVisualizer: Inna NidoraMetallic accents are a simple yet striking way to brighten up your apartment and combat the winter blues. Their reflective surfaces naturally catch and amplify light, making any room feel more open and vibrantespecially during the darker months. Whether its gold, silver, copper, or brass, incorporating metallic touches can bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to your space.Start small with metallic accessories like vases, candle holders, or picture frames. Mirrors with metallic frames are another brilliant addition, serving both as a light-enhancing element and a statement piece.8. Use Scent as Dcor with Candles and DiffusersSource: The SpruceNever underestimate the power of scent in transforming your home. Smell has a direct link to emotion and memory, and in winter, the right fragrances can evoke warmth, comfort, and even a hint of nostalgia.Lets start with candles. Picture this: a group of pillar candles in varying heights arranged on your coffee table, their soft flickering glow casting a warm light across the room. Choose candles with winter-inspired scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or cedarwood.Diffusers, on the other hand, are perfect for an all-day scent boost without any hassle. Choose essential oils that complement the seasoncitrus oils like bergamot or orange are uplifting, while lavender and eucalyptus are calming and great for winding down in the evenings.For an extra creative touch, combine scent and style by arranging your candles and diffusers with other elements like small plants, books, or decorative bowls. It creates a layered vignette that feels intentional and inviting.9. Create a Gallery Wall to Tell Your StoryVisualizer: Menna ElkadyWinter is the perfect time to tackle creative projects, and a gallery wall is a fantastic way to add personality to your apartment. Mix and match framed prints, photos, and artwork that make you happy. Include pops of bright color to break up the monotony of white walls.The first step is deciding what story you want to tell. Maybe its your travel adventures, with photos and souvenirs from far-off places framed in an eclectic mix of styles. Or perhaps its a celebration of your favorite artprints of paintings that inspire you, sketches by local artists, or even pieces youve created yourself.To make the gallery wall feel dynamic, include different sizes and shapes. A large centerpiece flanked by smaller pieces creates balance and draws the eye naturally. And dont forget to mix in other elements like mirrors, clocks, or wall-mounted plants to break up the monotony.10. Add Rugs for Comfort and ColorVisualizer: Tatiana SapianaWhen winter sets in, theres nothing like the feeling of stepping onto a soft, plush rug in your home. Adding rugs to your space can make it feel cozy and welcoming, especially when the weather outside is cold and dreary.Layering rugs is a great way to enhance the feeling of warmth. You can start with a large, neutral area rug in a living room or bedroom to cover most of the floor, then add a smaller, softer rug over the top for even more texture and coziness.If your home features a lot of neutral tonesgrays, whites, and beigesa rug can serve as the perfect way to introduce some color without overwhelming the space. Consider a rug in warm shades like deep reds, mustard yellows, or soft oranges, which evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.Moreover, in the bedroom, a plush rug by the bed provides a cozy spot for your feet first thing in the morning. Whether its a soft shag rug or a colorful runner, its an instant way to bring some warmth to the room.11. Strategically Place Furniture to Maximize Light and ComfortVisualizer: Anna ManuilovaThe way you arrange your furniture can significantly impact how bright and uplifting your space feels, especially during the dim winter months. By strategically placing furniture, you can make better use of natural light, create cozy areas for relaxation, and ensure your home feels open and inviting.During winter, natural light is a precious commodity. Position furniture to allow sunlight to flow freely into your space. Avoid placing large, bulky items like sofas or bookshelves in front of windows, as they block light and make a room feel darker. Instead, arrange seating areas near windows to take full advantage of the available daylight. Adding a mirror on a wall opposite a window can amplify the light, reflecting it throughout the room.12. Display Books with Bold Covers for a Vibrant TouchSource: New York TimesBooks are an underrated yet powerful tool for brightening a room and adding charm. While neutral tones set a calming base, bold book covers can act as pops of color that energize your space without overwhelming it. Whether youre a book lover or just want a stylish display, bold-covered books are both functional and decorative.Create a curated stack of books on a coffee table, shelf, or sideboard. Opt for covers in vibrant hues like reds, yellows, or blues to bring visual interest to your room. If youre aiming for cohesion, try organizing them by color or size for a pleasing aesthetic.13. Declutter and OrganizeVisualizer: Diana IoannesyanWinter often means spending more time indoors, which can make clutter feel even more overwhelming. A messy, disorganized space can drain your energy and add to the seasonal gloom, while an organized home feels lighter, brighter, and more inviting. Decluttering also makes room for items that truly lift your spirits. Replace unnecessary clutter with intentional dcorlike a vase of fresh flowers, a chic lamp, or a cozy throw blanket. With every surface cleared and thoughtfully styled, your space will feel brighter and more peaceful, helping you combat those winter blues.Finishing NotesAt Home Designing, we believe that the way you style your apartment can make a significant difference in how you feel and experience your home. Its all about creating an environment that nourishes your mind and body, especially when the winter months can feel isolating and gray. The decor ideas shared in this article are meant to inspire you to rethink how you can use simple changes to infuse energy, comfort, and style into your living space.

Is this the best animation in a video game yet?