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WWW.HOME-DESIGNING.COMDoes Your Apartment Has Winter Blues Problems?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.0 Comments 0 Shares 27 Views
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WWW.CREATIVEBLOQ.COMIt took just 35 seconds for Sega's Virtua Fighter 6 to wow fans at CES 2025Is this the best animation in a video game yet?0 Comments 0 Shares 27 Views
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WWW.CREATIVEBLOQ.COMPuma pounces on Tiger Woods' logo design in new lawsuitThe golfer has a "target on his back" over Sun Day Red design.0 Comments 0 Shares 26 Views
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WWW.WIRED.COMBest Noise-Canceling Headphones (2025): Over-Ears, Wireless Earbuds, Workout PairsTune out (or rock out) with our favorite over-ears and earbuds.0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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WWW.NYTIMES.COMAT&T to Credit Customers After Internet OutagesThe announcement follows a year of high-profile internet blackouts that hit several companies.0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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WWW.TECHNOLOGYREVIEW.COMThe Download: whats next for AI, and stem-cell therapiesThis is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Whats next for AI in 2025For the last couple of years weve had a go at predicting whats coming next in AI. A fools game given how fast this industry moves. But were on a roll, and were doing it again.How did we score last time round? Our four hot trends to watch out for in 2024 pretty much nailed it by including what we called customized chatbots (we didnt know it yet, but we were talking about what everyone now calls agents, the hottest thing in AI right now), generative video, and more general-purpose robots that can do a wider range of tasks.So whats coming in 2025? Here are five picks from our AI team.James ODonnell, Will Douglas Heaven & Melissa HeikkilThis piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here.Stem-cell therapies that work: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025A quarter-century ago, researchers isolated powerful stem cells from embryos created through in vitro fertilization. These cells, theoretically able to morph into any tissue in the human body, promised a medical revolution. Think: replacement parts for whatever ails you.But stem-cell science didnt go smoothly. Even though scientists soon learned to create these make-anything cells without embryos, coaxing them to become truly functional adult tissue proved harder than anyone guessed. Now, though, stem cells are finally on the brink of delivering. Read the full story.Stem-cell therapies is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthroughyou have until 1 April!The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Meta will no longer employ fact-checkersInstead, it will outsource fact verification to its users. (NYT $)+ What could possibly go wrong!? (WSJ $)+ The third party groups it employed say they were blindsided by the decision. (Wired $)2 American workers are increasingly worried about robotsThe wave of automation threatening their jobs is only growing stronger. (FT $)+ Will we ever trust robots? (MIT Technology Review)3 NASA isnt sure how to bring Martian rocks and soil to EarthIts enormously expensive, and we cant guarantee itll contain the first evidence of extraterrestrial life we hope it does. (WP $)+ NASA is letting Trump decide how to do it(NYT $)4 Meta has abandoned its Quest Pro headsetWhat does this tell us about the state of consumer VR? Nothing good. (Fast Company $)+ Turns out people dont want to spend $1,000 on a headset. (Forbes $)5 The man who blew up a Cybertruck used ChatGPT to plan the attackHe asked the chatbot how much explosive was needed to trigger the blast. (Reuters)6 Hackers claim to have stolen a huge amount of location dataIts a nightmare scenario for privacy advocates. (404 Media)7 A bitcoin investor has been ordered to disclose secret codesFrank Richard Ahlgren III has been sentenced for tax fraud, and owes the US government more than $1 million. (Bloomberg $)8 The world is far more interconnected than we realizedNetworks of bacteria in the ocean are shedding new light on old connections. (Quanta Magazine)9 The social web isnt made for everyoneIts constant updates are a nightmare for people with cognitive decline. (The Atlantic $)+ How to fix the internet. (MIT Technology Review)10 Is Elon Musk really one of the worlds top Diablo players? His ranking suggests he plays all day, every day. (WSJ $)Quote of the dayWe have completely lost the plot.A Meta employee laments the companys decision to hire new board member Dana White, 404 Media reports.The big storyHow generative AI could reinvent what it means to playJune 2024To make them feel alive, open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 are inhabited by vast crowds of computer-controlled characters. These animated peoplecalled NPCs, for nonplayer charactersmake these virtual worlds feel lived in and full. Oftenbut not alwaysyou can talk to them.After a while, however, the repetitive chitchat (or threats) of a passing stranger forces you to bump up against the truth: This is just a game. Its still fun, but the illusion starts to weaken when you poke at it.It may not always be like that. Just as it is upending other industries, generative AI is opening the door to entirely new kinds of in-game interactions that are open-ended, creative, and unexpected. The game may not always have to end. Read the full story.Niall FirthWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Why Feathers McGraw is cinemas most sinister villain, bar none. ($)+ Intrepid supper clubs sound terrible, but these other travel trends for 2025 are intriguing.+ Steve Young is a literal pinball wizard, restoring 70-year old machines for the future generations to enjoy.+ Its time to pay our respects to a legend: Perry, the donkey who inspired Shreks four-legged sidekick, is no more.0 Comments 0 Shares 27 Views
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APPLEINSIDER.COMApple employees fired over charity donation matching fraudApple has reportedly fired around 50 employees for misusing a charitable grants program, taking the funds for themselves as extra pay.Apple ParkApple, like other major employers, offer various grants and programs to help employees and charities. After an investigation, it appears that some employees have decided to misappropriate grant funds to line their pockiets.Around 50 employees were fired from Apple's Cupertino headquarters, for misusing the Matching Gifts program. A corporate social responsibility initiative, it is intended to match the donations of employees to non-profit organizations. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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APPLEINSIDER.COMIndonesia says Apple's $1 billion investment isn't enough to lift iPhone 16 banThe Indonesian government says it will not lift its ban on sales of the iPhone 16 despite Apple committing to $1 billion in manufacturing within the country.Jakarta - Image credit: Tom Fisk/PexelsIndonesia has long operated what's called a local content mandate, meaning that devices sold there had to have 35%-40% of their components sourced within the country. For years, though, companies including Apple could seemingly get around that high bar by instead investing in development and jobs in the country, but not any more.Following reports of a meeting between government officials and Apple executives, Reuters says that Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has now confirmed reports that Apple has made a deal to invest $1 billion in a new facility. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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ARCHINECT.COMYour next role could be delivering California Science Center installationsFollowing our previous look at an opening for a Chairperson of Graduate Architecture at The Pratt Institute School of Architecture, we are using the first 2025 edition of ourJob Highlights seriesto explore an open role on Archinect Jobs for aMuseum Technology Manager at the California Science Center.Based in Los Angeles, the role calls for a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering impactful museum installations through meticulous planning and execution. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of digital media, interactive displays, and immersive technologies, including managing project timelines, coordinating resources, and driving innovation in installation design.Among the qualifications for the role are a Bachelor's degree in museum studies, exhibit design, arts administration, theme park management, or a related field as well as three or more years experience in logistics and project management within the museum, exhibit design, expe...0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views