• Trump seeks IVF expansion with new executive order
    www.fastcompany.com
    President Donald Trump has signed an executive order meant to expand access to and reduce costs of in vitro fertilization and issued a presidential memorandum calling for radical transparency requirements from the government, which he suggested could reduce wasteful spending.On the campaign trail, Trump called for universal coverage of IVF treatment after his Supreme Court nominees helped to overturn Roe v. Wade, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states, including some that have threatened access to IVF by trying to define life as beginning at conception.Trump, who was at his Florida residence and club, Mar-a-Lago, on Tuesday, also signed another executive order as well as a presidential memorandum. The second executive order outlined the oversight functions of the Office of Management and Budget, while the memo requires the government to detail the waste, fraud and abuse thats found as the Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, looks to cut government spending.DOGE has often fallen short of the administrations promises of transparency. Musk has taken questions from journalists only once since becoming Trumps most powerful adviser, and hes claimed its illegal to name people who are working for him. Sometimes DOGE staff members have demanded access to sensitive government databases with little explanation.Trump took more than 30 minutes of questions Tuesday on a range of topics and bashed the Biden administration throughout, highlighting issues such as its handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, Venezuela policy, and Russias war in Ukraine.Trump said he thought he had a good chance to end Russias war in Ukraine but bristled at suggestions that the U.S. and Russia had begun negotiations to end fighting without Ukraine playing a role. He even seemed to suggest that Ukraine was to blame for a war that began only after Russia invaded that country.Today I heard, Well, we werent invited. Well, youve been there for three years, Trump said of Ukraines leaders. You should have never started it.In anticipation of questions about his administrations efforts to slash federal spending, the president said he wrote down examples of government programs around the world which he then listed off at length. They included funding to promote voter turnout in India and social cohesion initiatives in Maliall of which Trump suggested collectively amounted to fraud.Asked about the White Houses arguing in a court filing that Musk wasnt the head of Trumps government efficiency efforts, Trump said: You could call him an employee, you could call him a consultant, you could call him whatever you want. But hes a patriot.Trump said he thinks women and families, husbands, are very appreciative of his executive order on IVF, which offers a possible solution when a woman has trouble getting pregnant. The procedure involves retrieving her eggs and combining them in a lab dish with a mans sperm to create a fertilized embryo, which is then transferred into the womans uterus in an attempt to create a pregnancy. IVF is done in cycles, and more than one may be required.Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, said that what the White House put out looks extremely promising.The biggest barriers for people to building their families are the out-of-pocket costs, the lack of insurance coverage for this care, she said.Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, said: Donald Trumps executive order does nothing to expand access to IVF. In fact, hes the reason IVF is at risk in the first place.Duckworth said if Trump is going to follow through on his campaign promise to provide free IVF, he can start by supporting her legislation that would require insurance plans to cover IVF.Trump, who spent the morning at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, spoke to reporters hours before his first joint TV interview with Musk aired in prime time on Fox News Channel. The president acknowledged during it that inflation is back, but noted that hed only been in office a few weeks and insisted I had nothing to do with prices that remain stubbornly high.Trump mentioned during that same interview that Musk is probably not that happy with things like tax breaks for electric vehicles likely not being included in tax legislation now being discussed in Congress, but he said Musk didnt seek special treatment for Tesla.I havent asked the president for anything, ever, Musk added. Asked about potential conflicts of interest between Musks governmental efforts and his businesses and how they will be handled, Trump said, He wont be involved and Musk said hed recuse himself.Musk has drawn criticism from Democrats in Congress and others for the methods he and his team at DOGE are using to cut spending, including foreign aid, and eliminate jobs across the bureaucracy.The joint interview follows Musks appearance with Trump in the Oval Office last week, when both defended Musks approach to federal cost-cutting.Also Tuesday night, an awards program was held at Mar-a-Lago by Americas Future. Thats a conservative group led by Mike Flynn, who briefly served as national security adviser in the Republican presidents first term. The program aims to preserve individual rights and promote American values and traditions, according to its website. The event honored one member each from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Space Force.The event included a poolside reception, musical performances and dinner in Mar-a-Lagos Grand Ballroom. The lineup included such names as Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, and Mike Tyson.Trump made an appearance at the event, according to video posted on social media Tuesday night, addressing the crowd on the patio as he stood near Tyson, Flynn and Nugent and declaring, This is very, very friendly territory.Trump praised the men, including Flynn, who was one of the leading proponents of Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The president called him the real deal and indicated he wanted to bring Flynn into his administration, saying he offered him about 10 jobs.Anytime you want to come in, you know that, Mike, OK? Trump said.Flynn resigned from the first Trump administration less than a month after Trumps inauguration. He was charged in 2017 with lying to the FBI about conversations he had with the Russians on Trumps behalf. He twice pleaded guilty, but Trump pardoned him in the final weeks of his presidency.Price reported from New York. Associated Press writers Will Weissert and Chris Megerian in Washington and Laura Ungar in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of President Donald Trump at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump.Darlene Superville and Michelle L. Price, Associated Press
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  • Airbnb is suing New Orleans over regulatory regime
    www.fastcompany.com
    Airbnb is suing the City of New Orleans for requiring the company and short-term rental platforms ensure properties they market are in compliance with city laws.What were looking at now due to Airbnbs lawsuit is that they do not want to be regulated, City Council President J.P. Morrell said in a late afternoon Tuesday statement.Airbnb said its lawsuit comes after exhausting all available paths toward sensible solutions.For years, New Orleans leaders have struggled with how to manage the influx of illegal short-term rentals catering to the millions of visitors who flock to The Big Easy annually while managing a lack of affordable housing.A federal court struck down a 2019 New Orleans policy barring short-term rentals at properties owned by out-of-state residents. The city responded by adopting new regulations in 2023 mandating Airbnb owners live on site and limiting short-term rentals to one per block, but enforcing these rules proved difficult and illegal properties were easily able to resurface on Airbnb, city leaders say. A federal appeals court is currently reviewing these policies.Last year, the city council adopted regulations set to go into effect in June requiring Airbnb and other companies verify that all New Orleans properties listed on their platform have permits from the city. Morrell called the policy a game-changer that would gut the ability to illegally list fake permits and Airbnbs.Airbnb said it should not be tasked with implementing the citys policies. The company has pushed back against other cities efforts to regulate it, including suing New York and San Francisco.Airbnb decries the citys regulatory regimeIn its lawsuit filed in federal court last week, Airbnb said it has no responsibility for the actions of its hosts, citing the same law that protects social media companies from liability for users posts. And the company denied that it had any obligation to verify listings were in compliance with city regulations, which it described as a highly punitive enforcement regime.It is the governments job to enforce its laws, not Airbnbs, the lawsuit said. It described the citys regulationsincluding in some cases requiring a lottery for permitsas a violation of homeowners rights.Airbnb also protested having to turn over confidential, sensitive, and private data such as taxes and fees it collected and the number of bookings per property in monthly reports submitted to the city.A typical host in New Orleans earned $16,000 in 2023 and hosting strengthens local economies and contributes to the cultural richness New Orleans is known for, the lawsuit states.An abundance of illegal Airbnb listingsThere are currently about 1,350 non-commercial short-term rental properties with legal licenses, according to City of New Orleans data.But there are more than 7,000 active Airbnb listings in New Orleans revealing thousands of illegal short-term rentals, said Angela Owczarek, an affordable housing advocate with the Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative.New Orleans is experiencing an affordable housing crisis mirroring many cities around the country, said Monique Blossom, director of policy at the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center.The city had a deficit of 47,000 housing units that someone making at or below the citys median income could afford, according to a 2022 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The city has a population of less than 400,000 residents based on U.S. Census data.Airbnbs and short-term rentals play into that, taking residential units off the market and saving them for tourists instead of having them available for the families that want to live and work in New Orleans or who are already here, Blossom said.Airbnb said in a statement that the citys short-term rental regulations do not address the issues underlying its housing challenges, such as high insurance costs.Morrell, the city council president, suggested the lawsuit meant the city should ban Airbnb. If we cannot regulate short term rentals, there will not be any, he said.Another councilmember, Oliver Thomas, said the city should first wait to see how pending litigation plays out. Other councilmembers and a City spokesperson did not provide comment.Skyrocketing costs for some Airbnb ownersAirbnbs lawsuit includes several other plaintiffs who are short-term rental property owners in New Orleans, including longtime Airbnb hosts Bret Bodin, 64, and Brad Newell, 47, who bought a home together in the historic Treme neighborhood in 2013.Renting out the propertys attached guesthouse and loft on Airbnb appealed to them because they could still have friends and family visit, Newell said.With skyrocketing insurance, utilities, and inflation, the couple have become more dependent on Airbnb and say they struggled because the citys regulations limited them to only renting out one of their guest spaces.What started off as kind of side-income turned into essential income, Newell said. Were all getting hit with unexpected rising costs, and were just trying to keep up.Brook 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. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96.Jack Brook, Associated Press/Report for America
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  • Surprise: There's Still a Huge Market for Ashtrays
    www.core77.com
    If you do an online search for ashtrays, you'll be shocked at how many offerings are on the market. If you're American, you'll likely find this strange; only 11% of us smoke cigarettes. In the rest of the world, however, smoking rates remain startlingly high. A company called Provape combed through data from the World Health Organization to see which European countries have the highest rates of smoking: In first place is Belgium, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 33.9%. Belgium has implemented multiple anti-smoking measures, such as plain packaging for cigarettes, high tobacco taxes, and public smoking bans. Sweden takes second place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 33.8%. Cigarette packages in Sweden must carry health warnings and advertising has strict regulations in a bid to reduce smoking. Third place is claimed by Austria, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 31.3%. Smoking remains a large public health issue in Austria, with significant rates of tobacco-related diseases.Bulgaria is in fourth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 29.8%. Bulgaria is home to several large tobacco companies which have complicated efforts for a reduction in smoking. However, tobacco taxes have been implemented to reduce the proportion of adults who smoke. Taking fifth place is Finland, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 29.3%. Smoking has been banned in all enclosed public spaces,and Finland has high taxes on tobacco products. Denmark is in sixth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.8%. Denmark aims to be a tobacco-free country by 2030, with a goal of fewer than 5% of the population smoking tobacco products. To do this, they have invested in numerous public health campaigns, raising awareness about the dangers of smoking. In seventh place is Iceland, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.7%. Iceland's national Quitline service offers free advice and guidance for smokers trying to quit, and the country also offers smoking cessation programs that offer counselling and prescription medications. Italy takes eighth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.5%. Italy has banned all tobacco adverts on TV, radio, and print media, as well as implementing high taxes on all tobacco products to reduce smoking. Ninth place is claimed by Georgia, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.2%. With a long history of tobacco farming, efforts to reduce smoking in Georgia face challenges due to economic interests.Russia is in tenth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 24.8%. Smoking is heavily ingrained into Russian culture, but the government has launched campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. Cigarettes are also required to have graphic health warnings on their packaging as a deterrent. Fairly shocking. Scandinavian countries routinely rank as the happiest in the world, and they dominate the top ten. The figures aren't much better in Asia. Japan is at 30.8%, China at 45.6%. South Korea is at 22.6%, but with a weird gender split: 39.7% of men smoke, but just 5.2% of women. You might think America is doing pretty good at just 11%. But the UK has us beat, at just 5.1%. The three countries with the lowest smoking rates are all in Africa: Ghana at 3.7%, Ethiopia at 4.6% and Nigeria at 4.8%.
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  • Unnecessary Design Studio's Arm-Mounted Vacuum for Neater Snacking
    www.core77.com
    This amusing arm-mounted vacuum is by Unnecessary Design Studio, a/k/a Matty Benedetto. It allows you to keep your fingers clean while picking up residue-laden snacks. "The Snackuum? The first handheld vacuum for picking up all your favorite snacks and delivering them directly to your mouth while keeping your hands pristinely clean. Our wrist mounted vacuum features a high suction hose just beyond your own finger. So now when you sit down with your snacks simply press the power button and dive into your dusty snack bag to firmly grip your chip without any human contact before your lips. No matter what the snack may be or where it's located, get a firm grip every time with the Snackuum."With any luck it will draw Katy Perry's attention. Here's what she wrote about a different UDS invention: For now, Benedetto isn't selling these. I think he's leaving money on the table--America surely has the market for this.
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  • Vivo V50 Review: A Reliable Partner You Can Trust
    www.yankodesign.com
    PROS: Sleek and more modern design Improved durability with IP69 rating Impressive camera performance for mid-range phone Large, all-day 6,000mAh batteryCONS: No telephoto camera Aging hardware lags behind the competition Downgraded display resolutionRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:With a familiar design and tried and true specs, the Vivo V50 offers a reliable mobile companion that will help preserve memories with its ZEISS-tuned cameras.The smartphone market is notorious for its fast-paced development, high turnover, and unpredictability. Its almost as if theres no opportunity to settle down and catch your breath before the next big thing comes rushing in. On the one hand, its good that it keeps mobile technology innovation flowing and avoids stagnating. On the other hand, however, it can be a confusing and chaotic place for people looking for a reliable device they wont regret buying for years.Thats the kind of world that the new Vivo V50 is coming into. As the latest member of the brands accessible V-series phones, it needs to be able to set itself apart from the rest of the crowd, but it isnt doing something flashy to accomplish that. In fact, its hardly doing anything new at all, so we just had to give this familiar face a test to see if it has what it takes to stand out and make it in this overpopulated market.Designer: VivoAestheticsIts almost a tradition for smartphone makers to change their designs every year in an attempt to drum up interest and hype. Its reminiscent of the old Nokia days when youd see a weird new design a few times a year, making for a rather large museum gallery now that the mobile brand is dead. Its great for making news but, when youre not the only fish in the pond, its terrible for brand recognition.The Vivo V50, fortunately, carries over much of its predecessors DNA, which is a good thing because the Vivo V40 and V40 Pro were quite stunning. This years model makes a few subtle changes but keeps the overall look the same, retaining the beautiful simplicity found in its graceful curves. That includes the same Dual Ring Camera Module, previously called the Gemini Ring, that gives it that unique keyhole look. Its not a ground-breaking design by any stretch, but it creates a visual identity that Vivo has thankfully kept for at least one more generation.Vivo V40 ProThe subtle changes that Vivo did make include a slightly flatter screen and edges. The company calls it a Quad-Curve design, but its really how most flat phone displays look anyway, with a slight curve around the edges to help hide the bezels. The back, however, is still quite curved at the sides, giving a bit of a compromise to both camps in the eternal curved versus flat debate.Vivo V40Just like with the V40 series, Vivo made some interesting color choices this year. The Starry Blue employs a holographic design that brings the night sky to life on the back of your phone. Admittedly, the novelty will wear off quickly, but its still pretty to look at all the time. Our Ancora Red review unit isnt that bad either, with an elegant luster thats almost maroon in appearance, giving it a more luxurious character.ErgonomicsUnlike its predecessor, holding the Vivo V50 is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the edges of the screen no longer run the risk of being accidentally activated because of its flatter design. On the other hand, some will feel that the flat edges conform poorly to their hand when holding the device. It isnt uncomfortable, thankfully, since the back glass panel is still curved, so you are getting the best of both worlds in a way.The phone isnt too heavy, but it isnt that light either at 189g. Given the very generous battery its hiding inside, you might actually be shocked to realize it isnt heavier than it could have been. Its a little top-heavy as well, which is to be expected, so triggering the under-display fingerprint scanner requires a little bit more care to not have it fall off your hand.PerformanceThe design isnt the only thing thats the same with the Vivo V50. For better or worse, most of its internals have also remained the same as the V40 last year, with a few key differences. That wouldnt have been so bad if not for one tiny detail: the V40 also kept the same specs as the V30 before it. Granted, both of those came out in 2024, so its not exactly that long ago, but it still doesnt look good on paper. And as it turns out, not that good in practice either.In a nutshell, the Vivo V50 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a mid-range processor from late 2023, and uses LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage technology. The latter is a bit more problematic as it means slow data reading and writing. For reference, the latest storage technology is UFS 4.0 from 2022. In practice, however, the Vivo V50 does quite OK, with a few frame drops and stuttering when it comes to games. Dont expect it to score high on synthetic benchmarks, of course, but it will do just fine for most uses outside of resource-hungry mobile games.As for the differences, theres some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that the 6.77-inch screens resolution has been downgraded from 28001260 to 23921080. It still fits the FHD+ label, but that also means that its a little less sharp than last years Vivo V-series flagships. The good news is that, unless youre actually particular about it, you might not even notice the difference and still enjoy a vibrant and colorful display.The bigger difference, literally and figuratively, is the whopping 6,000mAh battery inside this thin device. That gives you at most a days worth of use, depending on your activities. It can even last two days if youre a bit frugal. Charging the V50 doesnt take that long either, with 90W charging that does meet the average of 40 minutes to charge from 20% to full. Needless to say, you wont be stressed out from running out of juice in the middle of the day.The Vivo V50s theme of keeping what works continues in its camera system. Again, it might not sound great on paper that its practically using similar 50MP hardware for over a year, but in photography, even the smallest difference can make a huge impact. Thats definitely true in this case because the V50 impresses by doing more with less.Unlike its peers, the Vivo V50 leans more towards more realistic color reproduction, though that often makes pictures look colder compared to the vibrant and over-saturated output of other brands. It errs on the side of trying to preserve as many details as it can and avoid over-processing. It doesnt always work, though, and you can sometimes end up with more noise, especially in low-light situations.Where the phones dual 50MP cameras do excel is in mimicking ZEISS lenses. Portrait photos come out quite nicely, pulling off accurate bokehs with pleasant blurring and accurate separation of foreground and background, even without a telephoto lens. The larger Aura Ring flash also gives a more natural glow to faces, though it doesnt have much effect on scenes where brighter lighting is needed.All in all, the Vivo V50 isnt outstanding in its performance. In fact, it lags behind its rivals in the same segment who have upgraded to newer and better technologies. Those dont come without costs, though, either in terms of stability or retail price. What the Vivo V50 brings to the table is a tried and tested formula that has proven to be reliable and functional, delivering stability and peace of mind without any hidden costs.SustainabilityLike some of its more subtle changes, Vivo has also improved the V50 in ways that are, unfortunately, invisible to the naked eye. While its predecessors already met the standard for durability with an IP68 rating, this years V flagship takes it a step further with IP69 certification. Although the chances are less likely, it does mean that the phone is protected from a splash of hot water in case of an accident.Vivo is also promising 3 years of major Android updates and four years of security updates. Unfortunately, the phone isnt as future-proof as it sounds. If those upgrades bring more features that require not only more processing power but also faster data storage speeds, the Vivo V50 will clearly be at a disadvantage. This is one area where the seemingly harmless old hardware would become a liability instead.ValueThe Vivo V50 is a strikingly elegant phone, one whose design has been verified by its immediate predecessor. Despite its year-old hardware, it can still keep up with most user demands outside of heavy gaming. Even then, all you need to do is tweak the settings to balance graphics with long battery life, creating an experience that is just as enjoyable as an expensive high-end phone.Normally, we could leave it at that and give the V50 a big round of applause. Unfortunately, it doesnt exist in isolation, which makes its value even harder to gauge. Its $470 price tag for the top-of-the-line 12GB memory and 512GB storage configuration is definitely tempting, but there are other phones on this tier that offer a lot more while not asking that much more in terms of price. It makes the Vivo V50 a harder sell than it should be, especially with what youre getting for less.VerdictNot everything that is old is bad. Wine, wood, leather, and brass, for example, can age gracefully and create unique characteristics that bring value to the design. Old can also mean stable, battle-tested, and reliable. Its not flimsy and unpredictable, bringing a sense of calm and even peace.The Vivo V50 is like this, confident in how it doesnt have to tread uncharted territory to bring the value that consumers want at this price point. Its features are already proven, and with a few nudges here and there, it even improves the formula by building on its solid foundations. Unfortunately, it is also being outpaced and outperformed by some of its peers, and only time will tell how long Vivo keep on using the same design before it becomes obsolete.The post Vivo V50 Review: A Reliable Partner You Can Trust first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Nomad ChargeKey assures dramatically fast charging and blistering data transfer speeds that fits in your keyring
    www.yankodesign.com
    Nomad ChargeKey is one of the most compact charging and transfer cables out there. Since its launch, about a decade back, the brand has seen some changes in compatibility, charging speeds, and transfer rates. But its keychain-friendly compact design has remained unaltered. Its signature compact form factor remains unchanged as Nomad introduces the new version of the ChargeKey cable accessory with dramatically faster charging capabilities and blistering data transfer speeds.Designed to live on your keychain like an EDC, the ChargeKey can loop onto an ordinary key ring so you can take it everywhere in the pocket and charge your iPhone or MacBook as soon as the battery turns red. In addition to handing charging on the go, the cable can let you transfer pictures from your iPhone on the fly at speeds you wouldnt expect from the tiny cable you have in the pocket.Designer: NomadNomads updated version of its ChargeKey portable charger comes with USB-C on both ends. It is designed to support fast charging of up to 240W, while the cables can let you transfer data at blistering speeds of up to 10Gbps. Since you have it hooked to the keyring, you can use the cable for its desired purpose on the go, at home, or when youre sitting in a meeting. Given its compact form factor that saves you from carrying a full-length charging cable in your pocket, the ChargeKey does not add any bulk and is convenient to use in any situation.The increase of the fast-charging capability from 60W to 240W means you can use the little cable to charge a MacBook, iPad, Android smartphone, laptop, or an iPhone at the maximum speed that the device supports. In addition to the charging speeds, as mentioned, the ChargeKey supports impressively fast 10Gbps data transfer speeds which makes it perfect for transferring pro videos from an iPhone, instantly shifting pictures from your DSLR, or editing a video on the fly directly from the external solid state drive. 10Gbps (USB 3.1) support on a cable of this size is probably the fastest available for transferring iPhone data.For its make, the new compact ChargeKey cable that measures 12cm in length has a braided nylon sheath which makes it ultra durable. The clever design renders it untangling but Nomad thinks it still requires to be protected. For enhanced safety in the pocket, the ChargeKey has been provided with zinc cable tips electroplated for smooth finish that connect magnetically to each other. The magnetic closure ensures the ends of the cable can stick together so that they dont spread out like keys in the pocket. For the interested, Nomad is now selling the ChargeKey for $25 on its website.The post Nomad ChargeKey assures dramatically fast charging and blistering data transfer speeds that fits in your keyring first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Breaking Up with Trends: How to Design a Home That Outlasts Fads
    www.home-designing.com
    Lets face it: trends are fun. Theyre exciting, theyre new, and they make us feel like were part of something bigger. But heres the thing about trendsthey dont last. Whats hot today can feel tired and outdated tomorrow. And when it comes to designing your home, constantly chasing the latest trend can leave you with a space that feels more like a time capsule than a sanctuary.So, how do you create a home that feels fresh and modern without falling into the trap of fleeting fads? The answer lies in finding a balance between timeless design and contemporary touches. Its about building a foundation that will stand the test of time while still allowing room for creativity and personal expression. Lets dive into how you can design a home that outlasts trendswithout sacrificing style.Why Trends Dont Always Work in Your HomeTrends are like fast fashion for your home. Theyre designed to grab your attention, but theyre not built to last. Think about it: avocado green appliances from the 70s, shag carpets from the 80s, or the all-gray-everything trend from a few years ago. What once felt cutting-edge can quickly feel dated.The problem with designing your home around trends is that theyre often tied to a specific moment in time. They reflect whats popular right now, but they dont always consider what will work for you in the long run. And lets be honestconstantly redecorating to keep up with trends is exhausting and expensive.Instead of chasing whats trendy, focus on creating a home that feels timeless. A timeless home isnt boring or bland; its a space that feels intentional, comfortable, and uniquely yours. Its a home that can evolve with you over time, without needing a complete overhaul every few years.The Foundations of Timeless DesignTo design a home that outlasts fads, its essential to start with a strong foundation. These foundational elements serve as the backbone of your space, providing a sense of continuity and cohesion that can withstand the test of time. Here are some key principles to consider:1. Start with a Neutral FoundationVisualizer: Daria KovalenkoOne of the easiest ways to ensure your home stands the test of time is to build it on a neutral foundation. Neutral colors like whites, beiges, grays, and soft taupes provide a versatile backdrop that can adapt to changing tastes and trends. These shades are inherently timeless, creating a sense of calm and sophistication that never goes out of style.When selecting neutral tones, consider the undertones of the colors you choose. For example, a warm white with yellow or pink undertones can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while a cool white with blue or gray undertones feels crisp and modern. By choosing a neutral palette for your walls, floors, and larger furniture pieces, you create a canvas that allows you to experiment with bolder accents and accessories without committing to a trend-heavy look.2. Invest in Quality, Timeless FurnitureImage Source: Decorilla Furniture is one of the most significant investments in your home, both financially and aesthetically. Instead of opting for trendy, statement pieces that may lose their appeal in a few years, focus on selecting high-quality, timeless furniture with clean lines and classic silhouettes.Think of pieces like a well-crafted sofa with simple upholstery, a solid wood dining table, or a mid-century modern armchair. These items have proven their staying power over decades and can easily be refreshed with new cushions, throws, or accessories as trends evolve. When shopping for furniture, prioritize durability and craftsmanship over novelty. A well-made piece will not only last longer but will also retain its aesthetic appeal.3. Embrace Natural MaterialsVisualizer: Dmitriy StrigaTheres something about natural materials that just feels right. Wood, stone, leather, linenthey have a warmth and authenticity that synthetic materials cant replicate. Plus, they age beautifully. A leather couch might start out pristine, but over time, it develops a patina that tells a story. A wooden table might get a few scratches, but those scratches add character.Natural materials also have a timeless quality because theyve been used in design for centuries. A marble countertop or a wool rug isnt going to feel dated in a few years. And because theyre inherently neutral, they work with almost any style. So, if youre torn between a trendy acrylic chair and a classic leather one, go with the leather. Your future self will thank you.4. Focus on Proportion and BalanceImage Source: Cristal Clarke Ever walked into a room and just felt off? Chances are, its a proportion or balance issue. Maybe the furniture is too big for the space, or everything is shoved to one side. Getting the proportions right is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel timeless.Heres a quick tip: start with the largest piece of furniture (usually the sofa or bed) and build around it. Make sure theres enough space to move around comfortably, and try to create a sense of symmetry. That doesnt mean everything has to match perfectlyjust that the room should feel balanced. For example, if you have a large piece of art on one wall, balance it out with a grouping of smaller pieces on the opposite wall.5. Embrace Minimalism Visualizer: Elbar NasraddinliA timeless interior doesnt overwhelm the senses with clutter, flashy decor, or too many statement pieces competing for attention. Instead, it relies on simplicity, balance, and quality over quantity. That doesnt mean your home should feel cold or overly modern. The key to a warm minimalism is incorporating natural materials like wood, linen, and stone to create depth and warmth. Think clean lines, open spaces, and a neutral palette, but with cozy textures and personal details that bring life into the space. Keep what you love, let go of the excess, and allow your home to breathe. Minimalism isnt about having lessits about making sure that everything you do have truly belongs.6. Mix Old and NewImage Source: The SpruceOne of the easiest ways to create a timeless yet fresh space is by mixing old and new elements. Combining vintage or antique pieces with modern furniture creates a layered, collected look that feels both personal and enduring.For example, pair a mid-century modern sofa with a vintage Persian rug, or place a sleek, contemporary dining table alongside antique chairs. The contrast between old and new adds depth and character to your home, making it feel lived-in and unique.When shopping for vintage pieces, look for items with good bones and timeless appeal. A well-loved wooden dresser, a classic wingback chair, or a vintage mirror can add instant charm to any room. Dont worry if the piece isnt perfecta little wear and tear can add to its character.7. Add Architectural DetailsVisualizer: Abdelrahman BadrArchitectural details are like the jewelry of your homethey add polish and personality without being overwhelming. Crown molding, wainscoting, built-in shelves, and arched doorways are all timeless elements that can elevate a space.If your home doesnt have these features, dont worry. You can add them without breaking the bank. For example, installing picture molding or a chair rail is a relatively easy DIY project that can make a big impact. Even something as simple as swapping out plain doors for ones with glass panels can add character. 8. Pick Marble Kitchen CountersVisualizer: Vera PechenikMarble has been a symbol of elegance for centuries, and its easy to see why. Its natural veining, soft sheen, and timeless appeal make it one of the best choices for a kitchen that never goes out of style. Unlike trendy countertop materials that come and go, marble has been used in homes for generations and still feels as luxurious today as it did a hundred years ago. But its not just about looksits also durable, heat-resistant, and adds character over time. Yes, it may develop a patina and show signs of use, but that only adds to its charm. If you want a surface that tells a story, marble is the way to go. If the maintenance worries you, opt for high-quality quartz with a marble-like finish for a similar effect without the upkeep.9. Built-In Shelving Is Always a Good IdeaVisualizer: Adam KotievTrendy shelving units come and go, but built-ins are forever. They make a space look polished, custom, and thoughtfully designed. Whether its a built-in bookshelf around a fireplace, a window seat with storage, or a floor-to-ceiling library wall, these features add character and functionality to any home.The best part? Built-ins give you the perfect place to display things that matterbooks, art, family heirlooms, or souvenirs from your travels. Unlike generic furniture, built-in shelving feels intentional and adds architectural interest that instantly makes a home feel more classic and put together. Plus, they maximize space without making a room feel cluttered.10. Hardwood FloorsImage Source: Decorilla If theres one thing that never goes out of style, its hardwood flooring. Tile trends shift, carpets wear out, but wood floors just get better with age. They add warmth, texture, and character to any home, making it feel grounded and welcoming.The best wood floors are simple and naturalclassic oak, walnut, or hickory in a warm, natural tone. Avoid overly gray or super dark stains that scream trendy. The beauty of wood floors is that they evolve with you. A little wear and tear only makes them look better, adding a lived-in charm that no factory-finished flooring can replicate.11. Forget the Matchy-Matchy LookVisualizer: AHMED ZAHERA home that feels too perfect can actually feel lifeless. Those matching furniture sets you see in catalogs? They make a space look more like a showroom than a home. Instead, aim for a mix of pieces that feel collected over time. Pair an antique wooden table with modern chairs, or mix different textures like a linen sofa with a leather ottoman.The key to a timeless home is balance. Stick to a consistent color palette, but dont be afraid to mix styles, eras, and materials. A well-designed home isnt about following a formulaits about creating a space that feels authentic to you.12. Invest in Statement Pieces That LastVisualizer: Myroslava BeleliaInstead of filling your home with trendy, disposable furniture, invest in a few statement pieces that youll love for years to come. A classic leather armchair, a solid wood dining table, a vintage mirrorthese are the things that anchor a home.When you buy furniture, ask yourself: Will I still love this in ten years? If the answer is yes, its a smart buy. Quality over quantity is key. One well-made piece can outshine an entire room full of trendy, mass-produced items.Finishing NotesDesigning a home that outlasts fleeting trends is all about balanceblending timeless elements with fresh ideas in a way that feels personal, functional, and enduring. At Home Designing, we believe that great design isnt about chasing trendsits about creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle, stand the test of time, and make you feel at home every day. Whether youre starting from scratch, remodeling, or just looking for inspiration, our goal is to help you craft a home that feels both timeless and uniquely yours.
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