The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is set to slash its workforce by more than half, eliminating over 1,300 positions as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to downsize the federal government.President Donald Trump has characterized the Department of Education as being influenced by radical zealots and Marxists, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon has publicly acknowledged that the recent workforce reductions at the department are part of a broader plan todismantle the departmententirely.McMahon claims that the recent workforce reduction aims to enhance efficiency and redirect resources. Todays reduction in force reflects the Department of Educations commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers, she said in a statement.Partisan divideDespite these assurances, the layoffs affect employees in roles crucial to ensuring compliance with federal education laws, handling student loan oversight, and supporting programs for low-income students and those with disabilities. Critics warn that reducing staff at this scale could significantly weaken the departments ability to uphold equal access to education.A new nationally representative poll commissioned byNew America, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., and conducted by Voss Research and Strategy found that most Americans oppose eliminating the Department of Education. The survey revealed that 55% of American adults are against the idea, while only 25% support it, and 17 % remain unsure.The poll also highlighted a stark partisan divide: 89% of Democrats oppose eliminating the department while 51%of Republicans support the move. Independents lean against the cuts as well, with 54% opposing the proposal.Uncertain future for education oversightThe cuts at the Education Department are part of a broader effort that has impacted multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration, with employees reporting increased pressure to accept buyouts.The long-term impact of these cuts remains uncertain. While the administration argues that these reductions will create a leaner, more effective government, many question whether slashing the Education Departments workforce will hinder its ability to serve students, schools, and borrowers.Surely not the path to greatness?

The center-right Demokraatit Party won the most votes in a surprising result in Greenlands parliamentary elections, held in the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trumps stated goal of taking control of the island one way or another.Both Demokraatit, or the Democrats, and the second-place finisher Naleraq, or Point of Orientation, favor Greenlands independence from Denmark but differ on the pace of change.Demokraatit won nearly 30% of the vote, compared to just 9% in the election four years ago, Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV reported.Naleraq came in second with almost 25% of the vote. In the 2021 election, they received just under 12%, according to KNR TV.Demokraatits upset victory over parties that have governed the territory for years indicated many in Greenland care just as much about health care, education, cultural heritage and other social policies.I think this is a historic result in Greenlands political history, Demokraatit party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen said.Nielsen, 33, appeared to be surprised by his partys gains, with photos showing him sporting a huge grin and applauding at the election party.The Danish Broadcasting Corporation DR reported that Nielsen said his party would reach out to all other parties to negotiate the future political course for Greenland.We had not expected that the election would have this outcome, Nielsen said, according to KNR TV. We are very happy.Nielsen also said that Greenland needs to stand together in a time of great interest from outside, KNR TV reported.Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede had called the early vote in February, saying the country needed to be united during a serious time unlike anything Greenland has ever experienced.On Wednesday, after the results were known, Egede thanked voters in a Facebook post for turning out and said the parties were ready to turn to negotiations to form a government.His party, Inuit Ataqatigiit, or United Inuit, received 21% of the vote. This is a significant decline from the last election, when the party came in strongest with 36% of the vote, according to KNR TV.Inuit Ataqatigiit had been widely expected to win, followed by Siumut two parties which had dominated Greenlands politics in recent years.Siumut came in fourth with 14% of the vote.Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen congratulated the Demokraatit party and said the future Greenlandic government would likely have to deal with massive pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to DR.He added that its not the case that you can just take part of the Danish Realm the future of Greenland is based on what the Greenlandic people and government want, DR reported.Trump has been outspoken about his desire to control Greenland, telling a joint session of Congress last week that he thought the U.S. was going to get it one way or the other.Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark, straddles strategic air and sea routes in the North Atlantic and has rich deposits of the rare earth minerals needed to make everything from mobile phones to renewable energy technology.A break from Denmark wasnt on the ballot, but it was on everyones mind. The island of 56,000 people has been on a path toward independence since at least 2009, and the 31 lawmakers elected will shape the islands future as it debates whether the time has come to declare independence.Four of the five main parties in the race sought independence, but disagreed on when and how.Naleraq is the most aggressively pro-independence, while Demokraatit favors a more moderate pace of change.What approach to independence will win the day will ultimately depend on if Demokraatit decides to form a coalition government, and if so, with which party, said Dwayne Menezes, managing director of the Polar Research and Policy Initiative.Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the election a joyful day and a celebration of democracy in a statement released Wednesday.Frederiksen congratulated Demokraatit on the win and said the Danish government would await the results of coalition negotiations.Danica Kirka, Associated Press

This image has been making the rounds. Assuming it isn't AI generatedis it just me, or does the perspective in the room beyond look funky?any guesses as to why a door would be modified in this way?A Redditor claiming to know states: "This is for blackboards/whiteboards to be wheeled into and out of the room."Perhaps that's true. My next question is: How did they handle the header? Do you reckon it's just been moved above the highest point of the opening?

Criaturas Infinitas (Infinite Creatures) is a Spanish organization with a noble goal: Get kids to play and create physical things using non-digital means. Led by designers Eva Gordo and Fernanda Tenorio, the organization has developed a series of connectors that turn pool noodles into structural and gestural elements. The organization has set up a free installation in Madrid this month, Universo Criaturas (Universe of Creatures) where kids can engage with the system directly. Hosted at the Matadero Madrid, an arts and cultural center, the installation is divided into three areas, to meet the needs of children and families at different skill levels and ages:Villa Calma (calm town) is a quiet space where big ideas are formalised on a small scale. Here the building blocks are smaller than in the other areas to encourage the development of fine motor skills. Secondly, 'Living Corner' is an atelier for inventing shelters and inhabiting new worlds. In this area, participants can design and inhabit their own structures using large pieces. Finally, the 'Creatures Laboratory' is an area for researching new creatures, where extraordinary creatures can be brought to life, costumes can be created and characters can be invented with a mirrored catwalk to meet them. [Our work], which is constantly evolving, continues its research by understanding play as a way of inhabiting the world with wonder and creativity, fundamental for development and growth, with the intention of recovering it in the public space and in everyday life. Criaturas Infinitas focuses on both children and adults, seeking a curious view of transformation and creative fun, and promoting public, inclusive and diverse play contexts.You can learn more about the organization here.

If youre the kind of person who likes to be a bit more creative with their home decor and furniture, the modular design holds a certain kind of appeal. There are those who prefer to have the more traditional and normal looking furniture while there are those that prefer to have a bit more leeway on how to design and arrange their interior spaces. For the latter kind of people, modular furniture is the way to go. This flexibility isnt just about aesthetics; its about functionality, too. Modular pieces adapt to changing lifestyles, accommodating everything from impromptu gatherings to the quiet solitude of a personal retreat. They offer a sense of agency, transforming the act of furnishing a home from a mere necessity into a joyful exercise in personal curation.Designer: Willo Perron for No-GaWillo Perron, known for his large-scale set designs for artists like Rihanna and Beyonc, has debuted his first furniture collection for No-Ga, a Swedish gallery and design brand. This collection brings his creative energy to a domestic scale with a series of modular tables and wall-mounted mirrors. Through this collection, he aims to democratise high-quality design, giving people an entryway to design no matter how small or big their space is. With the modular kind of design, you can start with just a single piece then build off on it eventually with pieces that you like. For the modular side tables and coffee tables, it comes in various shapes, sizes, and heights but is based around a single cuboid form with rounded corners. The pieces range from a simple box with a reading slot to more sculptural forms, including an hourglass-inspired double volume, a shelf-edged design with an irregular lip, and a bold triangular shape. The mirrors called Porthole are inspired from Brutalist architecture with buildings that have molded cement panels that resemble portals. All of these pieces are crafted from cast glass fiber and coated and polished by hand in high-glass finishes. This meticulous attention to detail, combined with the collections inherent adaptability, positions Perrons No-Ga debut as more than just furniture; its a toolkit for personal expression. Whether youre drawn to the sculptural intrigue of the hourglass form or the subtle functionality of the slotted box, Perrons designs encourage a playful interaction with your living space. They invite you to experiment, rearrange, and ultimately, curate a home that reflects your evolving style. In a world increasingly defined by mass production, Willo Perrons No-Ga collection offers a refreshing reminder of the power of thoughtful, modular design to empower individuals and transform the everyday into something truly unique.The post Willo Perrons tables and mirrors add stylish, modular pieces to your space first appeared on Yanko Design.

When it comes to home design, we often focus on the obvious: the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom. These are the spaces that get the most attention, the most love, and the most budget. But what about those awkward, forgotten corners of your home? You know the onesthe oddly-shaped nooks, the under-stair areas, the hallway ends that seem to serve no purpose other than collecting dust. These spaces are often overlooked, dismissed as too small, too weird, or too impractical to do anything meaningful with. But what if we told you that these forgotten corners hold untapped potential? What if we told you that with a little creativity, these awkward spaces could become the stars of your home design?In this blog post, were going to explore how to transform those neglected areas into functional, beautiful, and inspiring parts of your home. Lets dive in and uncover the hidden potential of these forgotten corners.The Under-Stair Space: More Than Just a Storage DumpLets start with one of the most common yet underutilized spaces in any home: the area under the stairs. For many of us, this spot becomes a catch-all for random itemsshoes, boxes, cleaning supplies, or even that treadmill you swore youd use every day. But with a little imagination, this space can be so much more.1. A Cozy Reading NookImage Source: House BeautifulImagine transforming the space under your stairs into a cozy reading nook. Add a built-in bench with plush cushions, a few throw pillows, and a small bookshelf. Hang some string lights or a pendant lamp to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This could become your go-to spot for curling up with a good book or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.2. A Mini Home OfficeImage Source: House BeautifulIf youre short on space, why not turn the under-stair area into a compact home office? Install a small desk, add some shelving for storage, and make sure you have adequate lighting. Its the perfect solution for those who work from home but dont have an entire room to dedicate to an office.3. A Play Area for KidsImage Source: House BeautifulFor families with young children, the under-stair space can be transformed into a magical play area. Add some colorful cushions, a chalkboard wall, and storage bins for toys. You could even create a tiny playhouse or fort, complete with curtains and fairy lights. Its a fun and functional way to make use of an otherwise neglected space.4. Put Your Breakfast Nook ThereImage Source: House BeautifulWhy not turn the under-stair area into a cozy breakfast nook? Add a small table and a couple of chairs, and youve got the perfect spot for your morning coffee or a quick bite. If the space is tight, consider a built-in bench with cushions to maximize comfort. Add a pendant light or some wall sconces to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Its a great way to make use of an otherwise forgotten corner and give yourself a little spot to start your day right.5. Create a Hidden ClosetImage Source: House BeautifulIf youre short on storage, the under-stair space can be transformed into a hidden closet. Install some shelves, hooks, or even a small wardrobe to store coats, shoes, or seasonal items. You could even add a curtain or a sliding door to keep everything out of sight. Its a practical solution that keeps your home organized without sacrificing style.6. Create a Pet HouseImage Source: Hub PagesDont forget about your furry friends! The under-stair space can be transformed into a cozy little house for your pet. Add a soft bed, some toys, and maybe even a small shelf for their food and water bowls. You could even add a cute little door or curtain to make it feel like their own private retreat. Its a simple way to make your pet feel at home while keeping their belongings out of the way.7. Construct a Powder RoomImage Source: Decor PadIf youre looking to add functionality to your home, why not turn the under-stair space into a powder room? Even a small bathroom can make a big difference, especially if you frequently entertain guests or have a growing family. With clever design, you can fit a toilet, a petite sink, and even a mirror into this compact area. Use space-saving fixtures and light colors to keep the room feeling open and airy.8. Line Up Some Plants Under the StaircaseImage Source: House BeautifulIf youre a plant lover, the space under your staircase is the perfect spot to create a lush, green oasis. Line up a few potted plants or install shelves to create a vertical garden. Choose plants that thrive in low light if the area doesnt get much sun, like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants. Add a mix of sizes and textures to create visual interest, and consider using stylish pots or planters to tie the look togetherHallway Ends: From Dead Space to Design FeatureHallways are often treated as just passagewaysspaces to move through rather than spend time in. But the end of a hallway doesnt have to be a dead space. With a little creativity, it can become a design feature that adds character and functionality to your home.1. A Gallery WallImage Source: Better Homes & GardensOne of the easiest ways to transform the end of a hallway is by creating a gallery wall. Choose a mix of artwork, photographs, and mirrors to create visual interest. You can even add some floating shelves to display small plants or decorative objects. A gallery wall not only adds personality to your home but also draws the eye down the hallway, making the space feel more intentional.3. Put a Small Console Table with a PlantImage Source: Better Homes & GardensA small console table is a classic way to make use of the space at the end of a hallway. Choose a sleek, narrow table that fits the scale of the area, and top it with a beautiful potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers. The greenery will add life and freshness to the space, while the table itself can hold keys, mail, or other small items. Its a simple touch that instantly elevates the look of your hallway.4. Hang a Hallway MirrorImage Source: The SpruceA mirror at the end of a hallway isnt just practicalits also a great design trick. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space, making your hallway feel brighter and larger. Choose a statement mirror with an interesting frame to add a touch of personality. Whether its a round, rectangular, or ornate design, a mirror can turn a blank wall into a focal point.5. Hallway RunnerImage Source: Homes & GardensIf your hallway feels a little bare, a runner can work wonders. A stylish rug not only adds color and texture but also helps define the space and make it feel more inviting. Choose a pattern or color that complements the rest of your decor. A runner is also practical, protecting your floors and reducing noise as people walk through.6. Add Built-In Storage or Display ShelvesImage Source: Better Homes & GardensIf youre looking for a more permanent solution, consider adding built-in storage or display shelves at the end of your hallway. Use the shelves to store books, display decorative objects, or even organize everyday items like shoes or bags. For a clean, seamless look, paint the shelves the same color as the wall.Awkward Nooks and Crannies: Small Spaces, Big IdeasEvery home has those weird little nooks that seem too small to do anything with. Maybe its a corner in the hallway, a recessed wall in the living room, or a tiny alcove in the bedroom. These spaces might feel like design headaches, but theyre actually opportunities to get creative.1. A Mini Bar or Coffee StationImage Source: Decor PadWhy not turn that awkward nook into a mini bar or coffee station? Install a small shelf or cabinet, add a few bottles of your favorite spirits or a sleek coffee machine, and stock up on glassware or mugs. Its a practical and stylish way to make use of a small space, and its sure to impress your guests.2, A Display Area for Art and TreasuresImage Source: Better Homes & GardensIf youre an art lover or a collector, an awkward nook can be the perfect spot to showcase your favorite pieces. Install some floating shelves or a narrow console table, and use the space to display your treasures. Add some accent lighting to highlight your collection and create a focal point in the room.3. Build a Window SeatImage Source: Better Home & GardensGot a nook with a window? Turn it into a cozy window seat! Add a cushioned bench, some throw pillows, and a soft blanket to create a relaxing spot to read, daydream, or enjoy the view. You can even add storage underneath the seat for blankets, books, or other items. Its a simple way to make use of an awkward space while adding charm to your home.4. Build a Laundry NookImage Source: Better Homes & GardensIf youre short on laundry space, an awkward nook can be the perfect spot for a compact laundry setup. Stack a washer and dryer, add some shelving for detergent and supplies, and maybe even a folding table if theres room. Its a practical way to make use of an otherwise unused space.5. Add a Decorative Ladder or Leaning ShelfImage Source: DigsDigsFor a quick and stylish solution, consider placing a decorative ladder or leaning shelf in your awkward nook. Use them to hang blankets, towels, or plants, or style them with books, candles, and decorative objects. A leaning shelf or ladder adds a touch of rustic charm and can be easily moved or rearranged to suit your needs.Sloped Ceilings and Attic SpacesSloped ceilings and attic spaces often come with their own set of challenges, but they also offer a unique charm and character that you wont find in standard rooms. Here are some creative ideas to help you design sloped ceilings and attic spaces that are both functional and beautiful.1. Embrace the Coziness with a Bed NookImage Source: Ideal HomeOne of the best ways to use a sloped ceiling is to create a cozy bed nook. Add soft bedding, plenty of pillows, and warm lighting to make it feel inviting. You can even install built-in shelves or drawers in the surrounding walls for extra storage.2. Create a Playroom for KidsImage Source: House BeautifulIf you have children, an attic or sloped-ceiling space can make a fantastic playroom. The unique shape of the room adds a sense of adventure, and you can use the lower parts of the ceiling for cozy play nooks or storage for toys. Add bright colors, soft rugs, and plenty of storage to keep the space organized and fun.3. Stage a Sitting RoomImage Source: House BeautifulTurn your sloped ceiling or attic space into a cozy sitting rooma perfect spot for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a quiet moment. Add a comfortable sofa or a pair of armchairs, a small coffee table, and a soft rug to define the space. If theres a window, position the seating to take advantage of the natural light.4. Create a CocoonImage Source: House BeautifulTheres something inherently cozy about a sloped ceilingit naturally creates a sense of enclosure and comfort. Use soft, textured fabrics like velvet or linen for bedding or upholstery, and add plenty of pillows and throws to make the space feel extra snug. Paint the walls and ceiling in warm, muted tones to enhance the cozy vibe.5. Create a Bonus BathroomImage Source: House BeautifulIf your attic or sloped-ceiling space is large enough, consider adding a bonus bathroom.Opt for space-saving fixtures like a corner shower, a wall-mounted sink, or a compact toilet. Use light colors and plenty of mirrors to make the space feel larger, and add clever storage solutions like recessed shelves or a vanity with drawers.Finishing NotesAt Home Designing, we believe every corner of your home has potentialeven the awkward ones. From under-stair nooks to sloped ceilings and hallway ends, these forgotten spaces can become functional, stylish, and full of personality. Transform them into cozy reading nooks, mini home offices, pet corners, or even bonus bathrooms. The key is to see these areas not as challenges, but as opportunities to get creative and add charm to your home.

Devils' trident or Circus of Dreams?

A quarter of Envato subscribers have downloaded 3D models since the category was added.

Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditionalwe tested them all to find the vacuum thats fantastic for fur.

If youre feeling overwhelmed but dont quite have the willpower to curb your online habit, your phone can help you manage your time online.