Buying online furniture is not for the faint of heart. Photos lie. Descriptions are vague. And reviews—while occasionally helpful—often read like dramatic short fiction. (One person’s “cloud-like cocoon” is another’s “uncomfortable nightmare.”) Add Amazon to the mix, and things can get even dicier. Can you really find a well-made, good-looking accent chair on a site better known for used books and fast fashion? Surprisingly: yes.Amazon has become a solid source for design-forward furniture, if you know where to look. Between the endless scroll of stock photos and suspiciously affordable listings, you can surface some real gems. We’re talking sherpa-clad statement pieces, curvy velvet shells, and midcentury silhouettes—pieces that make you feel like you finally figured out what your space is missing. And many that even ship within two days.We combed through hundreds of listings to find the standouts. Whether you’re channeling Parisian salon energy or just need a comfy spot to throw your bag, these are the best accent chairs on Amazon to add to your cart.Our Top Picks for the Best Accent Chairs on AmazonBest Swivel Chair: HomePop Barrel Back Swivel Chair, $371Best Sling Style: Zinus Aidan Sling Chair, $139Best Ottoman Set: Colamy Accent Chair With Storage Ottoman, $300 $230Best Armchair: Tov Furniture Marla Velvet Accent Chair, $404Best Living Room Set: Chita Swivel Accent Chair Set, $1,159 $1,099HomePop Barrel Back Swivel ChairSpecsMaterials: Bouclé fabric, woodDimensions: 33.5 x 29.5 x 32 inchesThere’s something satisfyingly sculptural about this chair with a 360° swivel—the barrel shape, the neat tailoring, the continuous curves. But then you get up close and realize it’s also absurdly cozy, thanks to thick cushioning and nubby bouclé fabric for added texture and warmth. Above all, it’s compact enough for city apartments, cozy home offices, or tucking into that weird empty corner that’s just begging for a glow-up.Tov Furniture Marla Velvet Accent ChairSpecsMaterials: Velvet, pine woodDimensions: 28.5 x 29.9 x 28.2 inchesThe Marla chair doesn’t need flashy hardware or oversized proportions to make a point. It’s all about curves, color, and texture. The warm cognac hue seen here adds a touch of earth-toned elegance, playing nicely with neutrals and contrasting beautifully with bold tones. The kiln-dried pine frame also ensures durability, while the plush foam cushioning offers comfort that doesn’t skimp on style.ZINUS Aidan Sling Accent ChairSpecsMaterials: Steel, fabricDimensions: 30.71 x 30.71 x 35.15 inchesThis chair knows how to mix materials without making a scene. With its sleek metal frame and generously stuffed cushions, it offers the perfect blend of industrial lines and cozy comfort. It works beautifully in a minimalist living room, but also shines in a home office or den where you want a seat that feels relaxed, not rigid.Christopher Knight Home Evete Tufted Club ChairSpecsMaterials: Polyester fabric, birchDimensions: 28.75 x 32.00 x 34.50 inchesIf your space could use some tasteful prints, but you’re not quite ready to commit to wallpaper, this chair is a perfect entry point. With its bold black-and-cream buffalo check upholstery, it walks that line with confidence. Tufted details and nailhead trim add additional visual accents, and the turned birch wood legs lend it just the right amount of polish. Place it in an entry hall for immediate impact or use two as conversational anchors flanking a fireplace or bookshelf.CHITA Swivel Accent ChairSpecsMaterials: Velvet, pine wood, metalDimensions: 31.1 x 31.1 x 28.3 inchesWith its graceful silhouette, featuring sloped arms and a curved back, this accent chair offers a modern twist on the classic club chair design. The 360-degree swivel base adds functionality, while the velvet upholstery brings a hint of drama. Think of it as your living room’s new focal point—one that plays well with both natural light and evening mood lighting.Signature Design by Ashley Puckman Leather Accent ChairSpecsMaterials: Leather, metalDimensions: 29 x 32 x 34 inchesWith its black metal frame and rich, tobacco-brown leather cushions, the Puckman Chair strikes a balance between raw industrial edge and classic comfort. Even the arms have been considered, with inset padding wrapped in matching leather for a balanced look and added coziness. We’d use it to ground a minimalist loft space, or to add structure to a more layered, eclectic room.COLAMY Velvet Barrel Chair with Storage OttomanSpecsMaterials: Velvet, rubberwoodDimensions: 25.59 x 29.72 x 29.53 inchesTalk about thoughtful design. Not only can the matching ottoman be tucked under the chair itself, but it also offers the holy grail of small-space living: hidden storage. Better yet, its compact footprint doesn't sacrifice comfort, thanks to the barrel back and padded armrests. Use it in a bedroom corner with a moody floor lamp or float it near a bay window for an afternoon reading perch that doubles as a secret spot for throw blankets.

George Wendt, best known for his portrayal of barfly Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76.Wendt’s passing was confirmed by his publicist, who released the following statement: “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”Born and raised in Chicago, Wendt honed his comedy chops as part of Second City in the 1970s. After six years with the improv troupe, he transitioned into an acting career, initially getting small parts in films and TV shows.When Wendt landed the role of Norm on Cheers, which debuted in September 1982, he was able to call upon the skills he’d acquired at Second City. The key, he’d later explain, came from his character’s authenticity. “You make it sound real. If people stop believing you, you’re just telling jokes,” Wendt remarked in a 1983 interview. “That’s the way I do Norm. I don’t try to punch it up or joke it up.”READ MORE: When 'Cheers' Debuted With a Perfect Pilot EpisodeWhile Cheers was a little slow to catch on with viewers, it eventually became a ratings juggernaut. The series was regularly one of the most watched comedies on television, racking up awards along the way. Wendt was nominated for an Emmy six years in a row for his portrayal of Norm, though he never took home an award.Still, even in an ensemble cast that featured such heavyweights as Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammar and Woody Harrelson, Wendt managed to shine. His embodiment of Norm – gruff and brutish at times, sweet and supportive at others – endeared him to generations of TV watchers. In each episode, yells of “Norm!” would welcome the character whenever he entered the show’s namesake bar. That exuberance was shared by viewers at home, happy to welcome one of their favorite characters to the screen.What Did George Wendt Do After 'Cheers'?Over the years, Wendt remained humble about his time on Cheers. “Norm is just me with better writing," he told Chicago Magazine in 2021. "There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning.”READ MORE: Remembering the Final Cheers EpisodeAfter Cheers ended in 1993, Wendt continued to land plenty of work. He made guest appearances on everything from Columbo to Seinfeld, lent his voice to episodes of The Simpsons and Family Guy and even had his own short-lived series, The George Wendt Show.The actor also cemented his place in Saturday Night Live history thanks to his appearances in the recurring sketch, Bill Swerski's Superfans. Famous for the “Da Bears” catchphrase, as well as a boundless loyalty to coach Mike Ditka, Wendt, Mike Myers, Chris Farley and Robert Smigel embodied a quartet of Chicago sports fans that left viewers at home in stitches.Watch George Wendt on Saturday Night LiveIn Memoriam: 2025 DeathsA look at those we've lost.Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

Not every client has a firm grasp on their priorities when starting a project, but the marching orders from one Central Texas couple were abundantly clear: They wanted to convert a classic car garage on their estate into a dance hall and speakeasy, creating their own social sanctuary. After enlisting designer Sarah Stacey to bring their vision to life, that “simple” project quickly catapulted into a four-year, all-encompassing design journey when the pair added the renovation of their 4,900-square-foot primary home into the scope. It was during this time that Stacey, an avid auction enthusiast, shared her passion and expertise with her clients. “Walking through auction previews is thrilling—you wonder who owned the items and how they were used. You can feel the history,” she explains. “New homes need stories; we can design an entire room around a piece. Plus, you can save a lot of money at these events.”But before the bidding wars came planning. Stacey reimagined the space that once housed the former owner’s car collection as a moody billiards club, replete with plenty of lounge seating, a full bar salvaged from a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and vintage collectibles, including an original Jimi Hendrix guitar. To separate the dance hall from the speakeasy, she cleverly utilized an iconic British telephone booth as the secret entrance from one area to the other. A simple push of the back wall gets you in—if you know there’s a door, that is. This is a dopamine interior.... It’s immersive and just makes you happy.For the main house, the objective was to embrace the home’s original Mediterranean style, but amplify it with a series of thoughtful selections. Stacey meticulously evaluated “every single Sherwin-Williams white” to find the ideal buttery color for the main living areas (Casa Blanca, Sherwin-Williams), incorporated 200-year-old salvaged wood beams, and designed the laundry room in the spirit of a French garden, complete with an undercounter striped sink skirt worthy of a Parisian café.She then set out to blend old-world charm—like the lavishly draped canopy bed in the primary suite—with contemporary pieces, such as large-scale pendants and multitiered chandeliers. The overall design is enhanced by colorful carpets, including a striking snake pattern in the living room and a hand-tufted graphic rug in the dining area. Auction house wins, antique treasures, and Parisian flea-market finds complete this unexpected and unconventional Texas haven.FAST FACTSDesigner: Sarah Stacey Interior DesignLocation: Central TexasThe Space: A garage-turned-speakeasy with a dance hall and a 4,900 sq ft main house with 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a dressing room, sauna, and wet bar. SPEAKEASYThe former garage transformed into a go-to party hub.Stephen KarlischWallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Sconces: Visual Comfort. Bar Stools: Nior. Armchairs: Hickory Chair. Coffee table: Sunpan. Drink Tables: Robert James. The bar is from a Ruth’s Chris restaurant and has become the heart of the space. It’s where friends and family naturally gather, often ending the night belting out karaoke songs, tipsy and totally in the moment.Stephen KarlischStephen KarlischThe husband won the six Orgy lithographs by Picasso at an online auction and Stacey hired artist Elisa Gomez to paint the frames. One of the standout features above the bar table is an original Jimi Hendrix guitar—a striking tribute to the rock 'n' roll legend. A custom tufted banquette in Schumacher fabric sits alongside Robert James café tables and under Hinkley pendants for the ultimate lounge experience.Stephen KarlischSeating: Hickory Chair. Coffee table: vintage. Rug: vintage, EtsyA cozy corner of the room is designed for dance breaks, providing plentiful options where guests can sit and take five. A framed archival photograph of Jimi Hendrix features a guitar that the couple purchased for their own collection. Stephen KarlischA British telephone booth gets recast as the secret entrance between the speakeasy and dance hall. See Stacey's go-to formula for a memorable entrance below. Create your own one-of-a-kind entrance like designer Sarah StaceyFind something that resonates with you. Stacey’s clients considered a Coca-Cola machine but fell in love with this phone booth.In this case, the designer brought on a contractor to remove the back of the booth and then cleverly recreate it as a hidden door.Keep it simple with a wall panel that pushes open, or go elaborate with an engineer-approved coded release—just type in the numbers and voilà!Always make sure there’s a manual way in and out!LIVING ROOMA warm white by Sherwin-Williams complements the original stone floors.Stephen KarlischSofas: custom, in Vervain fabric. Seating: Alfonso Marina, in Pierre Frey (chairs) and Fox Linton (bench) fabrics.Vivid and bold, the living room design comes alive through a colorful carpet, highlighted by a striking snake-patterned centerpiece designed by a tattoo artist. The Picasso to the right of the fireplace went missing, but was thankfully found and now has a place of prominence.KITCHENClever storage solutions are packed in this European-inspired kitchen.Stephen KarlischRange: La Cornue. Backsplash and Countertops: Aria Stone Gallery. Runner: vintage, Black Sheep Unique. Island Pendants: Urban Electric. Island: DeVOL.  Stephen KarlischLight fixture: Vintage. Dining table: Vintage. Dining chairs: Gregorius Pineo with Pierre Frey fabric.  A prep island by Devol provides easy access to dinnerware stored behind glass doors. It’s finished with an aged copper countertop that sets off the beveled white oak herringbone floor. New herringbone wood floors add a built-in patina to this newly created kitchen. The breakfast room chairs are upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric that Stacey treated with a wipeable vinyl coating. Pendants: The Urban Electric Co.WET BARA convenient bar for entertaining in the main living space. Stephen KarlischSconces: Allied Maker. Stools: Paul Ferrante, in Kelly Wearstler fabric. Table Lamp: Sunday Shop. Wanting an option to entertain in the main house, the homeowners asked Stacey for a bar with seating and room for their collection of cocktail glasses. A mirrored backdrop adds shine and glamour while bouncing light around the room. DINING ROOMContemporary and vintage pieces make this dining room memorable.Stephen Karlisch Dining chairs: Gregorius Pineo, in Moore & Giles leather. Chandelier: custom, Apparatus Studio. Rug: Christopher Farr.In the dining room, an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories meld into a one-of-a-kind entertaining scene. The mismatched Venetian mirrors were won at an auction, the bust of David originally sat outside in the flower beds, and the painting was found online. OWNER'S SUITEA bedroom bathed in rich green sets the scene for a luxurious, serene escape.Stephen KarlischPaint color: Chimichurri by Benjamin Moore. Wallcovering: Porter Teleo. Bedframe and fabric: Alfonso Marina.Stephen KarlischLight fixture: Fortuny. Sofa: Vintage, recovered in House of Hackney fabric. Trunk: Vintage, Louis Vuitton. Inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with metallic lacquer, the Porter Teleo wallcovering sets the palette for this room. Yards of Fortuny fabric give the Alfonso Marina bed a regal air. The vintage sofa is reupholstered in a luxurious House of Hackney textile, featuring a bold, substantial trim detail.BATHROOMLavish stone and custom flooring create a one-of-a-kind en-suite.Stephen KarlischStone: Aria Stone Gallery. Vanity: Custom. Fixtures: Watermark. Sconces: Apparatus Studio.A custom terrazzo floor by Marble Buro grounds this space. Its unique coloration and less organic structure allow the marble backsplash and elaborate custom wood-carved mirrors, meant to mimic Black Forest-style design, to take center stage.Stephen KarlischStacey originally wanted the marble book-matched, but when her fabricator said the slabs weren’t symmetrical, they decided to rotate each one 180°, creating a consistently random design with even veining. Bench: custom.LAUNDRY ROOMThis utilitarian space is full of natural light. Stephen KarlischPaint: Stone Blue, Farrow & Ball. Wallpaper: Botanica Claustra by Papier Francais. Backsplash: Zia Tile. Curtain fabric: Clarence House.Papier Français partnered with Bibliothèque Nationale de France to bring back more than 60 archival prints, including this Bon factory flowering-trellis wallpaper, which turns this utilitarian space into a year-round spring jewel box. THE DRESSING ROOM The "closet" was quickly expanded to feel more like a boutique retail space.Stephen KarlischCeiling wallpaper: Gracie. Light fixture: Visual Comfort. Sofas: Mr. Brown in De la Cuona fabric and Samuel & Sons trim. Carpet: Nourison. Pillows: Dedar. Library ladder: Alaco. Hardware: Armac Martin.Stephen KarlischPaint color: Brinjal by Farrow & Ball. Hardware: Armac Martin.The entire main house and garage renovation began with a closet redesign. Stacey came to assess the closet, cataloging everything from long- and short-hang sections to shoes and bags, and it quickly became clear the space was too small. This discovery sparked the decision to expand and elevate the closet...and set the stage for a full home transformation.SAUNAThe ultimate in-home spa experience. Stephen KarlischA discreet sauna is the preferred spot to recover after a night of dancing. About the DesignerSarah Stacey is known for her artful approach to layering, creating spaces that balance timeless elegance with a fresh, eclectic edge. Raised in Louisiana and influenced by antique auctions, Southern cities, and global travel, her style embraces bold contrasts and personal storytelling. With a background in studio art and interior design from LSU, she brings a vibrant, collected sensibility to both residential and commercial projects. Now based in Texas with her musician husband and their son, Sarah’s work is infused with the same energy and joy that defines her life.SHOP THE SPACEFarrow & Ball Stone Blue Paint Color$143 at Farrow & BallItalian Venetian Murano Blue Glass Chandelier$8,250 at 1stDibsLa Cornue Cornu Fé 110 Range Matte Black$13,275 at Williams SonomaCredit: Williams SonomaPablo Picasso LithographNow 20% Off$3,000 $2,400 at 1stDibs

Macworld Throughout its history, Apple has introduced many industry-changing technologies, some of which are still present in today’s devices, like MagSafe on MacBooks. However, some of the technologies introduced by Apple have been discontinued over time for different reasons. While most of these decisions are understandable, some technologies were ahead of their time, and I really miss them today. Let’s look back at some of Apple’s best ideas that were discontinued but ahead of their time and deserve to come back. 3D Touch Although 3D Touch was first introduced with the original Apple Watch as “Force Touch,” Apple later added it to the iPhone. I remember seeing the iPhone 6s introduction video in 2015 with Jony Ive explaining how 3D Touch worked, and it sounded impressive. Indeed, it was. Essentially, Apple put pressure sensors under the iPhone’s screen so that it could distinguish a soft press from a hard press with extreme precision. 3D Touch could be used in many ways, such as pressing harder on an icon to reveal more options or gently pressing a link on a webpage to see a preview of it. Game developers could also adopt 3D Touch for custom controls. You can still perform the 3D Touch action on today’s iPhones, but the result is different.Filipe Esposito The technology blew my mind, and I loved how precise it was. Not only that, but 3D Touch worked very well with the iPhone’s haptic feedback. It was so satisfying. But in practice, only a few apps added support for 3D Touch, and it was a very complex and expensive technology to build. Apple ended up discontinuing 3D Touch, starting with the iPhone XR, and replaced some of the actions with a simple long press on the screen. I still dream of future iPhones having 3D Touch back. Luckily, the trackpads on MacBooks still have Force Touch, so that’s something. AirPort AirPort was Apple’s lineup of wireless routers. First introduced in 1999, AirPort devices always had a futuristic design and made it easy for users to plug in an internet cable and have a Wi-Fi connection at home. While the first version looked like a spaceship, one of the most interesting versions of the AirPort was the model that looked like a giant MacBook charger that had an ethernet port on it. There was also the sleek and modern AirPort Extreme, which was essentially a mini-tower made of polished white plastic. That thing was beautiful. The AirPort line once had a tower form factor (left) and a design that was like a MacBook power adapter (left).Apple Apple’s AirPorts gained many cool features over time. For example, you could plug a USB stick, printer, or external hard drive into it, and all your Apple devices would have wireless access to it. It could also turn wired sound systems into AirPlay speakers. AirPort also resulted in another product called Time Capsule, which had an internal hard drive to wirelessly back up your Mac. Apple stopped selling AirPorts in 2018, and while rumors suggest that Apple has no plans to introduce another Wi-Fi router anytime soon, the company has reportedly been exploring the idea of making Apple TVs and HomePods work as Wi-Fi signal extenders. I really hope that’s true. iPod A lot has changed since Apple introduced the first iPod in 2001. iPod wasn’t just a good product, it also made anyone using it look cool. I remember upgrading from a Discman to an iPod, and I felt like I was in the future. “A thousand songs in your pocket,” as Apple’s slogan went. The third-generation iPod nano. Filipe Esposito There have been many different versions of the iPod over the years, including the iPod touch, but the most iconic ones will always be the iPods with a Click Wheel. There was a unique and satisfying feeling in turning your finger on that wheel to navigate the interface. It was unlike anything else at the time. And although the product was once a hit, it ended up losing the battle to smartphones. Apple knew this, which is why the company has always promoted the iPhone as “the best iPod ever.” Suddenly, our phones could also work as great iPods, so having a dedicated music player no longer made sense for most people. Apple stopped selling the iPod shuffle and iPod nano in 2017, while the iPod touch remained in the lineup until 2022. The company said at the time that the iPod still lives on in its other products, and that’s true. Thanks to the iPod, we now have the iPhone, AirPods, and the HomePod. While some people are nostalgic about the iPod and want it back, I really believe that it served its purpose and that there are better alternatives now, like using an Apple Watch with AirPods if you want to listen to music without having your phone nearby. Cover Flow How could I forget Cover Flow? The cool iPod interface that lets users explore their music library by its art covers? Interestingly, Cover Flow was created by a third-party developer, and the idea was so good that Apple acquired it to implement it in iTunes. The feature was eventually added to the iPod, iPhone, and even Finder on the Mac to browse files with large previews. I remember using the original iPod touch for the first time, rotating the screen with the Music app open, and seeing the Cover Flow interface. That was probably the moment I fell in love with that product. Cover Flow on an iPod touch.Filipe Esposito Cover Flow went away with iOS 7, when Apple completely redesigned the iPhone’s operating system in favor of a flat-design interface with less skeuomorphism. But Apple should bring Cover Flow back. It would be a good feature to reintroduce with iOS 19, as the company is rumored to be changing the user interface all over again. Front Row Similar to Cover Flow, Front Row was an interface that Apple created to use the Mac as a multimedia center. The app made it easier to navigate between the user’s music, videos, and photos. The experience of using Front Row was really cool, especially when the Mac was connected to a big monitor or TV. With Front Row, it was easy to imagine what a multimedia device (like a DVD player) from Apple would look like. Apple never launched a DVD player, but it did announce the first Apple TV in 2007–it had the same interface as Front Row, but now in a standalone device. Front Row was later removed from the Mac, probably because Apple wants you to buy an Apple TV instead. Still, I miss Front Row, especially now with Apple Music and Apple TV+. Front Row provided an easy-to-use interface for using your Mac as an entertainment center.Apple iSight camera Pretty much every Apple device today has a built-in front-facing camera, but there was a time when that wasn’t a thing, and Apple had to create its own webcam for the Mac. Called iSight, Apple’s webcam had a beautiful design for its time (which still looks modern). It was definitely something you’d look at and think, “that’s an Apple product.” The iSight had decent specs for a 2003 webcam, with a three-element lens with autofocus and 480p resolution at 30fps. It also had built-in microphones with noise cancellation and a cool way to cover the lens for better privacy. We now have 1080p and even 4K webcams built into our devices, but there’s still a market for external webcams with larger sensors and better microphones for those who videoconference every day. Although this would be very niche, I would like to see Apple reintroduce iSight with a large 4K sensor for vloggers. Unfortunately, this seems quite unlikely to happen since Apple itself has released a feature that lets users turn their iPhone into a webcam for their Mac or Apple TV. The iSight webcam design would look great in today’s Apple lineup.Christopher Phin Back to the future Apple is known for not reviving things from the past very often, even when it’s something its users really love. Still, we can dream of some of these things coming back in the future–just look at MagSafe, which was removed from MacBooks and then added back years later. And even though some of these technologies may not seem relevant these days, they certainly contributed to improving the Apple ecosystem at the time.

For one week in May, New York City is a scheduling race for contemporary art lovers, with multimillion dollar auction previews at both Christie’s & Sotheby’s, over eight major art fairs, and over a 100 peak gallery openings. In the scheduling competition to see it all, it’s no small feat for an artwork to pull you back for a second view or a longer pause. Below are the two most “paused” artworks from my visits to the four biggest fairs in New York this spring. FRIEZE NEW YORK Frieze New York, the fair at the center of it all, was again located at The Shed in Hudson Yards, bringing more than 65 leading galleries from over 25 countries across three floors. Frieze New York has a wonderful crowd energy and this year was a great reminder that the most famous contemporary artists working today continue to dream and produce the unbelievable. Jeff Koons at Gagosian Gallery Jeff Koons. Frieze New York, 2025, installation view. Artwork © Jeff Koons, Incredible Hulk , and © Marvel. All rights reserved. Photo: Maris Hutchinson. Courtesy Gagosian Jeff Koons. Hulk (Tubas), 2004-2018. © Jeff Koons, Incredible Hulk , and © Marvel. All rights reserved. Photo: Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio. Courtesy Palazzo Strozzi and Gagosian This year, Gagosian Gallery presented a crowd-gathering trio of Jeff Koons’ “Hulk” sculptures in a booth fully designed and conceived by the artist. Though each appears to be store-bought vinyl inflatables, all are made from heavy polychromed bronze. “Hulk (Tubas), 2004-2018” (above) includes a functional brass multi-belled tuba, while another was imbedded with real organ parts. Read more about the works and the history of the Hulk Elvis series on the gallery’s page or watch a performance on the functional instruments on Jeff Koons’ Instagram. Jeff Koons. Hulk (Tubas), 2004-2018. Photo: David Behringer   Lorna Simpson at Hauser & Wirth Gallery Hauser & Wirth Gallery presented an incredible selection of gallery artists, including these brand new works on paper by Lorna Simpson. Continuing her series of small collages that combine images cut from advertisements in vintage Ebony and Jet magazines with surreal expressive ink washes – each is a celebration and questioning of representation, history, and culture. Lorna Simpson. Walking Glare, 2025. © Lorna Simpson, Courtesy the artist & Hauser & Wirth. Photo: James Wang Lorna Simpson. Amplified. 2025. © Lorna Simpson, Courtesy the artist & Hauser & Wirth. Photo: James Wang   TEFAF Art Fair TEFAF (The European Fine Art Foundation) occupied the entirety of the historic Park Avenue Armory. The fair is known for its museum-quality presentation with works that span from ancient Rome, Contemporary Art and world-class design – a unique and must-visit experience all its own. View of art fair from above with visitors and booths.   George Condo at Gladstone Gallery The mixing of historical weight and contemporary art at TEFAF is the perfect setting for an amazing collection of George Condo drawings. Presented by Gladstone Gallery in a deep red “salon-style” hanging, the early works all range from 1984-1986, a critical moment of Condo’s artistic development. Each gives the sense that we’re watching an idea being born – images and individuals being pulled between representation and abstraction. Installation view, TEFAF New York 2025, New York, May 9 – 13, 2025. Courtesy of Gladstone. Photo: David Regen George Condo. Untitled (NYC 38th St.), 1986. © George Condo / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone. Photo: David Regen George Condo. Untitled, 1985. © George Condo / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone. Photo: David Regen   Yeesookyung at Massimo De Carlo Gallery One of the best exhibitions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art this summer is Monstrous Beauty – a must-see show that features these massive sculptures in a sunlit atrium by South Korean artist Yeesookyung. So it was such a gift at TEFAF to see several smaller works by the artist at two different gallery booths. Works were spotted at The Page Gallery from South Korea and at Massimo De Carlo Gallery (below). Continuing her use of broken pottery shards to build organic forms using the Japanese technique of kintsugi, the new forms and combinations are most surprising as you circle them – always beautiful but never predictable. Yeesookyung, Translated Vase 2020 TVG 13, 2020. Presented by Massimo De Carlo Yeesookyung, Translated Vase 2020 TVG 13, 2020. Presented by Massimo De Carlo   INDEPENDENT Art Fair INDEPENDENT was hosted again this year at the super modern and sunlight-filled “Spring Studios” in Tribeca where over 118 artists were presented by 82 international galleries and nonprofit organizations. My personal favorites this year celebrated process and material with a joyful wonder and high level of craft. Maximilian Schubert at Off Paradise Off Paradise installation at INDEPENDENT art fair. Photo: Marc Tatti Presented by Off Paradise, Maximilian Schubert’s ethereal “paintings” are not what they appear to be – created from solid pigmented urethane resin that has been cast from a mold of a real painting (also created by the artist) and painted only on the sides to mimic canvas and tacks/staples. The object is heavy and solid, allowing Schubert to create ethereal color transitions with multiple layers of resin pours. Even from close examination, everything about them looks like paint on canvas and yet they emit something psychically different – a sustained aura of intrigue that never expires. Maximilian Schubert, Untitled (Over New York), 2024. Photo: Marc Tatti Maximilian Schubert, Untitled 2025, Photo:  Marc Tatti Maximilian Schubert, Untitled 2025 (detail)   Terran Last Gun at Diane Rosenstein Gallery This was my first time seeing Terran Last Gun’s incredible work that uses antique ledger paper (most over 100 years old) with the addition of colorful geometric forms in ink and colored pencil. Presented by Diane Rosenstein Gallery, the artist is based in Santa Fe, and an enrolled citizen of the Piikani Nation (Blackfeet) of Montana. The work feels like a dance across time – a complex conversation with material and traditions, past and present. Learn more about his work and its history on the gallery webpage. Terran Last Gun, Stop For A Moment And Appreciate, 2025. Courtesy the artist and Diane Rosenstein Gallery, Los Angeles. Photo: Robert Wedemeyer Terran Last Gun, Gathering Of Distinguished Knowledge Holders, 2025. Courtesy the artist and Diane Rosenstein Gallery, Los Angeles. Photo: Robert Wedemeyer   NADA ART FAIR The NADA Art Fair (New Art Dealers Alliance) was hosted for the first time at The Starrett-Lehigh Building in the very heart of the Chelsea gallery district. My favorite works were an intelligent mix of whimsy and grit that resulted in many great conversations and new revelations on how to see the world. Jaime Pitarch at Spencer Brownstone Gallery Jaime Pitarch. Calderilla, 2025. Courtesy of the artist & Spencer Brownstone Gallery After seeing an number of great Calder works up for auction this season, Jaime Pitarch’s whimsical reference to Calder was both joyous and profound. Presented by Spencer Brownstone Gallery, this 7-foot hanging work is titled “Calderilla” – a reference to both the Spanish word for “pocket change” AND the name Alexander Calder. Made from the real coins found in the artist’s pocket, it continues the artist’s long practice of re-presenting everyday objects to create sustained curiosities and beautiful artworks. Here metal currency is literally elevated – both in gravity and function, questioning ideas of value, craft, art, and perhaps the future of physical money itself. Jaime Pitarch. Calderilla, 2025. Courtesy of the artist & Spencer Brownstone Gallery   Alexandria Tarver at Et al. Gallery The most time was spent with these quietly mysterious pairings by Alexandria Tarver, presented by San Francisco-based gallery Et al. Each frame holds two works on paper: a larger colorful painting and a small sketch on a ripped out page of note paper. The pencil sketches were produced on a visit to Baja California where the artist used the only “drawing materials” available to capture seascapes and landscapes. They each feel as if they are recording enough information for the artist to remember a precise moment – a necessary speed of transcription that perhaps captures a particular ocean wave or an ephemeral breeze. That tiny notepad was then used as a reference to create the larger colorful paintings – a second translation into something different but still emotionally connected. Here too we play witness to the evolution of a memory and idea, sharing a feeling of a place and time. Alexandria Tarver. questions, TS 2, 2025. Courtesy the artist & Ed al. Gallery Alexandria Tarver. questions, TS 5, 2025. Courtesy the artist & Ed al. Gallery I highly recommend signing up on any/all art fair newsletters or creating a login for any of the below. The emails they send out are not too much, and are perfect reminders when the next fair/events will take place. See you there! FRIEZE NEW YORK TEFAF NEW YORK INDEPENDENT NADA 

The creative team behind the recent two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It now has a prequel to their work (and, by extension, King’s) coming to HBO and HBO Max.Titled It: Welcome to Derry, the show is set prior to the events of the novel and the two films, which were directed by Andy Muschietti. Muschietti, along with his frequent collaborator (and sibling) Barbara Muschietti developed the series with Jason Fuchs, who worked on It Chapter Two and the recent Argylle. AndyThe full teaser for the new series is online and it is about what you would expect from an It prequel television series: It looks like it is set in the past, and it looks scary. Scaredy cats need not apply.You can watch the It: Welcome to Derry trailer below:READ MORE: Max Is Changing Its Name Back to HBO MaxThe series’ cast includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, and James Remar. Bill Skarsgard is also reprising his role as Pennywise, the evil demonic clown who terrorized the people of Derry in the It movies.Here is the series’ official synopsis:Set in the world of Stephen King’s “IT” universe, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is based on King’s “IT” novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films “IT” and “IT Chapter Two.”It: Welcome to Derry premieres this fall on Max — by which point the service will be back to being called HBO Max again. The season is expected to consist of nine episodes.Get our free mobile appThe Best Horror Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)These modern horror movies are sure to keep you up at night. Gallery Credit: Emma Stefansky

As the most famous residence in the country, the White House’s interiors are given the utmost attention, and they tend to change with every new administration. So, we’re taking a look back at how the property’s design has evolved over the years. From the famed Sister Parish designs of the Kennedy era to Michael S. Smith’s vision for the Obamas, the house has seen impressive transformations and, more recently, some unexpected style choices. The White House’s OriginsBefore we explore the White House’s most prominent interiors, let’s take a look back at the famed home’s history. The White House was designed by Irish architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style of architecture and built over the course of eight years (from 1792 to 1800). The edifice itself is made of Aquia Creek sandstone that was painted white because of the risk posed by the permeability of the stone, which could crack in colder months. Before the White House was built, the President’s House in Philadelphia served as home to two presidents: George Washington and John Adams. The construction of the White House was completed just a few months before Adams’s presidency ended, so he was able to move into the People’s House before his term concluded.Until 1901, what we know as the White House was actually called the Executive Mansion, which then-President Theodore Roosevelt didn’t find ideal—given that many U.S. states had a governor’s residence that was also called the Executive Mansion. Roosevelt subsequently coined the term "White House" that we know and still use to this day—the new name could also be seen atop copies of his stationery.Related StoryThe Early Years When President John Adams and his wife, First Lady Abigail Adams, moved into the White House, the residence was lacking in decor, given that it was only recently completed. The East Room of the White House—which is now used for events such as press conferences, ceremonies, and banquets—was then used by Abigail Adams as a laundry room.Thomas Jefferson was the first president of the United States to spend his entire time in office living in the White House. He set the precedent for the home’s opulent but still livable interiors by having furnishings and wallpaper imported from France.The Late 1800s and Early 1900sIn 1882, President Chester Arthur enlisted Louis Comfort Tiffany to reimagine the Red Room, the Blue Room, the East Room, and the Entrance Hall, the latter of which soon welcomed the addition of a stained glass screen, in true Tiffany style. Library of CongressLouis Comfort Tiffany’s design of the White House Red Room, circa 1884-1885.whitehousehistory.orgPeter Waddell’s The Grand Illumination, an 1891 oil painting that showcases Louis Comfort Tiffany’s stained glass screen in the White House Entrance Hall.Much to our dismay, President Theodore Roosevelt had Tiffany’s creations removed 20 years later, because the designs were seen as dated at this point. Roosevelt already had a construction crew at work in the White House to make more room for his sizable family (hence the addition of the East Wing and the West Wing). While there are no colorized photos of these rooms under Tiffany’s direction, there are black and white photographs and a colorful oil painting of what the stained glass screen likely looked like—so we can only imagine how magical it appeared in real life. It’s believed that after the screen was removed, it was sold at auction and later installed at Maryland’s Belvedere Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 1923. Shortly after the removal of Tiffany’s designs, Theodore Roosevelt hired celebrated architectural firm McKim, Mead & White to restore the White House to its Neoclassical glory. Related StoryThe Early-to-Mid-1900sIt wasn’t until 1909—over a century after the White House’s completion—that the Oval Office was created. Then-President William Howard Taft added this room and had it painted in an army green shade, which has since been changed, as every president likes to make the space their own.Given the numerous state dinners at the White House and accompanying serveware required for them, First Lady Edith Wilson (wife to Woodrow Wilson) oversaw the completion of the White House China Room in 1917. Since then, the room has displayed state service china, silverware, and glassware chosen and used by each administration (a selection traditionally made by the First Lady). The White House Historical AssociationThe White House China Room in 1975.The majority of the presidential china depicts some variation of the Great Seal, which features a bald eagle and a shield that resembles the United States flag, but most administrations have come up with their own unique designs. Many of these are produced by Pennsylvania-based porcelain manufacturer Lenox. One of our personal favorites? James Polk’s charming floral dessert plate, featuring a mint green hue, is a refreshing change from the usually neutral color palette of other presidential china. (Heads up: You can buy reproductions of this plate and others on eBay!)Many may not know that the White House was once home to an indoor pool. (Yes, really!) In 1933, an indoor pool was installed in the People’s House at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who used swimming as a form of therapy to help with his polio. On the walls overlooking the pool was a mural by artist Bernard Lammotte, who painted the Christiansted Harbor from the island of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Thirty-six years later, Richard Nixon nixed the underground pool and turned the space above it into a press briefing room to host televised broadcasts.Abbie Rowe/National Park Service/Harry S. Truman Library & MuseumThe White House Reconstruction under President Harry S. Truman, circa 1950.Following the Great Depression and World War II, the White House was in desperate need of repair, so much so that it was deemed unsafe for occupancy in 1948, after architectural and engineering investigations. Harry S. Truman, his family, and the White House staff had to live elsewhere during a three-year-long reconstruction project in which the People’s House was completely gutted, enlarged, and reconstructed. The Trumans spent this time living at Blair House—also known as the President’s Guest House—which is located across the street from the White House. (Two members of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party attempted and failed to assassinate Truman while he was living in this house.) The Kennedy YearsFirst Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was very passionate about historic preservation, and it was her efforts that led to the formation of the White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization that still exists today, aiming to preserve the White House’s history and make the home more publicly accessible. She was also the reason the White House was declared a museum, thereby ensuring its preservation for decades to come.View full post on YoutubeDuring Jackie Kennedy’s first year as First Lady, she oversaw a $2 million renovation of the White House. Following the completion of the project, Jacqueline Kennedy gave a televised tour of the White House, which aired on NBC and CBS to over 80 million viewers on Valentine’s Day of 1962. This was the second televised tour of the White House (Harry S. Truman was the first to give a tour in 1952), and the first time it was led by a First Lady. The broadcast went on to win both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.Mrs. Kennedy's renovation focused on reincorporating historic furniture and decor. “It just seemed to me such a shame when we came here to find hardly anything of the past in the house, hardly anything before 1902,” she explained in the broadcast. She cited Colombia’s Presidential Palace as a site where “every piece of furniture in it has some link with the past. I thought the White House should be like that.” Kennedy was so passionate about allowing the public to access the People’s House that, following the suspension of tours after her husband's assassination in 1963, she requested that the tours resume just one week later.The John F. Kennedy LibraryFirst Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s dressing room at the White House, designed by Stéphane Boudin.The Kennedy-era White House restoration would not have been complete without the interior decorators who helped make it possible: Sister Parish, and later, Stéphane Boudin. Parish designed the Yellow Oval Room and the Kennedy’s private quarters, but was later replaced by Boudin (reportedly following an occurrence in which Parish advised a young Caroline Kennedy to keep her feet off of the furniture; in Parish’s own writing, she revealed that someone told Mrs. Kennedy that Parish kicked Caroline—but this was never confirmed). Parish’s granddaughter, Susan Bartlett Crater, once told the New York Times that the rift was sparked mainly by “a problem over money.” Regardless, Parish’s influence on the interior design world remains indisputable to this day, and much of the popularity of her style can be traced to this high-profile project.Boudin was soon hired to decorate the Blue Room, the Treaty Room, the Red Room, and the Lincoln Sitting Room. He would later add his own touch to the private rooms of the White House as well, with more French-style decor than was previously in place.Getty ImagesThe White House Rose Garden as Bunny Mellon designed it during the Kennedy administration. Jackie Kennedy also famously oversaw the completion of the White House Rose Garden, at the behest of her husband. She tapped socialite, philanthropist, and horticulturalist Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon to design the project. Related StoryThe Late 20th Century to Present DayThe White House interiors have been reinvented numerous times over the 220-year history of the building, and the decor tends to perfectly encapsulate both the time period and the First Family living there. Dorothy Draper protégé Carleton Varney served as Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's "design consultant," styling state dinners and overseeing Christmas decor. Famed American decorator Mark Hampton also contributed Christmas decorations in 1977. The Ronald Reagan Library Ronald and Nancy Reagan enjoying a meal on silver TV trays in the White House.In the 1980s, the Reagans hired Ted Graber, a decorator from Beverly Hills, to bring their vision to life. In the process, many antique furnishings were replaced with 20th-century decor, straying from typical White House decorating traditions. At the beginning of the next decade, George H.W. Bush tapped Hampton to revive the Oval Office and Executive Residence during his tenure. By the time Bill Clinton moved in, the hand-painted 18th-century-style bird wallpaper that was installed by the Reagans in the master bedroom was still in place. The Clintons’ interior decorator, Kaki Hockersmith, removed and replaced the wallpaper, telling The Washington Post that the room “had lots of all kinds of birds flying and sweeping around. It was not a calming atmosphere.”As First Lady, Hillary Clinton helped raise the White House Endowment Trust’s funds to $35 million, so that more restoration work could be done to White House. During her time spent living at the People’s House, Mrs. Clinton had five rooms restored: the State Dining Room (which Mark Hampton oversaw), the East Room, Cross Hall, the Red Room, and the Blue Room. The Ronald Reagan Library The Reagans’ bird wallpaper (pictured) was later replaced by the Clintons.George W. Bush hired Kenneth Blasingame, a fellow Texan, to decorate the White House interiors during his administration. And this wasn’t their first time working together—Blasingame also decorated the Bush family’s ranch house in Crawford, Texas. Then-First Lady Laura Bush told Architectural Digest about her plans for the Oval Office’s redesign, saying, “We knew he wanted it to be a sunny office that showed an optimist worked there.” One of the pieces that she and Blasingame collaborated on was a rug that featured the iconic presidential seal, along with a cheery addition: sun rays above the emblem, which echoed Mrs. Bush’s hopes for a “sunny office.” The rug also includes a depiction of a garland made of laurel leaves, a tie-in to the First Lady’s first name, Laura.Architectural DigestThe Queens’ Bedroom as it appeared during the George W. Bush years, where various queens throughout history have stayed. The drapery, bed hanging, and armchair are by Scalamandré.When President Barack Obama took office, he replaced the aforementioned rug with one that paid tribute to four prior presidents and a civil rights icon. The following quotes from Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. outline the perimeter of the historical rug:"Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” —Abraham Lincoln"The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.” —Theodore Roosevelt"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” —Franklin Delano Roosevelt"No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” —John F. Kennedy"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” —Martin Luther King Jr.Michael Mundy/Rizzoli Michael S. Smith’s design for the Obama-era Yellow Oval Room.Barack and Michelle Obama worked with decorator Michael S. Smith to make extensive updates to the residence, creating spaces that merged formality and comfort—and incorporating plenty of modern and contemporary art by American talents. With the help of decorator Tham Kannalikham, President Donald Trump replaced the Obama-era beige striped wallpaper in the Oval Office with a light grey damask option during his first term. In the years Trump first took office, at least $3.4 million was spent to revamp the White House to better suit his aesthetic—including a highly controversial revamp of the Rose Garden.During Joe Biden’s term as president, First Lady Jill Biden notably chose interior designer Mark D. Sikes—known for his expertise in fresh, all-American style—to reimagine her East Wing office. Sikes was the first design expert the Bidens selected to transform a White House space, according to The Washington Post. When the couple was living in the vice president’s residence, they enlisted designer Victoria Hagan.View full post on InstagramSikes later updated Blair House, the President’s Guest House, with more than 100 rooms. He spent a year and a half revamping the place with his team to make it feel comfortable and homey for visitors while preserving the historic interiors, which hadn’t been updated since Mario Buatta and Mark Hampton refreshed the house in the 1980s. “We wanted to continue the story that was already told by Mark and Mario,” Sikes told AD in October 2024. “They’re both idols of mine, so we didn’t want to completely reimagine what they did, but continue the story and update it and make it feel like the best representation of American traditional design there is.”Sikes reupholstered existing furniture, designed custom pieces, and even commissioned a brighter take on the Clarence House damask wallpaper Buatta and Hampton installed in the hallways and staircases. The designer also applied the refreshed Blair House logo to everything from linens to china.Related StoryAnna Moneymaker//Getty ImagesIn Trump’s second term as president so far, he’s made evident changes to the Oval Office—giving the room a more ornate, gold-heavy look. Among the new accessories are a row of historic gold objects on the mantel, gold medallions on the walls and fireplace, gilded Rococo mirrors on the walls, gold eagles on side tables, and even gold cherubs above the doors.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Lost in Cult launches physical games publishing label Label will focus on producing retail releases with the entire game on disc and cartridge, in addition to collector's editions Image credit: Lost in Cult News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on May 20, 2025 Lost in Cult has launched a physical games publishing label. The independent book publisher and design studio will focus on producing mass releases and collector's editions (known as 'Editions') of physical titles to maintain game preservation and curations. Lost in Cult's publishing label is launching with three titles for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. These include Thank Goodness You're Here (PS5/Switch), Immortality (PS5), and The Excavation of Hob's Barrow (Switch). The entire game is on the disc and/or cartridge, and requires no download code or an internet connection to play. Retail editions of these games will be available online and in-store, and distributed by developer and publisher PM Studio. Lost in Cult's 'Editions' will be sold exclusively on Lost in Cult's website in limited quantities – between 1,000 to 1,500 units per title. Editions releases include exclusively commissioned outer slipcase artwork, variant retail covers, a poster and collector's checklist, and a booklet edited by Lost in Cult editorial director Chris Schilling featuring developer interviews and analytical essays. Image credit: Lost in Cult "We [have] set out to create a new standard for physical games," said head of publishing Lost In Cult Ryan Brown. "Our editions are designed to preserve not just the game, but the story and artistry behind its creation. "At the same time, our retail releases ensure no one is locked out of owning great games physically, giving everyone a chance to play their favourites for the decades to come, internet connection willing or not." "We're proud to apply our knowledge and experience in quality-testing, having tested over 2600 titles, with a company that matches our vision on game preservation and also sees video games as art," said DoesItPlay? owner Clemens Istel. Lost in Cult has also partnered with preservation group DoesItPlay? – a community that tests physical releases and hardware for offline functionality. "We work tirelessly to ensure these fantastic experiences remain accessible now and always," added DoesItPlay? owner Clemens Istel. "Aligning with Lost in Cult's mission to provide the best physical games publishing to date is now the next step in our efforts to ensure quality physical releases that stand the test of time and make developers and players equally proud."

Because technology changes so quickly, IT teams must constantly learn new things, from cloud platforms and coding languages to AI tools, data science methods, and security measures. But relying on technical skills alone isn’t enough to guarantee success. Many organizations now see that balancing strong technical abilities, a.k.a. hard skills, with soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork is necessary for IT teams to be effective in business. Balancing hard and soft skills isn’t optional; it’s essential for building high-performing IT teams, said Ximena Gates, CEO and co-founder of BuildWithin, a company that provides software to help employers create and manage apprenticeships and workplace training programs. “High performance is like a relay race: every team member must be a well-rounded athlete, excelling individually while ensuring smooth collaboration,” she said. “With AI automating more aspects of coding, quality assurance, and design, engineers must continuously learn, experiment boldly, and communicate effectively with their teams.” In the past, having strong technical skills was often enough to land an IT role, Gates said. “We hired engineers based almost purely on their coding ability and even overlooked poor communication, assuming they didn’t need to be public-facing,” she said. “Not today.” Now, Gates said she assesses soft skills as well as hard skills from the very first interaction. “When I interview, I evaluate active listening, curiosity, and the candidate’s response to demands and challenges to gauge resilience and persistence.” In today’s AI-driven world, success comes from combining technical skills with good communication, initiative, flexibility, teamwork, and clear documentation to keep teams organized and productive, Gates added. “Today, everyone — from employees to senior leaders — needs ongoing training in both technical and soft skills,” she said. Speaking the language of business Ramesh Kollepara, global CTO at Kellanova, formerly Kellogg Co., said his leadership philosophy focuses on building a culture of learning. And to make that learning culture effective, it’s essential to balance both soft and hard skills. Kollepara said hard skills are like the car’s engine and brakes — the technical capabilities that allow the car to function. Soft skills are like the GPS and steering wheel — the tools that guide the car to its destination. Kollepara’s analogy implies that just having strong technical skills isn’t enough. IT professionals also need the soft skills to effectively apply those technical capabilities and steer their teams in the right direction. “Durable” skills such as curiosity, adaptability, and agile learning enable IT pros to apply technology in a way that supports and aligns with business outcomes, said Chris Campbell, chief information officer at DeVry University. “For us, it’s super important that technologists speak the language of the business and communicate in terms that nontechnical stakeholders can understand,” he explained. “This bridges the gap in understanding between the technical and business sides.” Balancing hard and soft skills helps IT teams not only handle the technical work but also communicate well, adapt to changes, and align with business goals to ensure successful technology projects, he added. This balance is crucial for IT teams to be effective, he said. Strategies for hiring tech pros with balanced hard and soft skills Building well-rounded IT teams starts well before candidates receive job offers. During the hiring process, many companies now assess both hard and soft skills through several interviews with different departments. “It may seem old school, but we’ve found that going through multiple interviews with members of our team asking technical questions and seeing how the candidate explains the responses really helps us understand their proficiency technically and their ability to communicate,” said Louis Ormond, vice president and general manager at Toshiba America Business Solutions. Erin DeCesare, CTO at workplace catering platform ezCater, outlined a similar approach. During the hiring process, cross-functional partners format the interview around use cases that mimic real-life examples, she said. “So we’re asking a technologist to either design a system or code through a requirement,” she said. “They must demonstrate how they’d solicit requirements from nontechnical stakeholders and then detail how they’d technically solve the issue. In that same hour, we’re evaluating both their hard skills and the way they collaborate and communicate.” John Samuel, COO at CGS (Computer Generated Solutions), said that his interviewing style is to alternate between questions that test a candidate’s technical knowledge and those that reveal interpersonal strengths. “I might start with questions that look at their hard skills — for example, asking them to talk about their technical proficiency in the specific area that we’re hiring for, like cloud, security, or coding,” he said. “Things that you can measure. I’ll ask what projects they’ve led. What projects were successful and what they failed in.” Samuel said he then switches his questions to focus on soft skills, such as teamwork and conflict resolution. By moving back and forth, Samuel can see how solid a candidate’s technical background is and how effectively they leverage soft skills to handle real challenges. “This helps me understand the candidate’s overall balance of hard and soft skills,” he said. At DeVry, Campbell’s approach is to use behavioral-based interview questions to understand how candidates have handled situations that require both hard and soft skills. “We look for ‘red flags’ and ‘green flags’ in how the candidate responds, such as whether they can break down technical concepts in business terms,” he said. For example, if the candidate just doubles down on technical jargon and details when asked about communicating with nontechnical stakeholders, that would be a red flag because it shows that they’ll likely struggle to translate technical concepts into business language. But if the candidate demonstrates an ability to explain technical concepts in terms of the stakeholder’s business processes and outcomes, that would be a positive green flag, he said. Strategies for balancing hard and soft skills in existing IT teams Balancing hard and soft skills doesn’t stop after the interview process. Ensuring that existing employees have a balance of hard and soft skills requires ongoing training. For example, Kellanova offers training to help employees improve both their technical and soft skills through YODA, its Year of Development Always education program, Kollepara said. On the hard skills side, this training keeps Kellanova’s IT teams updated on programming languages, data science, and machine learning. And in terms of soft skills, the training helps IT team members think more creatively and better understand the needs of their colleagues in other departments. Dennis Di Lorenzo, director of skilling strategy at Micron Technology, encouraged IT managers to match their teams’ training plans with the company’s goals. “For example, cloud computing and cybersecurity skills must be complemented by problem-solving and collaboration for digital transformation success,” he said. “[IT managers] should also embed skills into workforce planning and leverage data for personalized learning. Using AI-driven analytics can help assess skill gaps and provide customized learning paths for employees, ensuring they acquire both hard and soft skills relevant to their roles.” Samuel at CGS recommended implementing quarterly performance reviews to track employees’ progress in developing their hard and soft skills over time. A regular, thoughtful review process is one of the most effective ways to help existing IT employees develop both technical and people skills, he said. Too often, IT managers view performance reviews as a formality — they simply go through the motions once a year, Samuel said. But when used properly, reviews can highlight each person’s strengths and pinpoint specific areas for growth, whether that’s learning a new coding language or improving communication and teamwork. Instead of filing these reviews away, Samuel said it’s best to revisit them regularly, ideally every quarter, to track employees’ progress. Along the way, managers or mentors can offer coaching, arrange classroom-style training, or provide hands-on support to ensure employees are continuously advancing their hard and soft skills. “I think it’s also important to create a culture that fosters healthy dialogue, both in hard and soft skills,” Samuel said. “People should feel like they can come and say, ‘Hey, I want help here. I’m struggling here in my soft skills,’ or ‘Hey, there are some new projects [I need help with]’ — and that might be more hard skills.” Further reading: How to keep tech workers engaged in the age of AI Just what is an ‘IT worker’ now? The definition is changing 15 mistakes that make hiring IT talent harder