Pope-Leighey House | © Peter Thomas via Unsplash Constructed in 1940, the Pope-Leighey House represents Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian vision, his architectural response to the social, economic, and aesthetic conditions of mid-20th-century America. Designed for middle-class clients, the Usonian houses were intended to democratize quality design, providing spatial dignity at an affordable cost. In stark contrast to the mass-produced suburban housing of the post-Depression era, Wright sought to design individualized homes rooted in site, economy, and human scale. Pope-Leighey House Technical Information Architects1-6: Frank Lloyd Wright Original Location: Falls Church, Virginia, USA Current Location: Woodlawn Plantation, Alexandria, Virginia, USA Gross Area: 111.5 m2 | 1,200 Sq. Ft. Project Years: 1939 – 1940 Relocation: 1964Photographs: © Photographer The house of moderate cost is not only America’s major architectural problem but the problem most difficult for her major architects. I would rather solve it with satisfaction to myself and Usonia than anything I can think of. – Frank Lloyd Wright 7 Pope-Leighey House Photographs © Lincoln Barbour © Peter Thomas via Unsplash © Peter Thomas via Unsplash © Lincoln Barbour © Lincoln Barbour © Peter Thomas via Unsplash © Peter Thomas via Unsplash © Peter Thomas via Unsplash Contextual Framework and Commissioning The house, commissioned by journalist Loren Pope, was initially situated in Falls Church, Virginia, on a wooded lot chosen to amplify Wright’s principles of organic architecture. Working within a modest budget, Pope approached Wright after reading his critique of conventional American housing. Wright accepted the commission and delivered a design reflecting his social idealism and formal ingenuity. In 1964, the house was relocated to the grounds of the Woodlawn Plantation in Alexandria, Virginia, due to the construction of Interstate 66. While disrupting the original site specificity, this preservation affirms the cultural value placed on the work and raises enduring questions about the transposability of architecture designed for a particular place. Design Principles and Architectural Language The Pope-Leighey House distills the essential characteristics of Wright’s Usonian ideology. Modest in scale, the 1,200-square-foot house is arranged in an L-shaped plan, responding to programmatic needs and solar orientation. The linearity of the bedroom wing intersects perpendicularly with the open-plan living space, forming a sheltered outdoor terrace that extends the perceived interior volume into the landscape. Wright’s orchestration of spatial experience is central to the house’s architectural impact. The low-ceilinged entrance compresses space, setting up a dynamic release into the double-height living area, an architectural maneuver reminiscent of his earlier Prairie houses. Here, horizontality is emphasized in elevation and experience, reinforced by continuous bands of clerestory windows and built-in furnishings that draw the eye laterally across space. Materially, the house embodies a deliberate economy. Red tidewater cypress, brick, and concrete are left exposed, articulating their structural and tectonic roles without ornament. The poured concrete floor contains radiant heating, a functional and experiential feature that foregrounds the integration of structure, comfort, and environmental control. Window mullions extend into perforated wooden panels, demonstrating Wright’s inclination to merge architecture and craft, blurring the line between enclosure and furnishing. Structural Rationality and Construction Methodology A defining feature of the Usonian series, particularly the Pope-Leighey House, is the modular planning system. Based on a two-foot grid, the plan promotes construction efficiency while enabling spatial flexibility. This systemic logic underpins the entire design, from wall placements to window dimensions, allowing the house to feel simultaneously rigorous and organic. Construction strategies were purposefully stripped of excess. The flat roof, cantilevered overhangs, and minimal interior partitions reflect an architecture of subtraction. Without a basement or attic, the house resists hierarchy in its vertical organization. Walls are built with simple sandwich panel techniques, and furniture is integrated into the architecture, reducing material use and creating visual unity. Despite the constraints, the house achieves a high level of tectonic expression. The integration of structure and detail is particularly evident in the living room’s perforated wood screens, which serve as decorative elements, light diffusers, and spatial dividers. These craft elements reinforce the Gesamtkunstwerk ambition in Wright’s residential works: a house as a total, synthesized environment. Legacy and Architectural Significance Today, the Pope-Leighey House is a critical touchstone in Wright’s late-career trajectory. It encapsulates a radical yet modest vision, architecture not as monumentality but as a refined environment for everyday life. Preserved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the house continues to serve as a pedagogical model, offering insights into material stewardship, compact living, and formal economy. In architectural discourse, Wright’s larger commissions often overshadow the Usonian homes. Yet the Pope-Leighey House demands recognition for what it accomplishes within limitations. It is a project that questions conventional paradigms of domestic space and asserts that thoughtful design is not a luxury reserved for the elite but a right that can and should be extended to all. The house’s quiet radicalism remains relevant in today’s discussions of affordable housing, sustainable design, and spatial minimalism. Its influence is evident in contemporary explorations of prefab architecture, passive environmental systems, and spatial efficiency, fields that continue to grapple with the same questions Wright addressed eight decades ago. Pope-Leighey House Plans Floor Plan | © Frank Lloyd Wright Section | © Frank Lloyd Wright East Elevation | © Frank Lloyd Wright North Elevation | © Frank Lloyd Wright West Elevation | © Frank Lloyd Wright Pope-Leighey House Image Gallery About Frank Lloyd Wright Frank Lloyd Wrightwas an American architect widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern architecture. Known for developing the philosophy of organic architecture, he sought harmony between human habitation and the natural world through forms, materials, and spatial compositions that responded to context. His prolific career includes iconic works such as Fallingwater, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Usonian houses, redefined residential architecture in the 20th century. Credits and Additional Notes Original Client: Loren Pope Architectural Style: Usonian Structure: Wood frame on a concrete slab with radiant heating Materials: Tidewater cypress, brick, concrete, glass Design Team: Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin Fellowship apprentices Preservation: Owned and maintained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation #popeleighey #house #frank #lloyd #wrights

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: This Amazon Fire TV soundbar upgraded my home entertainment without breaking the bankWhether you're new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar's performance. 1. Placement and acoustics It may sound obvious, but where you place your soundbar is a major factor. For the most balanced sound, position the soundbar directly below your TV, centered and parallel to the screen. Mounting a soundbar above your screen is also an option, but the ideal height placement for ultimate clarity is at or near ear level. Make sure your soundbar isn't obstructed by furniture or even decorative items that can block sound waves. Also: I changed 3 settings on my PS5 to significantly improve the performanceEach room has unique acoustics. Does your room have high ceilings or large windows? Are your floors hardwood or tile? If so, consider adding soft furnishings such as rugs and curtains to reduce reflections. You could also take it a step further by adding acoustic panels or diffusers to your area. Acoustic panels or diffusers can help manage sound reflections and create a more balanced audio environment.As noted by ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty, advanced soundbars like LG's S95TR go through a tuning process specific to the layout of your viewing area by using an AI room calibration feature. If your soundbar lacks such a feature, do some experimenting to find the sweet spot.Remember that most soundbars are designed to project sound directly toward the audience, so make sure the device is angled for optimal sound dispersion across all seating positions. Moving the soundbar a foot or so from your listening area or adjusting the angle just a few inches can noticeably improve or degrade the output. 2. Subwoofer location means everything Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf your soundbar has a subwoofer, place it on the floor, preferably in a corner or along a wall, to enhance bass response. The aim is to create a seamless blend between low-frequency effects and the rest of the audio spectrum. I've read about a music producer who would do a "crawling test" to pinpoint the best location. This involves playing some bass-heavy content and literally crawling around the room to find the spot with the most balanced bass output. Voila -- there's the best place to put your subwoofer. Also: What is spatial audio? Here's everything you need to knowSome soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, and others allow you to connect an external subwoofer wirelessly or via a wired connection.In the absence of a subwoofer, and if it's in your budget, consider adding a unit like the SVS SB-1000 Pro. A more affordable option is the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. Hooking up a subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio experience with deeper, more impactful low-frequency effects, making you feel like you're part of the onscreen action. 3. Customizing your soundbar's equalizer and audio settings As I mentioned earlier, some soundbars feature automatic calibration systems that use a microphone to measure and adjust sound settings for your specific room. Many more of them come with various audio presets or EQ settings that you can adjust according to your tastes. Certain soundbars offer the flexibility to tailor audio settings for individual inputs, allowing you to fine-tune the sound quality based on whether you're watching shows, listening to music, or gaming. In any case, adjusting bass, treble, and other parameters can greatly improve audio quality based on your room's acoustics and your listening habits. Also, make sure to experiment with any advanced features, such as Virtual Surround Sound, Dialogue Enhancement, or Bass Boost, if available. Increasing the bass can add depth and power to action scenes, making explosions and other intense moments more dramatic and engaging. Raising the dialogue levels puts a focus on the center channel and midfrequencies, making vocals more distinct and easier to comprehend -- so you can actually understand what Yennefer of Vengerberg is whispering in The Witcher. Along those lines, check to see if your soundbar has a volume leveler. This featurelets you listen to content with greater consistency. You'll be reaching for the volume button on your remote much less frequently with volume leveling. 4. Check yourconnection Michael Gariffo/ZDNETYour soundbar is likely connected to your TV via an HDMI ARCor eARCport. This technology supports advanced 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio for a super-immersive surround-sound experience. Ideally, your soundbar will support HDMI-CECconnectivity, which lets you command devices connected through HDMI by using only one remote control. In this scenario, you can use your TV's remote to control the soundbar and, for instance, an added Blu-ray player. Also: What is EQ and why is it an important factor in improving sound?Integrating the operation of multiple devices into one is certainly my preference. Who wants three separate remotes sitting on their coffee table? Having all your devices plugged into the soundbar reduces clutter and avoids having to install a switch box. You can then easily switch between audio sources by changing the soundbar's input mode using your single remote. OK, this doesn't pertain to maximizing audio quality, but here's something that does. Compared with connecting your soundbar via Bluetooth, a wired connection remains the best method for transferring sound. Opting for a wired connection, such as HDMI or optical cables, guarantees a stable and lossless audio transmission. This allows the audio content to be heard as it was intended, without any degradation or disruptions caused by wireless signal interference or compression. Also, keep in mind that not all cables are created equal. Be sure to use a cable that supports high-res formats and has a higher bandwidth that can process more channels to support extra bass and tweeter speakers. 5. Updates are essential This one is short and sweet: check for software and firmware updates!Manufacturers often release updates that can improve your soundbar's performance and add new features. Regularly installing updates ensures your soundbar benefits from the latest enhancements and fixes, and squashes bugs that can corrupt sound quality. Also: Your TV's USB port has hidden superpowers: 5 benefits you're not taking advantage ofWith these simple tips, you can maximize your soundbar's performance and enjoy a richer, more immersive audio experience. Proper placement, room acoustics optimization, and thoughtfully adjusting your settings will surely elevate your listening experience for streaming. Whether you're watching action-packed blockbusters or rocking out to your favorite tunes, your soundbar will be ready to deliver exceptional audio quality. This article was originally published on April 28, 2025, and was updated on May 23, 2025.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.Featured reviews #easy #ways #instantly #improve #your

It looks like even memory modules will soon come integrated with an LCD, as that is something that V-Color showed off at its booth. DDR5 Memory Modules With Integrated LCDs Are Coming Soon, V-Color First To Showcase New Design These days, you can find LCDs or some sort of display on almost every PC component. We have seen CPU coolers, graphics cards, motherboards, power supplies, cases, and even standalone fans with such designs, and it looks like the next component is going to be memory modules. At its Computex booth, V-Color was showcasing a lot of memory products since it's their primary business, and they are excellent at it. The company stated that they are securing high-quality SK Hynix ICs for their newest DDR5 UDIMM & CUDIMM modules, which will further push the performance to new levels. Furthermore, the company is also rolling out its high-capacity DDR5 memory modules, such as the RDIMM series. V-Color has already announced that it was the first to offer overclocked DDR5 RDIMMs with capacities of up to 256 GB. We saw this flagship module at the booth, which is rated at 6000 MT/s at a CL38 timing with 1.35V. There were also 128 GB and 96 GB kits. But the most interesting product at V-Color's booth is definitely their concept Manta Sky Xfinity module design, which integrates an LCD on the heatspreader while retaining the high-end heatsink and the large RGB diffuser on the top. This integrated LCD can be seen on the right-most DIMM and can display various useful stats such as the memory capacity, its voltage, frequency, the CPU, and what sort of BIOS mode the CPU is running in. In this case, the memory was running the 200S Boost, which optimizes memory on Arrow Lake CPUs to enhance performance. 2 of 9 Just like the filler RGB modules that V-Color has launched, the integrated LCD module will only have one piece in the kit, and that makes a lot of sense since you can't see the remaining LCDs when running a stack of modules. The design is still very much in prototype stages, but we will hear more about this new design in the coming months. Deal of the Day #vcolor #puts #lcd #ddr5 #memory

Le président américain, Donald Trump, aux côtés de la première dame, Melania Trump, signe la loi « Take It Down Act », dans la roseraie de la Maison Blanche à Washington, lundi 19 mai 2025. JIM WATSON / AFP Face à un phénomène en pleine croissance, le président américain, Donald Trump, a promulgué, lundi 19 mai, une loi criminalisant le partage sans consentement d’images pornographiques réelles ou créées par l’intelligence artificielle, notamment à des fins de vengeance. Lire aussi | Article réservé à nos abonnés Le nombre de « deepfakes » pornographiques explose du fait des progrès de l’intelligence artificielle Ce texte nommé « Take It Down Act », soutenu par la première dame, Melania Trump, avait été précédemment adopté par le Sénat américain et la Chambre des représentants, où il avait recueilli un large soutien des deux partis. « Il s’agira de la toute première loi fédérale visant à lutter contre la diffusion d’images explicites et fictives sans le consentement de la personne », s’est félicité le président républicain. « Quiconque diffusera intentionnellement des images explicites sans le consentement d’une personne encourra jusqu’à trois ans de prison », a-t-il détaillé, évoquant également des « responsabilités civiles » pour les réseaux sociaux qui hébergent ces images mais « refusent de retirer ces images rapidement ». Les jeunes filles et femmes particulièrement touchées La diffusion non consentie d’images à caractère sexuel, parfois créées grâce au concours de l’IA, est un phénomène qui touche majoritairement les jeunes filles et femmes – dont certaines célébrités comme la chanteuse Taylor Swift ou l’élue du parti démocrate, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Lire aussi | Taylor Swift victime de fausses images pornographiques, l’intelligence artificielle en accusation Avec la popularisation des outils d’IA, la fabrication de ces montages photo ou vidéo hyperréalistes s’est simplifiée et a ouvert la voie à leur utilisation massive à des fins de harcèlement ou d’humiliation, prenant de court les législateurs du monde entier. « Cette législation constitue une étape décisive dans nos efforts pour garantir que chaque Américain, en particulier les jeunes, puisse se sentir mieux protégé contre les atteintes à leur image ou à leur identité par le biais d’images non consenties », a salué Melania Trump aux côtés de son époux, lors d’une rare apparition publique. La première dame, mobilisée sur ce dossier, avait pour l’occasion invité à la Maison Blanche plusieurs jeunes filles victimes de telles pratiques. Parmi elles, une adolescente texane qui avait découvert fin 2023 des montages hyperréalistesà caractère sexuel d’elle et de plusieurs de ses camarades, fabriqués sans leur consentement par un élève de son collège puis partagés sur le réseau Snapchat. « Les filles ne faisaient que pleurer, et pleurer à ne plus en finir, elles avaient honte », avait à l’époque confié à l’Agence France-Pressesa mère, Anna Berry McAdams, qui s’inquiétait que ces images ne resurgissent dans le futur. « Cela pourrait les affecter toute leur vie », alertait-elle, pointant du doigt l’impuissance des victimes à agir et faire défendre leurs droits. Lire aussi | Article réservé à nos abonnés « J’étais sous antidépresseurs, et lui simplement auditionné » : pour les victimes de « revenge porn », un long combat pour obtenir justice Risque de censure Seuls quelques Etats américains, dont la Californie et la Floride, disposaient jusqu’à présent de lois criminalisant la fabrication et la publication de fausses images à caractère sexuel. Cette loi fédérale représente donc un « pas significatif » dans la lutte contre ce phénomène, estime, auprès de l’AFP, Renée Cummings, criminologue et chercheuse en intelligence artificielle à l’université de Virginie. « Mais son efficacité dépendra de sa mise en œuvre rapide et fiable, de sanctions sévères à l’égard des auteurs de ces actes et de son adaptabilité en temps réel face aux menaces numériques émergentes », a-t-elle insisté. Et de prévenir : « Nous devons veiller à ce que les mesures législatives protègent la société et punissent les auteurs, sans pour autant éroder par inadvertance le cryptage ou étouffer l’expression légitime » sur Internet. Lire le décryptage | Article réservé à nos abonnés « Deepfake », un terme imparfait pour une réalité appelée à durer Un risque pointé par plusieurs associations de défense des libertés publiques, qui se sont inquiétées d’un risque de censure. « Si la protection des victimes face à ces invasions odieuses de l’intimité est un but légitime, les bonnes intentions seules ne suffisent pas à faire une bonne loi », a ainsi estimé l’Electronic Frontier Foundation, dénonçant des « définitions vagues et le manque de garde-fous » qui pourraient mener à la censure. Le Monde avec AFP Réutiliser ce contenu #donald #trump #signe #une #loi

Music is a pleasant healer, but the same cannot be said about the speakers that we use at home to deliver soothing and healing music into our ears. Bloom is set to change that with its interesting design: It is a speaker inspired by the natural bud and its quiet journey into a full bloom. In that emotion, the Bloom, a sustainable ambient speaker, is born on the idea of ​​‘atmosphere’ before ‘function.’ It fills the space with an aroma before the music can take over as a complementing partner. To that accord, as the designer says, “Bloom is a natural bud that quietly blooms.” It gently fills the space with emotion before being a speaker which spreads quality sound. Even though the music ability comes second to emotional quotient, Bloom is no less in audio finesse. This premium quality Bluetooth speaker is built-in with a healthy influx of speaker, tweeter, and woofer for eminent sound that can fill the space. Designer: Yeonu Hwang The Bloom, an audio products brand, is known for emphasising sustainability in almost all aspects of its production, from the use of recycled plastic in construction to locally sourced materials for speaker drivers, and more. Bloom Bluetooth speaker from Yeonu Hwang may have little connection, but it does have the same ethos. The speaker uses coffee and natural aromas that slowly spread in the space like the light and emitted sound. The Bloom is thus a reference to how sustainable fragrance of everyday materials can fill the routine, owing to the use of discarded coffee grounds, recycled glass and fabric in the creation. Result of sustainable development and harmony between technology and natural materials, the Bloom speaker also exudes substance in its appearance, which is spearheaded by its cylindrical design and a color palette inspired by wood, earth and sunlight. Each of these tones has a different appeal, they reflect the warmth, the flow of life, and the prominence of quietly being there and radiating calm. The calmness is assured by the diffuser on the top, which is integrated into the speaker magnetically, so it can be attached or detached at will, depending on how you choose to use the speaker. Inside its soft and emotionally charged exterior, the Bloom has a well-balanced arrangement of three key drivers: tweeter, full-range, and woofer, ensuring professional-level audio delivery. Courtesy of the design and the positioning of the speakers in it, the Bloom can create an immersive, 360-degree listening experience. Really interesting onboard are the controls, with the slide gesture, the Bloom allows the user to control light, the emotions, and the sound, creating an atmosphere that slowly changes with the movement of the fingertips on the controls. Since the entire contraption is flawless and smooth, the connectivity ports have been slotted right in the base to safeguard the aesthetic brilliance. The post Inspired by nature in all its forms, the Bloom ambient speaker puts atmosphere before function first appeared on Yanko Design. #inspired #nature #all #its #forms

Routine resort-goers know the Cayman Islands’ Seven Mile Beach well—they flock to its white sands, turquoise water, and luxurious coastal amenities for stress-free vacations. Among the hotel-speckled coastline, Palm Heights stands out for being the first of its kind on the strip—an all-suite boutique hotel with splashy, ’70s-derived interiors that quickly became a fixture for coastal creatives when it reopened in 2019. The visionary behind its distinct style? Creative director Gabriella Khalil, also known for her wide breadth of interiors work, including projects in New York’s WSA building, SoHo darling Happier Grocery, as well as global hospitality projects.Kravaev-Söderberg and Khalil. Courtesy of H&M HomeOn June 12, H&M Home and Khalil are bringing the property’s signature vacation vibe to your own space, with a resort-inspired line that draws from the palette and prints of Palm Heights—its bright yellows, white sands, cabana stripes, and retro style. While the Swedish powerhouse already offers an impressive decor inventory, this melding of the minds invites a new POV to their Scandi sensibilities.“Our philosophy is to create interior objects that stand the test of time in terms of design while also respecting quality and price, so that interior enthusiasts can decorate their homes in a personal and contemporary way,” says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, head of design and creative at H&M Home. “A collaboration like this allows us to tap into a unique world and invite our customers to access the beauty and escapism of Palm Heights.”The 23-piece collection features robes, towels, pool cushions, even a retro sun fan that incorporates the signature design and glamorous spirit of the hotel. “We call the ’70s the glory days of the Caribbean—moments from that time and the architecture of the building lent itself to that era. We wanted to hone in on it,” Khalil said. “Photography by Slim Aarons and imagery of Grace Jones have been a consistent visual reference.”The reversible stripe throw pillows in the collection’s characteristic yellow and brown. Courtesy of H&M HomeThe Palm Heights–embossed cabana towel, pictured here with the backgammon set. Courtesy of H&M HomeStriped cotton robes in bright yellow and deep brown mix with striped towels with checkered trims in the same palette, gesturing to the umbrellas that line the beachfront property. Design-forward objects also appear in the collection like teak sandstone ceramics and wooden candleholders. The sun fan is rattan with a bold black handle, which, Khalil says, “captures the playfulness and elegance of the collection as well as the spirit of summer vacations.” A reed diffuser and candle manifest the scent of the Caribbean coastline—tonka santal with sun-ripe plum, cedarwood, and tobacco.The sandstone candleholders, as well as the sandstone bowls in both large and small. Courtesy of H&M HomeWith play and relaxation top of mind, the collection also features a checkered Ping-Pong set and backgammon set for bringing summer playfulness to the home. “I hope people feel the beginning of summer; there’s joyfulness, sunshine, and elegant simplicity,” Khalil says.Ultimately, Kravaev-Söderberg’s goal is to make the magic of the islands accessible to all. “Our idea is to give more people the opportunity to feel the magic of these incredible places—to allow them to travel without leaving home,” she says. With the collection’s most expensive item clocking in at you can thank H&M Home for saving your wallet a trip to the Caymans. The collection will be available for purchase on June 12. Prices start at and range to Palm Heights yellow cushions, H&M glasses, and the collection’s sun fan. Courtesy of H&M HomeThe orange glass and pitcher collection, pictured with the handmade straw basket. Courtesy of H&M Home #hampampm #home #teams #with #palm

Grandmillennial aesthetics, draped curtains, canopy beds, warm minimalism—these are some of the bedroom trends that designers predictedfor 2025. They center around warmth, coziness, and personality, providing a much different experience than the picture-perfect clean minimalism bedrooms of Pinterest eras past. And the visually-fueled social media platform is seeing that too, predicting that the inviting and informal interior trend of "bedscaping" is about to take the world by storm.As stark white interiors have fallen out of style and more maximalist looks have moved into the spotlight, Pinterest has found that certain terms that support these personality-filled rooms are seriously gaining momentum. The term "eclectic apartment" has jumped by 630 percent, and the search term "boho bedroom" is up by 65 percent as people embrace the curated mess aesthetic and aim to create something bolder with more character through their decor. "Ten years ago, bedscapes tended to be very minimal, often embracing a white-on-white aesthetic that, while clean, could feel slightly impersonal," Eleanor Trepte of Dekay & Tate Interiors says. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, more people spent extended time at home than they had in years, leading to a greater focus on comfort. "Since then, bedscaping has become far more personal, with layered bedding, mood lighting, and bolder colors and patterns taking center stage."If you're looking for fresh ways to make your bedroom feel cozier this spring and summer, keep reading for tips on how to bedscape the designer-approved way. Related StoriesFocus on TextureMatthew NiemannDifferently textured upholstery, draperies, and fabrics give this bedroom by Galeana Younger drama and boldness."I think bedscaping is less about decorative frills and more about texture and layers," says designer Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. She explains that her clients want textures that feel more cozy and soft rather than starchy. It's those softer textiles on the bed that invite you to relax. Designer Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design adds that neuroaesthetics, the scientific study of how we react to creative works, "tells us that bedroom color, lighting temperature, pattern, and texture all play a part in how we unwind to fall asleep." A bed that's made with an enveloping material like cotton sateen, a heavy down duvet, and ultra-plush pillows can encourage better sleep after a long day.Layer AwayCourtesy of Autumn Dawn DesignA mountain of pillows and a textured, patterned knit blanket rest on top of another bold patterned duvet in this colorful bedroom by Autumn Dawn Designs.As Trepte puts it: "The perfect bedscape is all about layering to create an inviting, restful environment." Layering different patterns and textures adds personality and visual interest to your bedroom, and it can be done in simple ways if you prefer a more minimalist style. Trepte likes layering crisp white linens with warm quilts or throws and patterned pillows for personality. For a step-by-step guide on how to layer your bed, Pochiro explains that the first layer is sheets, then something plush, like a goose-down duvet or comforter. Next comes the decorative accents—your throw pillows and shams—and finally, a bed scarf at the bottom of the bed. Opt for Mood LightingBrie WilliamsA custom lampshade and golden sconce add more accent lighting to this bedroom by Heidi Woodman. A perfectly bedscaped bedroom does not go hand-in-hand with bright overhead lighting. Ambient lighting from lamps, sconces, and dimmers is key to creating a cozy bedroom environment. If you do need overhead lighting for whatever reason, Trepte suggests adding warm-toned lightbulbs that'll give the space a more luxurious vibe. Finish with a FragranceManu RodríguezDesigner Rayman Boozer displayed a bright burst of orange roses on this bedside table, adding a nice pop of color and a fragrant scent.After everything is visually the way you want it, the final step to bedscaping is finishing off with your favorite scent. Whether that's from a candle, a room or linen spray, incense, or a plug-in diffuser, this is the cherry on top of creating a space that's comforting and uniquely yours, explains Trepte. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok. #bedscaping #viral #design #trend #taking

Table of Contents Table of Contents Still daring to be different Performance improves — but does it matter? More range, same charging speeds A refreshingly different interior with well-executed tech The base model is the one to have Electric cars have given automakers a rare opportunity to throw out design and engineering conventions in favor of something truly new, and few automakers have exploited that opportunity like BMW. The German automaker’s first attempt at a volume-production electric vehicle was the BMW i3, a small hatchback that dispensed with all expectations of what a car wearing BMW’s blue-and-white badge should be, with a novel shape and engineering to match its electric powertrain. While the i3 wasn’t a sales success, its spirit lives on in an EV at the opposite end of the price and size spectrum. Recommended Videos Introduced for the 2022 model year, the BMW iX is a large SUV that sits near the top of the automaker’s EV lineup. It’s now been on sale long enough to warrant a mid-cycle refresh — or Lifecycle Impulse (LCI), in BMW speak — that brings numerous improvements while carrying forward the ethos of the i3. Related Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends Like the i3, the iX is hard to ignore. The original model’s many detractors will be disappointed to learn that BMW has doubled down on the massive grille, which returns with optional illumination. More prominent air intakes on either side help balance it somewhat, though, while new headlights with prominent vertical elements give the refreshed iX a somewhat cross-eyed appearance. Still, it’s nice to see a design that doesn’t blend into traffic — from some angles at least. The real issue here isn’t the grille, it’s that there isn’t much about the rest of the car that stands out. The thin taillights are unusual but subtle, and in profile view the iX’s tall-but-curvy shape makes it seem like BMW’s designers weren’t sure whether they were working on an SUV or a minivan. The iX is hard to ignore. In addition to following a similar design path, the iX borrows some of the i3’s impressive engineering. Its chassis uses a mix of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) similar to what was pioneered by the i3. But while CFRP should help reduce weight while retaining structural rigidity, although here the benefit is harder to see. BMW quotes a base curb weight of 5,567 pounds, which is not far off from a Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV with more conventional chassis construction. For 2026, the iX lineup expands with a new iX xDrive45 base model priced below the xDrive60 and M70 xDrive, which are updated replacements for last year’s xDrive50 and M60 xDrive variants, respectively. The M70 xDrive has a slightly sportier appearance, with bigger front air intakes and a mini rear diffuser, but a similar look can be added to the other two models via an optional M Sport Package. Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends All three 2026 iX models have dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, hence the “xDrive” branding. The base iX xDrive45 uses a 100.1-kilowatt-hour (usable capacity) battery pack and is rated at 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The other two use a larger pack, with different software that brings usable capacity to 113.4 kWh for the xDrive60 and 112.8 kWh for the M70. Either way, it’s more than the 109 kWh of all 2025 iX models. Output increases too. While there’s no 2025-model-year analogue for the base xDrive45, the xDrive60’s 536 hp is a 20-hp gain over the xDrive50 it replaces (torque remains unchanged at 546 lb-ft). The M70 produces 650 hp and 811 lb-ft, which are gains of 40 hp and 62 lb-ft over the M60 it replaces. However, this sportiest iX model isn’t any quicker, still doing zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, according to BMW. Precise steering makes getting the most out of the chassis easy. The M70 is still appreciably quicker than the xDrive45 and xDrive60, which reach 60 mph in a BMW-estimated 4.9 seconds and 4.4 seconds, respectively. But from the driver’s seat, all three models felt plenty quick. Even switching directly from the M70 to the xDrive45 didn’t feel like a downgrade; the base model was more than capable of mashing bodies into seats. There wasn’t a dramatic difference in handling and ride quality, but that’s because BMW set such a high bar with the pre-facelift iX. This isn’t the sportiest BMW, but corners gracefully, with precise steering that makes getting the most out of the chassis easy. And it does that while retaining the cushioned ride of a true luxury car — even on the newly-optional 23-inch wheels. Much of this is due to rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension that are standard on the M70, but can be added to the two lower-tier models with the Dynamic Handling Package. So again, it’s hard to justify the top-dog M70 when it comes to real-world driving. Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends The iX also boasts range improvements across the lineup. BMW estimates 340 miles for the xDrive60, 312 miles for the xDrive45, and 302 miles for the M70 xDrive. To put that in perspective, the 2025 iX topped out at 309 miles with a pack slightly larger than the one in the xDrive45. And the M60 xDrive — the equivalent to 2026’s M70 — could only muster 285 miles per charge. BMW didn’t address charging, however. The xDrive60 and M70 still DC fast charge at 195 kilowatts like all 2025 models, while the xDrive45 reaches 175 kW. That’s still enough for a 10%-80% charge in 35 minutes, BMW claims, and the standard 11-kW AC onboard charger has a more competitive power rate. It should make overnight recharges at home a nonissue. Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends The interior and tech features haven’t changed much, but that’s because they were already far ahead of the curve. In the spirit of the i3, the iX shows off what’s possible, but this time it’s a lead the rest of BMW’s lineup actually followed. Since its 2022-model-year launch, the iX’s curved dashboard display — including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen in one housing — has cropped up in other BMW models. It returns for 2026 looking as good as ever, and the iDrive infotainment system is fairly easy to navigate (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard as well). The stage for this tech is a cabin radically different to other BMW models. An angled dashboard and door panels provide visual interest while opening up space, as does the minimal center console that floats between the front seats. Available crystal controls further add to the whimsical atmosphere. For 2026, those wanting a more stereotypically BMW appearance can also spec an M Sport Package with a chunky steering wheel and seats with extra bolstering. Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends The iX was a great luxury EV at its launch, and the enhancements for 2026 help it keep pace with rivals. But most significant is the iX xDrive45 model’s base price of $76,325—$11,920 less than the least-expensive 2025 model. That also makes the 2026 iX cheaper than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Volvo EX90, while offering more range than an equivalently-priced Rivian R1S. BMW also keeps pricing in check for the other two iX grades. The xDrive60 starts at $89,675—$1,430 less than the xDrive50 model it replaces. The M70 xDrive costs $112,675—the same as the equivalent M60 model from 2025. While the xDrive60 offers more range, and both it and the M70 offer more power and a higher DC fast-charging power rate, the actual driving experience isn’t different enough to warrant upgrading from the xDrive45. That model’s lower base price leaves plenty of headroom for options, so you can spec it how you want without FOMO. And in today’s car-buying environment, that feels like a major win. Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/2026-bmw-ix-first-drive/ #bmw #first #drive #expected #tone #things #down #but #thankfully #didnt