There are some homes that you see that you instantly feel aren't going to be "life-proof". They're filled with finishes that probably need constant cleaning, for example, or fabrics that aren't going to hold up to the rigours of everyday life, especially if you have children or pets.

At a first glance, interior designer Nicholas Kaiko's own apartment feels like this kind of space. Though it might be a colorful space with a great sense of fun about it, it also feels undeniably grown-up, with soft and sumptuous textures. However, Nicholas' experience and expertise in design extends not only to making a space look good, but making it function practically, too. ' I have deep appreciation for textiles, and I understand the importance of choosing fabrics that not only look good but also practical and durable,' the designer tells us.

The designer's modern home is a masterclass in how to strike the balance between good looks and practicality these are the lessons to take away.

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

When it comes to an interior designer's own home, you'll often find it's a personal design manifesto, and when it came to decorating the apartment, this space was no exception. 'The design brief for my own home is a true reflection of my design ethos - a strong emphasis on color and texture,' Nicholas tells us. 'My personal aesthetic leans towards a mix of contemporary and vintage elements, underlined by a keen understanding and appreciation of textile construction. This approach was crucial in transforming my home into a space that resonates with my style and professional philosophy.'

The home itself served Nicholas well an award-winning collaboration from BKH & SJB, which provided both inspiration and framework for his design. 'With its well-considered layout, the apartment's existing plan perfectly catered to our lifestyle needs, separating private spaces to the East and communal areas like the kitchen, living, and dining to the West,' he says. 'This spatial arrangement allowed for a seamless integration of the indoor spaces with the large outdoor terrace, fostering an environment ideal for both living and entertaining.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

The home was the perfect canvas for the interior designer to put his stamp on, without requiring major renovations. 'Retaining most of the hard finishes, which have stood the test of time both in quality and aesthetics, I focused on enhancing these spaces through the application of color and material mix,' Nicholas says. 'The quality finishes are a testament to the value of getting it right from the start, and my design layer sought to complement these elements.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

Nicholas' approach to color feels clean, modern and still surprisingly minimalist, in spite of the bolder palettes that make up the rooms. 'I have a fascination with color, so a key theme in both my home and professional portfolio is color blocking,' Nicholas says. 'My home is a curation of objects and elements amassed over time and from travels, alongside new pieces chosen specifically for this space.'

For a starting point for the open plan living room and kitchen, he looked to an artwork that now hangs on the walls it's one of the defining design "moments" of the space. 'The color palette was inspired by an oversized artwork by Andy Harwood, one of my favourite Australian contemporary artists,' Nicholas tells us.

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

'His work, rich in cobalt and magenta, set the tone for the room. These colors are echoed throughout the space, notably in the saturated burgundy chenille fabric of the sofa and the burgundy hues in the Calacatta Viola marble of the coffee table. I am obsessed with cobalt and I think using it, sparingly, is incredibly luxurious.'

'The artwork anchors the space, providing a backdrop that enhances the deep tones of the furniture and accessories,' Nicholas adds. 'With its fluid transition of color, adds depth and dimension to the room, contributing to the overall sense of luxury and design coherence.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

His home is full of spaces that have that sense of luxuriousness to them that don't often go hand in hand with hardiness and practicality, but with one of the residents of his apartment also a miniature schnauzer called Harvey, this was a key consideration of the design.

'The luxuriousness of the apartment living room is a result of careful selection and blending of materials, colors, and design elements,' Nicholas says. 'Central to this luxurious feel is the deliberate mixing of textiles - velvet, chenille, silk-like fabrics, and felt.'

'In adapting our home to be more functional for our lifestyle, which includes living with our mini schnauzer Harvey, a key focus was on selecting the right textiles.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

One of Harvey's favorite pastimes is digging, so it meant choosing upholstery fabrics that were robust. 'I chose materials with a high polyester content and low viscose, coupled with high rub counts,' the designer says. 'These fabrics are resilient enough to withstand Harvey's activities without sacrificing style or comfort. It was essential for me to create a home where we didn't have to be overly cautious about the furniture, ensuring that Harvey is as much a part of our family space as anyone else.'

The large comfortable living room sofa was a must, given Nicholas' penchant for entertaining. He opted for a custom version of the Miles sofa from the Australian manufacturer Arthur G. 'Given the challenges of apartment living, especially in terms of access, the sofa was designed in two pieces to facilitate easy transportation via the elevator,' he explains.

The apartment kitchen, while retaining its original layout, needed a little refresh. 'The key change was the shift to black, accompanied by the removal of handles, which has given the kitchen a sleeker, more contemporary look,' Nicholas says. 'This modest update highlights the excellence of the original architectural design. Good planning stands the test of time.'

(Image credit: Fiona Susanto. Design: Kaiko Design)

His bathroom is also a good example of how he embraced the existing space. 'I kept the original tiles because they were still in great shape and had a lot of character,' Nicholas says. 'The update was more about bringing in new fixtures, lighting, and accessories to freshen things up. The green and brown color scheme is something you might not expect for a bathroom, and that's exactly why I love it. These colors make the space feel warm and earthy. Its a little oasis.'

Apple Marble and Crystal Bonbonniere

Price: $590 Brand: Reflections Copenhagen

Stone Street Coffee Table

Price: $995 Brand: Cobble Hill

Link:
This Interior Designer's Own Apartment is Elegant and Luxurious Yet Surprisingly "Life-Proof" Too - LivingEtc

New year, new you, so they say. Well, I say that the current you is great, so dont buy it. Kitchens, on the other hand, may benefit from an update. So whats on the horizon for kitchen design trends, and whats getting left behind in the new year? To find out which kitchen trends we can safely part ways with(and get a peek at whats coming next year), we checked in with some top interior designers and kitchen experts. Heres what they spilled.

Are you tired of trying to make your kitchen look like the seen-one-seen-them-all, picture-perfect kitchens online? You dont have to! Instead of feeling like we need the same perfect showcase kitchen we see on Instagram or a home renovation TV show, the zeitgeist is moving into an era of personal, idiosyncratic design, says Eva Jorgensen, an artist, designer, author, and travel expert. When we create a kitchen that fits our own authentic needs, tastes, backgrounds, budgets, etc., the result ends up being so much more interesting and original.

Eva bucked then-current trends a few years ago when it was time to replace some damaged butcher block counters. She opted for stainless steel on a hunch because the price was right and I had a feeling it could turn out looking great. And it did! The stainless steel gives a bit of a mid-century and industrial vibe, which creates a nice tension with the more country-feeling blue and white tiles and wooden open shelves.

The moral of the story: If you choose something because you love it and it works for you, even if it comes in and out of style over the years, youll keep loving it because its so true to you.

Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Floor, seconded this idea of you being you in your kitchen. The desire for kitchens with more personality will lead to more maximalist designs, he says. So kitchen layouts will start to lean away from simple looks and more towards looks with personalized expressions.

Remember when everybody painted their upper and lower cabinets different colors? Well, its time to forget it. Grab a brush, because a trend that is definitely on the way out is high-contrast kitchens, says designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors. I expect this trend to evolve in 2024 to kitchens having a more cohesive color palette. Even if the kitchen is all one color, it should be continuous with the stone and hardware to create a monotone look.

Ashley Stark, co-founder of Ashley Stark Home and creative director of STARK, agreed. Colorful kitchens had a moment in 2023, but I love a neutral kitchen space with subtle variations of creams and grays. Benjamin Moores Decorators White is one of my favorite hues for kitchens. It adds both brightness and calm to a space, allowing for other fixtures, appliances, and dcor to make a statement.

Not everyone believes white is a timeless selection for kitchens. White kitchens are losing their popularity in households, Rotem says. Homeowners are now seeking livelier color palettes to show more personality within living spaces.

The biggest trend leaving is the all-encompassing white kitchen, McGarity says. Color is coming back in a strong way. Clients are either choosing cabinets that are a rich dark wood tone again (think: walnut or mahogany, but not cherry wood tones of the 90s and early 2000s), or theyre painting walls a saturated color to contrast with lighter cabinetry. A lot of wood cabinets have been painted over in the last few years so homeowners will be finding ways to reinvent this look again by painting the walls.

Is it even a kitchen without a honking big island light or other massive fixture? Maybe not for long! Over the last year, we found that many designers and homeowners with low kitchen ceilings have opted for either sprawling, multi-arm semi-flush mounts to provide the ambiance of a chandelier or petite, decorative spotlights for more task-oriented lighting, says Sarah Speck, director of product strategy for Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

Looking ahead, she says, designers will find new and exciting ways to use mini flush mounts in kitchens. Gone are the days of trying to make your ugly recessed lighting recede into the background. Today, people are celebrating their petite ceiling and wall-mounted lighting by sourcing those with simple yet attractive designs in beautiful finishes and placing them in artful, yet practical, arrangements.

Honestly, choosing fixtures is so overwhelming I just skipped out entirely on cabinet hardware in my new kitchen. Luckily, McGarity provides some guidance.

Hardware is also pivoting, she says. Over the last few decades weve seen brass become dated and stainless or chrome surge. And now brass is on-trend again. Other finishes such as champagne gold will fall out of favor in 2024. There is a lot more freedom to mix metals. Its very common to see multiple metal finishes in a kitchen now. This will continue.

Pantries are essential in a kitchen, no? Well, maybe actually just no. In 2024, I anticipate people moving away from a large kitchen pantry, says interior designer Hilary Matt of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. In its place? She says people are opting for a secondary back kitchen, built-out butlers pantry, or wet bar.

While a simple kitchen pantry was once a popular trend, people are looking to create larger spaces that better serve their lifestyle needs, Matt says. These back rooms will be fully functional with everything from additional refrigeration and warming drawers to built-in coffee systems, wine storage, and dishwashers. Not only do these spaces add greater convenience when it comes to storage and preparation, but they also provide a great opportunity to have a bit more fun when it comes to design decisions.

File this one under TBD, as not everyone is convinced. In luxury homes there is a big movement to have one kitchen for show and an additional kitchen for prep and making messes, says Laura B. McGarity, certified interior designer and design manager at ID&A. This leads to a very spread-out work area. The same can be said for a pantry that is large enough to park a car. While seemingly desirable, this wreaks havoc on efficiency if you actually cook in your kitchen. I predict this trend will fade away after clients experience how the space functions.

Farmhouse kitchens are now basic, says Rotem. Again, homeowners are starting to incorporate personality within kitchens.

With the improvements to induction cooktops, I think the focal point of kitchen hoods will become less dominant in kitchen design, says McGarity. Induction is here to stay and as clients move away from gas, this will influence the dominant feature in kitchen design.

Darker tones will fade, says Rotem. Modern kitchens with matte finishes and sleek looks are not as desired as they once were; instead splashes of color are being brought back.

Read more here:
9 Kitchen Design Trends to Leave Behind in 2023, According to Interior Designers - Yahoo Life

A smart Nigerian lady has taken social media by storm with a viral video flaunting her acquired skills.

In the awe-inspiring video, the lady identified as @queenzita52 showcased her incredible range of talents, revealing herself to be a true jack of all trades.

From intricate hair braiding to stunning decorations, mouthwatering catering, delectable baking, and impeccable sewing, she has mastered an impressive array of skills that have captivated the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide.

PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!

Behind the scenes, the young lady is a force to be reckoned with. Her busy schedule is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft.

She wrote;

The impact of the woman's TikTok video has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Netizens from all walks of life have been left in awe of her incredible talent and versatility.

The comments section overflowed with words of admiration and appreciation as viewers expressed their amazement at her ability to excel in such a wide range of skills.

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Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a little girl has grabbed the attention of TikTok users with her outstanding ability to catwalk like a model. The performance of the girl who was dressed in a knee-length gown was captured in a video posted by Iyabongwa. The short clip lasted just 40 seconds, but it was enough for the girl to sweep the audience off their feet.

Her star performance saw the crowd shouting and clapping for her while many more removed their phones to video her. She walked confidently into the arena, making her girlish moves like a professional supermodel.

She walked to each table and greeted those seated with so much air of confidence, showing that she was prepared for the show. Many people who have come across the video have expressed deep admiration for the girl. She has been called a future supermodel by fans she won after the video was posted on Christmas day, 2022. Over 467k people have seen the clip.

Source: Legit.ng

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"You Dey Active Everywhere": Lady Who's a Tailor, Caterer, Event Planner, Interior Decorator Trends - Legit.ng

Sex Diaries

In Sex Diaries, weask anonymous city dwellers to record a week in their sex lives with comic, tragic, often sexy, and always revealing results.

Photo-Illustration: Marylu Herrera

This week, a woman enjoys her newly divorced life by having sex with a wealthy stranger: single, Manhattan, 32.

DAY ONE

7 a.m. Wake up and decide to make a Bloody Mary. A few months ago, just after my divorce was finalized, I resolved to be the kind of woman who makes amazing cocktails. Check.

8 a.m. Bloody in hand, I start the day. I live in a big house in Ditmas Park and its messy from a weekend of partying. I put on music and start to clean.

8:30 a.m. My sister and some friends were in town for my official divorce party. My ex-husband was my high-school sweetheart. We moved to the city together ten years ago. He got very successful at a law firm and I got very successful as a freelance interior decorator. A year ago we decided to part ways. I wanted kids and he did not. When we first got together he was wishy-washy, but as the years went on he became adamant about wanting a childless life forever. It was a dealbreaker. Plus, our sex was really boringhis penis was small, and Im obsessed with big dicks.

Anyway, the divorce was pretty amicable. We both wanted out and he makes a shit-ton of money so I got to keep the house.

11 a.m. Done cleaning. Im feeling a little anxious. Despite the completion of my divorce and the lack of drama surrounding it, Ive been dealing with some pretty rough anxiety. Ive never had anxiety before in my life. My friends think I didnt give myself enough time to heal after the divorce just went straight back into work and dating and never really processed how much my life has changed. Maybe theyre right. I dont want to go on medication so Im just drinking probably more than I should. I tell myself Ill go fully sober next year.

11:15 a.m. Settle in for a few hours of work: Call some clients, make up some budgets, etc.

5 p.m. Log on to the apps. I message with Franco, a guy from Feeld, who is gorgeous but has a wife in Paris. I could definitely have fun sleeping with him, but Im not sure if I can have sex with someone with whom there is absolutely zero future with.

10 p.m. I decide to move on from Franco despite his promise that he has a nine-inch cock. Like, Im not looking for a boyfriend, but I also have hope I could fall in love again.

DAY TWO

8 a.m. Meet with my trainer, Anthony, whom Ive always had a crush on. I just dont want to be the divorced woman who fucks her personal trainer, ya know?

9 a.m. Im meeting a client about her new brownstone. When I get to the house she introduces me to her husband, Mike, and I recognize him from Feeld. We matched and briefly chatted. Im not positive its him, but based on his awkward greeting like, he looked at me like he recognized me I think it must be.

I can feel him eyeing me during our meeting; Ive been dressing a lot sexier since getting divorced, and its amazing how much more attention Im getting from men. Is this all it takes? A red bodysuit and some high boots from Everlane?

11 a.m. The minute I get in my Uber I look to see if its the same Mike from Feeld. Well, it is, because theres a message waiting for me: Well that was awkward! I ask if his wife knows hes on dating apps. He says, Not exactly. Okay, ew. I want to win this brownstone account, but Ill be working with a couple where the husband is a cheater. Ugh! I block him on the app.

6 p.m. Meet up with my friend who is in her first lesbian relationship. Shes trying to explain to me how good the sex is in the queer community. I tell her that Im worried Id be a bad lesbian because Im so into guys with big dicks. She tries to sell me on strap-ons, but I dont bite.

9 p.m. Head home, take a bath, and off to bed.

DAY THREE

9 a.m. Visiting my gynecologist today to talk about a few things. One: possibly having a baby on my own. Two: going on birth control since I plan to fuck a bunch of men this winter (my ex always pulled out, but thats way too risky now.) Three: how to proceed with more regular STI testing.

11 a.m. Leave the appointment hating my gyno. She made me feel slutty and vapid she seemed like she was in a really bad mood and rushed through my appointment, and she didnt seem to be listening to me. I walked out with basically none of my questions answered. Great.

3 p.m. A big design brand occasionally uses me on projects, and today they want me to help design a holiday event at a store, so were doing the walk-through now. Its a West Elm kind of place and were all drinking Champagne talking about the concept. Again, I dressed really sexy. Just in case!

4 p.m. Theres a guy looking at a couch. Hes in a beautiful suit. We start talking and I offer him some Champagne. He says he has to get back to work on Wall Street but then he asks for my number! No wedding ring, so I give him the digits.

8 p.m. Wall Street guy texts. His name is William. We make a plan for tomorrow.

9 p.m. Im so tired from the day drinking that I go to bed early after a nice session with my vibrator.

DAY FOUR

9 a.m. I have a client in Jersey City, so Im in my car heading to her loft. Im feeling so horny lately. The vibration of my car seat is literally making me wet.

10 a.m. I do something Ive never done before and masturbate while stuck in traffic. I orgasm in the Holland Tunnel. Because Im alone in my car, I howl when it happens. It feels wonderful.

7 p.m. We meet at a nice Italian restaurant in the West Village. I am wearing a new tube top and high-waisted jeans. I feel a bit like a Kardashian but I also know I look hot. William walks in. Hes in another nice suit and looks well rich.

9 p.m. The date is nice. Hes nice. Hes also divorced but has two kids with his wife. He lives between the city and Westport. His story is pretty dull: He was a workaholic she needed more their marriage fell apart. Blah blah blah.

10 p.m. Were making out a bar in the Village and I put my hands in between his legs. The bulge feels nonexistent. I know its not the most scientific test, but Im kind of turned off. We decide to call it a night.

DAY FIVE

7 a.m. Wake up feeling anxious again, I still dont exactly know why. Obviously my divorce did something to me, even though on the surface I feel okay about it. I need some therapy. And self-examination. But I havent focused my energy on any self-help stuff.

9 a.m. Head to the city for a full self-care day. Im getting my hair highlighted, visiting my derm, and going shopping.

12 p.m. Lunch with my friend Amanda, who has three kids and a big job in fashion. I really envy her. Her life is perfect. Shes obsessed with her husband and shes a really good and involved mom. Sometimes I wonder how my life has devolved to the point of being totally alone with no idea what the future holds. Oh, hello maybe thats the root of my anxiety?

2 p.m. At least Im financially stable. Shopping therapy never hurts. I go to Bloomies, the RealReal, Sandro. I do some damage and come home with more sexy outfits for the holidays.

5 p.m. I have no plans for tonight. Its very quiet at home.

9 p.m. Been swiping online for hours. I think Ive lined up a few interesting guys to flirt with for the next few days. I just need to have crushes. Crushes and fantasies will keep me alive.

DAY SIX

8 a.m. Seeing my trainer. Should I just seduce him? During our session I imagine sucking his cock. Literally, I close my eyes while doing squats and imagine it. Obviously I dont say anything to him. Just a little fantasy.

10 a.m. Get a call from the brownstone client whose husband is secretly on Feeld. They want to hire me. Its the biggest job Ive ever landed so Im happy, but I also have a sick feeling in my stomach about the lying husband! I tell her Im honored and cant wait to get to work.

5 p.m. Spend the day drafting ideas and budgets for the brownstone. Feeling motivated. It seems like Ill only be dealing with the wife, so thats good, but then the husband texts me. Hes glad I won the project. This is super-creepy. He must have gotten my cell from her. Ugh! I dont reply.

7 p.m. William asks for drinks tomorrow before he heads back to Westport. I tell him it works for me.

10 p.m. Line up a whole weekend of coffees, drinks, and dinners. These clothes arent going to wear themselves!

DAY SEVEN

9 a.m. My parents are in town for a family event so were spending the day together. Theyve been so supportive of my divorce, but I know theyre dying for me to have kids. I feel the pressure, and theyre not so subtle about it.

1 p.m. After a few hours of family time, I need a breather. I tell them Ill see them tomorrow and go home for the rest of the day. They have plenty of people to visit with so Im not totally abandoning them. Dont worry, Im a good daughter!

5 p.m. Get my hair blown out and my makeup done for these drinks with William. He chose a private club for the drinks. Its classy and I want to really bring it.

7 p.m. We each order dirty martinis. William looks good. Hes handsome and smells really good, which I love. We talk about his kids, and I ask if hed ever have more. Without a beat, he says: Yeah, I really want more kids, one hundred percent. I like this answer. I like this answer so much that I ask him if hed escort me to the bathroom.

7:15 p.m. We are fucking in one of the big, fancy bathroom stalls. Theres loud music playing so no one will hear us, but it has to happen fast in case someone is waiting outside. Williams cock is average but it works. We go about five minutes and we both come.

9 p.m. Before the bill arrives, I decide that I wont be seeing William again. The sex wasnt good enough to keep my interest. But I had fun Im pretty happy with it. I send him off to Westport with a big smile on his face, and I go to another bar and see who else is around. Being single isnt so bad!

The Sex Diaries column, which began in 2007, is the basis of a newdocuseries on HBO.

Want to submit a sex diary? Email sexdiaries@nymag.com and tell us a little about yourself (and read our submission termshere.)

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Originally posted here:
Sex Story: The Divorce Who Wants to Seduce Her Trainer - The Cut

You can find lots of great things in big cities but apartments with ample storage usually arent among them. This, of course, can give rise to lots of small-space storage ideas, which range from maximizing wall space to adding moveable cabinets. However, this vintage apartments storage solution is one that blows them all out of the water.

Natalie Prices Brooklyn apartment is a study in monochrome, with shades of pink strewn all around. While the original apartment looked like any other older New York apartment, interior decorator Ally Doman changed it to reflect Natalies personality and added a few interesting touches along the way. Once you finish admiring all the shades, you might notice that the deep-set windows have a feature you dont often see: shelves! Yep, there are shelves set right into extra space around the windows, featuring framed pictures and a variety of knickknacks.

The shelves werent added by Ally or Natalie, but part of the apartment from the beginning. Ally did, however, decide to paint them pink to match the wall, giving the area a sense of cohesiveness. Most deep-set windows are unlikely to have the shelves built-in, so feel free to steal this idea and build your own. If the monochrome look isnt for you, paint your walls one color and your shelves another for a pop of color or set them up against white walls if you really want them to stand out.

If you dont want to use too many tools and make holes in your walls (like most renters), you could try using adhesive to stick the shelves to the sides of the window frame, or simply cut the wood to fit the width. Just make sure the shelves can support whatever youre choosing to put on them, and that you can still take the shelves out if you need to. Once youre done with that, check out all the other spaces you can squeeze shelves into.

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You'd Never Guess Where This Renter's "Secret" Storage Spot Is - Yahoo Life

Darla Goodrich

Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association met at the Crawfordsville Public Library on Nov. 13. President Kim Nixon led the teachers and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Diane German gave the invocation. Teachers having birthdays in November were recognized. New member Donna Wilson was welcomed.

Program chair and vice president Steve Frees introduced our speaker for the meeting, Darla Goodrich, and her father, Howard Goodrich. She has four adult children and her husband is Mark Frank who works as a student coordinator for Ivy Tech in Greencastle. Darla has been the senior minister at First Christian Church since 2016 and served as an FBI agent for 10 years. She graduated from Texas Christian University and Eden Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Goodrich talked about her years as an FBI agent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in Los Angeles. She thanked the audience for the work that we have done in preparing children to be successful in the world. Most of her speech was about her experiences in the FBI. She joked that the FBI sweatshirt and jacket she was issued in 1989 must be made from some special fabric from outer space because theyve never shown wear in over 30 years. She joked that that is the greatest mystery about the FBI.

The period of time it takes to become an agent is about one year. During this time the FBI interviews everyone who you see frequently and neighbors youve had. They also do polygraphs and psychological testing. Physical fitness is important and the interview by a panel of agents is intensive. After being accepted as a candidate she had 16 weeks of training at Quantico, Virginia and had the opportunity to meet Jodie Foster who was training for her role in the movie Silence of the Lambs.

Another interesting part of the training was being in scenarios in a fake town with actors playing the roles of suspected criminals. Everything was videotaped and evaluated. In small FBI offices, agents may be in charge of all kinds of crimes but in larger offices agents may specialize in particular types of crimes. While working in Los Angeles, Goodrich worked mostly on public corruption. It was difficult and time consuming. She felt sorry for one particular rookie who was pushed into planting evidence by an older more experienced policeman. In the end 29 police officers were convicted and did jail time. Some FBI agents do undercover work and she did it once posing as an interior decorator to get evidence.

One of the most interesting days work was when she took Monica Lewinski to get fingerprinted. She said that she was beautiful but seemed shattered. One of the best parts of the job was getting paid to work out as they had to stay in good shape. After having four children she decided to change directions as her children needed her. Later she went into the ministry. The members enjoyed the many stories she told about her time as an agent.

The minutes and treasurers report were given and accepted as read. Mary Lefevbre reported for the members concerns committee that cards had been sent to members who lost loved ones and to shut ins. Jan Armbruster reported that money collected for Pams Promise totaled $125 and that the crisis shelter had sent a thank you card for the money given to them last month. Volunteer hours are due next month. Kathy Steele, membership chair, passed out a membership list and asked that every check their information. In old business, Nixon reminded members to bring money next month for the catered dinner being done by Cindy Long. AMBA representative, Colleen Page, reminded people that the deadline for Medicare changes in Dec. 7. The next meeting will have the Crescendos entertaining with a Christmas program on Dec. 11. The meeting was adjourned and door prizes were awarded.

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Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association - Journal Review

Were always looking for ways to give our homes a little refresh, and with the new year just a couple of months away, were turning to talented Southern designers for advice on how to liven things up without breaking the bank. Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to give personality to a space, and it's not permanent, says Betsey Mosby, a Jackson, Mississippi-based decorator. We encourage our clients to have fun with itespecially in jewel box spaces like bars or powder rooms!" Here are the interior paint trends, from paint colors to unique ways to use paint, that Southern designers are anticipating for 2024.

Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins

"Chocolate brown is having a moment, says Louisiana designer Megan Evans. The rich warmth of this color is super inviting, and it can translate for any design style. Whether you lean more traditional or contemporary, it provides the perfect backdrop for a cozy space. Some of my favorites are Benjamin Moore Chocolate Velvet and Farrow & Ball London Clay."

Laura Williams of Austin-based ATX Interior Design agrees: We are still going to be seeing color drenching [the practice of washing an entire spacefrom walls and ceilings to window treatments and accessoriesin one color] but in earthier tones, like the chocolate and taupe family.

Before you hit the panic button, were not talking fire-engine shades. I am all in on earthy reds that evoke feelings of comfort, says Charleston designer Chelsea Handegan. I recently selected Farrow & Ball's Red Earth for the guest bedroom of a client's historic Charleston home, and I just had my own entry floors painted with a faux-marble design in a rich brown-red. Bethany Adams, a Louisville, Kentucky, decorator, is also counting on the return of redburgundy, in particular.

I think we will see a lot of rich, earthy tones such as Farrow & Balls Setting Plaster and French Gray, two of my favorites, says Richmond, Virginia, designer Lizzie Cox, who also loves sunny yellows and turmeric-like hues. Jessica Davis of Atlanta-based Atelier Davis also anticipates a continued embrace of these colors, like "mossy greens, raisins, and ambers."

While there may be an overall trend towards earth tones, spirited hues are as popular as ever for elements like cabinets. We love to paint cabinetry fun colors, especially in smaller spaces like powder rooms and bars where we encourage our clients to express themselves and have fun, says Dallas designer Lauren Reynolds. Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Charlotte Lucas is also anticipating stand-out colors in the kitchen; shes painting her own cabinets a juicy aubergine.

Greenville, South Carolina, designer Caroline Brackett anticipates more saturated colors for walls that arent too matchy-matchy with the other elements in the room. She also expects to see more trim and millwork thats painted a contrasting color to the wall color.

And for those who may not be ready to embrace a statement-making hue in a grand way, Evans has another suggestion: If you cant commit to a bold color on the walls, try painting the trim and doors [that shade]. Doing so provides a subtle pop with a bit of playfulness."

Invest in smaller standout moments, says Raleigh designer Maggie Dillon. More and more of what I seem to be drawn to are hand-painted whimsical and loose designs that are applied to everyday pieces of furniture and accessories, says Dillon. Taking an antique chest and hand-painting stripes that aren't completely perfect or using an existing linen lampshade and jazzing it up with multicolor florals are fabulous ways to add a fully-custom layer The options are endless and the rules nonexistent, which makes it that much more fun.

Dont limit transformative paint jobs to the walls alone. I have found clients becoming increasingly open to using colors on ceilings, from softer pale colors to bold, rich colors, notes Noel Pittman, a decorator in Dallas. I am working on a project where we are painting the ceilings in a pair of boys' bedrooms gray-blue and gray-green, respectively, to relate to the fabrics in the rooms. Color on the ceiling can really elevate a space.

Painted floors are also on the up and up, says designer Lauren Sullivan of Tennessee-based Well x Design. I love a painted solid color, or even a harlequin pattern in contrast to the floors wood stain, she says. The charm and patina of a well-worn painted wood floor is hard to duplicate!

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Designers Can't Get Enough of These Interior Paint Color Trends for ... - Southern Living

Janine Ralph is a professional Christmas tree decorator. (SWNS) (Janine Ralph/SWNS)

A professional Christmas tree decorator, whose service is so popular she started taking bookings in July, is set to make 2K this year enough to fund her entire festive season.

Janine Ralph, 30, from Withywood, Bristol, decided to turn her love of interior design into a side-hustle and advertised a Christmas tree decorating service on Facebook last year.

The mum-of-two was shocked when she found herself inundated with responses expressing interest.

This year, knowing how popular she'd be, she has upped her prices and started taking bookings in the summer.

Ralph is now fully booked for Christmas 2023 with 27 clients desperate for her services, which start from 40 for a 7ft tree.

She has now started working through her bookings, beginning as early as 6 November.

"I've always loved interior design and decorating my own house," Ralph, who also runs an independent gift business, explains.

"All my friends said I should do it as a service and I've never looked back.

"I thought I'll give it a go again this year because I really enjoy it.

"When I announced my books were open back in July, loads of people booked in straight away.

"It's only half way through November and I'm already fully booked up."

Ralph charges different prices depending on services, with her rates starting at 40 for a standard-sized, pre-erected tree.

She ups the price if the client needs her to assemble the tree and string up the lights.

While Ralph has had no formal training, having a creative eye and seeking online inspiration helps her put together some incredible tree designs.

She either uses clients' own decorations or charges an extra fee to buy some to bring with her, including more unique items such as mesh and ribbon.

Based on her current 27 bookings starting in early November, she hopes to hit 2,000 this year and says that will "completely cover" the cost of her family's Christmas.

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"The extra cash will help out loads," she says.

"But I also love doing it and get a little kick when people compliment my work.

"I'm very fussy and if I don't think it looks right, I'll move things around.

"Every tree I do needs to look perfect."

Despite it only being November 2023 Ralph says people are keen to secure her services for 2024. "I've already got people asking when I open my books for next year!"

Tree decorating isn't the only professional service people are offering during the festive season.

Rachael Wood, 33, from Birmingham is a professional gift wrapper who first trained to wrap presents while she studied visual merchandising at college.

It was only when she spent a whole day wrapping a client's entire Christmas haul three years ago to help them save time before a trip, that she saw how useful it was and started doing it as a job.

Wood now wraps hundreds of presents aiming to do it as sustainably and cost-effectively as possible.

During the festive period, she charges between 6 and 9.50 a gift and provides a door-to-door service.

Her top tips include using a hairdryer to remove stickers from bags and boxes, so you can reuse them, and drying citrus fruits in the air fryer to create natural embellishments.

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Additional reporting SWNS.

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Meet the professional Christmas tree decorator who makes 2k to pay for her entire festive season - Yahoo Lifestyle UK

A Queer Eye superstar is leaving the Fab Five!

After since Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was rebooted as just Queer Eye in 2018, this has been one of Netflixs most emotional and entertaining shows of all time.

For seven seasons and an eighth season on the way weve fallen in love with the new Fab Five consisting of Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, and Tan France. Alas, interior design and home organization expert Bobby Berk has now announced that he is leaving Queer Eye after filming season eight.

To the Queer Eye Community who have become family to me, Berk wrote in an Instagram post. The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal. You have tuned in and been dedicated fans and together we were able to share the healing powers of design. I learned from you all about kindness, love and acceptance and that has changed my life for the better. The way you have embraced me and accepted me for who I am is something that l will truly carry with me for the rest of my life. Throughout these years, you, the die-hard fans of Queer Eye, have all shared so many stories with me about how the show has touched your lives and I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you for being brave enough to share your experiences.

He continued, To all our wonderful, loving, amazing, and brave heroes, there is so much I want to say, and so much gratitude I want to express to you all for letting me into your homes and hearts. Its all because of you that Ive kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. Im so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will.

By the end of the caption, Berk officially announced his exit from the series. Its with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye, he wrote. Its not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with Queer Eye is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon. I love you all so so much and Ill meet you all in Nola for one final season.

This announcement means that Queer Eye season nine will have to find a replacement for Berk. While it breaks out hearts that the original Fab Five from this reboot wont be back for that ninth season, we do have some fabulous names to suggest as replacements!

Scroll through to find out which LGBTQ+ designers could potentially replace Bobby Berk in season nine of Queer Eye!

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Brian Patrick Flynn is a HGTV star whos appeared on shows like Point of View: A Designer Profile, Mind for Design, and HGTV Dream Home 2023. He also starred on the TBS show Movie & a Makeover. All things considered, Flynn would be a great addition to season nine of Queer Eye.

Instagram: @bpatrickflynn

http://www.instagram.com

After making her reality TV debut on Maxs Stylish With Jenna Lyons and landing a role on The Real Housewives of New York City reboot, Jenna Lyons clearly has an interest on television. With that said, it doesnt seem like shes entirely interested in Real Housewives drama. Now that shes entering the home dcor space, who knows? Maybe theres a multiverse where Jenna Lyons is a perfect choice to replace Bobby Berk on Queer Eye!

Instagram: @jennalyonsnyc

http://www.instagram.com

Carmine Sabatella is another great LGBTQ+ interior designer who would fit right in with the rest of the Fab Five on Netflixs Queer Eye. When it comes to media experience, Sabatella appeared in the Inside Out series and on HGTVs Home Town Kickstart.

Instagram: @realdesigncarmine

http://www.instagram.com

David Bromstad is a longtime HGTV superstar who appeared as a judge on shows like Brother vs. Brother and HGTV Design Star. He starred in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and narrated My Lottery Dream Home. Theres no doubt that Bromstad would be a great replacement for Bobby Berk on Queer Eye.

Instagram: @bromco

http://www.instagram.com

Teri Moore is a fabulous quite gay interior designer from Nashville, Tennessee. Over the years, her work has been featured on outlets like HGTV Magazine and Apartment Therapy. Moreover, bringing in a queer woman to join the Fab Five cast would be a really cool addition. We think Moore should totally be considered to replace Bobby Berk!

Instagram: @tmoorehome

http://www.instagram.com

Nate Berkus describes himself as husband, interior designer, dad on Instagram, where he has a whopping 1.8 million followers. On TV, Berkus appeared on shows like Nate & Jeremiah By Design, Nate & Jeremiah Save My House, and Home Town Kickstart. So why not have Berkus join the Fab Five starting in season nine?

Instagram: @nateberkus

http://www.instagram.com

Adair Curtis was already a Netflix star by appearing on shows such as Styling Hollywood and Instant Dream Home. As someone whos clearly very talented in interior designing, Curtis is another great name who could get cast on Queer Eye.

Instagram: @adair_curtis

http://www.instagram.com

Author, potter, and interior decorator Jonathan Adler is a huge name that could replace Bobby Berk on Queer Eye season nine. Over the years, Adler was featured as a judge on shows like Top Design and Design Star: Next Gen. He also has nearly a million followers on Instagram, which demonstrates how popular he already is.

Instagram: @jonathanadler

http://www.instagram.com

Carlos Huber is a talented and famous interior designer who runs his own businesses and has worked on high-profile collaborations. He is also rather easy on eyes, which is something that definitely resonates with the Queer Eye audiences. Thus, his name should definitely be considered for the cast following Bobby Berks departure.

Instagram: @arquistecarlos

http://www.instagram.com

Dabito is an author, designer, and artist who recently published the book Old Brand New. Hes immensely popular on social media, with 234,000 followers on Instagram alone. Altogether, we definitely think Dabito would be a no-brainer, wonderful addition to the Fab Five!

Instagram: @dabito

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10 LGBTQ+ Designers Who Could Replace Bobby Berk On 'Queer Eye' - Yahoo News

Maximal decor is making a comeback, with homeowners and interior designers alike embracing the nostalgic trend for its ability to add warmth and personality to the home.

With layered textiles, rich colors, and patterned wallpaper all hallmarks of the maximalist decor trend, there's arguably no better room in the home to channel this look than the bedroom.

Proving just how cozy maximalist decor in a bedroom can be, we're taking inspiration from a bedroom design that expert interior designer Emily Henderson shared on Instagram, which was designed by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. In the before shot, the bedroom is far more of a minimalist style with neutral colors, whereas the redesign looks elevated with a palette of rich hues, lots of layered textiles, and patterns which provides endless inspiration for decorating with maximalism.

'Embracing a maximalist aesthetic in a bedroom adds a deeper sense of character and personality to a space,' explains interior designer Luis Carmona. 'The use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and textures adds dimension to the space while creating these cool, visual layers. More and more, we are seeing bedrooms designed with maximalist decor because these rooms have a bigger personality than their minimalist counterparts. They are equally functional and aesthetically pleasing without the cold feeling that many minimalist bedrooms have.'

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Luis Carmona is the owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design. With almost two decades of experience in the creative space (interior design, advertising, and marketing), Carmona gets to blend his many passions into one design studio, offering services to commercial and residential clients in both Houston and Dallas.

Designer Nicholas Kaiko agrees and adds that embracing a maximalist style bedroom allows personality to show, saying: 'It's a response to our craving for personalization and storytelling within our homes and spaces. In a world where personal expression is valued, maximalism allows for curated chaos that is deeply individualistic and eclectic.'

But what's the secret to creating a maximal bedroom while still looking intentional and uncluttered? We asked the interior designers to get their advice for channeling a similar look in the home. 'It's not just about filling a room with stuff; it's about crafting a narrative with objects and decor that have meaning and resonate on a personal level,' says Nicholas.

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Nicholas Kaiko, founder of Kaiko Design Interiors, is a highly sought-after interior designer based in Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry, Nic has honed his skills as an interior architect and decorator, working on luxury hotels and high-end residential projects both locally and internationally.

Luis explains that the key to a cohesive maximalist bedroom is to consider a sense of balance in all decor elements: 'Balance out patterns with solid colors to allow the patterns to breathe within the space.'

'Add live plants, textured elements like rugs or window treatments, or wooden pieces, such as nightstands or a bench at the foot of the bed, to soften the overall look. Using furniture or mirrors with curved edges is also a creative way to add character to the space while softening the harsh corners of art frames, walls, or other pieces of furniture.'

Nicholas concludes by adding that decorating with vintage is a great way to add character to your maximal bedroom: 'Incorporate pieces that have history vintage finds, family heirlooms, or handcrafted items to give the room a sense of timelessness and narrative.'

Feeling inspired to create a similar maximalist style in your bedroom? We've rounded up some decor pieces for you to shop below to recreate the cozy look. If you're wondering if maximalism is more on trend than minimalism, we spoke to interior designers to get their take on this playful and popular trend.

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Anthropologie Averill Organic Cotton Quilt

2

McGee & Co. Elwynne Floral Pillow Cover

3

McGee & Co. Orchid Floral Pillow Cover

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This Emily Henderson-approved bedroom is endlessly cozy | - Homes & Gardens