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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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McGee & Co. Orchid Floral Pillow Cover

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

Gallery walls are generally a colorful and eclectic type of decor. On the other hand, the Kardashian style has become popular for its warm minimalist, and modern edge. Kourtney Kardashian shows that the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. Recent photos of the socialite's dining room reveal that she has installed a black and white gallery wall in her contemporary dining room.

Kourtney's dining room has a full warm minimalist look. Her deep brown hardwood floors compliment her textural beige walls, emphasized by the frosted glass of her oval dining table. On the wall, black and white photographs in similarly sized black frames create an artistic look that fits perfectly with the rest of her decor.

Kourtney Kardashian's modern wall decor is a beautiful and eye-catching addition to her dining room.

Interior designers love the look of a gallery wall. Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and founder of Viv and Tim Home, states: 'Installing a gallery wall in a room allows you to easily fill up an empty wall with curated wall art or photo memories. Keeping frames all the same color helps create a modern monochromatic design.'

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Vivianne Chow is an interior decorator and the founder of the home decor blog Viv and Tim Home. Vivianne, along with her husband, Tim, recently builta dream custom home and are tackling decorating roomby room and sharing design tips and everything theyve learned along the way.

Tyler Del Vento, interior designer and founder of TDV adds, 'Gallery walls are a great way to give a room or wall a personality! They can provide warmth, reflect the homeowner's passions and interests, and illicit an emotion.'

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Interior Designer Tyler Del Vento is a graduate of NYCs Fashion Institute of Technology, and has spent many years working as a designer in Paris and NYC. Tyler is well-known for her ability to mix bold pieces with functional furnishings to create striking designs.

Furthermore, the experts say that Kourtney's dining room wall decor colors create a stunning result. 'Black frames provide a lot of contrast to beige walls which really makes the gallery wall pop and stand out as a feature in the room,' says Vivianne.

Tyler continues, 'I love using black frames against beige or white walls because the contrast "pop" adds a fun edge to the overall look of the gallery wall. Black frames also give a more modern, updated, and sophisticated look vs. wood or metal which can feel casual and dated.'

This sculptural piece combines an ivory stone base with a circular glass top for a warm modern look.

These stylish, minimalist frames are perfect for creating a gallery wall. The uniform allows for a very neat look.

This stylish set can be placed in a fireplace to create a chic design, even when a fire isn't lit.

Kourtney Kardashian's dining room walls prove that a gallery wall can be a stylish and chic addition to any design style by making the classic look so effective in a modern space. If you're nervous about implementing the look, our list of common gallery wall mistakes walks you through exactly what to avoid.

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Kourtney Kardashian's dining room reinvents the gallery wall | - Homes & Gardens

A coffee table has always been seen as an essential piece of living room furniture. The question of whether you need one seems like a straightforward yes, right? Well, before it joins all the other pieces on a list of living room ideas, its worth considering whether your living room actually needs a coffee table, or are there other options that could prove equally good, or even suit some living rooms better.

When space is tight is filling that only visible space with a bulky piece of furniture really the right choice? And even in larger living rooms does a coffee table work hard enough to warrant being included in the layout or should you look to bring in more end tables or foot stools or something more multifunctional and flexible? Is the coffee table becoming redundant?

We asked designers to weigh in on when a coffee table can work and when you are best forgoing one.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

A coffee table definitely isnt a requirement for the living room, according to design professionals.

You do not need a coffee table in your living room, says Taylor Ross, CEO and Founder of heirloom furniture designers Chronicle Home. Living rooms are just the ideas of the people living there. And people are different.

In fact, a coffee table is just one option when youre exploring living room furniture ideas, and alternatives may suit the room and your lifestyle better. Here, we give the expert view on the coffee table, and the other furniture designs to consider instead.

(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)

The professionals verdict is that a living room doesnt need a coffee table. However, theres no denying that it can be a great choice.

A coffee table isnt just functional furniture, its an added design element that can tie a room together, says Lubo Todorov, head of visual merchandising at Raft Furniture. Think about it, the styling decisions that elevate and add life to a living room are fresh flowers and coffee table books. This is indication enough that a coffee table is a centerpiece that will draw the eye in.

When styling Raft showrooms and photoshoots, I love incorporating coffee tables into a living room to play around with shape, Lubo adds. For example, a room with a square-armed sofa, square rug and square mirror can gain a real sense of flow and depth by adding a round coffee table.

(Image credit: McGee & Co.)

But while a coffee table can be a fabulous centerpiece, if your room is not generously sized, it might not need this piece of furniture. If your living room is on the smaller side, a coffee table may make the space feel cramped, warns interior decorator Vivianne Chow of Viv and Tim Home.

To replace its functionality? You can consider using alternatives like nesting tables which can be stacked when not in use or side tables that are placed at the end of the couch, says Vivianne.

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

There may be no necessity for a coffee table when an ottoman fits the bill: one of these can provide the functions of a table while offering other benefits you might appreciate.

An ottoman provides a soft surface where a coffee table is a hard one, says editor of Homes & Gardens online Jennifer Ebert. That makes it more forgiving when you have young kids running around but whatever age a homes inhabitants, it adds coziness to the room, making it all the more welcoming.

As an upholstered piece, an ottoman can also add a hit of pattern and wonderful tactility, she adds.

Be mindful that if an ottoman does take the place of a coffee table, a tray can be put on top to provide a surface on which to set down drinks securely or to be used in the same way you would in coffee table styling ideas.

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Like a small room, an open-concept room may not need a coffee table. If youre working with an open-plan space that already has a kitchen island and dining table, you dont want your room to feel overwhelmed by surfaces, explains Lubo Todorov.

Lubo suggests alternatives such as a teak armrest that slots onto the arm of a couch, or a neat sofa table with a base that slides under the furniture to bring its top surface comfortably near without taking up much floor space.

Equally, you might want to try a footstool. You can get a matching footstool for your sofa that can double up as a coffee table, says Lubo. This will also help you to maintain warmth with texture in an open-plan living room.

(Image credit: Jonathan Gooch/Future PLC)

If there isnt a lot of space to stash all you want to keep to hand in the living room, then a trunk might be what you need rather than a coffee table. It will still make an attractive feature, and if you enjoy decorating with vintageordecorating with antiques, sourcing a piece thats had a previous life is a great way to give the living room individual style.

Capacious inside, a trunk is one of my favorite living room storage ideas, says Jennifer Ebert. It can hold pillows and throws out of season to make a decor swap a quick process when the time comes.

Black marbled resin coffee table

If you are after a marble look-a-like, it doesn't get closer than this. Hand-poured and casted of matte black resin with swirls that resemble marble veining, this coffee table adds luxurious textures and a slightly organic shape to a living room.

Round wooden coffee table

Simple and yet statement, this round coffee table would suit any style. Low to the ground, it brings a relaxed feeling to a living room, and look at all that surface space for styling.

The tapered legs and curved corners make this coffee table the perfect piece of furniture to bring a touch of retro to any style living room. It's also got a small footprint so ideal if you are after a stylish coffee table for a smaller space.

A couch is often combined with a coffee table in front. In this scenario, the coffee table is typically centered in front of a couch, or between two facing couches. If the coffee table is a focal point for a group of seating, position it in the center of the group instead to create a cohesive group. However, a couch doesnt have to be teamed with a coffee table at all. Coffee table alternatives include side tables and upholstered designs such as an ottoman or footstool.

Coffee table decor ideas can make it the star of the show in a living room, but it may not prove to be the right piece for a room. A living room end table can be beautifully styled as part of the rooms aesthetic as well as being functional. Whichever tables you select, follow the rules on arranging living room furniture for a space thats comfortable to occupy as well as pleasing to the eye.

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Does a living room need a coffee table? Experts weigh in | - Homes & Gardens

Wondering whether a particular window in your home needs curtains? If theyre not essential, after all, then going without can seem like a great idea for a host of reasons.

Yet curtain ideas are not only functional, they can also be an important element of the design of a room, making going without seem like a risky choice that might leave the room feeling as if its not fully dressed even if you have other window treatment ideas in mind.

To answer the question of whether curtains are always a must or its possible to go without we called on the expertise of interior designers, and this is what they shared with us.

There are some very good arguments for curtains being essential. They create privacy, of course, but they can also make the lines of a room softer with their gentle pleats. They can also add the color and pattern that make the room in which theyre hung cohesive. Whats more, they can pull off the clever trick of making a ceiling feel higher and a window taller and wider than it really is.

Yet, there are occasions on which you can go without curtains successfully and these are the guidelines from designers on choosing between with and without.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

There are some circumstances in which you dont need curtains, according to design experts.

Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and founder ofViv and Tim Home, makes an exception to the rule of using curtains depending on window size and shape. The instance in which I wouldnt recommend using curtains would be when the window is really small and narrow, she says. For small windows, Id recommend using roller shades or Roman shades for privacy instead.

Owner of a gloomy room? Interior designerArtem Kropovinsky suggests you might not need curtains here. Where light is the most treasured guest, like in a dimly lit dining room or a north-facing studio, leaving windows undressed invites luminosity to dine or dance across the walls unhindered, he says.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Curtains arent the right choice in some rooms because of their functions. In kitchens or baths, practicality trumps plushness, omitting curtains dodges issues of moisture and maintenance, preferring ease over opulence, says Artem. Choose an alternative here, agrees Alexander Havkin, project manager at Ecoline Windows. In high-humidity areas like kitchens or bathrooms, it's more practical to opt for blinds or shutters as they handle moisture better and are easier to clean.

You might want to avoid curtains in some family homes, too. For homes with small children or pets, going without curtains can eliminate the risk of accidents or damage, says Alexander.

Perhaps you have a fabulous outlook from a room? In that case, you dont need curtains. Embrace the view when nature grants a panoramic backdrop. Windows unadorned become frames to the ever-evolving artwork of the outdoors, says Artem.

If you want your budget to go further, be aware that this can also be a good reason to go without curtains. Curtains can be a significant investment, says experienced remodeler Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers. In situations where homeowners are on a tight budget, opting for alternative window treatments like blinds or shades can be a practical choice.

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Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky boasts extensive global design experience spanning a decade. With a commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Artem, alongside his dedicated team, undertakes projects both in the US and internationally, earning recognition through prestigious design awards. Artem is the founder of Arsight, an esteemed global design firm known for its expertise in residential and commercial interior design.

(Image credit: James Merrell)

While curtains arent necessary in some rooms, there are situations in which they are a must.

When it comes to aesthetics, curtains frame out a window which adds formalityto a room, says Luis Carmona, owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design.

They also pull off a visual trick, Luis notes. They can be installed floor to ceiling which will give the illusion of a taller ceiling making the room look bigger than it may be, he says. Vivianne Chow agrees. My personal preference is to always use curtains to dress up windows, she says. Curtains are instantly able to elevate your whole space by drawing the eyes up and making the ceiling feel taller.

Curtains can also be needed to dampen sound. Curtains, like other items with fabric in a space, can help absorb sound waves making a space less echoey, advises Luis. This really makes a difference in bedrooms where you want it to be as quiet as possible (especially at night) and living or dining rooms where there may be more noise.

For bedrooms, curtains are also worthwhile. Curtains play a crucial role in bedrooms, providing privacy and blocking light for a better sleep environment, says Alexander Havkin.

(Image credit: Future)

They have a practical as well as an aesthetic role in living spaces, too. Theyre important in living areas for controlling glare on screens and improving energy efficiency by adding insulation against heat loss or gain, says Alexander.

And in both bedrooms and living rooms curtains do, of course, create privacy. They provide a sense of security and seclusion, allowing individuals to relax without the worry of prying eyes, says Ben Gold.

Think curtains for home movie spaces as well. Blackout curtains in a media room arent just about darkness, theyre an investment in ambiance, enhancing the cinematic journey by eclipsing the external world, says Artem Kropovinsky.

Minimalists do use curtains. Equally, however, they might opt for Roman shades, or those made from materials such as woven wood. And it is true that sometimes they may not use a window treatment. Just as with other pieces in a minimalist home, any window dressing used serves a clear purpose; it controls light and creates privacy.

Be mindful that minimalist interiors should be light and spacious, so its vital the window treatment doesnt impede the flow of daylight. And if a minimalist interior does use curtains, these will often be neutral in color and have a simple pleat style rather than a more ornate or dressy design.

Modern curtain ideas are desirable for many rooms but they can be a considerable investment, so be mindful to care for them correctly so they stay beautiful. Knowing how to clean curtains will ensure they remain free of dust and marks. And its also crucial to be savvy about how to wash and care for curtains as their fabrics can be fragile.

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Do you need curtains? Designers explain when you can go without ... - Homes & Gardens

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The history of the folding screen unfolds in a Milan exhibition - Financial Times

The Big Picture

A volatile seventh season has left viewers of Netflix series Selling Sunset uncertain of where the real estate agents at the Oppenheim group will go from here, and who from the cast will even be returning for a yet-to-be-confirmed season eight. The future looks especially uncertain with agents Breana Tiesi (who seemingly quit on camera in the final episode), and Heather Rae El Moussa (whose absence from the season seven poster has caused internet buzz), and also with the arguable star of the series, Chrishell Stause (who has repeatedly made clear since her break-up with boss Jason Oppenheim at the end of season five that she will be drawing firm boundaries between her professional and personal life going forward). The upcoming reunion should be especially revealing regarding what the future holds for the O-group crew.

Chrishell came on to the series as a soap opera actress who had recently passed her real estate exam, whose marriage to actor Justin Hartley would gradually unravel off-camera throughout the first two seasons. But it was not her interesting personal life alone that kept viewers binge-streaming. When brothers Jason and Brett Oppenheim first introduced Chrishell to the more seasoned LA real-estate agents in his office - all of whom dress like A-list celebrities for property showings, and many of whom consistently sell mansions in the "double-digit" millions - she had an increasingly difficult time earning the respect of mean-girl extraordinaire Christine Quinn. Their epic back-and-forth over the first five seasons made for amazing reality TV.

Despite Chrishell's seeming girl-next-store persona, she has proven to be surprisingly sharp-tongued in her many battles with Christine and others who have chosen to take issue with her. In season seven alone, Chrishell continued her feud from season six with long-term real estate agent Nicole Young, sparred with interior decorator and O-group agent Amanza Smith, and introduced Jason's new girlfriend/model Marie Lou Nurk to the art of war in LA. This is where the series differs from other southern California real estate shows, such as Million Dollar Listing. While both shows highlight the many gorgeous properties of wealthy individuals buying and selling homes in the city of angels, Selling Sunset is certainly unique in its office structure and the levels of extreme drama it provokes each season.

Amanza and other cast have mentioned several times throughout the years that the group of friends and co-workers at The Oppenheim Group are expected to treat one another as "family." However, this is a strange premise for viewers familiar with the intra-office dating that has occurred in the series. This is especially true with company owner Jason, who is currently ex-boyfriend/now boss to three different women on the show: Nicole (one of the first agents he hired), Mary Fitzgerald (long-term O-group agent), and most recently, to Chrishell. Trying to evoke a family atmosphere in a workplace setting is a questionable practice on its own, but to do so when you insist on dating your staff and continuing to employ one ex-girlfriend after another, makes for an exceptionally bizarre "family" dynamic for the office. Of course, it is entirely possible that the Oppenheim brothers truly just want everyone to get along and sell mansions. There is also, however, the possibility that Jason insists on throwing his recent ex-girlfriend/employee into confrontations with his current romantic partner because, as a personality on a reality series, he knows such conflict produces great TV.

Perhaps Chrishell's best and most dramatic confrontation of the season came when Marie Lou requests a meeting to clear up what she feels has been the coldness between them. Whoever the location scout is that found Velverie Caf, a restaurant with a neon-sign spelling out "je ne regrette rien" and then suggested it as the space for an epic confrontation between past and present romantic rivals, they deserve a bonus. The French phrase, popularized by the songstress Edith Piaf, translates to mean "I regret nothing." It is a deliciously appropriate expression considering Chrishell's attitude in her meeting to clear up differences with Marie Lou.

Chrishell makes clear in this meeting that despite her attempts to keep things complimentary and genial, a surface-level niceness is all that Marie Lou should expect from her in their relationship. As the new partner of Chrishell's recent ex-boyfriend, a deep and meaningful friendship is simply not on the table. Poor Marie Lou is new to the dramatic confrontations of reality TV, and it seems she truly thought she was going to have a simple conversation resulting in an apology from Chrishell for what she calls her "mean-girl" behavior. Unfortunately for her, Chrishell is all woman, and she has her counter-arguments locked and loaded. It's clear that Marie Lou is out of her depth in the disagreement about whether the two women need to be close for Jason's sake or not. When she struggles to get her point accepted that Chrishell's superficial warmth is somehow a problem, Marie Lou recommends that they involve Jason in the conversation. Chrishell's face emits obvious glee, as she knows this will only serve to annoy the business-focused boyfriend. She eggs Marie Lou on, encouraging her to "call him." This is a moment where the mean-girl moniker might actually be earned by the otherwise endearing Chrishell.

With Chrishell's confrontational season, getting into on-camera disagreements not only with Marie Lou, but also with O-group agents Nicole and Amanza, and also her insistence on drawing clear boundaries when it comes to her private life with partner G Flip, it seems that her future role on the series could be in question. However, whether Chrishell remains or not, long-term O-group alum Mary provides a way forward if Netflix does confirm an eighth season.

Season after season, amid all the drama among the real-estate divas in the office, Mary has steadily proven herself to be the heart of the series. And if there is one thing we can rely on every other employee of the O-group to do, it's bring the drama. So a refreshing change would be to feature more of the level-headed sweetheart going forward. Season seven was an emotional one for Mary and hunky husband Romain Bonnet, featuring the adorable couple on their journey to start their family together. The audience experiences their heart-break as Mary learns that she has had a miscarriage, and the resulting conversation that the women at the office have about the kind of care that is required after such a jarring experience proves once more that reality TV is often the place where such conversations about women's issues are normalized and openly discussed. It speaks to Mary's central role in the series that such a tragic moment would unite the often divided women in the office.

The love and support Romain shows Mary during their difficult times this season proves that their relationship has much to offer the audience as a counter-point to the sometimes unrelenting drama of their co-stars. Mary's consistent role as middle-man and devil's advocate in so many of the disagreements between her co-workers also speaks to her centrality to the show. Her ability to cut through other people's barriers to create truly heart-warming moments is another reason why a season focused on Mary would be rewarding. This trait is clearly demonstrated in her conversation this season in episode nine, when Chrishell is venting frustrations about the office and Mary interrupts to tell her friend: "I love you." It would seem the impulsive declaration comes from Mary's sense that Chrishell is hurt and struggling. The moment feels genuinely touching, as a clearly affected Chrishell chokes up and Mary offers her a comforting hug. Whether Chrishell decides to take a break next season or not, or if she does film but with the intention of protecting her personal life and reducing the focus on workplace drama, Netflix could choose to center a season around Mary as a clear path forward.

The Selling Sunset season seven reunion airs on Netflix on November 15. Past seasons are streaming on Netflix.

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Mary Fitzgerald Is the Heart of 'Selling Sunset' Season 7 - Collider