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What were some determinants that specified the creative and current gestalt of architecture, journeying from the fiercely standardised 'analogue' to the hybridised 'digital'? When did the prolific integration of electronic computation occur, leading architects to employ digital tools within their practices, and what did this restructuring entail?

The Internet of Things and the age of the digital dawned at a frantic and formidable pace, signalling and affecting a substantial shift in the way we viewed, accessed, and navigated our world, and the same holds true for contemporary architecture practisesfor one, during the 1990s and 2000s, the rapid development of digital technology changed the way buildings were brought to life: drawing boards replete with laboriously hand-drawn, mammoth sized sheets were replaced by computer-aided, digitally-achieved, printed diagrams and models.

Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo, Norway, performs and leads with a similar premise: the architectural exhibition on view from November 17, 2023 - March 31, 2024, displays drawings conceived by architects between the years 20082023, a period bookended by two global crises: the financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, according to the host.

"The financial crisis of 2008 caused serious economic difficulties for many architects, but it also led to a period of reflection and reaction. The exhibition shows how many architects reverted to analogue forms of expression, collective working arrangements, community engagement, and a local focus in the wake of the crisis," they continue.

How did these crunches redefine, reform, or reclaim the nature and practice of conceiving architectural drawings?

"The title Hand and Machine refers to a tendency in recent years, [of] digital and hand-made approaches to architectural drawing merging into newer, more hybrid formsa tendency we take as a starting point for the exhibition, Joakim Skajaa, architecture curator at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, tells STIR.

The exhibition floor is strewn and covered with massive images by Austrian-Norwegian photographer Max Creasy, which were obtained during visits to the studios of some of the featured architects in Hand and Machine. These photographs, mostly abstractly arranged and presented, showcase recognised paraphernalia such as free-form sketches, pencils, rulers, crumpled papers, and more, depicting a slightly informal, yet welcoming setting that allows visitors to roam and engage at fancy. The featured works are presented across various means, some staged on canvases, or blinking virtually through screens attached to ladders and scaffoldings, safe behind glass cases, resting on benches, against or on timber tables and chairs, or pinned attentive on walls.

The intent and idea of the exhibition design (which is also accompanied by a catalogue published by the Museum), according to Skajaa, is to make something that is informal and quite playful, while at the same time, giving visitors the chance to experience the drawings up close and on the table. As in the architect's office, we have also made a photographic print on the floor with photos from the offices, trying to give the visitors a little glimpse of the context around the creation of these drawings.

The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design is the largest art museum in the Nordics, boasting a comprehensive collection containing 4,00,000 objects ranging from antiquity to the present day, which includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, textiles, furniture designs, as well as architectural models, and a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions and events.

Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings includes illustrations and drawings by around 40 Norwegian and international architectural firms, all with a common denominator: a critical attitude towards "the aesthetics borne from a computer." Here, the architects employ the innate freedom of the traditional (read: conventional, old school) methods and styles of expression that genuinely defined and permeated the praxis for a weighty period, further fine-tuned through digital tools and distributed through social media channels such as Instagram. Moreover, the design exhibition is accompanied by three installations by architectural offices LCLA, Sostra100, and Secretary, which investigate the role of drawings in the architectural disciplineand of architecture in society, the museum asserts.

"The exhibition takes as its starting point, an interest in architectural drawings, and how they act both as a way to communicate and as a place for architects to develop new ideas and thoughts. We were interested in what tendencies we could find in [these] drawings, and we found a lot, Skajaa indicates. Not only did it emphasise how architects work critically with their own tools, but also, approaches to other societal topics such as politics, economics and the climate crisis can be read in the drawings, he adds.

Expounding on the intent behind selecting and showcasing architectural drawings from this particular period of 15 years (20082023), Skajaa explains, We wanted to make an exhibition about contemporary architecture that discussed how architects are working today, as well as the tools they employ. All displayed works are made in the period between 2008 and 2023 and relate to computer aesthetics in critical manners and perspectives. Many have a seemingly hand-drawn and analogue look, that stands in strong contrast to the rendered architectural drawings that were prevalent in the early 2000s. In the exhibition, we trace this turn to the financial crisis in 2008, a global event that left many architects without work. For many architects, the aftermath of the 2008 crisis was a time for reflection, reaction, and experimentation, with new forms of working and implementing, and we looked at how this was expressed in their drawings.

The curator was also led by a quest to understand these perceptions, about this period especially, and how they consequently reflected in the drawings. That could primarily be a question of aesthetics, but just as much as a question of methodology. Of course, it then became a starting point for a larger discussion about the architects' role in society. What kind of buildings should they build, and for whom, with what materials... Important questions that are not answered in the exhibition, but it is possible to see the questions appear in the drawings themselves, says Skajaa.

Participants included Atelier Adam Nathaniel Furman, Dyvik Kahlen Architects, Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter, Hesselbrand, Sam Jacob, LCLA OFFICE, OMMX, Point Supreme, Philipp Schaerer, Vardehaugen & Arkitekt, and moreoffices and creative individuals with varied experiences and specialitiessome established, successful ones with serious built work across typologies and scales, while others who are emerging, young, inexperienced in comparison yet brimming with promise, operating from more conceptual liminalities. It is really, the format of the drawing, common to all architects, that makes it possible to show them all together in one exhibition, Skajaa relays.

Through Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings, the exhibited entities reveal a more tangible expression, which is more or less, a hybrid of the analogue and digital. According to Skajaa, most have in some way lived in the computer or other digital environments, and therefore, it did not make sense to instil a rigid parameter separating the two within the exhibition design (which is carried out by Kellenberger-White, who also conceived its graphic design identity).

The quantitative, titan, and diagnosed shift in the way digital technologies and digital tools furthered the architectural discipline, reforming the very culture and manner in which it is practised, is not solely happenstance. Now, it is unfathomable to conceive projects without the intervention of said technologies, a consequential component of innovation, a natural growth. Vis a vis Hand and Machine, a line of query presents itself, wherein the significance of manual drawings is not necessarily pitted against digitally generated ones, but is instead, revealed and examined as something that was a lived reality mere years ago and which finds imprints now, intentional and otherwise, in an evolved, crossbred, and ubiquitous form. In tandem, it also implores a lean towards the practised, authentic, and unique human skill of drawing by hand, of image-making and in essence, of storytelling, enabled by community and proper engagement, bound by hand, ink, and paper.

Hand and Machine. Architectural Drawings is on view till March 31, 2024, at the Light Hall, National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Norway.

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With 'Hand and Machine,' architects revert to analogue forms of expression - STIRworld

A petition to keep the original stained glass of Viollet-le-Duc's design has already gained some 127,000 signatures from concerned Parisians.

A new controversy has arisen at Notre Dame de Paris over the announced replacement of six stained glass windows that survived the devastating 2019 fire. The idea of bringing a modern touch to the storied French monument church did not rest well with Parisian citizens, who have banded together to gather some 120,000 signatures in a petition to keep the restoration focused on bringing Notre Dame back to architect Viollet-le-Ducs 19th-century design.

According to the French newspaper El Pas, President Emmanuel Macron made a visit to the cathedral on December 8, when he announced a public competition to find contemporary artists to design new stained glass windows, as well as a new museum that will focus on Notre Dames extensive art collection. The competition came in response to a request from Archbishop Laurent Ulrich for the commissioning of six stained glass windows for the south-side chapels of the nave.

Gilmanshin | Shutterstock

By December 10, however, historian and journalist Didier Rykner had launched a petition through Change.org to keep the original stained glass windows in place. Rykner argued that the stained glass windows were designed by Viollet-le-Duc and are vital to its restoration. Furthermore, the windows in question are located in the southern end of the nave, which was completely untouched by the fire.

Rykner went on to note that he was not opposed to modern elements incorporated in historic structures, when there is purpose. Here, however, he said that there are no valid reasons for the replacement of these historic windows. He called the windows an integral part of the architects work [that] survived the fire, and said that to change them would distort the harmony of light inside the worship space.

As of the writing of this article, the petition had garnered 127,324 signatures, but Rykner says he does not intend to present the petition to President Macron until it reaches 150,000 signatures. Once submitted, there is no guarantee that the petition will do anything to change the plans for Notre Dame, but previous public outcry against changing the design of the spire led to its reconstruction to the exact specifications of Viollet-le-Duc.

If nothing else, the government will be made aware of the publics displeasure at the idea of changing any aspect of its beloved Notre Dame.

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New controversy at Notre Dame over stained glass replacement - Aleteia

Brooklyn, NY, January 12, 2024 --(PR.com)--NYC Going Inc. has established itself as a prominent player in the home remodeling industry within Brooklyn, New York. Since its inception in 2009, the company has dedicated itself to transforming living spaces into personalized havens. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and customer satisfaction, NYC Going Inc. has built a reputation for excellence in residential remodeling. Their services range from kitchen and bathroom renovations to comprehensive home makeovers, catering to a diverse clientele with varying style preferences and budgetary requirements.

In a significant stride forward, NYC Going Inc. is excited to announce the expansion of its services beyond the familiar neighborhoods of Brooklyn. This strategic move will encompass all five boroughs of New York City, extending into the scenic regions of Upstate New York and the vibrant communities of Long Island. This expansion signifies not only the growth of NYC Going Inc. as a company but also its commitment to bringing high-quality home remodeling services to a wider audience. With this expansion, NYC Going Inc. aims to replicate its success in Brooklyn, offering the same level of expertise, personalized service, and attention to detail that has been its hallmark. This move marks a new chapter in the companys history, one that promises new opportunities, challenges, and the chance to create beautiful, functional living spaces for an even larger community.

Expanding Beyond Brooklyn: The New Areas

The expansion plan of NYC Going Inc. is thoughtfully crafted to gradually integrate into the new regions while maintaining the high standard of service it is known for. The expansion will begin with the inclusion of the remaining four boroughs of New York City - Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each of these boroughs presents unique architectural styles and client preferences, offering NYC Going Inc. an opportunity to showcase its versatility and creativity in home remodeling.

The expansion is set to roll out in phases to ensure a seamless transition and uphold service quality.

- Phase One (Date): Starting with Manhattan and Queens, renowned for their diverse housing styles, from historic brownstones to modern apartments. - Phase Two (Date): The expansion will proceed to The Bronx and Staten Island, focusing on suburban homes and larger family residences. - Final Phase (Date): Full operational capacity in all five boroughs as well as Upstate New York and Long Island is expected by 02/15/2024, marking the completion of the city-wide expansion.

During each phase, NYC Going Inc. will establish local offices and hire skilled professionals from within the communities, fostering a strong local presence and ensuring projects are managed efficiently and effectively.

Upcoming Projects and Initiatives

As part of its growth strategy, NYC Going Inc. is planning several exciting projects and initiatives:

- Innovative Home Design Solutions: Introducing cutting-edge design options that cater to modern, eco-friendly, and smart homes. - Community Outreach Programs: Initiatives to engage with local communities, offering workshops and consultations to educate homeowners on the value of quality home remodeling. - Collaborations with Local Artists and Designers: Partnering with local talent to bring unique aesthetic and cultural elements to remodeling projects. - Sustainability Projects: Committing to environmentally responsible practices in construction and design, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of remodeling activities.

These projects and initiatives are designed to not only expand the company's service offerings but also to deepen its connection with clients and communities, solidifying NYC Going Inc.'s position as a forward-thinking and community-oriented company.

About NYC Going Inc.

NYC Going Inc. is a dynamic and innovative home remodeling company that has made a significant mark in Brooklyn, New York. With a diverse range of services, including kitchen and bathroom renovations, drywall and tile installations, full home makeovers, and custom projects, NYC Going Inc. caters to a variety of style preferences and budgetary requirements. With over 3000 completed projects to date, the company has built a reputation for excellence in transforming residential spaces.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to discuss your next project, contact NYCGoing Inc. at:

+17187372425 2517 E 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11223 https://nycgoing.com/

https://www.google.com/maps/place/NYCGoing+Inc/@40.5880479,-73.9685258,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x737d21a079280006?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0haa_1tiDAxXQmIQIHbbGCpMQ_BJ6BAg-EAA

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NYC Going Inc. Announces Major Expansion: Bringing Renowned Home Remodeling Services to All Five Boroughs ... - PR.com

Insurers looking to reduce home restoration claims costs should find ways to avoid tearing out walls, flooring, rugs, trim and other major construction components.

One insurers launched a program to do just that. The approach will lead to a 1% reduction in our loss ratio for property, said Vance Somerton, director of claims operations, property at Gore Mutual.

The Cambridge, Ont.-based insurers program emphasizes repair, rather than replacement, of materials during the restoration process.

For now, focus is on damage from clean-water sources. These are Category 1 water sources like ruptured pipes and similar losses from water with no dirt or sediment, Somerton said.

The program breaks with past practices of keeping homeowners in place following a loss on a main level or basement.

We would set up drying equipment [and] affect the drying over three [or] four days. At that point moisture readings will be taken and then we would elect to [if necessary] remove [damaged building] material, said Somerton. Thats how the industry had gone, and us as well.

But the new procedures mean customers move out of their home immediately.

When they experience the loss, we get the customerinto a hotel, unless they need to stay in the home for a specific reason. We provide them alternative living accommodations so that we can bring in sufficient equipment to effectively dry the home.

Traditional approaches, which aimed at making the process less intrusive, meant firms didnt bring in sufficient equipment to dry a house fast enough to prevent mold growth. But with the customers out of the home, insurers no longer have to worry about customers turning off the drying machinery so they can get some sleep.

The equipments incredibly loud to run in a home. Its not a pleasant experience, even if its in a basement and youre trying to sleep on a main floor, Somerton told CU. The easiest way to keep them from shutting off the equipment is to give them somewhere else to sleep and reside for the five or six days it takes to effectively dry the home.

The payoff happens when the clients come home.

When they come back its like, Oh, its dry, you were able to save my carpet and my drywall and my trim and everything else. Thats really where you get the most adoption from the customer, said Somerton.

In terms of insurer costs, Somerton noted firms considering this approach must be willing to spend more upfront on living expenses to reap measurable savings later in the restoration process.

When we look at material replacement, there are significant advantages to saving drywall, which is very costly when it comes to removal, disposal, replacement and making sure that we have all of the other trades come in behind it [painting, trim, etc.], he said.

With clean water losses, Somerton said the pilot program saw a roughly 25% savings on materials.

You look at five days or six days of additional living expenses [but] end up saving that on the back end because you dont need to schedule in drywallers, tapers, painters, etc., he added.

Not having to tear out floors, he said, is particularly cost effective. If we can save the floors in the home, then were not having [those] very difficult conversations with our policyholders about why we cant replace all the flooring in their entire home, he told CU.

Going forward, the firm will explore ways to expand the program to Category 2 and 3 losses that include water intrusion from rain, overland water or watermain breaks.

Feature image courtesy of iStock.com/Jens_Lambert_Photography

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Can higher lodging costs cut restoration losses? - Canadian Underwriter

Regina Hall is endlessly appreciative of her friend Vonda whos become a major part of her support system over the past 15 years. To give back to her longtime confidant, the Scary Movie star joined forces with design duo Drew and Jonathan Scott to give her a life-changing home renovation.

Vonda and I met on Real Husbands of Hollywood, Hall said during a new episode of Celebrity IOU. I think she was the head of the makeup department at that time on the show. And then from there, we just stayed in each other's lives whether we worked together or not.

The pair have been together through all of lifes ups and downs. Hall added: I think it's special when you know someone well and things are going on in your life that you can talk to someone and you know that it's gonna be private. I have that with Vonda. Vonda has that with me.

Based in Carson, California, Vonda is a single mom with two kids. (Her daughter had sickle cell anemia. Vonda was a bone marrow match, so they did the transplant and her daughter is now sickle cell-free but still has a low immune system.) Along with caring for her loved ones, Vonda loves to cook and entertain. So, Hall and the Property Brothers stars formed The Demo Divas, as they named themselves, and got to work to completely transform Vondas home.

Over six weeks, the group worked on the kitchen, dining area, living room, and entry. They knocked down a wall between the kitchen and living room to open up the space, making it better suited for hosting. In the kitchen, they added a long peninsula with dolomite counters and all-new cabinetry. Extra storage was built into the dining room. A light, fresh color palettefeaturing Vondas love of copper accentsmakes all of the spaces feel cohesive. Terrazzo tile flooring in the entry and a new fireplace highlighted by Venetian plaster in the living room play up Vondas artistic style.

To top it all off, the team replaced the home's HVAC. The 30-year-old system was so grimy that it was beyond cleaning. They swapped it out for a hospital-grade system with multiple filters for effectiveness and efficiency, meaning Vonda can use it knowing it's beneficial for her family and especially for her immunocompromised daughter. Vonda was so overjoyed. She said: To know that you chose me for this, and to give me something that I had sleepless nights about, and now I can come in here, bring [my daughter] hereI thank you guys. I really appreciate you for doing it. Im overwhelmed.

Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Lets keep up with them together.

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Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. Shes been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When shes not watching every new TV show and movie, shes browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.

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Regina Hall Surprises Her Friend of 15 Years With a Life-Changing Home Renovation - House Beautiful

The owner of a Kansas City remodeling company, often seen and heard in popular commercials in Kansas City, died after a shooting Sunday morning, his sister and two other sources told KMBC 9 Investigates.Officers say they were called to the area of 63rd Street and Prospect Avenue just after midnight Sunday for a medical emergency. When they arrived, they found 46-year-old John Bartrom lying on the ground.EMS took Bartrom to the hospital, where he died. Police later determined he had been shot."We are heartbroken over the loss of our brother," Bartroms sister Nora Schwartz said. "John was loved by those around him. He lived a big life and had so much more to give. Our family will never be whole again."Bartrom founded Jericho Home Improvements and prided his company on the absolute highest standards for craftsmanship and professional service.While everything is under investigation, we have no comment, said a woman who answered the phone at Jericho Home Improvements Monday morning.Detectives are working to learn what led to the 46-year-old's death. KMBC asked for more details surrounding Bartroms death, but, a spokesman said the details are part of the investigation.KCPD says that a person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the investigation.Anyone who has information that could help investigators is asked to call the Crimestoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

The owner of a Kansas City remodeling company, often seen and heard in popular commercials in Kansas City, died after a shooting Sunday morning, his sister and two other sources told KMBC 9 Investigates.

Officers say they were called to the area of 63rd Street and Prospect Avenue just after midnight Sunday for a medical emergency. When they arrived, they found 46-year-old John Bartrom lying on the ground.

EMS took Bartrom to the hospital, where he died. Police later determined he had been shot.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of our brother," Bartroms sister Nora Schwartz said. "John was loved by those around him. He lived a big life and had so much more to give. Our family will never be whole again."

Bartrom founded Jericho Home Improvements and prided his company on the absolute highest standards for craftsmanship and professional service.

While everything is under investigation, we have no comment, said a woman who answered the phone at Jericho Home Improvements Monday morning.

Detectives are working to learn what led to the 46-year-old's death. KMBC asked for more details surrounding Bartroms death, but, a spokesman said the details are part of the investigation.

KCPD says that a person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the investigation.

Anyone who has information that could help investigators is asked to call the Crimestoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

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Founder and owner of Jericho Home Improvements killed in shooting - KMBC Kansas City

Lisa Petrole

Ashley Maddox (left) and Hilary Walker.

A "turnkey home" may be realtor catnip, but true design lovers go for the neither-new-nor-improved originals. When Ashley Maddox moved to Waco, Texas, to work as Magnolias director of styling, she set her sights on finding an unrenovated midcentury home for herself, her husband, Austin, and their two boys. Waco is seeing a lot of growth now, but its been a sleepy town, so there are homes sitting there virtually untouched, she says. She received a tip about one such uncut gem from a friend who noticed a neighbor piling up flooring outside and raced over to investigate. When he told her he was fixing up his home to sell, the pal connected him to Maddox, who begged him to not touch a thing. She did a walk-through with her boss, Joanna Gaines, who agreed it was perfect. Once Jo said it was good, Maddox recalls, it was like, OK, lets do this.

Maddox enlisted the help of interior designer Hilary Walker, her friend and coworker, to transform the outdated layout while preserving its 1950s charm. The pair opened up a wall in the kitchen, replacing it with airy built-in shelving to store what Maddox calls sit-abouts, explaining, Were not minimalists over here; I like to have pretty things to look at. Though other walls were removed, original hidden storage stayed, and built-ins off the den serve as a toy cache for the boys on the bottom and display for more tchotchkes up top. Initially, Maddox wanted to carve an office/guest bedroom out of the kitchen. But it would have been, like, a closet, so I said, Well have grandma and grandpa stay at a hotel, which works out better for everyone, she recalls. The now-spacious kitchen has walnut cabinets and a paneled refrigerator in keeping with the midcentury palette, plus dark stone counters that pair well with the glossy terrazzo tile floors. The kitchen feels like a gentlemans crisp suit to meits the perfect base for the rest of the home, Walker says.

Throughout, bold hues run rampant: rust in the bedroom, green in the boys room, and blue in the bathroom. Furniture from Round Top and Facebook Marketplace was reupholstered using automotive fabric. Its our weirdest budget hackit looks like great nubby tweeds from midcentury offices, but its so inexpensive, Walker says. Nothing in the home is too precious or too bland. After all, Who has time for safe design choices? Walker asks. We want to have fun.

Pictured above.

The homes 1957 architecture shines throughout its central spaces. Sofa: vintage Nicoletti Salotti. Chaise and chairs: vintage. Large painting: Janet Little. Pendant: Etsy. Side table: Good Vintage.

Avocado green walls are in keeping with the midcentury spirit and create a chill mood for movie nights.

Sofa and coffee table: Magnolia. Rug: Loloi. Paint: Savannah Shade, Benjamin Moore. Side tables and chair: vintage. Pillows: Etsy.

Rich walnut cabinetry sets the tone for a classic kitchen. Walnut paneling conceals the fridge. Barstools: CB2. Range: Zline. Faucet: Brizo.

Pendants: Amazon. Sconces: Lulu and Georgia. Counters: Topzstone.

The original kitchen was awkwardly segmented. By removing a wall and cabinets, Walker and Maddox carved out a welcoming corner. Table and pendant: CB2. Banquette: custom. Chairs: vintage.

A pared-down palette keeps the focus on the cantilevered soffit and clerestory windows. Dining table and chairs: vintage. Pendant: Hay. Credenza: IKEA.

Rich earth shades create an immersive sanctuary with a touch of drama, Walker says. Paint: Deep Reddish Brown, Farrow & Ball. Rug: Loloi. Headboard: Anthropologie. Bedding: Target. Pillows: Marion Collection, Etsy.

Painted brick in the boys room provides the perfect backdrop for their artwork. Paint: Castleton Mist, Benjamin Moore. Bed: Crate & Kids. Side table and trunk: vintage. Beanbag: Spaces by Hollie Velten.

Because its a small space for children, this felt like the right moment to have fun, Walker says. Paint: Sydney Harbour, Behr. Fixtures: Delta Faucet. Tile: Wayfair. Shower curtain: Quiet Town.

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Magnolia's Director of Styling Reveals Waco Home Renovation - House Beautiful

Chilling Discovery in Home Renovation Captivates Millions

When a British couple embarked on renovating their newly acquired home, little did they know they would stumble upon an eerie discovery that would send shivers down their spine and captivate millions around the globe. Their abode, a charming edifice erected in 1966, held a secret that lay dormant for decades, hidden behind the mundane faade of an upstairs bedroom wardrobe.

As they sifted through the remnants and relics of the past, they stumbled upon a secret crawl space. Nestled within it was a locked cupboard, its contents veiled behind an unassuming exterior. Mustering courage, they prised open the cupboard, revealing a suspicious silver suitcase. The absence of any foul smell or pesky flies quickly dispelled their dread of finding a cadaver. Instead, what they found inside was equally perplexing a smaller suitcase containing a doll.

The doll, strapped securely within the suitcase, sent a chill down their spine. The homeowner mused it might be a collectible item, yet its presence felt oddly unsettling. The doll, seemingly harmless, became the protagonist of their own real-life horror narrative.

The couple took to TikTok to share their peculiar discovery, a decision that soon echoed around the world. The video swiftly amassed over 2 million views, with viewers expressing their horror and fascination in equal measure. Theories ranged from the doll being cursed to the incident marking the beginning of a horror movie.

Since the chilling discovery, the couple has reported strange occurrences within their home. Flickering electrics, noises emanating from the thermostat, and an unsettling air of unease have become common, further fueling speculations. Whether these incidents are tied to the dolls apparition remains uncertain. The couple, torn between fear and intrigue, is now contemplating their next course of action.

The incident, akin to a plot straight out of a horror movie, continues to intrigue audiences, with many eagerly awaiting updates. As the homeowner grapples with the eerie discovery, one thing is clear the story of the secret suitcase and the strange doll has struck a chord, turning an ordinary home renovation into an extraordinary tale that transcends borders and resonates with a global audience.

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Eerie Discovery During Home Renovation Goes Viral - BNN Breaking

Most homeowners would jump at any opportunity to save thousands of dollars on home energy bills. And for anyone with an aging furnace near the end of its lifespan, you might be in luck.

You can cash in on savings by installing a heat pump system, a cost-effective way to heat and cool your home.

Because a heat pump system is so absurdly efficient, around two to four times more than traditional furnaces, youll lower your heating costs by about 50%, according to the Department of Energy.

Now, of course, the actual amount youd save on your energy bills depends on the size of your house, how well-insulated it is, your local climate, and the type of home heating system you already have.

But no matter how old your system is, youre likely to save serious cash. For example, if you have a propane furnace, you could expect savings of close to $855 a year. If you have a natural gas boiler, the annual savings would be closer to $200. And if you have an electric furnace, you could save close to $815 every year.

So, while its clear that youd save thousands of dollars in electricity bills over the life of your heat pump system, it doesnt come without a cost.

Buying and installing a heat pump in a 2,000-square-foot house may cost roughly $14,000, which is no small chunk of change.

However, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, you could get up to $8,000 back if you install a heat pump system in your home. But the savings may not stop there.

Homeowners upgrading to a heat pump system may be able to double dip, receiving both an $8,000 rebate, as well as a 30% tax credit on the remaining amount of the system.

So if a new heat pump system costs you $14,000, you could get up to an $8,000 rebate and a 30% tax credit on the remaining $6,000, equaling $1,800. So now, the price has dropped from $14,000 all the way down to $4,200.

Pair that with a potential savings of $1,000 a year, and the system would pay for itself in just over four years.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.

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This home renovation could save you thousands of dollars and its easier to install than you might think - Yahoo! Voices

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Step into a winter wonderland of warmth and welcome right at your front door. With the holidays over and the lights and baubles stashed away until next year, the front porch can easily become a lifeless afterthought.

Curb appeal is not just about accenting the home visually. Curb appeal evokes a feeling that people will have as they imagine themselves walking up to the front door and entering the home. It sets the tone for the rest of their experience, says Trent Brown, founder and principal designer at Ground Break Design. Whether youre a seasoned decorator or a first-timer, reinvigorate your entryway at this darkest time of year by trying out a few of these festive ways to make your porch a cozy haven.

Decorative containers arent just for spring and summerand dont be afraid to mix and match boxes, bins, and barrels. Use accent pieces to draw peoples eye to the front porch, Brown says. Planter pots framing either side of the front door, or on the front steps is a simple way to draw attention there.

Give some thought as to what you are going to put inside of your containers. If you want to enhance the visual appeal, place plants inside the containers. If your purpose is purely decorative, you might choose to leave the containers empty for a minimalist effect. Choosing containers with similar colors will help unify the design, though uniformity isnt necessary. Two or four of the same planter pots will be more effective at drawing attention than one or three, Brown says. Dont overpower the space, though. Simple is better, and using reds, greens, whites, gold and silvers this time of year are tried and true festive additions, but try to use complimentary accent colors to your homes aesthetic. Make sure the containers have holes for drainage if youre decorating with plants.

Create a welcoming entrance by placing a few large containers filled with live evergreens near the front door. Some good options include holly, boxwood, spruce, juniper, and Chamaecyparis (also known as false cypress). Beginning in the fall, garden centers usually stock a selection of smaller evergreen specimens perfect for containers.

A few caveats, though: If you want to carry your evergreens over from season to season, be sure the containers have drainage holes and are rated for freezing temperatures. Because plant roots arent as well insulated from the cold in containers as they are in the ground, guard against frost damage by selecting shrubs that are hardy to two zones below your hardiness zone. For example, if you live in Zone 5, select specimens that are hardy to Zone 3.

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Available in various lengths at most garden centers, birch branches and twigs are great choices for the thriller in a container arrangement. Bundle together longer branches for a vertical accent near the door, or fill a galvanized container with shorter lengths for a woodsy vignette.

Light up a cold night with the warm glow of lanterns outfitted with LED candles. Outdoor lanterns, like Pottery Barns Malta Lantern, come in a variety of materials and colors, and many are pretreated to withstand the elements. Select candles with timers that allow you to set them once and forget about them for the rest of the season.

Sunlight may be in short supply this time of year, but now that the trees have dropped their leaves a surprising amount of light can reach a well-positioned solar panel. In fact, there may be enough sun to power a string lights draped along an eave or woven through a container arrangement. Solar path lightsare another option for bringing light to an entryway.

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An appealing doormat with a design that evokes winterthink snowflakes, cardinals, or snowmenis an inexpensive way to add a cheerful touch to your front entryway.

An old pair of skis or a wooden sled propped up near the front door can create a nostalgic winter tableau. Even a simple pair of white figure skates (scuffs and all!) hung on the door adds seasonal interest. You can probably find vintage ski equipment in secondhand stores or thrift shops. Facebook Marketplace and other online auction websites may also offer a selection of retro ski gear.

If you have window boxes around the porch, dont miss the opportunity to fill them with evergreen boughs, foraged branches, pine cones, dried hydrangea blossoms, and other textured, colorful greens.

Consider adding potted evergreens or boxwood, advises David Birkes, owner, general contractor, and builder at Birkes Builders in Colleyville, Tx. They are sturdy against the cold and maintain structure and color. Ive found that incorporating these elements thoughtfully creates a porch space that is not only inviting but also echoes the serene beauty of winter. (Twinkling solar string lights in the window boxes will look even better!) Not only will the street view be beautiful, but the view from inside will be pretty dreamy, too.

Dont pack up the hanging baskets just because winters arrived. Theres plenty you can put in them that will bring color to your front door zone.

Cedar, fir, spruce, and hemlock foliage always work great for providing a winter festive look, but you can branch out (pun intended) into some other species that will provide some color interest, says Brown. For a classic look, holly and yew are good options. Winterberry has gorgeous color varieties outside of the traditional seasonal choices, and juniper will have a great, silvery-bluish hue. adding natural elements like pine cones, burlap, and twine to those arrangements will give things more of a rustic feel.

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Though February is the shortest month, it can seem interminablebut its also the month of love. Once Christmas and Hanukkah decorations come down, why not freshen up the porch with touches of pink and red? Something as simple as a red doormat and a heart on the door can brighten your entry.

If your patio furniture fits the space, set it front and center by the entry, and dress it with a knitted or fur throw and a few accent pillows. Wool, fleece, and sherpa are all excellent options for trapping heat and providing insulation for cold winter nights!

A nice accent chair with a side table, or a pair of cozy lounge chairs, give people a welcoming feeling on the front porch even if they dont actually sit in the chairs, suggests Brown. Toss a blanket over the arm of the chair or add a festive accent cushion to really take the coziness level up a notch.

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A door basket is a versatile accessory that can be easily updated from season to season. For the winter, try a mix of evergreens, pine cones, and faux berry branches. When Valentines Day and St. Patricks Day roll around, add in some colorful baubles, and when spring finally arrives, fill it with faux tulips and daffodils.

An empty exterior wall practically begs to be decorated and metal artwork that depicts wintry scenes like snowflakes, evergreen trees, or cardinals can stand up to the elements. With a thorough coating of a protective finish like Rust-Oleum, metal decorative items can last indefinitely, and rust wont drip down the wall.

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Ready-made wreaths are easy enough to procure, but whats stopping you from grabbing a glue gun and making one thats distinctly yours? Wrap a wreath form with a plaid scarf and let the fringed ends hang at the bottom. Complete the wintertime look by adding a few evergreen branches and pine cones where the ends cross. For a different approach, hang a trio of boxwood wreaths vertically down the door and accent each with a large bow, or leave them unadorned for a more contemporary look.

One of the best ways to enhance your front entryway and extend compassion to furry friends during the winter is to leave a stray box on your front porch. Stray boxes arent necessarily meant to be decorative, but they provide a warm and cozy refuge for stray cats and dogs.

To build your own stray box, cut up sheets of styrofoam and use silicone glue to hold them together, or cut a doorway into a lidded plastic storage tote. (Cat rescue site Neighborhood Cats has directions for building both versions.)

If you want to zhuzh up your box, paint the exterior in a nontoxic hue that complements your siding. Color schemes in winter favor cool blues, crisp whites, and silvery greens that reflect the season, paired with materials like galvanized steel or reclaimed wood for rustic resilience, Birkes says.

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If you have railings on your front porch, accent them with festive greenery for a natural, wintery touch. Twine artificial garlands with ribbons, berries, pinecones, or lights through the rails, and secure them with zip ties to withstand winter winds.

What better way to welcome guests into your home than a sign that spells out your greetings? The Welcome Deer buffalo plaid sign from My Word! is made from weatherproof composite and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Position it near your entryway to ensure its visible to guests when entering your home.

Spruce up your front porch with a thoughtful box of snacks and beverages for delivery drivers. Fill a sturdy, weather-resistant box with an assortment of snacks and drinks and place it near your door, or where packages are delivered to your home. You can even attach a note expressing gratitude, like this blogger did.

The gentle sway of a porch swing coupled with the calm winter atmosphere creates the perfect front porch experience for your home. Simply find the structural ceiling joists on your porch, mark the location you want your swing to hang, install a swing hanger (available at most home improvement stores), and hang your swing using durable chains. Complete the look with a cozy seat cushion and throw pillows.

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19 Ways to Make Your Front Porch More Inviting in Winter - Bob Vila