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As the latest season of the hit reality competition series “The Circle” hit our screens, we couldn’t help but notice that something looks a little bit different.
And no, we’re not talking about the new AI bot that has entered the chat (sorry, Max).
The reality show has a brand new building, a whole new series of colorful apartments, and a fresh filming location set on American soil — stepping away from the UK filming location where all international versions of the dating series have been filmed up until now.
Season 6 sees contenders take residence in a Midtown Atlanta apartment building, with each of their units meticulously designed by art director Karen Weber, a reality series vet who also worked on America’s Next Top Model.
And she took extra care in designing each apartment, as well as the communal spaces the contestants get to enjoy while filming the Netflix production.
So let’s take a closer look at the Atlanta building that now houses the popular series, the colorful The Circle apartments and the design principles that brought them to life, and how you too can book a stay here — though your apartment might look a tad different than those the contestants live in.
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Unlike previous seasons and all other international versions of the series — which all filmed in Northern England, at the 206-unit Adelphi Wharf building in Salford, UK, right outside of Manchester — Season 6 takes place stateside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Offering a fresh setting for the drama to unfold, the Sonder Midtown South apartment building at 126 Renaissance Pkwy NE in Midtown Atlanta serves as the main filming location for the hit Netflix series.
Art director Karen Weber led the charge in designing the vibrant new apartments, housed in the Sonder Midtown South building.
With communal spaces like a retro launderette and a rooftop courtyard, Weber aimed to create distinct yet cohesive living environments for the players, each measuring approximately 1,200 square feet.
And this was no easy feat, especially while trying to emulate the bold, colorful aesthetics the series is already known for.
From bold color palettes to whimsical themes inspired by Barbie and Wes Anderson, the transformed spaces offer a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic that’s sure to catch the eye of viewers.
The apartments, given names like Glamour Room and Artist Loft, were curated with furniture and decor sourced from vintage shops and salvage yards around Atlanta, lending them a bespoke feel.
For some spaces, art director Karen Weber aimed to create “really bright high energy,” while other rooms were meant to feel “more adult, laid-back, and [a] little more restful,” she shared on Netflix’s blog. After all, the players actually had to live in the spaces throughout filming, so comfort is key.
And while the budget was the same for each apartment in the new The Circle building, creating a variety of spaces and aesthetics is paramount to the show’s success.
“Giving producers that kind of a range [of types of spaces] lets them figure out who fits where,” Weber added.
But in Weber’s eyes, the apartments aren’t just for the players who inhabit them.
She also wanted viewers watching along to imagine themselves in the living spaces and perhaps inspire them to transform their own — either by stenciling something on a wall or spray-painting fish scales on a bathroom cabinet.
“I try to do a couple of DIY projects in each space that could be done by someone at home,” she says.
As if Weber didn’t have her work cut out for her, as soon as she was done setting up the apartments for Season 6, she had to do it all again in preparation for the already-announced Season 7. For the upcoming season, another 10 new apartments had to be designed from the ground up.
“It’s the sandcastle theory, because you build this beautiful thing and then you let it all just get washed away and it’s done,” she says. “The rooms have their moment and then you have to move on.”
While fans won’t be able to book a stay in the exact apartments seen on-screen, they too can book a stay in the building featured on the show whenever visiting Atlanta.
The Sonder Midtown South offers sleek and modern accommodations with amenities like a fitness center, outdoor grill, and in-unit laundry. And its colorful, imaginative makeover for The Circle only adds to the building’s appeal.
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Source: fancypantshomes.com
As Indian summers invite us to stay indoors and enjoy our surroundings, homes become havens of warmth and holiday vibes. With the days getting longer and temperatures rising, it’s the perfect time to infuse your space with summer decor ideas. Whether you’re longing for a tropical getaway or a serene retreat, summer-inspired designs offer limitless opportunities to revitalise your home. Experiment with vibrant colour palettes and incorporate light, airy materials to capture the essence of the season. Whether you opt for subtle changes in one corner or a bold transformation of the entire room, embrace the spirit of summer and create a refreshing sanctuary within your home. (Also read: Summer interior design trends 2024: 7 tips for infusing coastal vibes into your home décor )
Interior Designer Punam Kalra Creative Director of I’m the Centre for Applied Arts shared with HT Lifestyle seven summer decor ideas that will make your home feel cool and fresh.
The brute of the summer sun calls for an escape—you can have that by creating your own bubble with singular, statement furniture pieces that tie the space together. Choose settees over sectional sofas, chandeliers over pendant lights, pedestal tables over side tables and closets over racks, to create a close-knit ball of comfort.
The home-bound times may take us away from nature—say otherwise by throwing hints of raw nature in the interior elements. Bring a tactile memory with rough cuts of the stones in the wall, veins of the live wood in the tables, grains of the ceramic in the accessories or a fresh whiff of organic dyes in the tapestries that reminisce the outdoor scenes.
The hushed, lighter tones can easily make the sun-bathed spaces look deserted—make them livelier with energized hues of neutral and pastel colours that keep up with the quietude of the season, without being overwhelming. Bring in a peach upholstered chaise, zest cocktail table, mint green console or an ice blue canvas to refresh the aesthetic with a mood unique to the colour.
The still summer air needs a space that it can breathe through—try stripping the space off the décor layers and keep things light. Get your hands on linen, cotton, chambray and more that are easy on everything from the upholstery to the drapery. You can keep things simple with solid sheer cotton or talk about exclusivity with dyed and block-printed patterns that are authentic and sustainable at the same time.
Handcrafted styles speak for the things that are both near and afar—something that is a local craft but seen only in a far-off summer retreat. Take a detour and bring them back to your space like a cocooning rattan armchair, basketed jute planters, caged bamboo pendants, looped hemp rugs and more that let you relive your holiday memories whilst cooling your space down with the restorative character of nature-based materials.
A regular home can be an ode to the vacation home when the elements make their way into the interior. While you can think big like setting up a cabana in your backyard—try to start small by adding a hammock to your deck or a patio furniture set to your porch. Recreate a nautical style statement with blue-white stripes in upholstery, shell studded embellishments in the tables or weather wood planks in the wall décor, to give something that you can indulge in, all day every day.
An indoor ambience gets fresh both by look and feel, when the greens are a part of it. You can sound exotic with tropical ferns and florals or keep things simple and practical with peace lilies, spider plants, and English ivies, among others. You can also house succulents like aloe vera, jade, cactus and more that stand the heat and come out as aesthetic greens, ideal for low-maintenance contemporary homes.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Spring is a time for new life and new vibes and home décor is one of the best (and easiest) renewal tools you have for a fresh start. Your space should feel as comfortable and stylish as it is functional, so adding the perfect home décor accents is a great way to make that dream a reality.
Plus, this year has been ripe with trends as timeless as they are trendy. Whether you want to go full Barbie with a retro pink kitchen, incorporate Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, or hope to soak up some sunshine with a tropical chic décor theme, the following list will take you wherever you want to go. And you’ll get there in style. From sprucing up your home coffee station to creating your dream eclectic kitchen, check out these trendy home décor ideas for an easy spring makeover.
Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker
Start your daily grind with the perfect cup of coffee. In fact, with this great grind and brew machine, you can start it with 12 cups.
Glass Coffee Containers and Coffee Station Organizer
Keep your coffee ingredients in order with these airtight containers for maximum freshness. The coffee organizer means you’ll give off major barista vibes any time you invite friends over for a cup of joe.
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Canister
This set of three checkerboard pattern canisters will make your kitchen look great, and keep your ingredients organized all at the same time. Because home décor is no game!
Softiest Designs UO Exclusive Disco Donut Sculpture
You’ll be ready to dance the day away with this sparkly disco donut sculpture to liven up your kitchen.
Less Ottomans Handpainted Menagerie Tray
With two color options, this hand-painted menagerie tray makes an interesting addition to any coffee table, whether it’s used for food and beverage service or just for holding your favorite nicknacks!
Annie Leibovitz XXL Coffee Table Book
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century. Now, you can have her most iconic photos gracing your living room coffee table.
Smeg Retro Stand Mixer, Pink
Nothing’s more fun than mixing it up with this gorgeous pink retro mixer from Smeg.
Retro Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Pink
This retro pink refrigerator makes a real statement. And that statement is “I’ve got style and I don’t care who knows it!”
Industrial Modular Wall Desk
If you want to set up the ultimate work-from-home area, check out this high-quality adaptable wall desk set. It has five wood finishes and changes constantly to suit your needs, unlike your boss.
Katsunori Big and Tall Ergonomic Executive Chair
While comfort is important, great looks can’t be underestimated when it comes to a quality executive chair. This one is as comfy on the eyes as it is on the back, especially for the big and tall.
Tropical Leaves Wall Art
You’ll swear you’ve landed in the South Seas with these trendy wooden tropical leaves. They offer a lovely tropical silhouette to your living room wall.
Tropical Bloom Removable Wallpaper
What’s better than beautiful tropical wallpaper? How about beautiful tropical wallpaper that you can take with you when you move?
Deco 79 Aluminum Drip Accent Table
This aluminum table is dripping with style. It’ll be a real conversation piece in any room you choose to place it.
Leporis Aluminum Accent Stool
This aluminum table is absolutely dripping with style. This will be a real conversation piece in any room where you choose to place it.
American Flag Framed Print
Nothing gives off vintage Americana vibes like a weathered framed flag print adorning your wall. You’ll pledge allegiance to spring with this one!
American Art Décor Licensed Chevron Gas Pump Plaque
This cool gas pump wall plaque takes you back to a time when gas was just fifty cents a gallon and you had to buy cool wall décor IN PERSON.
Rustic Magnetic Kitchen Chalkboard Sign
A farmhouse-style chalkboard is a great way to give your kitchen folksy charm while offering an easy method to leave notes to family. Just don’t let them add too many treats to that grocery list!
Simply Said, INC WiFi Chalk Board Sign
Perhaps the most common question in any modern home is “What’s the WiFi password?” Now you can answer the question before it’s even asked with this fun chalkboard.
Maryjane Mirrored Wall Mounted Aquarium Tank
Here fishy fishy! Decorate your home with this lovely one-gallon fish tank without taking up any additional counter space.
Fantasy Jellyfish Aquarium
Now you can have fish tank fun without the hassle of caring for…you know…fish! This aquarium is maintenance-free and features lifelike rubber jellyfish that move and sway.
Source: reviewed.usatoday.com
A dog owner has come up with an ingenious way to make an essential piece of dog care equipment blend into her home decor, and in half a day.
Anja recognized the necessity for a crate to give Cookie the Australian Labradoodle her own safe space. But the pet owner, who lives in Belgium with her husband and their dog, was dissatisfied with the crate’s appearance in her living room.
“I hated the ‘black cage’ in our living room, but Cookie really needs this as it is her own safe space to rest, ever since she was a puppy. So, my husband came up with the idea to cover it up,” she told Newsweek.
And with a bit of time and some DIY skills, the owners managed to upcycle the imposing item of dog equipment into a stylish piece of furniture.
Dog crates serve multiple purposes, giving dogs a secure environment for rest, training, and transportation. However, they have been subject to controversy, with critics raising concerns about prolonged confinement and potential misuse. Despite that, many dogs, like Cookie, find their crate to be a place of comfort.
Earlier this month a Shih-Poo called Cheddar melted hearts with the way he took himself back to his crate when he was done socializing.
Anja’s project involved using strips of birch plywood, attaching it to the edges of the crate, to give it a chic Scandi-style appearance alongside the couple’s couch.
“We don’t really know [the cost] actually since we used a lot of materials we already had,” Anja said, but she added that the entire transformation only took around 12 hours.
“It really blends in now; it doesn’t bother me anymore. And it’s a fun and not-so-difficult project to do yourself,” Anja said, encouraging others to give the dog crate DIY a try.
The couple aren’t the first owners to do custom DIY for their pet, like the Montana-based dog owner who made a custom tennis-ball catapult for his dog Olive to play fetch with. Some dogs have even been caught on camera helping out their humans with a bit of DIY.
Anja shared the project on her Instagram page @cookie_the_doodle_ where people have been left impressed with the idea.
“Looks so nice!” said one user. “Amazingly beautiful.”
While another viewer wrote: “Ooh it does match better in the interior.”
“Omg how did you do this?” said another. “Our crate is such an eye sore in our living room I would love to do that.”
Do you have impressive and inspiring DIY projects you’d like to share? We’re looking for the most creative and ingenious ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could be featured on our site.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source: newsweek.com
The set comes with one duvet cover and two pillow shams — be sure to grab a duvet insert if you need it!
Promising review: “In the process of giving our bedroom a new makeover. Needed new bedding ASAP for our new mattress. I work 12–13 hours a night in healthcare; I’m exhausted and the last thing I want to do is shop. I took a chance with this duvet cover. Couldn’t beat the price! If I could give the quality and comfort of this Duvet cover and pillowcases 10 stars, I would!! Definitely a great buy at an extremely affordable price. The quality exceeded my expectations. It is so soft, true to size and color, wrinkle-free, and has a well-made zipper at the bottom. There are also ties on the inside to keep your Duvet in place. I absolutely LOVE everything about this cover. Can’t wait to get home in my bed after a long, exhausting work shift on my feet. My furbaby loves it too! Thanks Amazon for simplifying my life! ❤️” —Theresa
Get a set from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes twin–oversized king and in 27 colors).
Source: buzzfeed.com
Across the United States, many homeowners are saying yes to renovating their homes in 2024.
Key findings from Opendoor’s 2024 Home Decor Report reveal that Americans plan to spend an average of $5,635 on home remodeling projects this year. This money will be invested to breathe new life into their existing spaces.
See: 10 Expenses Most Likely To Drain Your Checking Account Each Month
Learn: How To Get $340 a Year in Cash Back — for Things You Already Buy
What are Americans prioritizing with their home renovations? GOBankingRates spoke with several experts in the renovation business to learn more about homeowner ideas for improving their spaces in the year to come.
Investments are being made in the kitchen this year, especially when it comes to updating appliances. According to Opendoor’s report, updated kitchen appliances may potentially help with resale value when and if homeowners decide to sell their homes.
When deciding which appliances to replace, Stephanie Duncan, senior home designer at Opendoor, recommends opting for sleek, stainless-steel appliances. These appliances, like a new refrigerator and stove, should inspire potential buyers to imagine life in that kitchen — and encourage them to make an offer right away.
As an additional shopping pro tip, Duncan said you don’t need to buy the most expensive appliances on the market.
“While it is important to have updated appliances, it is not necessary to buy the top-of-the-line options. Not overspending on the most luxe brands will ensure people see a return on their investment,” said Duncan.
View: 4 Red Flags as You Check Your Bank Statements Every Month
More: How To Survive on $500 a Month: A Frugal Living Guide
Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.
Stained wood tones are making a comeback in kitchens as more homeowners move away from head-to-toe white kitchens. Julie Hampton, interior designer and project director at Freemodel, said some of the popular stains she sees range from light cerused oak to inviting medium hickory shades.
The good news for buyers is that it’s cost-effective to shift cabinet finish from paint to stain. According to Hampton, homeowners who choose stain over paint can save $3,000 to $5,000 on their project.
Related: What Is the 75/15/10 Rule? A Simple Path to Financial Wellness
The spotlight is on kitchen cabinets and cupboards this year.
Buyers trying to avoid overspending on their kitchen renovations are recommended by Duncan to upgrade knobs and handles on their cabinets or cupboards. Switching the hardware out is an effective way to upgrade these spaces without needing to buy new pieces.
Buyers this year are getting inspired by organization-themed TV shows, Instagram Reels and TikTok when it comes to kitchen storage for specific purposes.
Amber Shay, national VP of design studios at Meritage Homes, has seen everyday items, like snacks and supplies, being organized into specific pantry containers. Shay said there’s also storage being used as a decorative element with containers in fun colors and designs to match the décor scheme.
For the full kitchen, Hampton said buyers can expect to spend $3,000 to $6,000 on customizing cabinet interiors. Other options to explore, if you have a big budget to work with, include appliance garages or pantries with pullout shelves.
Those on a budget can still customize their cabinet interiors. “Homeowners should budget $150 to $1,200 for each cabinet to add options such as drawer pullouts, appliance lifts or converting a cabinet with doors to drawers,” Hampton recommended.
Read: 5 Frugal Habits of Barbara Corcoran
The primary bathroom is getting a makeover as a relaxing retreat inside homes.
Buyers seeking to create a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere in their bathrooms are recommended by Shay to explore the following investments:
Adding vintage rugs, art and other décor to make the primary bathroom look and feel like a welcoming place of respite. (Opendoor’s survey notes Americans spend an average of $1,599 per year on home décor.)
Embracing matte black. “A matte black faucet seamlessly blends with on-trend iron and aged brass light fixtures in a bathroom,” said Shay.
Using plants as accessories. This helps bring the outside indoors.
Buyers don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a stylish living room that they love.
“Think of items like upscale hotel-style bedding, monogrammed towels, cozy throw pillows or a stylish mirror. You can keep your eye out for original art when you’re on the hunt for furniture at thrift stores,” said Shay.
“Also, consider investing in a high-quality area rug that’s designed to look like a priceless heirloom — it can set the tone for the entire space,” she added.
Discover: 9 Frugal Secrets I Learned From Growing Up Poor
More homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions in their laundry rooms.
Hampton uses the example of homeowners choosing to air-dry clothes instead of putting them into the dryer. This choice is both environmentally friendly and causes less damage to garments.
“Laundries may include pullout drying racks that are hidden in the cabinets to maintain the aesthetic,” said Hampton. “Popular systems with installation cost around $1,500.”
According to Opendoor’s survey results, kitchens are the number-one remodel priority for homeowners with the number two slot going to interior painting. (New lighting fixtures and new floors take the third and fourth priority spots, respectively.)
As far as which colors are popular with buyers, Duncan said subdued greens and blues are emerging to the forefront. Both shades offer grounding and stability to homeowners.
Shay also agrees with Duncan’s color assessment, adding in her color recommendations of sea blue and darker, moody blues for interior painting.
Buyers who choose sea blue will be able to complement any marble and other natural stones in a space or use it as a fun accent while a moody blue is ideal for a sophisticated and dramatic space. If you dare create a bolder look in your home, Shay said to use dark blue as an interior wall or ceiling color or for painted cabinets and furniture.
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Experts: Here Are 8 Home Renovations Buyers Want the Most in 2024
Source: finance.yahoo.com
Mirrors are a wonderfully versatile design element that can instantly add charm and light to your interior space. Using mirrors in home decor is all about precision, passion and fascination, one that will intrigue you and take you on a journey to a mystical space. The use of mirrors in Victorian-style interior design is an experience of opulence and every element of décor drips with grandeur. It is truly a sight and a pleasure to behold, with exquisite chandeliers, wood carvings and staircases in addition to traditional mirrors. When designed wisely, mirrors can create stunning optical illusions, make rooms appear larger and even create infinite images. They have the ability to reshape our perception of space, making it feel larger and brighter. (Also read: Home decor tips: 4 trendy ways to use tableware to elevate your dining experience )
Atreyee Choudhury, principal interior architect at De Panache shared with HT Lifestyle some creative tips and innovative ideas to elevate your home interiors with mirrors.
Brighten up the dark corners in your space by adding mirrors which will help bounce light around the room making it more welcoming and timeless aesthetic.
Mirrors are a worthy alternative to expensive paintings. An elaborate mirror carved from solid wood or metal can be an attractive addition to the hallways of your home. Make a statement with a huge vintage mirror in your living room.
Use edge-bevelled mirror work as a backsplash for the bar area. It will amplify light and make the bar stand out in your dining or living space.
The walk-in closet might be a humble space, but it is a space where magic happens when you get ready for a new day. A full-length wardrobe shutter is the epitome of luxury. A full-length mirror wardrobe is the most essential as it serves the functional aspect along with creating an illusion of heightened extravagance. Mirrors can be integrated into the furniture design as well. Use the mirror-shuttered furniture as an accent piece in the interior of your Foyer or Dining Console. Styling coffee tables with black tinted mirrors can add elegance to your living room space.
A niche or alcove in your living/dining room can be instantly transformed by using a mirror as a backdrop. This creates the illusion of depth and reflects the artefacts displayed in the niche.
Mirrors are a powerful element that can magnify the space. By placing mirrors strategically in your residence you can create an overwhelming sense of space. Mirror not only transforms your space but also invites you to love yourself, celebrate your inner beauty and reflect the unique you.
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Source: hindustantimes.com
If you’ll be in college next year, don’t expect financial aid offers anytime soon. Colleges won’t begin receiving processed FAFSAs — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — until mid-March, the U.S. Education Department said on Tuesday.
“We will email students when their information has been shared with their schools and when they can access official aid calculations on their StudentAid.gov account,” U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a press call after the announcement.
Once colleges receive processed FAFSAs, they can start building financial aid packages, which may include loan eligibility, grants, scholarships and estimated cost of attendance. That process takes another few weeks. The earliest students could get financial aid offers is the first week of April. Colleges will likely rethink the typical May 1 decision date to allow students and families enough time to consider their aid packages, says Karen McCarthy, vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
“It’s reasonable to think that many more states and institutions will be having those conversations about their deadlines, how far they can push those and still be able to get all their work done,” McCarthy says. “It really affects all of their timelines leading up to the beginning of the next school year.”
The mid-March processing delay is the latest in a long string of missteps for the new 2024-25 financial aid form, which has undergone its biggest makeover since the 1980s. The FAFSA usually launches on Oct. 1 for the following academic year; this year, it “soft launched” three months late, on Dec. 30.
FAFSA users faced myriad glitches during the soft launch when the form was available for as little as 30 minutes per day. The online form is now available 24/7, and most technical issues have been resolved. However, some students — like those with undocumented parents — remain unable to complete the form.
In late January, after the form had already been live for nearly a month, the Education Department acknowledged a major math error that would have left $1.8 billion worth of aid on the table.
Until the Education Department’s announcement on Tuesday, colleges were still working under the assumption that they would begin receiving processed FAFSAs by the end of January, McCarthy says.
“Schools had already restructured their timelines in terms of awarding and when things would happen with regards to aid offers, and so now they’ve thrown that all into disarray again,” McCarthy says.
On Jan. 24, a group of lawmakers led by two Republicans — Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina — sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office calling for an investigation of the Education Department’s rocky FAFSA rollout.
“The Department of Education had three years to prepare the rollout of the updated FAFSA. Their inability to do their job has real consequences for students and families,” Sen. Cassidy said in a statement Tuesday. “These unacceptable delays from the Biden administration creates the real likelihood that many students will forgo college because they cannot choose a school without knowing their eligibility for student aid.”
Despite the FAFSA delay and confusion, it’s still important to fill out the form. Otherwise, students won’t be able to qualify for federal student loans, grants, work-study and some scholarships. There’s no income limit to qualify for aid, and you might get more than you expect.
Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Even with the major processing delay, your FAFSA will record a time stamp when you submit it. Since some types of financial aid have priority deadlines or are first-come, first-serve, submit the form soon to qualify for the most aid.
Remember the paper FAFSA is an option. If your parents are undocumented and can’t complete their portion of the FAFSA, you may want to wait a few weeks until the online process opens. But if you have any upcoming priority financial aid deadlines, you can complete the PDF version of the FAFSA. It’s available in English and Spanish on StudentAid.gov. You’ll need to mail the completed paper form to the Federal Student Aid office.
Confirm your financial aid deadlines. If you’re a prospective student, reach out to your potential schools to see if they’ve moved their FAFSA and college decision deadlines. If you’re a current student, confirm the financial aid timeline at your school. All students should check financial aid deadlines for their state and any scholarships to which they’re applying.
Ask for assistance. Free FAFSA help is available. Reach out to your high school’s college counselor or the financial aid offices at your school (or potential schools), search for college access nonprofits in your community or call the Federal Student Aid office at 800-4-FED-AID.
Here’s the bright spot: the new FAFSA is easier and quicker to complete for many students. Some will need to answer only 18 questions, down from 103 possible questions in previous years. With a new financial aid eligibility formula, at least 1.5 million students from low-income backgrounds are expected to qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award — $7,395 per year.
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Furniture World News Desk on
1/17/2024
Home Deco Expo International (HDX) will feature HGTV star, designer and expert carpenter Ty Pennington as the headline speaker of its ground-breaking furniture trade show which opens Feb. 29 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Open exclusively to industry professionals, Home Deco Expo is the first of its kind to bring suppliers from around the world, offering residential and commercial furniture, lighting and décor, rugs and floor, and a diverse assortment of materials to create beautiful interior and exterior spaces.
Pennington will share with HDX attendees his unique stories and insights from the many interesting home improvement projects from his more than two decades of popular TV shows, as well as his personal projects away from the camera. He will be available to answer questions from attendees.
Pennington first garnered national attention as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series “Trading Spaces.” Later, as host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” he helped transform the lives of hundreds while inspiring millions more around the world to volunteer their time to help others. He’s hosted a series of other shows and traveled the country breathing new life into homes and communities, including several current series with HGTV that include Battle on the Beach, Rock the Block, Hometown Takeover, with other projects upcoming.
In addition to his extensive television work, Ty is recognized for his design expertise and style. He has launched fabric, furniture and flooring lines, and has written multiple books, including “How Good Design Can Change Your Life,” an intimate look at his design inspirations with décor advice and tips, and the New York Times bestseller “Ty’s Tricks,” which is part reference and part behind-the-scenes in his own home, which he completely remodeled himself. His most recent book, “Life to the Extreme” details his initial struggle with, and story on how he overcame, the challenges of living with ADHD.
Free registration for HDX is open to the trade only and more information is available at www.hdxintl.com or by email at [email protected].
Source: furninfo.com
Moving to Mexico, moving house or ready for makeover time? The holidays are upon us, and the shopping season is about to go mad! Buying furnishings within Mexico is the smart way to go, as the price of shipping to Mexico can be astronomical, and the delay in shipping goods might mean a Mexican wait (i.e. a looong time).
November and December sales in Mexico roll over into January, when stores want to move out stock before their new arrivals. The ‘Back to School’ sales in August later in the year are something to watch out for also, but the time for bargains is from now until February!
MND surveyed the scene of best places to buy cool home decor in Mexico – from basic necessities to up-scale, stylish furnishings with wow factor.
It’s true, there are many sites out there, so we found some of our – and our features editor’s – favorites. The cost of furniture in Mexico is about the same as what you would pay in Canada or the U.S. Sprucing up your space with splashes of Mexican handicrafts, art and design elements is going to be a more affordable, and fun, part of your home interior design project.
Inspirational tip: We liked AD Magazine, Mexico’s Architectural Digest, for awesome design ideas.
Mexico, like the US, has modern and antique furniture ranging from Contemporary to Victorian, and there’s no reason to pay full price when you can get up to 60% and, in some cases, 80% for last-minute bargains.
Bargains
Beyond the regular sales times, the big department stores like Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro have specials all the time, plus brand ambassadors will often be there to offer even more discounts and big blowout sales. Placencia also has sales currently, offering 40% off (and sometimes more) on living room, bedroom, and dining room sets.
Payment Plans
Remember layaway? Some stores like Moblum and Gaia offer payment plan options with PayPal, scheduled bank transfers or recurring credit card payments. So you can splurge on a bulk buy, especially if you’ve got an empty house, or new rooms to fill, and catch up with payments in a leisurely way.
Delivery
Tiffany and Tom Pence moved to Querétaro from Florida in 2018 and report that “deliveries were the most interesting and entertaining part of buying furniture for us. Sometimes the delivery was scheduled 3 days away; other times the deliveries were 2-3 weeks later. Sometimes it was on an official store brand truck, other times on a pickup truck.” So just double-check check you’re clear on the delivery date and get a contact person’s name and number! You’re in Mexico now, and we came for a more relaxed lifestyle after all! It’s just part of it; no sweat.
Identification (yes, take it!) At each store, you’ll need to provide proof of address, and a passport as a form of identification before delivery approval. “My passport has been copied more times in the first 6 weeks here than all my previous years of having a passport. I’m sure my picture is up on the internet or a public bathroom somewhere,” Tiffany Pence says. So – just a reminder!
Sodimac
It seems to be the most popular furniture and homewares emporium for the Mexican population, according to Similarweb’s traffic analytics. It’s a bit of a quagmire on the website, but bargain hunters and those on a budget can score.
Why shop here? Cheap and cheerful, all the simple basics. Good for kids.
Basics and bargains! Like Sodimac, the least expensive.
Why shop here? Deals! And cheap beds. Simple furnishings for a rental investment?
We liked this one in Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit, with its invite to, “easily furnish your home in Mexico, whether one piece or your entire home.” They have professional interior decorators who will customize a furniture package and a wide range of gorgeous goods, from mid-range to higher-end.
Why shop here? They offer furnishing tips, over 200 suppliers and shopping tours to Guadalajara, Tonala and Tiaquepaque to hunt for wall art, rugs, decor items and lighting. They offer rental packages for rental owners who don’t want to invest in all their furniture at once, but want to rent their property right away. And their site is in English also, if that helps you!
Stylish, modern, functional furniture, with a touch of the Scandi design vibe, and an easy-to-navigate website.
Why shop here? 60% off most items right now, free delivery over 12,000 pesos, and an average of 4.6 stars from all the testimonials. They also offer design services and discovery and design advice calls.
Mid-range price, modern and stylish furniture from the basic to the more interesting.
Why shop here? Offers immediate delivery, flash sales, promotions, one year warranties. They also have a blog and a roster of interior designers – so you can brainstorm and seek advice.
More upscale contemporary furniture, with prices to match. Very stylish – which is immediately apparent on their home page, where the design editor has put some thought into presentation. They have stores in CDMX, Valle de Bravo and Mérida.
Why shop here? “Each piece is made using the best technology and materials in combination with the expert hands of our artisans who craft each piece to be a unique object.” Say no more.
Great standard, mid-range modern furniture with a wide selection. Free design services and ‘lookbooks’ to browse through.
Why shop here? They donate to underprivileged children (always a plus point).
They specialize in stylish outdoor furniture – from dining sets to banks and benches, umbrellas, and accessories – which combines functionality with good quality and design.
Why shop here? Their exclusive brands have anywhere from 40% to 60% price reductions right now.
I couldn’t resist these two hip young businesswomen who run this vintage furniture store in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, where “each piece tells a story.”
Why shop here? Every piece of their eclectic collection is thoughtfully curated and hand picked, from a vast range of styles. Adding just one or two pieces might jazz up your basic items.
If you’re looking for a quirky shopping experience, and a vast range of antique furnishings, head to La Lagunilla Market, a weekly morning traditional public market in Mexico City, located about ten blocks north of the city’s main plaza, in a neighborhood called La Lagunilla. There are three big, distinct zones dedicated to food, clothing, and furniture.
Why shop here? The authentic Mexican experience is full of oddities and genuine Mexican antiques to die for. Take a break between shopping and having tacos and a michelada at the lunch counter!
Mexico’s “Facebook marketplace” is just as spectacular in its range of offerings as its U.S or abroad equivalents. Anyone can sign up, and it’s user-friendly. You just need the stomach for hunting, a bit like thrift shopping. Pick your region, and dive in. There are many current bargains, coupon offers and payment plans connected to all the major Mexican banks. Interest free installment plans are also tempting for shoppers on a budget!
So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride of mixing and matching this huge and eclectic range of home decor on offer in Mexico, that suits your style and your wallet. Sign up for their mailing lists to get final sale alerts and flash sales – happening now – and take advantage of their payment plans and free design or delivery services. And don’t forget Google translate – or your ID!
Henrietta Weekes is a writer, editor, actor and narrator. She divides her time between San Miguel de Allende, New York and Oxford, UK.
Source: mexiconewsdaily.com