In the Echo House, designed by Oleksii Samokhvalov, shadows speak softly and every line is drawn with intention. This two-storey retreat strips away the noise of excess and lets texture, light, and stillness do the talking. With its moody palette and quiet luxury, Echo House is a state of mind! Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of restraint or the allure of contrast, this space will be your inspiration.
A plush, modular charcoal sofa anchors the living space, inviting quiet conversation or a peaceful solo unwind. The muted tones of the sofa echo the hush of the surrounding palette. The soft area rugs add textural contrast to the rich wood floors, which run fluidly throughout the room.
Adjacent to the lounge, a sculptural round dining table takes center stage beneath an oversized dome pendant. The black, curved-back chairs complement the table’s deep tone, creating a cohesive vignette that feels grounded. It’s minimalist, yes—but never cold.
Floor-to-ceiling sheer drapes frame the expansive glass doors that open onto the outdoor patio. By day, natural light pours in and reflects softly off the matte finishes. By dusk, the interior glows in warm pools of indirect lighting, while the patio becomes an extension of the indoor experience: an al fresco sanctuary cocooned in greenery. Let’s step outdoors for a moment before touring the rest of the Echo House.
Layered with textural greens and punctuated by floating concrete steps, the garden in the Echo House feels like a quiet procession into nature. Minimalist lounging zones with oversized cushions let you sink into comfort.
At the top of the path, a sleek outdoor dining area connects directly to the indoor lounge through large sliding glass doors. Evening lighting is subtle yet dramatic, with ground-level fixtures illuminating the path, the plants, and the outlines of outdoor furniture. We love that moody glow!
The entire landscape is built to draw you in, inviting slow walks, lingering conversations, and moments of pause.
Next, let’s step into the kitchen, cloaked in deep charcoal tones and honed stone surfaces. We like to call it a “quietly powerful” space. The dramatic, veined stone countertop wraps seamlessly around the island and backsplash. This makes for a sculptural focal point.
Matte black fixtures and hardware keep the aesthetic razor-sharp, while open shelves and rail systems provide sleek utility. Subtle under-cabinet lighting accentuates the depth of the stone and adds a soft glow.
Whether you’re preparing a slow Sunday breakfast or hosting drinks with friends, this space sets the tone for grounded luxury.
The bedroom at Echo House features a low-profile upholstered bed, dressed in soft grey and crisp white. It is placed against a dark wood-paneled accent wall that adds depth. Minimalist black nightstands and integrated lighting maintain the clean lines. Simultaneously, a glowing orb pendant offers a moonlike presence over the bedside.
Natural light spills in through full-height glass doors that lead to a private balcony, where residents can sit and have a coffee break.
The kids’ room is a gentle blend of functionality and softness. The elevated bed, wrapped in warm beige tones and framed by crisp white rails, adds playfulness while maximizing space. Below, soft draped curtains conceal a cozy hideaway—a quiet nook for reading.
Opposite the bed, a built-in study zone stretches wall to wall under a wide window. The desk is kept minimal, yet smart, with floating shelves. This encourages focused, clutter-free learning. A modern white swivel chair and soft grey carpeting keep the environment calm. Pale wardrobe doors with playful leather loop handles add a tactile element. Altogether, the room embraces a serene palette and practical layout.
Monochrome palettes dominate, with deep charcoal tiles juxtaposed against crisp white floating vanities and streamlined fixtures. The contrast is bold, but never brash.
In the main bathroom, an integrated shower area is softened by soft lighting and tactile finishes. Subtle details—like the grid of mini-tiles, the low-slung black stool, and the linear towel warmer—add style.
In the secondary bathroom, a lighter palette takes over, yet the same minimalism shines through. Wall-hung sanitaryware and built-in storage maintain a sense of openness.
Community Thursday challenge: every Thursday, try to make an effort to engage with a community on Dreamwidth, whether that's posting, commenting, promoting, etc.
Over the last week...
Final (;v;) vigilantes chit-chat on bnha_fans, for this season at least!
Commented on littleblackdressex about a duplicate nom..... My first exchange sign-up this year! Excited :D :D
Signal boost:
sunshine_revival started! Each (chill) challenge will have journalling prompts, and so on. A good way to be active and meet other active people around Dreamwidth! There's a friending meme, too! As happens way too often (and I'm going to need to address that at some point...), I'm too overwhelmed with other things to take part in social challenges at the moment, but wishing everyone a super fun time with it! And who knows, maybe I will manage to squeeze in one or two challenges, too... It could happen!!
“Do you sleep with all your staff?” Rio snapped, aiming for anger but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. The way her brows drew together wasn’t just irritation. It was something deeper. Hotter. She almost looked, hurt?
Agatha turned her head, just enough to catch Rio’s profile in the golden light. God, she was stunning. Even furious.
“Jealous?” Agatha murmured, eyes still locked on Wanda, but their bodies were drifting closer. Too close to ignore.
“Hardly. Let’s be clear, Agatha, I am only doing this because you practically begged me.”
Agatha’s voice dropped, low and sharp like the crack of a whip. “I pay you to ride. Generously might I add. You are a mess and quite frankly, a liability. If you can’t handle this… get off the damn horse.” Agatha whipped around, her long coat flourishing behind her as she stomped away.
Or.
When disgraced jockey Rio returns to the track, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous affair with Agatha, the aloof and ruthless owner of the world’s most famous racehorse: Scratch.
Or.
I listened to Blush by Orville Peck and got inspired.
Can you tell this is the recap I had the most fun with?
Following the directions of a prophecy, the Ceannic government sent Thorn Estragon and his team of knights to guard the Embassy of Sønheim. There was an empty chair in the room, for some reason.
Thorn bonded with Leif, a servant “owned” by the Embassy. Leif is an expert at slipping around the Embassy’s rules and surveillance. As they grow closer, Thorn has learned how careful he needs to be to avoid putting Leif in danger. Somebody helped them along at some point, maybe?
Thorn also befriended Kale, formerly a corporate cult’s Dark Magical Boy. These days Kale is in power-blocking bracelets while he gets therapy. Lots of therapy. One time Thorn considered cutting the bracelets, to let Kale handle a magical emergency. But it resolved on its own!
If Kale did go supervillain, taking him down might be the responsibility of the Secret Order of Monster Hunters! They also handle other weird threats around the city. One of them has solo missions a lot, for some reason . . .
. . . HEY WAIT ANOTHER AGENT WAS THERE! The woman in the long black coat! Embassy resident Iona (a kid, one of the diplomats is her dad) could tell she had silky dark hair in braids, and big green eyes, and light brown skin, and her ears were covered so you couldn’t see if they were round or pointed, and she was VERY confident when saying things about the future–
There was a whole showdown when Dex — a secret agent, and the spouse of one of Kale’s past victims — snuck into a party and tried to kill him. Thorn saved him, though! And Leif (also at the party) made a point of Not Noticing anything that it would be bad for the Sønheim government to ask him about later.
As of now, Dex is on the run. Kale is confined to his flat until they’re apprehended. Thorn knows the location, so at least he can visit. And Leif can text. Dex’s brilliant and brain-damaged husband is kept under close care/surveillance . . . though one night he slipped out anyway! For a long time, nobody found him.
Also, this version of Thorn with greying hair and an eyepatch has been appearing in random storylines since Volume 1, and hurriedly sneaking out before (almost) anybody notices. Maybe, one day, we’ll find out what that’s about . . .
The whole Diddy thing. It doesn't matter how much proof there is.
Brad Pitt, who is known to have struck his wife and his children then perpetuated lawfare on them for years to the point where several of his kids no longer want contact with him, has the number one movie right now. Best opening weekend of his career. Most of the coverage doesn't even mention the violence.
On the anniversary of Tortoise Media publishing allegations of rape and sexual assault against Neil Gaiman, Netflix is dropping season two of The Sandman. Meanwhile, Gaiman is forcing one of his victims into arbitration. Not because she's libling him, but because she broke an NDA. Everything's gone very quiet, which I assume is what he wanted.
Some people want to judge the movement on specific outcomes, so when a case is overturned, Burke said, “people are like, ‘Oh the #MeToo movement has failed.’” Instead, she said, such outcomes are proof of the difficulty of the work.
“It’s not about the failure of the movement; it’s the failure of the systems,” Burke explained. “These systems are not designed to help survivors, they’re not designed to give us justice, they’re not designed to end sexual violence.”
“When we bind ourselves to the outcomes of these cases, we are constantly up and down with our disappointment, our highs and lows,” Burke continued. “What they tell us is just how much work we need to change the laws and the policies but most importantly, to change the culture that creates the people who commit, who perpetrate acts of harm.”
Dorothy Gale is 16 years old and no longer believes in miracles. Raised in a neglectful home, with absent parents and invisible scars that never heal, she finds herself trapped in an apathetic routine — until the day a tornado drags her house and, supposedly, her conscience to a place that does not exist.
Oz is a broken mirror of her soul: a world without logic, inhabited by distorted, dangerous and seductive figures, where everything smells of guilt, blood and desire. Each step takes her away from reality — or from sanity. And the companions she meets along the way... well, maybe they are just fragments of repressed memories. Maybe they are worse than the monsters that surround them.
On this journey with no return, Dorothy must discover the truth: is she running away from the world or from herself?
Murderbot learns about the legend of the sword in the stone when it… well, it pulls a sword out of a stone.
And then Murderbot is introduced to the concept of swashbucklers, and it learns to enjoy an activity that isn't watching media. (But one that is still inspired by media.)
You know that feeling where you're enjoying inhabiting a book so much you don't want to reach the end? This week I finishedThe Witness for the Deadby Katherine Addison, and that's how I felt.
Witnessis a companion novel to Addison's breakout novel,The Goblin Emperor(TGE), which I read for the first time last year and never got around to reviewing. You don't need to have read TGE to enjoy this one at all;Witnessfocuses on a minor character from TGE and his adventures after the events of that novel. Thara Celehar is a prelate of the god Ulis, and his role in elven society is something like a cross between a priest and a private detective. He has the ability to commune, in a limited fashion, with the dead, and he is employed by the city to provide this service to the people. This may involve reporting a deceased's last thoughts to a mourner, asking a deceased to clarify a point on their will, or seeking answers from a murder victim to bring their killer to justice.
Lamentation by C.J. Sansom, the 6th Shardlake novel. This is all about the heresy hunts in the last few years before Henry VIII's death - one faction wanted to go back towards Catholicism, one wanted a radical re-imagining of religion and social structures, and if you wanted to stay in the regime's good graces, you walked the narrow path of "the King is the divinely ordained leader of the Church, and whatever he says goes." Warning for historical burning of heretics, plus canon-typical violence; also for weird religion and contentious legal cases. Matthew Shardlake still has a crush on the queen (Katherine Parr).
What I'm reading now:
My hold on Katherine Addison's The Tomb of Dragons came in, so that. Just barely started.
What I recently finished watching:
American Primeval, which, huh, I've never before encountered media in which the Mormons are the bad guys. (This is not a spoiler. It's pretty clear from the get-go, but it gets more pointed and cartoon-villainy toward the end.) Definitely violent and gory, though also it felt very clearly written to Tug The Heart Strings (and then, often, deliberately kill the character it's just tried to make you care about) at which at least for me it failed to do. I liked Abish, Two Moons, and Captain Edwin Dellinger, and James Bridger amused the hell out of me, but - I mostly enjoyed it, but I don't feel it was superlative. I got tired of the filter to wash out colors so it looked almost old-photo sepia.
I did enjoy the historical setting of the Mormon War; as I mentioned last time, I researched it for my Yuletide story, and I think it's just an interesting time, the settlement/colonization of western North America.
What I'm about to start watching:
Murderbot! We always wait until enough episodes are out that we can watch ~every other day and not have to wait.
What I'm playing now:
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, which was recommended to me as a "spooky atmospheric puzzle game", and I'm enjoying it a lot. You play as a mysterious woman who has come to a mysterious hotel full of locked doors in what might be Germany in 1963, at the request of a mysterious man for reasons of ??? I told my brother about it because it's cheap in the summer sale at Steam, and he decided it sounded good so he is playing it now, a bit behind my progress but because of the nonlinearity he's ahead of me in some things. We're trying to give each other elliptical hints when needed.
Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 13 secrets from Secret Submission Post #965. Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 1 - repeat ]. Current Secret Submissions Post:here. Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.
On the day the world ends A bee circles a clover, A fisherman mends a glimmering net. Happy porpoises jump in the sea, By the rainspout young sparrows are playing And the snake is gold-skinned as it should always be.
On the day the world ends Women walk through the fields under their umbrellas, A drunkard grows sleepy at the edge of a lawn, Vegetable peddlers shout in the street And a yellow-sailed boat comes nearer the island, The voice of a violin lasts in the air And leads into a starry night.
And those who expected lightning and thunder Are disappointed. And those who expected signs and archangels’ trumps Do not believe it is happening now. As long as the sun and the moon are above, As long as the bumblebee visits a rose, As long as rosy infants are born No one believes it is happening now.
Only a white-haired old man, who would be a prophet Yet is not a prophet, for he’s much too busy, Repeats while he binds his tomatoes: There will be no other end of the world, There will be no other end of the world.
Face of sadness & rage: the public library here has had to cut its streaming services, likely in part because of the destruction of the IMLS, which funded a lot of that. This is a fucking travesty.
It's been too hot to bake, so I picked up a loaf of bread and am basking in the season's first tomato sandwiches. Bliss.
One thing I want to do before the end of the summer is borrow the ice cream maker and dehydrator from the Thing Library; my ice cream quest continues (Dutch Chocolate is perfectly fine but not a standout); blueberrying has not been scheduled but I have agreement that it sounds like fun from the people I want to go with. I am up to H.M.S. Surprise in the Aubreyad and enjoying myself thoroughly.
Mori: our headspace has started having weather and seasons, but it’s not as marked in changes as out here. It gets cold enough to snow sometimes but rarely sticks, it gets up to maybe eighty, warm but not HOT, and while it rains more often than it snows, it’s pretty much never windy. Rawlin has slept outdoors here her entire life (a woman her size finds human-size dwellings claustrophobic) and is fine; between her fur coat, a poncho, and her winter den above the hot springs, she’s always been able to make herself comfortable.
But this summer has been hot, and she’s been fronting way more, leading us to learn that she overheats pretty quickly. Makes sense, since she barely sweats.
What’s more, she SHEDS. Still not as bad as our roomy cat, though.
Summer has a magical way of making us want to refresh everything, from our wardrobes to our homes. If your space is feeling a little tired or flat, there’s one easy and stylish solution that can completely change the vibe: warm metallic accents. Unlike cooler metals like chrome or stainless steel, warm metals such as gold, copper, and brass bring a sense of richness and warmth t hat feels perfect for the summer months.
Below, we’re diving into 1 chic and transformative warm metallic ideas, from brushed gold faucets to copper pendant lighting, that will breathe new life into your home, whether you’re making subtle tweaks or bold upgrades.
1. Copper Pendant Lighting Over the Kitchen Island
Copper pendant lights are a bold yet elegant way to inject personality into your kitchen. The warm, reddish undertones of copper create a striking contrast against typical kitchen materials like marble, stone, or white cabinets. During the day, copper’s reflective quality captures natural sunlight, and by evening, it casts a cozy, inviting glow. Whether you choose a trio of industrial-style pendants or a single statement piece, copper instantly warms up the heart of the home. Pair them with open shelving, wooden cutting boards, and matte black accents for a layered, high-design look. The best part? Copper ages beautifully, developing a patina that only enhances its charm over time.
Lighting can make or break a bathroom, and gold vanity lights are one of the easiest ways to take things up a notch. Swapping in gold fixtures instantly makes the room feel more upscale and thoughtfully designed. Choose warm white bulbs and a brushed or matte gold finish to avoid an overly flashy effect. Whether mounted as sconces flanking a mirror or a horizontal bar above it, gold lighting frames your reflection in the most flattering way possible. These lights pair especially well with neutral tile or stone finishes and can be complemented with small gold accents like soap dispensers or towel hooks for a cohesive vibe.
Brushed gold bathroom faucets are a rising trend, and it’s easy to see why. They bring a clean, contemporary look without being too bold or brassy. The brushed finish softens the gold, making it more versatile and refined. These faucets look incredible against both light and dark surfaces, whether you’re working with white marble or deep navy vanities. Plus, they’re an easy entry point for anyone wanting to try the warm metallic trend without committing to major renovations. Coordinating these with matching hardware and lighting will tie the room together beautifully.
Mirrors already help rooms feel larger and brighter, but adding an antique brass frame brings extra depth and elegance. The aged finish of antique brass introduces a subtle vintage vibe without going full rustic. These mirrors work well in entryways, bathrooms, or above fireplaces and can serve as a beautiful focal point. Choose a round frame for a softer, more organic look or go for something rectangular with beveled edges for a classic style. You can also lean into a layered design by pairing an antique brass mirror with warm-toned wall sconces or a brass console table for an effortlessly coordinated space.
An easy weekend project with maximum impact? Swap out your existing cabinet hardware for gold pulls and knobs. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to modernize your kitchen, bathroom, or built-in cabinetry. Brushed or satin gold options offer a more elegant and restrained look than polished finishes, and they contrast beautifully with deep-toned cabinetry like forest green or charcoal. If your cabinets are white or natural wood, gold hardware still adds richness and visual interest. Consider combining pulls for drawers and knobs for doors to vary the texture and function. It’s all about small changes that make a big impression.
Curtain rods may seem like a small detail, but upgrading to brass versions can make a surprisingly big difference. Standard black or silver rods fade into the background, but brass adds a designer touch that feels elevated and intentional. Choose a matte or brushed finish for a more understated look, and pair with light linen or cotton curtains to let both materials breathe. Brass works especially well in living rooms or bedrooms where you want to soften the overall look without introducing too much color. Add brass tiebacks or rings to complete the ensemble and create a polished, cohesive finish.
If you’re planning a gallery wall or refreshing your decor, gold-framed artwork or photos can instantly make your space feel more curated. Matching gold frames tie together a collection of prints, sketches, or photographs, even if the content is eclectic. Look for thin, minimalist frames for a modern vibe, or go ornate for vintage flair. Mixing different sizes and formats (portrait, square, landscape) adds visual interest while the consistent finish of the gold unifies everything. Whether in a hallway, stairwell, or above a sofa, a gold-framed gallery wall feels intentional, sophisticated, and full of personality.
Copper bar stools can completely transform your kitchen or home bar. Their warm hue makes them a stunning counterpoint to cooler surfaces like marble, quartz, or stainless steel. You can find them in industrial styles with exposed metal frames or with plush upholstered cushions for added comfort. Either way, copper adds instant depth and character. Bonus points if your kitchen already features copper pendant lighting or cookware, these pieces will harmonize beautifully. Since stools are often highly visible, choosing ones with a warm metallic finish ensures they’re not just functional, but also a standout design element.
If you’re hesitant about committing to metallics in large doses, gold-accented furniture is the perfect middle ground. Look for coffee tables or console tables with gold legs, trim, or inlay detailing. These subtle touches catch the light and add a feeling of luxury without overwhelming the space. Pair gold-accented tables with neutral or earthy tones to balance the warmth. A console with a gold frame and glass top looks airy and modern in a hallway or entryway, while a marble-and-gold coffee table feels elegant and anchored in a living room. Add a decorative tray or gold vase to echo the theme.
Your indoor plants deserve just as much design attention as your furniture, and brass plant stands do exactly that. These metallic pedestals elevate your greenery (literally and aesthetically), adding height variation to your plant displays and bringing a warm glow to your room. Brass enhances the natural greens of plants, making them pop, and its timeless finish works well in both minimalist and bohemian spaces. Use them to fill empty corners, liven up a balcony, or flank a console table. Mix different stand heights for a more dynamic look. It’s a small decor choice that packs a lot of style.
Brass and bronze bed frames lend instant drama and sophistication to a bedroom. Whether you opt for a minimalist structure or a more decorative headboard and footboard, the warm metal finish adds an inviting, vintage-inspired feel. These finishes pair especially well with neutral linens or layered bedding in textures like velvet or linen. Consider complementing your bed with matching brass bedside lamps or drawer handles for a cohesive look. Best of all, these warm metallic tones reflect morning sunlight beautifully, helping you wake up in a space that feels both cozy and elevated.
A gold chandelier isn’t just a light fixture, it’s a statement piece that instantly elevates the mood of any room. Whether you hang it above the dining table, in the entryway, or even in a luxe master bedroom, a gold chandelier draws the eye upward and adds a touch of glamour without feeling too over-the-top. Modern gold chandeliers come in a variety of styles, from minimalist geometric shapes to cascading crystals with brushed gold frames. During the summer, the warm metal reflects sunlight beautifully, creating a golden glow that softens the room and adds visual warmth. Pair it with neutral tones or soft pastels to let the chandelier shine as the centerpiece, or echo the gold with smaller accents throughout the space for a cohesive look.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, treat it like the focal point it deserves. A brass fireplace screen instantly adds elegance, even when the fire isn’t lit. Pair it with matching brass tools,like a poker, tongs, and brush set,for a cohesive, upscale feel. The warm metallic finish reflects firelight beautifully in winter but still adds structure and shine in summer when the hearth is used less. Choose minimalist screens for a modern look, or opt for an ornate design for vintage charm. Even if your fireplace is decorative only, brass accessories will make it feel intentional and refined.
Finishing Notes
Refreshing your home for summer doesn’t have to mean a full renovation. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional changes,like adding brushed gold hardware, copper lighting, or a brass-framed mirror,that create the biggest impact. Warm metallics bring depth, elegance, and a soft glow that perfectly complements the natural light of the season. They add a designer’s touch while keeping your space welcoming and livable.
At Home Designing, we believe great interiors are built from thoughtful details that balance beauty and function. Warm metals offer exactly that, timeless charm with a modern edge. So whether you’re layering in a few accents or reimagining an entire room, let these ideas inspire your next transformation. Your home deserves to shine this summer, inside and out.
There are 17 medical professionals in the current House of Representatives. 11 are Republicans. Trying to argue on most issues with the bill is difficult with such a tight deadline, but the one item most people -- including Congressional Representatives -- are reacting to negatively is the closure of Rural and Regional hospitals. This should be a negative for all of the Republicans, but the ones who understand what lack of medical provision can do should be especially ripe to listen, perhaps even be persuaded.
I live in Georgia. Rich McCormick is Georgia District 6, and I live in District 1. But he's more likely to respond to someone from the same state, especially if he has Senate or Gubernatorial ambitions in the future.
The list I found is through The Patients Action Network. If you are in a District with one of these Republican representatives, particularly if they specialize in Emergency or Family medicine, start calling and/or emailing. If you are in the same state, email them and let them know you have a long memory if they're thinking of statewide offices.
In the meantime, send support to the few Republicans in the House who have already voted against it and continue to oppose it. At the very least, let's make them miss their deadline for vacation.
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