#Halo majestic interiors

[yourwallcolours]

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[ververa]

‘Ecstasy’

@misssmephisto thank you for dealing with me and the breakdown I had while writing this <3333

A/N: This is a part of Twelve Shades of Love storyline, though I don’t have enough time to write all of it now, so just Xandra <3

(Sorry if this is bad, but I suck at describing places? Or maybe in general at describing)

Words: 1.991

Xandra x fem!reader

What am I doing here? You asked yourself as your best friend dragged you to the nightclub. It’s not like you didn’t want to party. It’s rather the opposite. It was just that you didn’t like such places. You had some bad memories connected with events like that, but you went there anyway.

That was the beginning of your new life. Your freedom and independence. For the first time you could go wild and nobody would call your mothers. And that was for sure worth celebrating.

Geez. What would Lana say? The question crossed your mind, though you forgot about it as soon as you got in.

From the outside it may not seem to be anything unusual. At first you’re taken aback, knowing that your best friend always chose the fanciest places possible. But then he brought you there. You took a glance at the building and couldn’t deny it looked more like a warehouse rather than a club. The walls were made of black brick and seemed not to be renovated in a long time. It looked neither promisingly nor encouragingly. It really was nothing special. Just another hellhole… You thought, but then you entered. What you took for a main entrance turned out to be only a burden on your way to the right door. Behind the wooden, black door there was a gate, almost, from heaven. At least it looked like that. Something in imitation of a golden halo was hanging above it and on both sides there were white and blue LED lights arranged as if they were clouds. Even the security guards were dressed in white suits. And that was glamorous.  

Two muscular men asked you for your tickets, though instead Simon informed them you’re on a VIP list. They checked it and then politely opened the door for you informing that you need to go to the right.

You followed Simon and soon you found yourself passing through the long hall. The walls, the floor and the ceiling were made of granite. It was completely black, except the kind that their used on the ceiling, which was resembling a galaxy. On the walls there were hanging LED lamps of different geometric shapes, which made the ceiling glimpse in white and blue swaths of lights. You’re fascinated by the extraordinary design that made you feel a hint of magic and mystery.

The further you moved the louder the music became. You could feel how the floor vibrated with the beat, which made your anticipation grew higher and higher. Finally you reached the end of the hall.

There was another door, but that time it was thrown open for you by two men – this time in black suits.

“Ecstasy” - a red lighted inscription was the first thing that came into your view. You looked around and were in awe. You knew it’s going to be fancy, but you did not expect it to be that fancy. It was far from familiar to you. That place was completely different to all expensive restaurants your mothers used to take you. You had never been to such an extravagant place before, but damn you were enchanted at once. Despite the exterior look, which was quite deceptive, the interior turned out to be not only marvellous, but also enormous. The club was split into two levels. As you get in you’re at the second one – arranged in a kind of balcony – separated from the rest by the glass balustrade and stairs. You stopped at the stairs and took a look around the place, while Simon was talking with some man.

It wasn’t hard to notice the second level was designed to be a VIP area. White sofas, tables made of glass, a bottle of champagne on each of them and the bar full of various drinks. If that hadn’t been enough, there were still booths for those who needed more privacy and were ready to pay for it. Everything about that place was luxurious. Every little detail was in the most fashionable style possible.

Mirrors on the ceiling and at the stage made the room flicker with colourful lights. The star-shaped lights on the floor, video walls and imagines of such icons like Marylin Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor or Michael Jackson made the place even more majestic and electrifying. It was all unknown for you, but still so fantastic and exciting that you were standing there in awe.

If, somehow, the inner design wasn’t enough to blow your mind all the rich and famous people you saw for sure were.

For a moment you’re so preoccupied by admiring the place, that you didn’t notice a woman looking at you. She was standing at the other end of the balcony – exactly opposite you. As she noticed that you finally spotted her, she emptied a glass of some alcohol and smirked at you.

“Y/N?” Simon placed his hand on your shoulder making you look at him “What are you starring at?”

You averted your gaze to look at the beautiful blonde once again, but she wasn’t there any more.

“I… nothing”

You didn’t know how it happened that the two of you managed to get to the VIP are, considering they didn’t let in a few other people who were ready to pay for it. But did that really matter? You were there and could do whatever you desire and you, for sure, weren’t going to blow your chance.

You’re amazed by the place more and more with every hour.

It’s a Sunday’s night – one of the best and probably unforgettable one in your life. Everybody, including you, were drinking whisky and wine. You even got some champagne and met a few important people, who were working in your (future) field, but it was all nothing in comparison to the show you’re able to watch.

None of you knew that night was a burlesque time. Neither did you expect to see so much, but that definitely was worth it. You loved every moment of the performance – from the pole dances to the stripping. You’re sitting in the front row, which was a privilege of being a VIP, and admired the performances. That was until the last show, when one of the women came really close to you – way too close and you didn’t know how to act. You enjoyed the performance, of course, but her coming off of the stage and approaching you was unexpected. Why me? You were wondering, when a barely  dressed woman stopped in front of you.

“Well well well. What we have here?” she looked at you “First time, sweetheart?” she asked probably seeing your red cheeks

You only nodded not knowing where to look.

“Will you join me at the stage?” a short haired blonde asked offering you her hand

You were about to answer, when another woman – luckily for you fully dressed – appeared. You recognised her immediately. It was her – the woman from the balcony. She said nothing, only looked at the dancer, who almost immediately got back on the stage.

You wanted to say something, but as you turned to face the mysterious woman she was gone. She was at the bar talking to one of the security guards and you couldn’t stop starring at her.

She was tall, or rather came across as that, because of her enormous high heels. Her long, blonde hair were falling on her shoulders making her look even more gorgeous in a tight, black dress.

Her eyes seemed to be really big, because of the fake eyelashes. A mix of pastel and dark pink eyeshadow and a pink lip gloss, which were sparkling in the colourful lights, made her look like a big, sweet candy. But you knew better. She may look like lollipops and rainbows, but behind closed doors she, for sure, was latex and whips. But that made her even more attractive. No wonder, forbidden fruit is the sweetest.

“It’s Xandra” Simon said

“W-what?”

“The woman you’re eye-fucking”

“I…” you blushed “I don’t know what you’re talking about”

“Yeah, sure” he laughed

“So… you know her?”

“Kind of. She’s the owner of the club and my parents’ friend”

You looked at the woman again. Though that time she wasn’t at the bar only with the security guard. The dancer, who had approached you before, was right next to her. It seemed as if they were arguing and, sweet Jesus, pissed off Xandra was even hotter.

You didn���t realise you’re starring, until she turned around and your eyes met. She smirked, just as she had done before, but soon she left together with the dancer. You were a bit frustrated and didn’t know why. You tried to start a conversation with Simon to occupy yourself, but your brain was already full of Xandra, even though you didn’t know her.

You couldn’t help she was sending those weird vibes that were attracting you so much. She came off as a typical bitch, so vain and self-confident. But you liked it. You wanted it more than anything. You wanted to mess up her hair and her to press you up against her pink coloured lips.

You took a sip of another drink, hoping it could help to cool your mind

“So, why is it called ‘Ecstasy’?” you asked Simon

“Because” you heard a female voice “That’s where all your fantasies can come true and gave you the feeling of ecstasy”

You turned back and saw the beautiful woman.

“People want a show and I’m giving them what they want” she continued “Well, far more actually” she winked at you

You only smiled, while Simon stood up and greeted her.

“You look great” your friend complimented

“As always” she said confidently “How are your parents?”

“Good. Well, very good”

“Great” she didn’t pay much attention to what Simon was saying, she was too busy checking you out. She didn’t even try to do it discreetly. She just stood there and eyed you up and down

“I didn’t know you have a girlfriend” she cut him off

“I…” he didn’t manage to finish his sentence, as she continued

“I’m Xandra” she offered you her hand

“Y/N”

“She’s my best friend” Simon explained, but it seemed as she didn’t hear him

“Well, Y/N… that might sound too forward, but that’s how I’m. You’re perfect darling”

You weren’t able to say anything, so you just looked at her and smiled.

“It’s not often that such beauties like you come here”

“Well, you’re here everyday, so…” you flirted back

Xandra smirked.

“Now, I don’t know if you’re looking for a job, but I’ve just had to fire one of my employee and you’d be just perfect to take her place. With that body of yours you’d be even better”

“I… Thank you. I mean I’d love to, but I don’t think I can do that…”

“Why is that?”

“I… I just don’t plan on stripping in front of people”

“Oh, honey, I don’t ask you to do that. I wouldn’t like you to strip for them either. Would far more prefer that all for myself” she licked her perfect lips “Never mind. You’d perfect as my assistant. I need someone young, pretty and assertive. You just… my God, you got that something that makes me want you. I’d love to give it a try, but no pressure, darling. If you make up your mind we’re going to have some kind of audition tomorrow. So, after you deal with your hangover, feel invited” she said smiling

You nodded reciprocating the smile.

“It was good to see you Sam” she said winking at you and leaving

You followed her with your eyes until she disappeared.

“She called me Sam… I’m not Sam” Simon complained, but you’re too excited to care

You knew it was going to be a crazy night, but that was unexpected. Yet you couldn’t deny you wanted to see where it all could go…  

Let me know what you think and if you’d like to be tagged in future works

@cordwliagoode

@sarahpaulsonisgod

@namelesslosers

[sciencespies]

Beyond the brim, Sombrero Galaxy's halo suggests turbulent past

https://sciencespies.com/space/beyond-the-brim-sombrero-galaxys-halo-suggests-turbulent-past/

Beyond the brim, Sombrero Galaxy's halo suggests turbulent past

On the left is an image of the Sombrero galaxy (M104) that includes a portion of the much fainter halo far outside its bright disk and bulge. Hubble photographed two regions in the halo (one of which is shown by the white box). The images on the right zoom in to show the level of detail Hubble captured. The orange box, a small subset of Hubble’s view, contains myriad halo stars. The stellar population increases in density closer to the galaxy’s disk (bottom blue box). Each frame contains a bright globular cluster of stars, of which there are many in the galaxy’s halo. The Sombrero’s halo contained more metal-rich stars than expected, but even stranger was the near-absence of old, metal-poor stars typically found in the halos of massive galaxies. Many of the globular clusters, however, contain metal-poor stars. A possible explanation for the Sombrero’s perplexing features is that it is the product of the merger of massive galaxies billions of years ago, even though the smooth appearance of the galaxy’s disk and halo show no signs of such a huge disruption. Credit: NASA/Digitized Sky Survey/P. Goudfrooij (STScI)/The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Surprising new data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope suggests the smooth, settled “brim” of the Sombrero galaxy’s disk may be concealing a turbulent past. Hubble’s sharpness and sensitivity resolves tens of thousands of individual stars in the Sombrero’s vast, extended halo, the region beyond a galaxy’s central portion, typically made of older stars. These latest observations of the Sombrero are turning conventional theory on its head, showing only a tiny fraction of older, metal-poor stars in the halo, plus an unexpected abundance of metal-rich stars typically found only in a galaxy’s disk, and the central bulge. Past major galaxy mergers are a possible explanation, though the stately Sombrero shows none of the messy evidence of a recent merger of massive galaxies.

“The Sombrero has always been a bit of a weird galaxy, which is what makes it so interesting,” said Paul Goudfrooij of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), Baltimore, Maryland. “Hubble’s metallicity measurements (i.e., the abundance of heavy elements in the stars) are another indication that the Sombrero has a lot to teach us about galaxy assembly and evolution.”

“Hubble’s observations of the Sombrero’s halo are turning our generally accepted understanding of galaxy makeup and metallicity on its head,” added co-investigator Roger Cohen of STScI.

Long a favorite of astronomers and amateur sky watchers alike for its bright beauty and curious structure, the Sombrero galaxy (M104) now has a new chapter in its strange story—an extended halo of metal-rich stars with barely a sign of the expected metal-poor stars that have been observed in the halos of other galaxies. Researchers, puzzling over the data from Hubble, turned to sophisticated computer models to suggest explanations for the perplexing inversion of conventional galactic theory. Those results suggest the equally surprising possibility of major mergers in the galaxy’s past, though the Sombrero’s majestic structure bears no evidence of recent disruption. The unusual findings and possible explanations are published in the Astrophysical Journal.

“The absence of metal-poor stars was a big surprise,” said Goudfrooij, “and the abundance of metal-rich stars only added to the mystery.”

In a galaxy’s halo astronomers expect to find earlier generations of stars with less heavy elements, called metals, as compared to the crowded stellar cities in the main disk of a galaxy. Elements are created through the stellar “lifecycle” process, and the longer a galaxy has had stars going through this cycle, the more element-rich the gas and the higher-metallicity the stars that form from that gas. These younger, high-metallicity stars are typically found in the main disk of the galaxy where the stellar population is denser—or so goes the conventional wisdom.

Complicating the facts is the presence of many old, metal-poor globular clusters of stars. These older, metal-poor stars are expected to eventually move out of their clusters and become part of the general stellar halo, but that process seems to have been inefficient in the Sombrero galaxy. The team compared their results with recent computer simulations to see what could be the origin of such unexpected metallicity measurements in the galaxy’s halo.

The results also defied expectations, indicating that the unperturbed Sombrero had undergone major accretion, or merger, events billions of years ago. Unlike our Milky Way galaxy, which is thought to have swallowed up many small satellite galaxies in so-called “minor” accretions over billions of years, a major accretion is the merger of two or more similarly massive galaxies that are rich in later-generation, higher-metallicity stars.

The satellite galaxies only contained low-metallicity stars that were largely hydrogen and helium from the big bang. Heavier elements had to be cooked up in stellar interiors through nucleosynthesis and incorporated into later-generation stars. This process was rather ineffective in dwarf galaxies such as those around our Milky Way, and more effective in larger, more evolved galaxies.

The results for the Sombrero are surprising because its smooth disk shows no signs of disruption. By comparison, numerous interacting galaxies, like the iconic Antennae galaxies, get their name from the distorted appearance of their spiral arms due to the tidal forces of their interaction. Mergers of similarly massive galaxies typically coalesce into large, smooth elliptical galaxies with extended halos—a process that takes billions of years. But the Sombrero has never quite fit the traditional definition of either a spiral or an elliptical galaxy. It is somewhere in between—a hybrid.

For this particular project, the team chose the Sombrero mainly for its unique morphology. They wanted to find out how such “hybrid” galaxies might have formed and assembled over time. Follow-up studies for halo metallicity distributions will be done with several galaxies at distances similar to that of the Sombrero.

The research team looks forward to future observatories continuing the investigation into the Sombrero’s unexpected properties. The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), with a field of view 100 times that of Hubble, will be capable of capturing a continuous image of the galaxy’s halo while picking up more stars in infrared light. The James Webb Space Telescope will also be valuable for its Hubble-like resolution and deeper infrared sensitivity.

Explore further

Astronomers conduct one of the most detailed studies of a stellar halo

More information: Roger E. Cohen et al, The Strikingly Metal-rich Halo of the Sombrero Galaxy, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ab64e9

Provided by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Citation: Beyond the brim, Sombrero Galaxy’s halo suggests turbulent past (2020, February 20) retrieved 20 February 2020 from https://phys.org/news/2020-02-brim-sombrero-galaxy-halo-turbulent.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

#Space

[gruhapraveshinteriors]

JSW Paints Price List in India

In 2015, JSW Group acquired a controlling stake in the Indian paint company, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) for ₹6,000 crore ($800 million). The deal gave HUL access to JSW's distribution network and manufacturing facilities in India. This acquisition made JSW the largest manufacturer of paints in India.

The company has been named after the founder of the group, JRD Tata. It will manufacture paint products under the brand name JSW Paints. The company plans to invest ₹1,000 crore ($150 million) over the next three years to expand production capacity.

JSW Paints Ltd., a subsidiary of JSW Group, is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of paints and allied products. The company was incorporated on February 25, 2016 under the Companies Act. The company will focus on the development of new products like water based paint, exterior paint, interior paint, and decorative paint. It will also develop new technologies like nano technology, UV protection, and anti-corrosion coatings.

The Halo Majestic range of paints is designed to give your home a fresh new look without compromising on quality. These paints are specially formulated to resist mould growth and mildew, making them perfect for use on external surfaces like windows, doors, cladding and facades.

The company will focus on the development of new products like water based paint, exterior paint, interior paint, and decorative paint. It will also develop new technologies like nano technology, UV protection, and anti-corrosion coatings.

Want to paint your wall or home with the new JSW paint and you don’t have enough data like its products and its prices in detail.

They both provide a 5year endurance with quick-dry and low VOC properties as per the company.

Value) 1 Litre-140, 4 Litre-520, 1 Litre-150, 4 Litre-550 Available Shades White White VOC Level <20gms/Litre <20gms/Litre JSW Paint wall primer price and product details JSW paint Primer for interior and exterior are in approximate Value and it may differ from location to location.

In the below table we mentioned the JSW Halo Aquaglo Price or JSW Emulsion paint Price for the Halo Aquaglo variant with various features which you should know.

However, the price for 4liter packs for various JSW paints products ranges from Rs 700 to Rs1800 approximately.

The Halo Majestic range of paints is available in two variants – Halo Majestic Interiors and Halo Majestic Exteriors. Both these variants come in three colours – White, Grey and Black. The JSW paints price has different prices for three colors , You can visit the GruhaPravesh Interior to know more about it.

[thinkweb]

Same Day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi

Introduction

Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi is one of the most glamorous and unforgettable tour packages in India. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, which was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is also called as "The Jewel of Agra". Come with us on our best Taj Mahal tour package and get acquainted with this beautiful monument that has stood for more than two centuries now. We will take you around inside the Taj Mahal and show you various places that are worth seeing while taking a tour here.

The monument is a mausoleum, which was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, with its white marble dome and marble walls decorated with gold, blue lapis lazuli and red sandstone carvings. Inside it has a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal herself as well as rooms for other members of her family who died before her death.

Highlight of the Tour :

The highlight of the tour is definitely the Taj Mahal Sunrise View. If you are lucky enough to be able to see it, then this will be one of your most memorable experiences.

The baby Taj is also a must-see place on this tour. It's located close to Agra Fort and looks like a tiny replica of its mother!

A great way to spend time in Agra is by visiting Mehtab Bagh or 'The Garden of Peace', which was designed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an oasis with water features and manicured lawns where he liked spending time with his family members when they were away from Delhi (where their palace was located).

The Taj Mahal’s sunrise view is one of the most beautiful sights to behold. The monument and its surroundings are bathed in a halo of orange light, as if you were at the center of an explosion.

The best time to visit this incredible site is at dawn, when it's not yet fully lit up by sunlight but still gets a little more color than normal daylight would provide.

Baby Taj or as people say it a mini version of the real Taj Mahal is actually not a replica but rather an architectural wonder in itself. The structure was built by Mir Taqi Mirza and his son, Mirza Abdus Samad, who lived for about ten years at Agra Fort. It was then completed by his grandson in 1846 AD. This building stands on the site where Shah Jahan's father-in-law had built another monument which he named Mumtaz Mahal after his beloved wife Mumtaz Begum (who died during childbirth).

The interior of this beautiful place has been beautifully decorated with marble work on all sides with paintings depicting scenes from love stories like "Sanchore" and "Kabir".

Mehtab Bagh is a garden in Agra, India. Mehtab Bagh that is also known as Mehtab Bagh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. It was built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal and later became one of the most famous places to visit in India.

Mehtab Bagh has been designed to look like an enormous tent made from stone blocks with large windows and intricate carvings throughout its exterior walls; it's said that Mumtaz would often sit inside her chamber-like room while Shah Jahan worked on other parts of this palace complex, so she could watch him at work (and perhaps flirt with him).

Come to visit tajmahal with us and take your family for memorable tour

Agra Taj Mahal Tours is one of the best tour packages in Delhi. The Taj Mahal is located on the banks of Yamuna River and stands majestically as a symbol of love and eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. It was built in 1631 AD by Emperor Shah Jahan during his lifetime as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died young due to child bearing problem during her pregnancy period. It took 20 years for him to complete this magnificent work which was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The tours are conducted by our professional drivers who will take you around Delhi city with its various attractions including Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, India Gate etc., so that you can have an idea about what they are talking about when they say “Delhi”! We provide all services such as transportation services from airport/railway station etc., sightseeing tour around New Delhi etc., meals at hotels within budget range etc., sightseeing tours inside India such as Agra Fort & Taj Mahal Complexes (2 days), Jaipur City Tour (2 days) or Varanasi Tour (3 days). We also offer domestic flights service from different airports along with international flights service too!

Conclusion

Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is located in Agra Fort, India and is also known as the “Tomb of Love”. This monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death. Taj Mahal was built over a period of twenty years and it took more than 22000 workers to build this architectural marvel from marble mined from different parts of India including Rajasthan mines like Hathiwar region near

[jobesler-blog]

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 was about early Christian and Byzantine art.  The chapter begins with something that I identify with very closely, the start of the Christian religion.  I am a practicing Catholic and the Eucharist is something that I am very familiar with.  It was interesting to read at the beginning of the chapter about the origins of the Christian religion, how it differed from other religions of the time and how Christians were forced to practice in private due to not being accepted in Rome at the time.  Once Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, allowing all religions to be recognized and tolerated, Christians were free to practice their faith freely. This chapter was reminiscent of the last few chapters in terms of what types of art were discussed.  The sarcophagus in the Church of St. Maria Antiqua in Rome depicts many figures from the Bible including Jonah, John the Baptist, and a good shepherd which represents Jesus.  In previous chapters including the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians also used sarcophagi as art.  

Another strong form of early Christian art was the construction of churches and basilicas.  Until early in the fourth century, Christians were forced to worship in private homes.  After Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, Christians were free to build their own places for worship.  This included basilicas such as the Greeks constructed from chapter 9.  As none of the Early Christian basilicas survived in their original form, it is impossible to see this artform firsthand.  Fortunately, an accurate floor plan has been reconstructed by archaeologists so that we can see the construction of an Early Christian basilica.  The altar was the focal point.  I was interested to read that the altar was usually positioned in the east end of the church as the Crucifixion of Jesus took place in the East in Jerusalem.  Another beautiful Early Christian church was St. Paul Outside the Walls.  The picture of the interior of this church is a majestic open space with supporting columns and a main arch.  It is decorated with mosaics and a predominance of gold.  

Another type of Early Christian church structure was a round or polygonal church.  There was a central point with a dome overhead, usually attached to a larger structure.  This type of construction reminds me of more contemporary churches in the United States. These buildings were mainly used for baptisms or mausoleums and had a central altar or tomb with windows surrounding the outside.  An example of such a church is San Vitale which is built in Justinian and Byzantine style.  The San Vitale is an octagonal building which is centrally planned.  Inside there is a large mosaic that depicts a young Christ wearing a halo and purple royalty robes.  On the two side walls are more mosaics representing the court of Justinian and his empress, Theodora.  

Hagia Sophia is another centrally planned church from the Justinian period. Hagia Sophia means “Holy Wisdom.”  This building combined the elements of a basilica with the central dome of a centrally planned church.  This church is in Istanbul, Turkey, and looks like a very majestic building.  I loved the pictures from the inside with the central dome and supporting columns.  Hagia Sophia was the personal church of an emperor, was later converted to a mosque, and is currently a state museum.  

This week we also read 2 articles written by Holland Cotter, Eastern Art Through Western Eyes and Non-Western Art History Bypasses the Ancient/Under Threat: The Shock of the Old.  These articles were interesting as they discussed the dwindling study of Indian, African and Asia art as more and more art historians and students are studying Western European Art or contemporary art.  These articles really made me think about how these origins of art may soon be “extinct” as they are harder and harder to attain, even on loan to museums, and almost impossible to collect.  My next trip to an art museum will have me looking closer at the origins of the artwork.  

[jeremystrele]

Luxurious Home Featuring Floating Furniture Designs

Black and wood tone come together in delicious contrast in this large and luxurious apartment, located in Athens. Designed and visualised by buro511, this interior design is a completely cohesive scheme that sees the same colours, textures and materials run throughout every space in this high-end home. From black living room to dark and dramatic bedrooms, black bathrooms, and storage packed hallways, the design connection is on point. You will also see a floating furniture theme running through, in the shape of a floating effect coffee table, a floating kitchen, and bespoke floating platform bed designs. Even the bathroom mirrors seem to hover weightlessly in a warm halo.

A huge black living room stretches through the home, furnished with a long sumptuous sectional sofa and a coordinating chaise lounge.

An enormous square coffee table settles in the middle of the luxurious lounge, its solid wood mass seeming to float a couple of inches off the ground thanks to a recessed base.

Characterful home accessories dress the top of the coffee table, and a light cream rug beds beneath.

Majestic natural greenery comes into the room in the shape of a bonsai tree, which is held on a tall plant stand behind the deep chaise lounge. The effect of its tumbling foliage is doubled in towering mirrored panels.

The bonsai tree marks a transition into a small hallway in the home, where a wood effect door is camouflaged between matching wood wall panels.

Bespoke book stacks climb each side of the TV wall, with the base nooks settling on a long media unit that spans the full width of the room.

The mirror effect of the matching bookcases is echoed in a lounge chair arrangement behind the sofa, where two modern grey chairs face into a round coffee table by the fire.

At night, the flames of the fireplace warm the spot by the fireside, and soft lighting spills down over the book stacks.

Ten modern dining chairs surround an impressively chunky wooden dining table.

Floor to ceiling display shelves make an attractive dining room backdrop. Black panels cross between the shelves in varying widths to make an interesting feature, even if decor items are kept minimal. The panels also tie in with the solid black plinth on the dining room table design.

A linear suspension light crosses the dining room ceiling space. The fireplace hearth wraps around the partially dividing wall between the lounge and dining area.

Black doors front an expansive run of storage cupboards that start in the living room and continue all the way along the hallway. Modern spotlights extend down from the ceiling of the corridor on black cylinders.

There is a dramatic black U-shaped kitchen that seems to float, similarly to the coffee table illusion in the lounge. This time, the units have been wall mounted without plinths to magic the floating effect.

Wooden upper cabinets brighten, warm and texturise the colour scheme of the black kitchen. Wooden shutters dress a generously sized kitchen window.

A black backsplash works its way around the room, from a gas cooker hob on the right hand side return, to the an integrated black oven on the left.

A second run of wooden upper cabinets make a mirror image with the first.

The black storage cupboards from the hallway keep flowing along the back wall of the kitchen.

In the first bedroom, a Cesta dimmable lamp glows on the floor, lighting up the beautiful wood grain across made-to-measure units.

A headboard shelf has been cut into the wall of cabinets to create extra landing space for books and bedside bits, and to make up for the lack of storage beneath two neat bedside tables.

A floating effect platform bed pushes out directly from the headboard wall panels. The wood panelling creates a rich contrast against black fascias that cover the other half of the bedroom.

Grey runners warm up the floor on either side of the bed.

A floating wooden vanity table slices into the black TV wall decor. Wooden window shutters make a perfect pairing.

Black panels engulf a small powder room. Black fixtures blend with the surroundings.

A modern bathroom vanity stands out proudly against the dark decor, in a warm wood grain finish, with a matching towel bench. A backlit round vanity mirror seems to hover over the bathroom sink.

The second wood and black bedroom has an airier feel, thanks to dual aspect large windows–one of which is a glass wall ensuite.

A bespoke headboard design with integrated bedside units stretches wide across the room. Black wall shelves push along above the wooden headboard, as though they are emerging out of a dark night.

The glass wall ensuite bathroom helps the bedroom appear more spacious.

Another black panelled wall creates a smart TV mount. Bedroom doors are concealed within the panelwork.

The wood and black decor from the bedroom, and the rest of the home, continues into the ensuite master bathroom.

Flip out taps are concealed in the vanity shelving above an integrated black bathroom sink. Another illuminated vanity mirror highlights the wood tone wall.

LED strip lights make a recessed shelf glow inside a walk in shower.

A black wall mounted toilet blends with the dark bathroom decor.

A black flush plate, a bidet hand rinser, and a black toilet roll holder fall back into the black tiled walls too. A small wooden stool stands inside the black shower enclosure, matching with a wood slatted floor.

The last bathroom in the home is decorated in complete contrast to the previous two on the tour. This time, black large format wall tiles have been swapped out for cream counterparts, and a matching cream vanity unit is set beneath the illuminated wall mirror. However, the black theme of the home is brought through in the form of shower fixtures, toilet fittings and the same integrated tap and shelving unit found in the master suite.

Recommended Reading:  51 Luxury Living Rooms 51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms 51 Luxury Kitchens 51 Luxury Bedrooms 50 Luxury Bathrooms Luxury Kids’ Room

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Luxury Modern Living In Grey And Gold

[drewebowden66]

Luxurious Home Featuring Floating Furniture Designs

Black and wood tone come together in delicious contrast in this large and luxurious apartment, located in Athens. Designed and visualised by buro511, this interior design is a completely cohesive scheme that sees the same colours, textures and materials run throughout every space in this high-end home. From black living room to dark and dramatic bedrooms, black bathrooms, and storage packed hallways, the design connection is on point. You will also see a floating furniture theme running through, in the shape of a floating effect coffee table, a floating kitchen, and bespoke floating platform bed designs. Even the bathroom mirrors seem to hover weightlessly in a warm halo.

A huge black living room stretches through the home, furnished with a long sumptuous sectional sofa and a coordinating chaise lounge.

An enormous square coffee table settles in the middle of the luxurious lounge, its solid wood mass seeming to float a couple of inches off the ground thanks to a recessed base.

Characterful home accessories dress the top of the coffee table, and a light cream rug beds beneath.

Majestic natural greenery comes into the room in the shape of a bonsai tree, which is held on a tall plant stand behind the deep chaise lounge. The effect of its tumbling foliage is doubled in towering mirrored panels.

The bonsai tree marks a transition into a small hallway in the home, where a wood effect door is camouflaged between matching wood wall panels.

Bespoke book stacks climb each side of the TV wall, with the base nooks settling on a long media unit that spans the full width of the room.

The mirror effect of the matching bookcases is echoed in a lounge chair arrangement behind the sofa, where two modern grey chairs face into a round coffee table by the fire.

At night, the flames of the fireplace warm the spot by the fireside, and soft lighting spills down over the book stacks.

Ten modern dining chairs surround an impressively chunky wooden dining table.

Floor to ceiling display shelves make an attractive dining room backdrop. Black panels cross between the shelves in varying widths to make an interesting feature, even if decor items are kept minimal. The panels also tie in with the solid black plinth on the dining room table design.

A linear suspension light crosses the dining room ceiling space. The fireplace hearth wraps around the partially dividing wall between the lounge and dining area.

Black doors front an expansive run of storage cupboards that start in the living room and continue all the way along the hallway. Modern spotlights extend down from the ceiling of the corridor on black cylinders.

There is a dramatic black U-shaped kitchen that seems to float, similarly to the coffee table illusion in the lounge. This time, the units have been wall mounted without plinths to magic the floating effect.

Wooden upper cabinets brighten, warm and texturise the colour scheme of the black kitchen. Wooden shutters dress a generously sized kitchen window.

A black backsplash works its way around the room, from a gas cooker hob on the right hand side return, to the an integrated black oven on the left.

A second run of wooden upper cabinets make a mirror image with the first.

The black storage cupboards from the hallway keep flowing along the back wall of the kitchen.

In the first bedroom, a Cesta dimmable lamp glows on the floor, lighting up the beautiful wood grain across made-to-measure units.

A headboard shelf has been cut into the wall of cabinets to create extra landing space for books and bedside bits, and to make up for the lack of storage beneath two neat bedside tables.

A floating effect platform bed pushes out directly from the headboard wall panels. The wood panelling creates a rich contrast against black fascias that cover the other half of the bedroom.

Grey runners warm up the floor on either side of the bed.

A floating wooden vanity table slices into the black TV wall decor. Wooden window shutters make a perfect pairing.

Black panels engulf a small powder room. Black fixtures blend with the surroundings.

A modern bathroom vanity stands out proudly against the dark decor, in a warm wood grain finish, with a matching towel bench. A backlit round vanity mirror seems to hover over the bathroom sink.

The second wood and black bedroom has an airier feel, thanks to dual aspect large windows–one of which is a glass wall ensuite.

A bespoke headboard design with integrated bedside units stretches wide across the room. Black wall shelves push along above the wooden headboard, as though they are emerging out of a dark night.

The glass wall ensuite bathroom helps the bedroom appear more spacious.

Another black panelled wall creates a smart TV mount. Bedroom doors are concealed within the panelwork.

The wood and black decor from the bedroom, and the rest of the home, continues into the ensuite master bathroom.

Flip out taps are concealed in the vanity shelving above an integrated black bathroom sink. Another illuminated vanity mirror highlights the wood tone wall.

LED strip lights make a recessed shelf glow inside a walk in shower.

A black wall mounted toilet blends with the dark bathroom decor.

A black flush plate, a bidet hand rinser, and a black toilet roll holder fall back into the black tiled walls too. A small wooden stool stands inside the black shower enclosure, matching with a wood slatted floor.

The last bathroom in the home is decorated in complete contrast to the previous two on the tour. This time, black large format wall tiles have been swapped out for cream counterparts, and a matching cream vanity unit is set beneath the illuminated wall mirror. However, the black theme of the home is brought through in the form of shower fixtures, toilet fittings and the same integrated tap and shelving unit found in the master suite.

Recommended Reading:  51 Luxury Living Rooms 51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms 51 Luxury Kitchens 51 Luxury Bedrooms 50 Luxury Bathrooms Luxury Kids’ Room

Related Posts:

Conjuring A Restful Spirit With Luxury Decor

51 Luxury Kitchens And Tips To Help You Design And Accessorize Yours

30 Black & White Dining Rooms That Work Their Monochrome Magic

Simple Luxury Interior With Modern Oriental Elegance

Grey And Blue Interior Design: 3 Gorgeous Decor Schemes

Luxury Modern Living In Grey And Gold

[zsor1722-blog]

Above, Below, Beyond| Prologue: Home

Eons ago…

Heaven. The Shining City. A floating world of purity and of light amidst infinite space. Bastion of the true, the good and the beautiful. Home of angelkind.

He watched from a distance as hundreds of wings fluttered, hovered, sped and went about their respective duties in the City. Every angel was given a task to fulfill, and as of the moment everyone seemed to be busy. Everyone but him.

He had nothing to do, for his task had been accomplished years ago. Sitting on a ledge protruding from a wall of the Sanctus Domae, he cracked his fingers then rested his head on a knuckle.

Boresome, he thought.

The Sanctus was, by far, the largest structure in the Heaven. Two leagues across, as wide as it is long, Sanctus Domae seemingly glowed as the most majestic gem at the very center of Heaven. Tall, towering spires made of the purest, white marble adorned the top of its blue jasper walls which reflected the eternal radiance of the City itself. Made of sardine stone, the stairs at the façade led to the two-door entrance which, like the walls, also reflected images of those who ascended. Whether from the steps or the walls, the reflections from the gemstones proved to be too dazzling for some angels. Often their attention was robbed by the grandiose of the Sanctus’ design perfectly laid by the Creator’s Hands. In order to avoid being distracted, some chose to fly above the steps instead of using them.

Glancing back at the wall behind him, he saw himself on the reflection as well, as he had for a thousand other times. With a white but not a pale complexion, his body was handsomely built and he had luminous, short, blonde hair. He wore a shining, white robe matched with heavenforged gloves and boots, and his head was topped with a halo of yellow light. 0Two blue, piercing eyes stared back at him – blue not only because of the rare jasper, but because he was gifted with eyes that were as blue as the backdrop of Heaven itself. Protruding from his back were three pairs of golden, feathery wings which glowed much like his hair. He stretched those wings, and then jumped off the ledge.

Mere moments before he hit the rich, delicate grass field of Paradise, he spread his marvelous wings, which caught air, allowing him to fly.

He flew past his brethren. There were messengers who hurried with scrolls, some were scribes who sat on the grass as they wrote, others were wardens who plucked fruits from trees and cut the grass where it grew too tall. Some of them waved at him as he passed by. Off in the distance was a battalion of seraphs; their weapons tipped and thus blessed with heavenly fire. The plains was also littered with numerous tiny, spherical structures – personal quarters of angels – which floated a few feet from the ground. His flight went undisturbed until he heard a friendly voice call out to him.

“Another glorious day in Paradise.” The loyal Asmodiel, also known as Asmos, extended a hand to greet him. They looked quite alike, although in truth every other angel had a subtle resemblance to him. The main difference was that Asmodiel had two wings, whereas he had six. A handshake? He thought. Though his rank is considerably lower than mine, he feels comfortable enough in my presence.

He folded his wings and graciously landed on the ground with a thud. The soles of his boots crushed the grass beneath him. Despite the objections in his thoughts, he shook Asmos’ hand. “Truly,” he replied. “Though something tells me there is more to this day than the usual.”

“Aye.” Asmodiel said as he pulled up a scroll. “Was sent by Chief Scribe to spread the word.”

“Gabriel?” he wondered. “Then it must be urgent.”

Asmodiel nodded. “Metatron is to come with news from the Beyond. An assembly has been called.”

“Where?” He asked after reading the parchment.

“By the Scion, behind the Sanctus. Hurry, the others are on their way,” Asmos answered as his two-wings flew him up.

And I just left the Sanctus, he thought. “Michael? Has he heard about this?”

Though already flying some distance away, the two-winged messenger replied that he had not seen Michael yet. “Must be at the Forge!” Asmos added.

Oh, Michael. He thought with a sigh. Whatever should I do with you. He took off but this time, he headed west.

He flew towards the Forge – the designated area where Heaven’s finest warriors trained. Though far less refined and far less majestic than the Sanctus Domae, the Forge was a place that embodied strength; a place of rock and fire, smoke and stone. Its interior was hollow space, carved off from a crude, spiky limestone formation. From afar, he realized that it simply looked like a huge, fire-lit hole in a huge, smoking rock. He always thought that the gray Forge did not look as pleasing as the other wonders in Heaven because the Creator’s Hands despised stubborn rock. It was a pain to work with.

Coughing as he inhaled smoke, he dropped to the ground and heard the clang of heavenmetal hitting heavenmetal. Here, hundreds of warriors sparred with swords and shields and spears. Scattered around the Forge were smiths who refined body armors, restored wing-guards and hammered weapons. Though these smiths were allowed to create weapons, their blades failed in comparison to weapons created by the Creator’s Hands themselves. For the Hands alone were capable of crafting weapons with souls embedded within their essences.

There were other angels who sharpened their weapons or took breaks from training when they saw him. One by one, they knelt in his presence. The sounds of metal hitting metal stopped. All around him, the angels knelt. Eligel. Ramiel. Usiel. Walking past them, he greeted each and every one or at least all those who were near enough the path that he walked through. Since he was in a hurry, there was simply no time to greet them all.

Smiling, he motioned for all the kneeling angels to stand up, and they did. He asked them where Michael was, and they replied all at once.

“One at a time, brothers,” he said with a chuckle. “One at a time.”

“Lord Michael is inside, Lord Firstborn,” a four-winged Lahabiel eagerly replied.

“Training his wings off,” said a two-winged Furniel. Realizing his mistake, he added, “Lord First.”

He thanked the two and entered the mouth of the Forge. Some of the angels trailed him. Others also followed but kept their distance.

The sight inside the gray rock that was the Forge did not differ greatly from what was happening outside. Only here, there were more smiths, more noise, and yet only two angels – Michael and Uriel – were fighting. All the other angels who were not forging weapons or armor sat in a huge circle as they watched the two battle it out in the center. He stood near the circle of watchers. Some of those who followed him from outside stood behind him. Others hovered nearby.

Fixated at the fight before them, the crowd did not bother to even glance at the newcomers. Surely, he thought, they would greet me if they saw me arrive. Not that he cared one bit for this lack of attention, for he did not want to disturb this sparring session between two of Heaven’s finest warriors.

Michael was assigned by the Creator’s Hands to train and to lead the four-thousand-strong army of Heaven. Since the day their duties were given to them, Michael became known as “Heaven’s Sword”. Why Heaven needed an army was beyond anyone’s knowledge at this point in time.

In order to fit the role, Michael was given a white, hallowed broadsword created by the Hands themselves. Only falling short to be as wide as his halo, the sword was as wide as Michael’s head, and it was almost as long as Michael is tall. The heavy blade could only be lifted with the strength bestowed upon six-winged angels, who were the upper echelons – the strongest – of angelkind society.

Michael’s adversary at the moment was Uriel the Swift, and he too was six-winged. To him was given a longblade which ran the length of his wingspan though its width was less than half of its broadsword counterpart. The longblade sparked and crackled with lightning as it received, countered and returned every blow from Michael’s own.

Both weapons – Michael’s broadsword and Uriel’s longblade – possessed a soul. Soulcrafts, the

weapons were called. The souls within the Hands-made and Hands-given weapons acted as the guardians of true power that lay dormant within the weapons. By training and becoming one with their weapons and by treating them as extensions of themselves and not merely as tools to their own ends, the angels became one with the souls within their soulcrafts. After becoming one with the given soulcraft, it was possible for an angel to unleash his untamed power.

He looked around and realized that the circle of angels watching the fight did not yet achieve this feat of becoming one with their soulcraft. Thus, they have a lot to learn.

Michael slammed his sword forward – an effort which Uriel easily dodged – and the broadsword hit only the rock of the Forge, which created a small shockwave. Uriel then quickly countered with three swings of his own. Michael blocked the first with a shield in his other arm, spun and stopped the second with a parry, and dodged the third by back-flipping through the air. Guided by six wings, Michael gently landed on his feet.

The crowd cheered.

Once again smiling, Heaven’s Firstborn was unable to contain his excitement as well and he clapped his hands.

Those who sat in the circle and were near enough turned and recognized him. He shook his head and gave a prompt, “Sssh!”, which the others clearly understood. After some courteous nods, they turned once more to the fight before them.

“Truly quick,” Michael said in that booming voice of his. “But you have yet to become one with your soulcraft”.

“Aye,” the smirking Uriel said as he raised his sword. “That is why I wish to learn from you.”

Dropping the shield to the ground, Michael closed his eyes and held his sword with both hands. When he opened his eyes, white light shone from them, then his broadsword glowed with the same radiance.

Brace yourselves, the Firstborn thought, raising his hands to protect himself. Fight’s over.

The broadsword once more struck the ground and created a magical wave which radiated outward to all directions. In a flash Uriel was down, and all the spectators sitting in the circle were thrown back and they landed on the ground. Last to be hit by the wave, the smiths were slammed against the walls of the cave-like space as everyone in the Forge experienced power that could only be described as lethal.

Very lethal. If Michael wanted it to be.

Only the Firstborn saw this attack coming, and only he was able to withstand the powerful magic that was just used. Michael smirked and looked around. When their eyes met, Michael knelt.

“Luciel!” Michael said as he fell on his knees. “Firstborn, I failed to noticed your arrival.”

Uriel, the spectators, and the smiths realized this as well and, in an instant, were all on their knees.

“Ha-ha. I had no intention to disturb your sparring, brothers,” Luciel said. “Rise, all of you. Lord Gabriel has called for an assembly.”

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Halo Interior and Exterior Paint by JSW

Halo - Majestic Interior and Majestic Exterior range offer a complete selection of luxurious wall finishes. This range is designed for discerning customers who desire luxury in every aspect of their homes and expect the finest wall finishes.

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Get excellent shine & silk finish to your home walls with our range of Halo Majestic interior emulsion paints. A water-based emulsions available in 1808 shades!