#Panels For Decorative Façades

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Fantasy Guide to Interiors

As a followup to the very popular post on architecture, I decided to add onto it by exploring the interior of each movement and the different design techniques and tastes of each era. This post at be helpful for historical fiction, fantasy or just a long read when you're bored.

Interior Design Terms

Reeding and fluting: Fluting is a technique that consists a continuous pattern of concave grooves in a flat surface across a surface. Reeding is it's opposite.

Embossing: stamping, carving or moulding a symbol to make it stand out on a surface.

Paneling: Panels of carved wood or fabric a fixed to a wall in a continuous pattern.

Gilding: the use of gold to highlight features.

Glazed Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tiles coated with liquid coloured glass or enamel.

Column: A column is a pillar of stone or wood built to support a ceiling. We will see more of columns later on.

Bay Window: The Bay Window is a window projecting outward from a building.

Frescos: A design element of painting images upon wet plaster.

Mosaic: Mosaics are a design element that involves using pieces of coloured glass and fitted them together upon the floor or wall to form images.

Mouldings: ornate strips of carved wood along the top of a wall.

Wainscoting: paneling along the lower portion of a wall.

Chinoiserie: A European take on East Asian art. Usually seen in wallpaper.

Clerestory: A series of eye-level windows.

Sconces: A light fixture supported on a wall.

Niche: A sunken area within a wall.

Monochromatic: Focusing on a single colour within a scheme.

Ceiling rose: A moulding fashioned on the ceiling in the shape of a rose usually supporting a light fixture.

Baluster: the vertical bars of a railing.

Façade: front portion of a building

Lintel: Top of a door or window.

Portico: a covered structure over a door supported by columns

Eaves: the part of the roof overhanging from the building

Skirting: border around lower length of a wall

Ancient Greece

Houses were made of either sun-dried clay bricks or stone which were painted when they dried. Ground floors were decorated with coloured stones and tiles called Mosaics. Upper level floors were made from wood. Homes were furnished with tapestries and furniture, and in grand homes statues and grand altars would be found. Furniture was very skillfully crafted in Ancient Greece, much attention was paid to the carving and decoration of such things. Of course, Ancient Greece is ancient so I won't be going through all the movements but I will talk a little about columns.

Doric: Doric is the oldest of the orders and some argue it is the simplest. The columns of this style are set close together, without bases and carved with concave curves called flutes. The capitals (the top of the column) are plain often built with a curve at the base called an echinus and are topped by a square at the apex called an abacus. The entablature is marked by frieze of vertical channels/triglyphs. In between the channels would be detail of carved marble. The Parthenon in Athens is your best example of Doric architecture.

Ionic: The Ionic style was used for smaller buildings and the interiors. The columns had twin volutes, scroll-like designs on its capital. Between these scrolls, there was a carved curve known as an egg and in this style the entablature is much narrower and the frieze is thick with carvings. The example of Ionic Architecture is the Temple to Athena Nike at the Athens Acropolis.

Corinthian: The Corinthian style has some similarities with the Ionic order, the bases, entablature and columns almost the same but the capital is more ornate its base, column, and entablature, but its capital is far more ornate, commonly carved with depictions of acanthus leaves. The style was more slender than the others on this list, used less for bearing weight but more for decoration. Corinthian style can be found along the top levels of the Colosseum in Rome.

Tuscan: The Tuscan order shares much with the Doric order, but the columns are un-fluted and smooth. The entablature is far simpler, formed without triglyphs or guttae. The columns are capped with round capitals.

Composite: This style is mixed. It features the volutes of the Ionic order and the capitals of the Corinthian order. The volutes are larger in these columns and often more ornate. The column's capital is rather plain. for the capital, with no consistent differences to that above or below the capital.

Ancient Rome

Rome is well known for its outward architectural styles. However the Romans did know how to add that rizz to the interior. Ceilings were either vaulted or made from exploded beams that could be painted. The Romans were big into design. Moasics were a common interior sight, the use of little pieces of coloured glass or stone to create a larger image. Frescoes were used to add colour to the home, depicting mythical figures and beasts and also different textures such as stonework or brick. The Romans loved their furniture. Dining tables were low and the Romans ate on couches. Weaving was a popular pastime so there would be tapestries and wall hangings in the house. Rich households could even afford to import fine rugs from across the Empire. Glass was also a feature in Roman interior but windows were usually not paned as large panes were hard to make. Doors were usually treated with panels that were carved or in lain with bronze.

Ancient Egypt

Egypt was one of the first great civilisations, known for its immense and grand structures. Wealthy Egyptians had grand homes. The walls were painted or plastered usually with bright colours and hues. The Egyptians are cool because they mapped out their buildings in such a way to adhere to astrological movements meaning on special days if the calendar the temple or monuments were in the right place always. The columns of Egyptian where thicker, more bulbous and often had capitals shaped like bundles of papyrus reeds. Woven mats and tapestries were popular decor. Motifs from the river such as palms, papyrus and reeds were popular symbols used.

Ancient Africa

African Architecture is a very mixed bag and more structurally different and impressive than Hollywood would have you believe. Far beyond the common depictions of primitive buildings, the African nations were among the giants of their time in architecture, no style quite the same as the last but just as breathtaking.

Rwandan Architecture: The Rwandans commonly built of hardened clay with thatched roofs of dried grass or reeds. Mats of woven reeds carpeted the floors of royal abodes. These residences folded about a large public area known as a karubanda and were often so large that they became almost like a maze, connecting different chambers/huts of all kinds of uses be they residential or for other purposes.

Ashanti Architecture: The Ashanti style can be found in present day Ghana. The style incorporates walls of plaster formed of mud and designed with bright paint and buildings with a courtyard at the heart, not unlike another examples on this post. The Ashanti also formed their buildings of the favourite method of wattle and daub.

Nubian Architecture: Nubia, in modern day Ethiopia, was home to the Nubians who were one of the world's most impressive architects at the beginning of the architecture world and probably would be more talked about if it weren't for the Egyptians building monuments only up the road. The Nubians were famous for building the speos, tall tower-like spires carved of stone. The Nubians used a variety of materials and skills to build, for example wattle and daub and mudbrick. The Kingdom of Kush, the people who took over the Nubian Empire was a fan of Egyptian works even if they didn't like them very much. The Kushites began building pyramid-like structures such at the sight of Gebel Barkal

Japanese Interiors

Japenese interior design rests upon 7 principles. Kanso (簡素)- Simplicity, Fukinsei (不均整)- Asymmetry, Shizen (自然)- Natural, Shibumi (渋味) – Simple beauty, Yugen (幽玄)- subtle grace, Datsuzoku (脱俗) – freedom from habitual behaviour, Seijaku (静寂)- tranquillity.

Common features of Japanese Interior Design:

Shoji walls: these are the screens you think of when you think of the traditional Japanese homes. They are made of wooden frames, rice paper and used to partition

Tatami: Tatami mats are used within Japanese households to blanket the floors. They were made of rice straw and rush straw, laid down to cushion the floor.

Genkan: The Genkan was a sunken space between the front door and the rest of the house. This area is meant to separate the home from the outside and is where shoes are discarded before entering.

Japanese furniture: often lowest, close to the ground. These include tables and chairs but often tanked are replaced by zabuton, large cushions. Furniture is usually carved of wood in a minimalist design.

Nature: As both the Shinto and Buddhist beliefs are great influences upon architecture, there is a strong presence of nature with the architecture. Wood is used for this reason and natural light is prevalent with in the home. The orientation is meant to reflect the best view of the world.

Islamic World Interior

The Islamic world has one of the most beautiful and impressive interior design styles across the world. Colour and detail are absolute staples in the movement. Windows are usually not paned with glass but covered in ornate lattices known as jali. The jali give ventilation, light and privacy to the home. Islamic Interiors are ornate and colourful, using coloured ceramic tiles. The upper parts of walls and ceilings are usually flat decorated with arabesques (foliate ornamentation), while the lower wall areas were usually tiled. Features such as honeycombed ceilings, horseshoe arches, stalactite-fringed arches and stalactite vaults (Muqarnas) are prevalent among many famous Islamic buildings such as the Alhambra and the Blue Mosque.

Byzantine (330/395–1453 A. D)

The Byzantine Empire or Eastern Roman Empire was where eat met west, leading to a melting pot of different interior designs based on early Christian styles and Persian influences. Mosaics are probably what you think of when you think of the Byzantine Empire. Ivory was also a popular feature in the Interiors, with carved ivory or the use of it in inlay. The use of gold as a decorative feature usually by way of repoussé (decorating metals by hammering in the design from the backside of the metal). Fabrics from Persia, heavily embroidered and intricately woven along with silks from afar a field as China, would also be used to upholster furniture or be used as wall hangings. The Byzantines favoured natural light, usually from the use of copolas.

Indian Interiors

India is of course, the font of all intricate designs. India's history is sectioned into many eras but we will focus on a few to give you an idea of prevalent techniques and tastes.

The Gupta Empire (320 – 650 CE): The Gupta era was a time of stone carving. As impressive as the outside of these buildings are, the Interiors are just as amazing. Gupta era buildings featured many details such as ogee (circular or horseshoe arch), gavaksha/chandrashala (the motif centred these arches), ashlar masonry (built of squared stone blocks) with ceilings of plain, flat slabs of stone.

Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526): Another period of beautifully carved stone. The Delhi sultanate had influence from the Islamic world, with heavy uses of mosaics, brackets, intricate mouldings, columns and and hypostyle halls.

Mughal Empire (1526–1857): Stonework was also important on the Mughal Empire. Intricately carved stonework was seen in the pillars, low relief panels depicting nature images and jalis (marble screens). Stonework was also decorated in a stye known as pietra dura/parchin kari with inscriptions and geometric designs using colored stones to create images. Tilework was also popular during this period. Moasic tiles were cut and fitted together to create larger patters while cuerda seca tiles were coloured tiles outlined with black.

Chinese Interiors

Common features of Chinese Interiors

Use of Colours: Colour in Chinese Interior is usually vibrant and bold. Red and Black are are traditional colours, meant to bring luck, happiness, power, knowledge and stability to the household.

Latticework: Lattices are a staple in Chinese interiors most often seen on shutters, screens, doors of cabinets snf even traditional beds.

Lacquer: Multiple coats of lacquer are applied to furniture or cabinets (now walls) and then carved. The skill is called Diaoqi (雕漆).

Decorative Screens: Screens are used to partition off part of a room. They are usually of carved wood, pained with very intricate murals.

Shrines: Spaces were reserved on the home to honour ancestors, usually consisting of an altar where offerings could be made.

Of course, Chinese Interiors are not all the same through the different eras. While some details and techniques were interchangeable through different dynasties, usually a dynasty had a notable style or deviation. These aren't all the dynasties of course but a few interesting examples.

Song Dynasty (960–1279): The Song Dynasty is known for its stonework. Sculpture was an important part of Song Dynasty interior. It was in this period than brick and stone work became the most used material. The Song Dynasty was also known for its very intricate attention to detail, paintings, and used tiles.

Ming Dynasty(1368–1644): Ceilings were adorned with cloisons usually featuring yellow reed work. The floors would be of flagstones usually of deep tones, mostly black. The Ming Dynasty favoured richly coloured silk hangings, tapestries and furnishings. Furniture was usually carved of darker woods, arrayed in a certain way to bring peace to the dwelling.

Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD): Interior walls were plastered and painted to show important figures and scenes. Lacquer, though it was discovered earlier, came into greater prominence with better skill in this era.

Tang Dynasty (618–907) : The colour palette is restrained, reserved. But the Tang dynasty is not without it's beauty. Earthenware reached it's peak in this era, many homes would display fine examples as well. The Tang dynasty is famous for its upturned eaves, the ceilings supported by timber columns mounted with metal or stone bases. Glazed tiles were popular in this era, either a fixed to the roof or decorating a screen wall.

Romanesque (6th -11th century/12th)

Romanesque Architecture is a span between the end of Roman Empire to the Gothic style. Taking inspiration from the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the Romanesque period incorporates many of the styles. The most common details are carved floral and foliage symbols with the stonework of the Romanesque buildings. Cable mouldings or twisted rope-like carvings would have framed doorways. As per the name, Romansque Interiors relied heavily on its love and admiration for Rome. The Romanesque style uses geometric shapes as statements using curves, circles snf arches. The colours would be clean and warm, focusing on minimal ornamentation.

Gothic Architecture (12th Century - 16th Century)

The Gothic style is what you think of when you think of old European cathedrals and probably one of the beautiful of the styles on this list and one of most recognisable. The Gothic style is a dramatic, opposing sight and one of the easiest to describe. Decoration in this era became more ornate, stonework began to sport carving and modelling in a way it did not before. The ceilings moved away from barreled vaults to quadripartite and sexpartite vaulting. Columns slimmed as other supportive structures were invented. Intricate stained glass windows began their popularity here. In Gothic structures, everything is very symmetrical and even.

Mediaeval (500 AD to 1500)

Interiors of mediaeval homes are not quite as drab as Hollywood likes to make out. Building materials may be hidden by plaster in rich homes, sometimes even painted. Floors were either dirt strewn with rushes or flagstones in larger homes. Stonework was popular, especially around fireplaces. Grand homes would be decorated with intricate woodwork, carved heraldic beasts and wall hangings of fine fabrics.

Renaissance (late 1300s-1600s)

The Renaissance was a period of great artistry and splendor. The revival of old styles injected symmetry and colour into the homes. Frescoes were back. Painted mouldings adorned the ceilings and walls. Furniture became more ornate, fixed with luxurious upholstery and fine carvings. Caryatids (pillars in the shape of women), grotesques, Roman and Greek images were used to spruce up the place. Floors began to become more intricate, with coloured stone and marble. Modelled stucco, sgraffiti arabesques (made by cutting lines through a layer of plaster or stucco to reveal an underlayer), and fine wall painting were used in brilliant combinations in the early part of the 16th century.

Tudor Interior (1485-1603)

The Tudor period is a starkly unique style within England and very recognisable. Windows were fixed with lattice work, usually casement. Stained glass was also in in this period, usually depicting figures and heraldic beasts. Rooms would be panelled with wood or plastered. Walls would be adorned with tapestries or embroidered hangings. Windows and furniture would be furnished with fine fabrics such as brocade. Floors would typically be of wood, sometimes strewn with rush matting mixed with fresh herbs and flowers to freshen the room.

Baroque (1600 to 1750)

The Baroque period was a time for splendor and for splashing the cash. The interior of a baroque room was usually intricate, usually of a light palette, featuring a very high ceiling heavy with detail. Furniture would choke the room, ornately carved and stitched with very high quality fabrics. The rooms would be full of art not limited to just paintings but also sculptures of marble or bronze, large intricate mirrors, moldings along the walls which may be heavily gilded, chandeliers and detailed paneling.

Victorian (1837-1901)

We think of the interiors of Victorian homes as dowdy and dark but that isn't true. The Victorians favoured tapestries, intricate rugs, decorated wallpaper, exquisitely furniture, and surprisingly, bright colour. Dyes were more widely available to people of all stations and the Victorians did not want for colour. Patterns and details were usually nature inspired, usually floral or vines. Walls could also be painted to mimic a building material such as wood or marble and most likely painted in rich tones. The Victorians were suckers for furniture, preferring them grandly carved with fine fabric usually embroidered or buttoned. And they did not believe in minimalism. If you could fit another piece of furniture in a room, it was going in there. Floors were almost eclusively wood laid with the previously mentioned rugs. But the Victorians did enjoy tiled floors but restricted them to entrances. The Victorians were quite in touch with their green thumbs so expect a lot of flowers and greenery inside. with various elaborately decorated patterned rugs. And remember, the Victorians loved to display as much wealth as they could. Every shelf, cabinet, case and ledge would be chocked full of ornaments and antiques.

Edwardian/The Gilded Age/Belle Epoque (1880s-1914)

This period (I've lumped them together for simplicity) began to move away from the deep tones and ornate patterns of the Victorian period. Colour became more neutral. Nature still had a place in design. Stained glass began to become popular, especially on lampshades and light fixtures. Embossing started to gain popularity and tile work began to expand from the entrance halls to other parts of the house. Furniture began to move away from dark wood, some families favouring breathable woods like wicker. The rooms would be less cluttered.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

The 1920s was a time of buzz and change. Gone were the refined tastes of the pre-war era and now the wow factor was in. Walls were smoother, buildings were sharper and more jagged, doorways and windows were decorated with reeding and fluting. Pastels were in, as was the heavy use of black and white, along with gold. Mirrors and glass were in, injecting light into rooms. Gold, silver, steel and chrome were used in furnishings and decor. Geometric shapes were a favourite design choice. Again, high quality and bold fabrics were used such as animal skins or colourful velvet. It was all a rejection of the Art Noveau movement, away from nature focusing on the man made.

Modernism (1930 - 1965)

Modernism came after the Art Deco movement. Fuss and feathers were out the door and now, practicality was in. Materials used are shown as they are, wood is not painted, metal is not coated. Bright colours were acceptable but neutral palettes were favoured. Interiors were open and favoured large windows. Furniture was practical, for use rather than the ornamentation, featuring plain details of any and geometric shapes. Away from Art Deco, everything is straight, linear and streamlined.

[yaellaharpe-blog]

Antigua Via Latina / The ancient Via Latina

In the middle of the Roman periphery, between the modern Via Appia and Via Tuscolana, a section of the 3rd mile of the ancient Via Latina is preserved in perfect condition.

It has ancient origins: the natural route, already followed in prehistoric times, was used by the Etruscans to colonise Campania in the 8th-6th centuries BC.

Definitely laid out by the Romans around the IV-III centuries B.C., it connected Rome with Capua, maintaining its importance throughout Antiquity. In fact, even in the Middle Ages, it was preferred as an access road to Naples because of its better preservation compared to the Appian Way and the presence of a number of Christian places of worship along the route..

Entering the Archaeological Park of the Tombs of the Via Latina, it is now possible to walk along a section of the original paving of the street. With a pleasant walk you can admire the rich tombs dating back to the I-II century A.D. that overlooked the route, which still have perfectly preserved polychrome decorations on the façades and inside: vaults covered with painted plaster and stucco, walls frescoed with funerary scenes and rich mosaic floors are still substantially intact in their original context.

From the street it is also possible to reach the Basilica of S. Stefano, a rare example of an early Christian building erected under the pontificate of Leo the Great in the middle of the 5th century.

Santo Stefano en Vía Latina, restos parcialmente reconstruidos, 1911.

Santo Stefano in Via Latina, partially reconstructed remains, 1911.

The Archaeological Park of the Tombs of the Via Latina was created in 1879 following the acquisition by the State of a vast area in which important remains from Roman times had been discovered.

BARBERINI TOMB

The so-called Barberini Sepulchre, or Sepulchre of the Corneli. The funerary monument, dating from the 2nd century AD, consists of two above-ground floors and a hypogeum in an excellent state of preservation. The upper floor is covered by a ribbed vault completely covered with plaster painted with a red background and stucco elements. Groups of figures, winged victories on chariots, love affairs, birds, marine animals, mythological themes and architectural backgrounds can be recognised.

Sepulcro Barberini y su interior / Barberini Tomb and its interior

TOMB OF THE VALERI

The Tomb of the Valeri. The richly decorated underground rooms dating from the mid-2nd century AD are preserved, while the elevation is a hypothetical reconstruction dating from the mid-19th century. An elaborate white stucco covering, articulated in 35 medallions and panels, adorns the lunettes and the barrel vault of the underground room. The medallions depict Dionysian themes, female figures and sea animals, while in the central tondo there is a delicate-veiled figure on the back of a griffin, representing the deceased being carried to the afterlife.

Tumba de los Valeri, exterior e interior / Tomb of the Valeri, exterior and interior

THE TOMB OF THE PANCRATII

The Tomb of the Pancratii. Much of the visible structure is a modern construction that protects the monument below by resting on the original 1st-2nd century AD walls, about a metre high. Upon entering the tomb, one can admire the beautifully decorated underground rooms, with mosaics on the floors and vaults and walls frescoed in bright colours and stucco in an excellent state of preservation. They depict mythological scenes, natural and architectural landscapes, images of women and animals. In the centre of one of the underground chambers is a large sarcophagus for two Greek marble depositions.

Sepulcro de los Pancracios, exterior e interior / Tomb of the Pancracios, exterior and interior

[interiordecorationideas]

12 Amazing Wooden Door Designs For Your Home

When you are designing the interior of your home, give some thought to the design of the doors. Doors are primarily a functional element of your home, as they provide much-needed security and privacy from the outside world. The design of doors is also important, as it can add to the aesthetic appeal and enhance your decor statement. We've rounded up the best wooden door designs to give you decor inspiration.

Front doors add character and style to the outside of your home and create the first impression of your home for visitors. They should be in keeping with the architectural elements of your building. Is it classical or contemporary? Would a natural framed door look good, or should it be painted to match the other design elements?

Are you aware of the difference between the wood used to make doors and furniture? If not, this guide will help you make the right choice between different types of wood before investing in furniture and decorative items, crafts, and handicrafts to decorate homes.

Ideas to incorporate beautiful Wooden Door Design in Your Home

1. Contemporary Teak wood Door

Here's a contemporary door in teak wood with a vertical glass insert that allows you to see who your visitors are before you even open the door. You can take, help best interior designers in Noida so they can guide you through this process.

2. Three Side Glass Panelled Wooden Door

This lovely entry door makes a grand statement and is surrounded on three sides by glass panels which add a lovely aesthetic.

3. Teak Wood Rectangular Panel doors with Mirror

Rectangular panels in polished teak wood emphasize this country home's rustic plaster façade, while tall glass panels on one side add functionality.

4. Rosewood Door

This fine rosewood door is embellished with cornice detailing and includes white panels to add visual appeal.

5. Ornamental Wrought Iron Doors

Gorgeous decorative wrought iron sets distinguish the panelling in this mahogany front door that blends in perfectly with the home's exposed brick façade.

6. Minimalist White Wooden Door

Elegant in white, this charming front door is detailed with molded panels that are simple and clean. The side window, even in white, gives a glimpse of the visitors.

7. Functional and Aesthetic Balcony Doors

Balcony doors are the transition between the inside and outside of your home. Large glass French windows can open the view and allow a seamless view of your garden. If you need privacy, use frosted or opaque glass that will still let in light.

Related blog: 15 DIY Vertical Garden Ideas in Budget

8. Glass Bathroom Doors

We love opening these all-glass bathroom doors to a private balcony. The dark wood frame is sleek and minimalist.

Related blog: 15 Bathroom Decorating Ideas on Budget for 2024

9. Wooden Doors with Glass for a Glimpse of The Outdoors

Glass adds a touch of contemporary style to any design and can make heavy doors look visually lighter. Strategically placed glass panels can allow sunlight to flow through during the day, bringing freshness and happiness to your home.

Related blog: How to Build a Gravel Patio: DIY 9 Steps

10. Get Twice the Style with Double Doors

If you have the space, open your areas with more eloquence. Double Door Twice adds elegance and makes a grand statement.

If you want to keep one side short and use only one side as an entry door, the overall width of your double door should be at least 6 feet.

Double doors look better in homes with high ceilings, as the design proportions work better in larger spaces.

Related blog: Types of False Ceiling Lights: Complete Guide

11. Sliding Doors That Are Sleek and Functional

Sliding doors allow you to create privacy when needed in open-plan homes. There are different types of sliding doors, including doors that completely disappear into the wall on either side. There are some sliding low folding doors that stack on the sides of the opening. Sliding doors come with single track (or top hung), and double track fittings.

12. Glass Panelled Doors

This glass-panelled wooden door slides in on both sides as well as is surrounded by glass above, allowing expansive views of the interior.

[ancientegyptdaily]

Sabni was an ancient Egyptian official of the Old Kingdom under king Pepi II. He was an expedition leader undertaking enterprises to Nubia.

Sabni has a rock cut tomb in Qubbet el-Hawa. The tomb consist of two parts. Overground there is the decorated funerary chapel for the cult of the deceased. Under that there are five shafts with chambers for the burials of Sabni, but also for family members. On the façade of the tomb is carved a long biographical inscription, reporting his expeditions to Nubia, where he was collecting the body of his dead father Mekhu, who died there in an earlier expedition. However, the inscription is today largely destroyed.

Behind the entrance there opens a big hall supported by 14 pillars and again carved into the rock. At the back of the hall there is the false door for Sabni. On the walls and pillars of the hall are carved panels showing Sabni, family members but also funerary priests. One bigger panel shows Sabni and his father Mekhu hunting in the marsches. His father is Mekhu who shared the tomb with Sabni. Both tombs are carved into the rock side by side, while the main halls of the cult chapels as united. Sabni hold several important titles, such as royal sealer, overseer of Upper Egypt, sole friend, overseer of the foreign lands and lector priest.

In Sabni's tomb are depicted several family members. His wife was the sole ornamented of the king Setka. He had a son named Antef and a daughter Itety [source].

[unchataparis]

Iris Verdi

Liladrien Week 2024 | Day Six: School

Adrien has started to call neo-Françoise Dupont the ‘green school’, although this probably wouldn’t make much sense to anyone else.

After all, to specifically attribute such an adjective would usually mean that the place stands out for it. No one would call a Haussmann terrace in the middle of Paris the ‘limestone house’ and no one would describe a specific cow among a black-and-white pasture as the Holstein-Friesian cattle.

Neo-Françoise Dupont is surrounded by buildings just as frondescent, just as sustainable, just as solar punk. Ink-dark glass panels installed upon rooftops, slanted on both sides, to catch every last drop of UV light. Lively lavender and frog-green ivy climbing up brick façades, low buildings, and a community garden in each apartment park – appropriately named because with the rise of interest in human-centred, hands-on community hubs, each residential area in Paris is now built around children’s playgrounds.

Still, when Adrien bikes to school this morning, waving hello to neighbours and fellow students – bikes because there are no longer any needs for individual cars and he lives too close to the school to rely on the entirely electric mini buses –  he pulls up to a Françoise Dupont that seems a cut above the rest of regenerated Paris.

Apple and tangerine trees planted in the courtyard bloom generous fruit in the height of spring, a warm breeze ruffles the verdant leaves. Colour-coded bins are clearly marked Déchets, Recyclage, and Compost. Stickered rainwater tanks decorate corners and crevices. 

Members of the student council and volunteers are manning the morning breakfast program. Fresh juice, waffles, cereal, yoghurt, eggs, and bacon are divided in catering trays and sampled freely by hungry students bearing wooden plates and metal cutlery.

In Adrien’s new homeroom, manned by a newcomer to the school named Madame Beaumont, most of his classmates are already gathered and they cheer to see him.

“Morning, Adrien!” Kim bellows across the room. He’s wearing a recycled polyester and cotton-blend hoodie with thrifted jeans. Beside him, Max dons a tunic weaved from hemp linen.

“Morning!” Rose chirps.

“You’re almost late!” Alya teases.

“Hey, guys.” Adrien looks down at the front row where Marinette is sitting. Hair tied into pigtails with gingham ribbons, lids and lips tainted with cocoa-butter-based cosmetics. She beams, clearly waiting for him and demurely pats the seat beside her. Adrien drops his canvas satchel and blows a gentle kiss towards his girlfriend. Marinette’s cheeks darken even further, already adorably flushed, and although she trembles, she doesn’t panic. Adrien is so proud of her. Marinette is growing over her fears admirably, conquering past trauma bit by bit like a champion.

“Alright, class!” Madame Beaumont announces, clapping her hands together to rein some control over her raucous homeroom. 

Nathaniel is doodling in a kraft paper sketchbook and Mylène is showing off her homemade bead jewellery to Juleka and Ivan. In the row behind them, Alya and Nino had leaned over to start talking to Adrien and Marinette about plans for the weekend. The Seine is crystal-clear and smells of salt and algae, perfect for swimming in. And afterwards, how about a picnic at the Jardin du Tuileries?

“Class!” Madame Beaumont repeats sharply. “Please – your attention, please!”

Voices settle down and rears are fully planted down on benches.

Madame Beaumont clears her throat before the classroom’s interactive whiteboard. Adrien sees the plans for today’s lessons floating there: agriculture lectures and an introspective analysis of Dead Poets Society.

“I’m very happy to announce that we’re going to have a new student join our class today,” Madame Beaumont says. “Her name is Iris Verdi and she hails all the way from Italy. This is her first time in France and she’s still getting a little used to the language. So, please give a very warm welcome and a friendly greeting to our new friend!”

Adrien claps along with the rest of the class as Madame Beaumont gestures for someone outside the classroom to step in. Adrien claps along with the rest of the class as an unusually tall girl saunters her way beside Madame Beaumont. Adrien stops clapping when the girl turns to face them with a smile that borders on a smirk, but no one else does.

The rest of the class continues clapping for this girl. She has long, nearly-yellow blonde hair twisted into a low chignon. She wears a red wool beret and matching blazer, a smart grey vest, a pleated black skirt, and polished leather boots. Her eyes are vixen-like and rimmed with black, her lips are pouty and glossy with the colour of ripe apricots.

“Bonjour, everyone!” she says in a sweet, melodic voice. Her nails are almond-shaped and painted the same colour as her lips. She has slung upon one shoulder a brown leather schoolbag. “It’s so nice to see you all.”

“Hi, Iris!” the class choruses.

Adrien looks behind him to see all of his friends beaming at Iris with nothing but geniality and sociable curiosity in their eyes. Adrien looks to his right to see Marinette nodding at Iris with warm welcome.

“As Madame Beaumont told you all,” Iris says in an accent that is different to the one she used when she came to their school as a new student last time. Less high-pitched, more sensible. With an undercurrent like trickling water. “This is my first time in Paris and French is a third language. Please forgive me if I make any errors.”

“Nonense!” Rose cries. “You sound fine.”

Everyone chants in agreement.

Iris’ eyes curve with her smile, her hands coming up to cup her mouth in faux overwhelm. 

“Oh, you guys are so kind!” she coos. “I can already tell I’m going to have the time of my life here!”

“French is your third language?” Marinette asks. “What’s your second?”

“English,” Iris replies easily. “Although that’s only because I’ve spent half of my childhood growing up in California.”

“California?” Alya says, perking up as she always does whenever anyone makes the slightest mention of the U.S. 

“Isn’t that where Hollywood is?” Nathaniel remarks.

“Yes!” Iris says. “Actually, I lived with my uncle just on the outskirts of LA where he owns a vineyard. It was a super cool place to grow up, because you get to meet the fanciest people and celebrities who come to tour.”

The class whispers their excitement to each other.

“How exotic!” Madame Beaumont says.

“If everyone’s willing,” Iris says, unclasping the magnetic flap of her bag. “I could show you all some pictures–”

“Excuse me,” Adrien says, speaking up. He feels as if he had been submerged in a dream-like trance where he was nothing but a helpless and doomed witness to pre-destined events. He listened to the inane conversation and if he himself lacked a mouth to speak with and a will to act with. Adrien snapped out of his stupor because Iris’ act of opening her bag reminded Adrien intensely of her opening her bag when she showed Adrien her faux-Fox Miraculous almost exactly one year ago. “But aren’t you Lila Rossi?”

Read the rest on Ao3 here.

[heliopauseentertainments]

Coffee Kwest

For badbang (on Dreamwidth) - Bad Bang V: The Rebangening

Illustrated here by @desdemonafictional

All formatting errors intentionally retained.

Continuity: IDW1 Rating: General Characters: Minimus Ambus Warnings: Crack & nonsense

Summary: Minimus is on a quest to get coffee.

Crossposting: AO3 | Dreamwidth

Fic below the cut.

The infuser. Full of tepid plain fuel.

The stimulant syrup packets. All gone.

The mug. Empty.

The worst possible scenario.

Minimus stared at the mug in his hands, decorated with a cute turbofox motif. A gift from Rodimus for his most recent creation day… that had been given a week late because the calendar reminder had been set up incorrectly.

The previous night, Minimus had double-checked his stocks for his morning warm beverage. There had been plenty, more than enough for several days, several doses.

The stimulant was there to protect his one remaining, most carefully guarded secret: that he was, in fact, a night owl.

Warm, stimulant-laced fuel was a necessary tool to maintain his hard-won façade of being a morning person. His routine was to get up earlier than was strictly required, throw back sufficient doses of the artificial illusion of energy, and let it take effect before actually leaving to where anyone could encounter him.

Now, all of his essential recreational stimulant-imbibing supplies were missing save for the mug and the wall-mounted infuser.

And without the supplies, Minimus was in no condition to actually investigate what was clearly a theft.

He had to get the doses… soon, from somewhere, from anywhere, before anyone could see him, before anyone could clue in that he’d been full of additional, petty lies for years. When stripped of his outer armor, his faux persona of Ultra Magnus, everyone believed Minimus had put all of his cards on the table, no more hiding, no more fibs.

Yet this one, so shameful in its seeming inconsequentiality, remained.

There remained but one thing to do.

Mug in hand, Minimus slid open one of the ventilation panels in his habsuite, before proceeding to crawl inside.

Minimus stuck his arm out of the vent, making scooping motions in the air with the mug.

The ventilation system had been made purposefully large in most places to accommodate maintenance access to otherwise remote components of the ship. For a species with such a variety of body shapes and sizes, it was best to engineer with near-universal compatibility in mind. Minimus, with his minuscule body, was well accommodated by the vast bulk of the system.

No one would find him, crawling around with the painfully empty mug clasped in his hand.

It wasn’t a quiet method of travel, but the Lost Light was generally full of noise at most hours of the day and night. The crew would likely not notice any banging sounds in the walls unless they were already paying attention to that sort of thing.

It would be fine.

Now if only he could reach the commissary’s large, mass-infusing equipment from the vent just above it.

Most of the crew was still asleep but the infuser was automatically operated at all hours, just in case. Night shift tended to consist of a few people stationed on the bridge or the security office or engineering, which meant few witnesses.

The infuser had a large tank on top.

He just needed to—Minimus leaned further, swinging the mug in a wide arc.

The edge of the mug caught the lip of the tank’s lid. Just a little more leverage and—The lid popped off, clattering to the floor of the empty commissary.

Victory was in sight!

The mug just needed to scoop out some of that precious, precious stimulating fuel.

He leaned more of his torso out into the air to dunk the mug in… but it wouldn’t reach.

Stretching, he groaned in frustration… before the mug slipped from his grip.

Splash.

Into the tank.

The mug, still empty, floated mockingly on the top of the fluid in the tank.

On instinct, Minimus lunged for it, to save the gift from a wet grave.

Impacting the tank’s wall, Minimus frantically grabbed for the edge, desperately trying to pull himself out before he could sink beneath the caffeinated waves.

Crack.

The reinforced glass gave way under his kicking and flailing, the liquid pouring out of the new hole and onto the floor.

Crack.

The infuser separated from the wall, tumbling sideways with Minimus and his mug, clutched protectively to his chest, still trapped within the tank.

Crash.

They spiraled to the ground together, where the tank shattered on impact and the rest of the infuser smashing apart nearby.

For several moments Minimus was dazed, lying on the ground and covered in both shards of glass and the sticky remains of the wasted fuel that could no longer go towards fixing his problem.

Precious, precious stimulant-laden fuel… wasted upon the ground like a missed opportunity, spoiled by his own hubris.

All the while, his exhaustion and disdain for the wee hours of the morning burned in the back of his optics like a curse.

He needed to press on.

Before anyone could find out.

After shaking the bulk of the glass off, he scaled the wall, miraculously intact mug in hand, and reentered the vent.

Only one option remained to him, short of attempting to steal the priceless beverage right out of someone’s hand. That was far too risky, especially covered in drying fuel and remaining shards of glass.

No, Minimus would have to raid one of the cargo bays, and get stimulant syrup directly from the stores.

Yes, this would require some adjustments in the inventories, but so would dealing with replacing the commissary’s bulk infuser that had been the tragic victim of unavoidable collateral damage. As the saying went, in for a shanix, in for….

Minimus couldn’t recall the next unit of currency above that. His situation was worse than he’d originally thought.

Crawling on his hands and knees, the mug clacking against the floor of the ventilation shaft, he found his motions growing sluggish, unsteady. Would he even make it all the way to the cargo bay like this?

He would have to.

There was no alternative.

A small crack in the ventilation shaft gave way. Alarms blared throughout the ship, triggered by the damage to the ship’s structure.

Minimus tumbled into the crates of cargo below, crashing through the top of one of them. The force knocked the crate from the top of the stack, falling to the ground and smashing open.

The crate’s soft contents squished on impact, cushioning Minimus’s fall.

Something sticky and thick clung to his frame. Minimus raised his hand in front of his face to see what exactly he’d fallen in.

A faintly glowing syrupy substance flowed slowly down his hand.

Wait.

Stimulant syrup.

He’d landed in packets of the stuff, some having burst open from the collision. The packets were scattered across the floor around and under him.

Without thinking, he licked the undiluted syrup from his hands.

The alarms continued to howl overhead.

But he didn’t care.

The unadulterated buzz from the syrup was working its way into his circuits, relieving the exhausted burn that had been nagging at him every step of the way.

Running footsteps echoed in the hall outside as Minimus ripped open packets of syrup with his teeth, unwilling to let go of the mug in his hand.

Soon.

Soon he would feel like a functional person—He faintly heard the doors to the cargo bay opening.

“Whoa.”

Miminus

[smol-and-grumpy]

Redlight - Chapter Two

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Hooker!Reader

Summary: Dean Winchester is a rich, recently divorced entrepreneur who visits Los Angeles for business. While he was out with acquaintances one night and was waiting on a limousine to get back to his hotel, he witnessed a woman in need, and rushed in to help, only to learn that the woman was a prostitute. Dean should have left after he made sure she was okay, but there was something about her that wouldn’t let him walk away.

Chapter Warnings: And so it starts.... 

WC: 2655

Beta’d by the amazing @winchest09​

Read ahead on Patreon

Series Masterlist ~ General Masterlist

Dean reclines in his seat in the back of the limousine as Scarlet carefully watches the streetlights as they are driving along the Boulevard. She’s paying attention to the street signs, and he finds that he likes that she’s wary. It probably saved her from trouble in the past with her being so aware of where people take her. He also finds that he doesn’t like to think about that, doesn’t like to think about her work and what she’s done up until they met.

She says her name is Scarlet, but he’s pretty sure that it’s fake. It’s probably a name she uses so as not to reveal her true identity. He wonders if she’ll ever reveal who she really is. Dean shouldn’t be so nosy, and he doesn’t understand the urgency himself, but something in him itches to know her real name and to get to know the woman behind the façade.

Thousands of tiny white lights sparkle along the walls of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, and bright flags are illuminated by spotlights as the limousine rounds up the driveway of the establishment he’s staying at. It comes to a halt right at the front of the building.

The car door is yanked open by the porter, but Dean stalls before getting out. He quickly unbuttons his suit jacket and holds it out for her, “Here, put this on.”

Scarlet raises a questioning eyebrow, “Why?”

“I just thought you’d feel more comfortable not getting stared at. This is not a place that rents rooms by the hour.”

“You mean, they don’t approve of hookers.” With a sigh, she begrudgingly takes the jacket and drapes it around her shoulders before sticking her arms into it. It’s way too big on her but seeing her wearing something that’s his does some crazy things to his heart.

“That’s not—” he shakes his head, “—every hotel has hookers, but here, if they are, they don’t really look like they’re—”

“—they’re cheap and off the Boulevard.”

“Your words, not mine.”

Dean gets out of the car first, holding his hand out to help her, and Scarlet buttons his suit jacket up as soon as she’s standing. The boots still stick out, so yeah, they will definitely know her occupation, but he finds that he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about other people’s opinions, which is so unlike him.

He places a hand on her lower back as he guides her inside. She’s grumbling next to him, which is quite endearing.

“Great,” she huffs, displeasingly, “now I look like a hooker in a suit jacket.”

Dean smirks at that comment while he pushes her a little more, so that they can finally get inside. He longs to get up to his room, preferably without much fanfare.

However, as soon as they step into the lobby, Scarlet stops dead in her tracks as she takes in the imposing space which is decorated with thick carved wood paneling and imposing chandeliers. There aren’t many people around at this time of night, only a couple men in business suits and their wives, or girlfriends, in designer clothes, with matching expensive jewelry looking immaculate.

When a couple of minutes pass with her standing there, unblinking and unmoving, clearly being in the way of the people who just had to push past them, Dean leans down a little to whisper into her ear, “You done gawking?”

She snorts, “I’m not gawking.”

“Uh-huh,” he chuckles as he guides them further inside and ushers her to the elevators.

“I’m not!” She argues, which just makes Dean chuckle more as he lets her step into the open elevator first.

Scarlet stands with her back to the wall as she waits for him to push the button to the floor where he’s staying.

“Top floor?” She asks curiously once he’s pushed the button.

“Yeah,” Dean nods. “Penthouse.” He isn’t a show off, he’s merely stating facts.

Her eyes widen comically. “Just— how rich are you?”

“It’s for me to know and for you to never find out.” He winks with a grin.

Scarlet pouts and due to reasons unknown to him, the sight does make his heart beat a little faster.

  *

  When they step out of the elevator, Dean guides her over to his room with a firm hand on her lower back and unlocks the door with the keycard. If he fumbled a little longer because his hands were shaking, nobody needed to know.

Dean manages to not fumble for long enough to finally push the door to his room open before holding it ajar while signaling for her to go inside with a jerk of his head.

Scarlet steps into the room and there’s a slight hitch to her breathing before she inhales sharply. Closing the door, Dean walks deeper into the space, pushing past her because she seems to be frozen to the spot at the entrance with her mouth agape. He turns on more lights, causing the living room to bathe in a warm glow. Her eyes get brighter too, there’s a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips now. Dean thinks her genuine joy is cute. He hasn’t met anyone who’s amazed by a hotel room in quite some time — if ever. No, he doesn’t think he can recall seeing such a display of awe.

Just when he realizes that he’s been staring for too long, Dean shakes his head to get out of his stupor before he walks up to the phone that’s on his desk, next to the laptop that’s silently begging for him to check in with his work.

He stares at it for a little while, an inner torment plaguing him as he thought about all the unanswered emails that were screaming to be opened. He left the bar earlier so he could come back here to work, so he started to find it weird that for the first time in years, Dean doesn’t care about clocking in more hours. Everyone else takes a break, so he figures he deserves a night off as well, right?

So, he picks up the phone and pushes a button.

She immediately rushes to his side as she eyes him with horror. “Wait— Dean, what— who are you calling?” Her voice is full of concern as the words tumble out of her.

“Relax,” he calms her down, suddenly feeling bad for scaring her. “I’m not removing you, I just want to order room service— yeah, hi, we’d like to order—” he places the receiver to his chest in order to turn to her, “what do you want? You hungry?”

“Uh, What do they have?”

“Anything you want.”

“Burger and fries, I’m starving!”

Dean holds the phone back to his mouth and places his orders.

“Oooh, and a strawberry milkshake!” She adds quickly, which prompts Dean to quirk an eyebrow at her. Scarlet just shrugs, “Where else am I supposed to dunk my fries in?”

To that, he can’t help but grimace. Soon, he shrugs too, “That’s gross, but fair enough. Please, a strawberry milkshake, and a bottle of Talisker 25. If you don’t have it, send someone out to find it for me. Thanks, bye.”

When he hangs up, she grins at him. “You like to order people around, don’t you? Being all bossy?” She’s still half disappearing inside of his suit jacket, probably has forgotten that she’s still wearing it. It’s a relief to see that she feels comfortable enough around him to forget that fact, even though he shouldn’t really care.

“I just like things done in a certain way,” he responds while pulling his tie free from his neck. Dean bunches it into his fist before discarding it onto his desk.

Meanwhile, she walks over to the sofa and flops down on it, giggling as she sinks into the cushions. “Me too.”

And then Scarlet unbuttons the front of his suit jacket as if reading his mind, revealing her tight red dress. Dean can see the cut-out detail on the side, her skin is tanned, and he bets it’s smooth too. She tugs the jacket off, giving him a full view of the dress now as she crosses her legs, the red of the boots a stark contrast to the otherwise white rug below the glass coffee table and white sofa. “I hope you know that coming here costs me a lot of money I would otherwise earn.”

Dean ducks his head, because yeah, for a moment, he forgot himself too. Forgot that he practically whisked her away, and he feels like an idiot to keep the woman from earning her money.

“Yeah,” he says when he looks up again, “I know. I’ll pay you, of course. I just want you to enjoy your meal in a safe environment.”

Scarlet quirks an eyebrow teasingly, “Are you safe, Mr. Winchester? For all I know, you could be a very rich ax murderer.”

“It’s Dean, please. And as far as I know, you could be a con woman who could roofie me and take all my money,” he teases back.

She studies him a little, her lips are puckered as she seems to mull over the possibility of him being an ax murderer and her being a con woman. He shouldn’t find the way she thinks endearing, but he does. Especially when she seems to think very hard, because he can practically hear her thoughts.

“Okay, that’s fair. Just so you know, I’m not a con woman. I don’t even have roofies. I’m just someone who tries to earn money in order to be able to pay rent, and maybe eat every couple of days.”

“And that’s why I’m going to pay you for keeping me company.”

“You don’t even know my rate.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s not going to break my bank,” he shrugs, “how much?”

“It depends on what you’re looking to do—” she toys with her boots, “—sorry can I take these off? They’re killing me.”

He gestures for her to go ahead. Dean sits down at his working station in the living room, and fires up his laptop to have something to do, he guesses, even though he doesn’t think that he’ll be able to work tonight with Scarlet in his room. Also, he tries to distract himself from watching her take off her boots. Someone taking off their footwear shouldn’t be such a turn-on, but the way she does it gets him uncomfortably hard. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been laid in quite a while — yeah, that’s definitely it.

When she’s done, she crosses her legs while draping an arm over the back of the couch as she looks at him.

“So, what are you looking to do?” She asks, wiggling her little toes.

Dean’s never been a feet man, so he doesn’t know where this tightening of the throat comes from when he watches her feet bounce and wriggle.

“I want what you want,” he manages to answer truthfully, “and besides, I haven’t planned this, so really, I have no idea.”

Scarlet frowns. “You plan everything?”

He shrugs, “Obviously I don’t.”

“If you just want a BJ, it’s $50. If you want to go all the way, it’s $100 an hour.”

It’s Dean’s turn to frown. “Only $100? You’re selling yourself short.”

She throws her head back to laugh. “Oh my god, please stop with the you’re-better-than-this crap. We both know that I’m no use for anything else, and no, I do not have daddy issues.”

“But—” he says but then he pauses to think before continuing, carefully weighing his words in his mind,  “don’t you think you can do better?”

Suddenly, her smile falls. She clears her throat before looking away. And for a moment, Dean can see her face. The real her. Someone who has a real name and not an alias, someone who is vulnerable, someone who he desperately wants to get to know better. As quickly as her facial expression changes, it changes back into Scarlet even faster. He wonders if she knows that he’s not buying that Scarlet-crap.

Scarlet turns to him with a determined look on her face. She’s obviously learned to school her expression into her other persona. “What do you say? $100 an hour? Cash. In advance.”

Dean stands up and digs into his pants pocket, fishes out the bundle of bills, and counts them. “Tell you what,” he walks over and lays $800 on the table, “I want you to stay the night. Hope that’s enough.”

If she’s stunned that he just forked over 800 bucks, she doesn’t show it, but there’s a frown on her face when she asks, “Why me? I bet you can have better girls than me. You could have anyone with the money you’re wielding around.”

Standing there with his hands tucked into his pants pockets, he shrugs, “I’m not looking for anyone.” He chuckles with a shake of his head, “I wasn’t even looking for you.”

“And yet, here I am.”

“And yet, here you are,” he agrees.

Tentatively, she reaches for the cash on the table and tucks it neatly into her purse before taking out her phone. “I just need to text my roommate really quickly that I’m not coming home.”

“Sure.”

“So,” Scarlet says when she places the phone back inside the little bag after she’s done shooting out a quick text and what Dean hopes is a pin on her whereabouts too.

“So,” he responds, and the tension is palpable. There’s something in the air, something that makes him very well aware that he’s actually in a room with a beautiful woman, who’s a freaking hooker, and who he happened to pay money for to stay the night.

“I have condoms,” she suddenly blurts out, breaking the tension.

Dean finds himself chuckling, “Uh… Congratulations?”

“I just mean, uh.”

“Relax, Scarlet, nothing is going to happen if you don’t want it to.” He calms her down because she’s clearly struggling right now with how she hides her face in her palms.

“Would you want to?” She asks as soon as she pries her hands away from her face.

Dean mulls the question over. Well, he wouldn’t have thought that he would ever pay for sex. In fact, that’s his ground rule — to actually never pay for it, but… “You’re a beautiful and very attractive woman. And I’m only a man.”

She chuckles, “Your answers are very diplomatic.”

“It comes with my profession.” He shrugs and tries not to be too embarrassed. “And I’m clean, just so you know.”

“Of course, you are,” she smiles. “I got my results back this morning too.” He lifts an eyebrow, to which she then answers, “Clean.”

“Do you do that often?” He can’t help but ask.

“Having sex?”

“Getting tested.”

“Yeah, it’s free, and I’d like to think that I’m protecting myself as best I can.”

He nods, acting as if the thought of fucking her doesn’t get him half-hard already, “Good. That’s good. As you should.”

“If anything happens tonight, it’s still going to be with a condom.”

“Of course,” he finds himself saying without even having to think.

— “Room service!” A male voice can be heard through the thick wood of his hotel door at the same time someone knocks.

Dean looks over to the door before he turns back to her. He lifts his eyebrows in question, not entirely sure if he should be relieved or angry that he gets interrupted. But he grins when he sees her expression perks up at the mention of food having arrived. “Hungry?”

“Starving!” She smiles a smile that somehow gets his heart to fill with warmth. He doesn’t know how that can happen in such a short span of time, but it did, and for a brief moment, he entertains the thought of keeping her for his entire stay. He wonders if she’d agree.

Chapter Three

Please share your thoughts with me, I’d love to hear your feedback.

​

[allaboutsteel]

Common Uses of Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bar in Construction

Aluminium HE 15, known for its excellent mechanical properties and high strength, is preferred in several industries, especially construction. The flat bars made from this alloy are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for various applications. In this blog, we’ll explore the common uses of Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars in construction and why this alloy is an industry favourite.

Structural Frameworks

One of the most common applications of Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bar in construction is in structural frameworks. Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, it provides excellent support without adding unnecessary weight to the structure. This makes it ideal for high-rise buildings, bridges, and large-span structures. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors ensure long-lasting performance even in challenging conditions.

Aluminium HE 15 flat bars are often used in beams, columns, and other load-bearing components. The lightweight nature of aluminium also makes transportation and installation more manageable, reducing labour and time during construction.

Facade Systems

Aluminium HE 15 flat bars are widely used in curtain wall systems and facades. Façade systems are responsible for the exterior appearance of buildings and play a critical role in insulation, ventilation, and protection from the elements. Aluminium's corrosion resistance makes it a perfect fit for these applications, especially in coastal or industrial areas where exposure to harsh environments is common.

Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of aluminium and its flexibility in design makes it ideal for modern architectural designs. Aluminium HE 15 flat bars often create sleek, contemporary facades that combine functionality and beauty.

Window and Door Frames

Another significant use of the Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bar is in window and door frames. In the construction industry, aluminium is the material of choice for these applications due to its durability, resistance to warping, and low maintenance. Flat bars are incorporated into sliding doors, large windows, and framed partitions, adding strength and a modern look to structures.

Aluminium windows and doors also contribute to better energy efficiency, as they help in reducing heat transfer. The high strength of HE 15 aluminium alloy ensures the frames can support large glass panels, offering stability and security.

Railings and Balustrades

Safety and durability are critical in designing railings and fences for commercial and residential buildings. Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars are often chosen for this application due to their strength and corrosion resistance, making them a safer and more cost-effective option for balconies, staircases, and terraces.

The lightweight properties of aluminium also mean that these railings can be installed quickly. They can maintain their appearance for years with the appropriate surface treatments, even with exposure to the elements.

Roofing Systems and Solar Panel Mounts

In the era of sustainable construction, solar panels have become increasingly common. Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars are often used as mounting structures for solar panels due to their light weight, resistance to weather, and structural strength. The flat bar provides a sturdy yet lightweight base for solar panels, ensuring they are securely mounted and can withstand external factors such as wind or snow.

In addition to solar panel mounts, aluminium flat bars are used in roofing systems. They provide an energy-efficient, durable solution that contributes to the building's sustainability.

Decorative Elements

Aside from structural uses, Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars are frequently employed in decorative construction elements. Architectural features such as grilles, sunshades, and signage benefit from aluminium's malleability and aesthetic flexibility. The clean finish and customizable designs make it a popular choice for architectural details that require both form and function.

Bridges and Platforms

In more heavy-duty applications, such as the construction of bridges and platforms, Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars offer a lightweight yet strong alternative to steel. Aluminium's resistance to corrosion, especially in environments with high moisture and salt exposure, makes it an excellent choice for structures that need to withstand tough conditions over extended periods.

Aluminium flat bars in bridge construction help reduce the structure's overall weight, which can result in significant cost savings, both in terms of materials and construction logistics.

To get the the best quality Flat Bars for your project, you can contact this aluminium he 15 flat bar manufacturers in India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aluminium HE 15 Flat Bars are critical in modern construction due to their strength, durability, and versatility. Whether for structural applications or decorative elements, their properties make them suitable for various uses, from facade systems to solar panel mounts. The lightweight nature of aluminium, combined with its corrosion resistance, ensures that it remains a preferred material in the construction industry.

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile material for your next construction project, Aluminium HE 15 flat bars could be the ideal solution.

[olumpus]

Sustainability and HPL Cladding: A Greener Choice for Construction

In an era where sustainable practices are becoming increasingly vital, the construction industry is under pressure to adopt eco-friendly materials and methods. One material that stands out for its sustainability is High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) cladding. Known for its durability and versatility, HPL cladding is not only a practical choice for modern construction but also a greener one. In this blog, we'll explore why HPL cladding is a sustainable option and how it contributes to a more eco-conscious building industry.

1. What is HPL Cladding?

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) cladding is a type of building material made by compressing layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin, along with a decorative surface layer, under high pressure and heat. The result is a robust, weather-resistant panel that is commonly used for exterior façades, interior walls, and furniture.

2. Sustainability Starts with Material Composition

One of the primary reasons HPL cladding is considered sustainable is its composition. The kraft paper used in HPL is often sourced from responsibly managed forests, where trees are replanted and harvested sustainably. Additionally, the resins and surface layers used in HPL are designed to be low-emission, minimizing the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment.

3. Durability Equals Longevity

The longevity of a building material directly impacts its sustainability. HPL cladding is renowned for its exceptional durability, resisting wear and tear from weather, UV rays, and physical impact. This durability means that buildings clad in HPL require fewer replacements and repairs over time, reducing the need for additional resources and energy. By extending the life of the building façade, HPL cladding contributes to a reduction in waste and overall environmental impact.

4. Energy Efficiency

HPL cladding can also play a role in improving a building's energy efficiency. When properly installed as part of a ventilated façade system, HPL panels help regulate the building’s temperature by allowing air to circulate between the cladding and the building structure. This ventilation can reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, thereby lowering the building's energy consumption and its carbon footprint.

5. Recyclability and End-of-Life Impact

Sustainability isn't just about a material’s performance during its use; it’s also about what happens when that material reaches the end of its life. HPL cladding is designed with recyclability in mind. While the material itself is highly durable and long-lasting, when it does eventually need to be replaced, HPL panels can be recycled into new products, reducing the demand for virgin materials and lowering the overall environmental impact.

6. Green Certifications and Standards

HPL cladding is often manufactured in compliance with various environmental certifications and standards. These can include FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for responsibly sourced wood, and compliance with low-emission standards such as GREENGUARD. When choosing HPL cladding, looking for these certifications can help ensure that the material aligns with broader sustainability goals.

7. Supporting Sustainable Architecture

The use of HPL cladding in construction projects supports the growing trend of sustainable architecture. Architects and designers are increasingly focusing on creating buildings that not only look good but also minimize environmental impact. HPL cladding, with its combination of aesthetic versatility and sustainable benefits, fits seamlessly into this ethos, helping to create structures that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, High-Pressure Laminate cladding is more than just a durable and versatile building material—it’s a sustainable choice that aligns with the principles of green construction. From its responsible sourcing and recyclability to its energy efficiency and long lifespan, HPL cladding offers a range of environmental benefits that make it an ideal choice for eco-conscious builders and architects. As the construction industry continues to move towards more sustainable practices, HPL cladding is set to play a key role in shaping the buildings of the future.

[niket11]

Hammered Sheet Manufacturers in India

Hammered sheet metal, a technique with ancient roots and modern applications, is renowned for its distinctive texture and visual appeal. From historical artifacts to contemporary design, this method melds functional craftsmanship with artistic expression, creating pieces that are both practical and visually striking.

Historical Context and Evolution

The art of hammering metal dates back thousands of years. Early civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, employed similar techniques to create tools, weapons, and decorative items. In these cultures, hammering not only served a functional purpose but also added intricate patterns and textures to metal objects, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisans.

During the Middle Ages, hammered metalwork saw a resurgence, particularly in Europe, where blacksmiths and goldsmiths used the technique to produce ornate items for both religious and secular purposes. The Renaissance period further refined these skills, as the techniques spread and evolved, blending utility with artistic embellishment.

The Hammering Technique

The hammered sheet metal process involves striking a sheet of metal with a hammer to create texture and shape. This technique can be applied to various metals, including copper, brass, aluminum, and steel. The hammering process can be categorized into several types:

Planishing: This technique uses a smooth hammer to create a refined, polished surface. It is often used to remove hammer marks and achieve a high-gloss finish.

Texturing: Different hammers and tools are used to imprint unique patterns or textures onto the metal. This can range from subtle, organic textures to bold, geometric designs.

Raising: This process involves hammering the metal from the inside of a form or mold to create three-dimensional shapes, such as bowls or decorative vessels.

Applications and Uses

The versatility of hammered sheet metal makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Decorative Arts: Hammered metal is a popular choice for artistic pieces, including sculptures, wall art, and decorative panels. Its texture adds depth and interest, making it a favored medium for artists and designers.

Functional Items: Hammered metal is used in functional objects such as lighting fixtures, furniture, and kitchenware. The technique not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also adds durability to the item.

Architectural Elements: In architecture, hammered metal can be used for façade details, roofing materials, and custom metalwork. Its unique appearance and durability make it a valuable material in both historical restorations and contemporary designs.

Contemporary Trends

In modern design, hammered sheet metal continues to thrive as both a traditional craft and a contemporary trend. Designers often combine hammered metal with other materials, such as wood and glass, to create striking contrasts and innovative compositions. The technique is also embraced in various design movements, from minimalist aesthetics to eclectic, bohemian styles.

Crafting Hammered Metal

Creating hammered sheet metal involves a combination of skill, precision, and artistic vision. Crafting requires the right tools, including different types of hammers, anvils, and sometimes heat sources for metal shaping. Many artisans and blacksmiths undergo years of training to master the nuances of this craft.

Safety Considerations: Working with metal involves handling heavy tools and materials, so safety precautions are essential. Proper protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, is crucial to prevent injuries.

Conclusion

Hammered sheet metal remains a timeless craft that bridges the gap between functional artistry and traditional craftsmanship. Its rich history, combined with modern applications, continues to inspire designers and artisans alike. Whether used in ancient artifacts or contemporary design pieces, the hammered metal technique remains a testament to human creativity and the enduring appeal of handcrafted beauty.

[smmindustries]

INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS OF STAINLESS STEEL IN MODERN ARCHITECTURE

In the world of manufacturing and construction, Stainless Steel Product Supplier stands out as a material of choice for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal. However, the quality and performance of Stainless Steel Product Supplier are heavily influenced by the supplier you choose. At SMM Industries, we understand the critical role a reliable supplier plays in ensuring the success of your projects. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting and innovative applications of stainless steel in contemporary architecture:

Architectural Façades

One of the most striking applications of Stainless Steel Product Supplier is in architectural façades. Its reflective properties and durability make it an ideal choice for creating visually captivating building exteriors. Stainless steel panels can be used to create sleek, modern surfaces that reflect light and surroundings, enhancing the building’s integration with its environment. The material’s resistance to corrosion ensures that these façades maintain their aesthetic appeal over time.

Structural Elements

Stainless steel is not only used for decorative purposes but also for its structural advantages. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for load-bearing applications. Modern architects use stainless steel in beams, columns, and supports to achieve both strength and a minimalist appearance. The material’s ability to withstand extreme weather conditions adds to its appeal for high-rise and large-span structures.

Staircases and Handrails

Stainless steel is increasingly used in staircases and handrails, offering a blend of safety, durability, and modern design. Its sleek finish and ability to be shaped into various forms make it a popular choice for creating elegant and functional staircases. The material’s resistance to wear and tear ensures that these elements remain both stylish and safe over time.

Public Art Installations

Architects and artists are collaborating to use stainless steel in public art installations, creating interactive and visually striking pieces. The material’s reflective qualities and malleability allow for creative and dynamic art forms that can enhance public spaces and engage communities.

Green Building Solutions

Sustainability is a growing concern in modern architecture, and stainless steel offers several environmental benefits. Its recyclability and durability contribute to green building practices. Stainless steel can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality, reducing the environmental impact of construction and renovation projects.

Interior Design and Fixtures

Beyond exteriors and structural elements, stainless steel is making its mark in interior design. Its sleek finish and durability are ideal for fixtures, furniture, and decorative elements. From kitchen countertops to partition screens, stainless steel adds a modern touch and can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Facade Cladding Systems

Advanced façade cladding systems made of Stainless Steel Product Supplier offer innovative solutions for energy efficiency and aesthetics. These systems often incorporate perforated or patterned stainless steel panels that allow for ventilation, shading, and light modulation, contributing to the building’s overall performance and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stainless steel product supplier is crucial for the success of your projects. With SMM Industries, you can be confident in receiving high-quality products, exceptional service, and competitive pricing. Contact us today to learn more about our Stainless Steel Product Supplier offerings and how we can assist with your specific needs.

For more information, visit our website or reach out to our customer service team. At SMM Industries, we’re here to support your success with superior stainless steel solutions.

To Know More  https://www.smmindustriesllp.com/innovative-applications-of-stainless-steel-in-modern-architecture/

[bookdecorfactory1]

The Allure of False Books: A Chic Display Trend for Modern Spaces

In the world of interior design, where creativity knows no bounds, false books have emerged as a chic and False Books for Display. Whether you're aiming to elevate the aesthetic of a home, office, or retail space, these faux literary pieces offer a unique blend of sophistication and practicality. But what exactly are false books, and why have they become so popular?

What Are False Books?

False books, sometimes referred to as decorative or faux books, are items designed to look like real books but often have no readable content. These can range from book spines affixed to a board to complete hollow books that open to reveal storage space inside. Unlike their literary counterparts, false books are primarily used for their visual appeal and functionality as design elements.

A Brief History

The concept of false books isn't new. Historically, false books were often used as secret compartments in old libraries and mansions, hiding valuables or even passageways behind a façade of seemingly ordinary bookshelves. Today, they’ve transitioned from being a tool for concealment to a trend in interior design, where their primary purpose is aesthetic.

Why False Books Are Gaining Popularity

Aesthetic Appeal: False books can instantly add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. They mimic the appearance of real books, creating an intellectual ambiance that appeals to many. Whether stacked on a coffee table, arranged on a shelf, or used to fill a non-functional fireplace, they lend a sense of history and depth to a room.

Customization: One of the significant advantages of false books is their versatility. Designers can customize them to suit any theme or color scheme, with options ranging from vintage leather-bound spines to sleek, modern designs. This flexibility allows homeowners and decorators to curate a specific look without the limitations imposed by actual book collections.

Functional Use: Beyond their visual appeal, false books can serve practical purposes. Some designs feature hidden compartments, making them perfect for discreet storage of small items like keys, remotes, or personal treasures. Others are used as decorative covers for unattractive elements such as safes or electrical panels, blending seamlessly into the surrounding décor.

Cost-Effective Design Solution: Building a collection of real books, especially rare or antique volumes, can be expensive. False books provide a budget-friendly alternative that achieves the same aesthetic impact without the hefty price tag. They are particularly useful for large spaces where filling shelves with real books would be impractical or costly.

Durability: Unlike real books, which can suffer wear and tear over time, false books are designed to maintain their appearance with minimal upkeep. Made from durable materials, they resist fading, bending, and damage, making them a long-lasting addition to any space.

Where to Use False Books

False books are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various settings:

Home Libraries and Studies: For those who love the look of a library but may not have the time to curate a real collection, false books provide the perfect solution.

Living Rooms and Coffee Tables: Arrange them artfully on a table or shelf to create a focal point that draws the eye.

Retail Displays: In stores, false books can add an element of sophistication and encourage a leisurely, browsing atmosphere.

Office Spaces: Use them to decorate office shelves or to disguise necessary but unsightly equipment.

 

Faux Book Collection for Display have made a significant mark in the world of interior design, offering a blend of form and function that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Their ability to provide the look and feel of a well-read space, coupled with their practical uses, makes them a popular choice for designers and homeowners alike. Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance, create a themed space, or simply find a clever way to store items, false books present a stylish and versatile solution.

[healthandfitness789]

Transform Your Space with Stunning Concrete Facades

Concrete facades have become a popular choice in modern architecture due to their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to enhance the exterior of your home or a commercial building, concrete facades offer a stylish and sustainable solution. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of concrete facades, design possibilities, and maintenance tips to help you create a striking and long-lasting façade for your property.

The Benefits of Concrete Facades

Durability and Strength Concrete is renowned for its strength and durability. Concrete facades can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist wear and tear, and maintain their structural integrity over time. This makes them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial buildings.

Aesthetic Versatility Concrete facades offer a wide range of design possibilities. They can be molded into various shapes, textures, and finishes to suit any architectural style. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a rustic, textured finish, concrete facades can be customized to match your vision.

Energy Efficiency Concrete facades contribute to energy efficiency by providing excellent thermal mass. This means they can absorb and store heat, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. This can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

Low Maintenance Compared to other building materials, concrete facades require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to rot, pests, and fire, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing are usually sufficient to keep them looking their best.

Design Possibilities with Concrete Facades

Textured Finishes Concrete facades can be designed with a variety of textured finishes to add depth and character to your building. From smooth, polished surfaces to rough, industrial textures, the options are endless. Textured finishes can be achieved through techniques such as sandblasting, bush hammering, or applying decorative coatings.

Incorporating Natural Elements Combine the industrial look of concrete with natural elements like wood, stone, or metal to create a harmonious and visually appealing design. This combination can soften the appearance of concrete facades and blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Geometric Patterns Geometric patterns can be embedded into concrete facades to create a modern and eye-catching design. These patterns can be achieved through formwork or by using prefabricated concrete panels. Geometric designs add a unique and contemporary touch to any building.

Colored Concrete Concrete facades don’t have to be limited to shades of gray. By adding pigments to the concrete mix, you can achieve a wide range of colors that complement your building’s overall design. Colored concrete facades can make a bold statement and enhance the visual appeal of your property.

Maintenance Tips for Concrete Facades

Regular Cleaning Keep your concrete facades looking fresh by cleaning them regularly. Use a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grime, and stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

Sealing Apply a concrete sealer to protect your facades from moisture, stains, and UV damage. Sealing should be done every few years, depending on the exposure and condition of the concrete. This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your facades.

Inspect for Damage Periodically inspect your concrete facades for cracks, chips, or other signs of damage. Promptly address any issues to prevent further deterioration. Small cracks can be repaired using concrete patching compounds, while larger damage may require professional repair.

Preventing Water Damage Ensure proper drainage around your building to prevent water from pooling near the base of your concrete facades. Excessive moisture can weaken the concrete and lead to structural issues. Regularly check and maintain gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems.

Conclusion

Concrete facades offer an excellent combination of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for modern architecture. With various design possibilities and low maintenance requirements, they can transform any building into a stunning and sustainable structure. By following proper maintenance practices, you can ensure your concrete facades remain in top condition for years to come. Embrace the beauty and strength of concrete facades to elevate the look and performance of your property.

[aluminiumpanels]

High-Quality HPL Sheet and Aluminium Panels from Alutechpanels

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and durability of your spaces, choosing the right materials is crucial. At Alutechpanels, we offer a wide range of high-quality HPL sheets and aluminium panels that are perfect for both residential and commercial applications. Let's explore how these versatile materials can transform your spaces.

HPL Sheet:

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) sheets are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They are made by bonding multiple layers of kraft paper with resin under high pressure and temperature. This process creates a strong and durable sheet that is resistant to scratches, chemicals, and UV rays. Our HPL sheets come in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect match for your design needs.

Aluminium Panels:

Aluminium panels are lightweight yet strong, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Whether you're looking to add a modern touch to your façade or create durable interior partitions, our aluminium panels are the perfect choice. They are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are available in a variety of colors and finishes to suit your design preferences.

Applications:

Our HPL sheets and aluminium panels are perfect for a variety of applications, including exterior cladding, interior decoration, furniture, and signage. Whether you're renovating your home or designing a new commercial space, our products offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Final Thoughts

Upgrade your spaces with high-quality HPL sheet and aluminium panels from Alutechpanels. With their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, our products are sure to enhance the beauty and functionality of your spaces. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can transform your spaces.

[hzaidan]

01 Work, The Art of War, Henry Zaidan's The Guard, with footnotes #99

Henry ZaidanThe Guard, c. 2024900×1000AI with Deviantart The guard wears a helmet with a chain mail, finely decorated. Notably, visible is a shamshir, strapped to her side. She slightly leans in front of the beautifully carved wooden door she is guarding. The façade of the building is surmounted by an elegant calligraphic panel framed by Iznik carvings.  Please visit my other blogs: Art…