#glass and stone tile border

[fauxboy]

Great Room in Minneapolis

An illustration of a sizable, traditional, open-concept kitchen with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, a beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances, and an island.

[biciudades]

Tampa Pool Hot Tub

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard tile and custom-shaped hot tub remodel

[alexandrastafford]

New York Kids Bathroom Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal kids' blue tile and glass tile porcelain tile alcove shower remodel with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

[inky-duchess]

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.

[petermorwood]

Flammkuchen / Tarte Flambeé / "German pizza"

This evening I found a slab of Speck (strong-smoked bacon) in the freezer that I didn't know we had, there was half an onion and a tub of Lithuanian sour cream in the fridge, so @dduane decided to try Flammkuchen.

Originally, so the story goes, it was made by bakers as a pre-thermometer way to check the temperature of their wood-fired ovens (and provide a quick snack at the same time).

Tarte flambée is the French name, but "German Pizza" or indeed any sort of pizza it certainly isn't; there's neither tomato sauce nor cheese, and no yeast in the dough.

Whether it's German or French depends on who you ask, since it originates from the province of Alsace, an area which has changed hands a lot in the past couple of centuries and whose ownership has been A Source Of Friction Between Guess Who for almost as long.

To stay neutral, the recipe DD used is Swiss. ;->

Here's the translation:

*****

Alsatian tarte flambée

This delicious speciality from Alsace is also ideal for an aperitif. Thinly rolled bread dough with sour cream, onions and bacon cubes!

350g flour (12½ oz) 1.25 tsp salt 2 dl water (6.7 US fl oz / .42 US pt) 2 tbsp olive oil 200 g crème fraîche / sour cream (7 oz) 2 onions (we had less, so used less...) 120 g farmer's (thick, well-smoked) bacon in slices (4¼ oz) a small grind of pepper

And this is how it's done:

Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Pour in water and oil, mix and knead into a soft, smooth dough. Form the dough into a ball, cover and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 240 degrees (464 F). Halve the dough and roll it out into an oval shape about 3 mm thick (1/10 inch) on a lightly floured surface. Place the dough on two baking sheets lined with baking paper.

Spread the crème fraîche / sour cream over the dough, leaving a border of approx. 1 cm (½ inch) free all around. Peel the onions, cut them into fine rings, cut the bacon into strips, spread both over the crème fraîche / sour cream and season.

Baking per tray: approx. 12 minutes each on the bottom shelf of the oven.

*****

Since this was our first time making Flammkuchen, we baked them one at a time to check for errors. There were none (Swiss recipe!) and 12 minutes was exactly right to produce this result both times:

DD needs to be careful because of IBS so they were made with mostly bacon on one side, mostly onion on the other, and with a glass of cool white wine they made an excellent Sunday supper.

Next time, now we know how well this recipe works, we'll be more generous with the toppings. :->

Incidentally, rather than baking-trays or the pizza stone we need to replace (ceramic utensils, tile floors and gravity Do Not Mix Well) we used the cast-iron griddle which in summer often goes on the BBQ...

... and gave the oven a thorough pre-heating, then transferred the Flammkuchen in and out with a peel, all of which worked splendidly.

That tip about using baking paper is excellent, BTW: no sticking, no spillage, no washing up. I bet it'll work with other things as well.

Like, for instance, more Flammkuchen... ;->

[moraygrotto]

Fic time!!!!!

In 2023, I was lucky enough to reach 1,500 followers! As a celebration, I held a series of polls determining the main character, pairing, and kinks of a celebratory fanfic :) The winning combination was Ruggiе x Reader, with starving-to-stuffed feeding, and here it is~

I decided to place this fic in a fantasy/steampunk AU, where reader is an attendant at a public temple, and Ruggiе is a gentleman thief. It's also not explicitly romantic, though reader-chan & Ruggiе do both wish to be closer to each other :)

Thanks again to all who participated in the polls, and please enjoy!!!

~🌘~

Working night duty at the temple, your friends were a motley few. Only a select number of the city’s citizenry were allowed within the stately, glass-tiled stone walls at night, but that did not stop attendants such as yourself from making friends atop the entryway’s steps, or over the back garden walls.

The moment you stepped outside to empty the ashes you had collected from the temple’s censers, you knew the figure you spotted was not in the mood for any such socializing.

At first, you mistook him for a pile of black cloth; as you set the bowl of ashes down and ran up to him, you spotted a thick head of straw-colored hair and two hyena’s ears, catching the light of the moon in a way the back fabric that nearly buried them could not. He was slumped, motionless, over the steps, face obscured by a black bandana, arms and legs covered by long sleeves extending from underneath his tunic.

Even like this, you recognized this fallen figure to be Ruggie Bucchi. Crouching down to his level, you could barely breathe. You had not seen him in months.

“Hey,” you said softly, shaking his shoulder. “Hey, Ruggie. It’s me. Can you hear me?”

Ever so slightly, he moved.

“Yeah, you’re safe,” you assured him. “I’m gonna take you inside. Can you stand?”

He strained slightly, then flopped back onto the steps. You would have to bring him inside yourself.

“Tell me if what I’m doing hurts anywhere,” you said, snaking your arms around him and lifting him up against you.

A small sound was coming from him—Ruggie’s raspy voice, you realized.

“—not hurt. You can…” He drew a thin breath in as you scooped his skinny body up into your arms. “Thanks for… I really owe you… think I’d fall over if I tried to stand right now.”

“Oh, Ruggie, what happened?” you said, hurrying him back into the warm, sheltered interior of the temple.

“D’you hear… the factory?”

“No,” you replied. As the night attendant at a temple, you were one of the least informed people in the city.

“...a big fire,” Ruggie mumbled, jostling in your arms as you trotted through the shadowed halls. “A handful a’ kids lost their parents. I—someone—tell you more later; I—” He went silent, breaths growing shallow.

Since you slept downstairs in a one-room dormitory with the other temple workers, you could not take him to any resting place of your own without both disturbing the others and risking Ruggie’s privacy. Instead, you took him to a small chamber at the corner of the building, bordering the garden, used for special ceremonies.

Inside, there was a blanket draped over a stone bench, which you lay him down upon, as well as a lantern atop an herb-strewn wooden table, which you lit.

“Will you be okay here?” you asked. “Any first aid I should do before getting you some water from the kitchen?”

Ruggie had been still as you spoke, but both his ears twitched at this last word. “Kitchen,” he repeated, voice shallow and groggy. “...you could… bring me back some food; I’d be…”

“Of course,” you replied, and bustled out of the room.

Outside of the temple, the people you befriended were an interesting lot—courtesans, witches, and the occasional street urchin all took kindly to the temple’s presence, as did the city’s king—whose police force, however, begrudged the institutional privileges you held.

Ruggie Bucchi, with regard to the friends he kept and hours he prowled, was very similar to you. Having grown up poor and struggled into adulthood, he sympathized with the city folk in poverty, and did whatever he could, by any means necessary, to help out his fellows.

Years ago, when you first confided in a fellow attendant that you had met Ruggie Bucchi, they sighed in manifest jealousy, telling you that they had only ever heard his name in impassioned whispers. Now, the very same hero of the shadows was lying, barely conscious, in a little room in your temple.

Arms full of a jug of water and several dishes of leftover food, you rushed back to him.

He startled awake when you returned, wide eyes zeroing in on you as he spoke your name.

Even among the countless people he knew, he still remembered your name.

“Ugh, you’re the best,” he said, and tried to hoist himself to a seated position, but his arms quivered, and he toppled back onto his side. He groaned.

Assuring him that he need not strain, you awkwardly set the food down upon the ceremonial table—sacrilegious, but this was an emergency; nobody would spite you—and sat beside him carrying only the jug of water.

Ruggie made a small noise, ears flicking as you eased his head onto your lap. “Stay with me,” you said. “Here, I’ll give you some water; try not to choke.”

As neatly as you could manage, you poured a small splash into your palm, before pulling down Ruggie’s bandana to reveal his mouth. He was panting weakly, and in the small shaft of moonlight shining through the chamber’s only window, his tongue looked almost white.

Carefully, then, you let a trickle of water down between his open lips.

With astounding ease, Ruggie lapped it up, not coughing nor sputtering at all. Once the palmful was finished, he leaned up, eyes glittering, tongue out as if he wanted to lick your hand itself, then faltered, squeezing his eyes shut, and relaxing the weight of his head back into your lap.

“Thanks,” he breathed through shimmering lips. “More—please.”

You repeated the process a few more times, and as he drank, his stomach let out a long, sputtering growl.

“How long has it been since you’ve had anything to eat or drink?” you said.

“Not that long,” Ruggie said, and let out a wet cough. “But—hang on…” Still quavering slightly, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, flung one skinny arm around you, and used you as support to sit up. A thin breath hissed out of him as he took the water jug from your hands. “We’ve had to boil water,” he said, “firewood and food’s really hard to come by. I’ve had some, but—” He paused to take a thick, gulping drink, belly softly bickering under the fresh deluge to his stomach.

“Boil water?” you said. “You don’t have fuel for fire? Where is this?”

Ruggie finished his greedy sip, and peered down into the jug, a look of simple pleasure dawning on his face. A rough, gurgling belch trailed out of him before he could respond, and he wiped his mouth again. “‘Scuse me,” he mewled, and you could hear the newfound lubrication in his throat. “Um, below the factory. There’s a big basement down there, and it connects to a couple tunnels below the city.” He gave a troubled sigh, and took another sip.

“What happened was,” he said, beginning to idly rub his tummy while he kept staring down into the water, “a bunch of the factory’s workers died when the building caught fire. Some of them had kids, and the factory owners said they would only help support them if they themselves came to work there.”

You blinked. “Aren’t any of the kids too little to work?”

Ruggie gave a single, sardonic laugh. “Bossman doesn’t care.”

“That’s terrible!” you said.

“Yeah, duh,” Ruggie replied. “A few of the builders who are working to fix the place back up think so too, so they volunteered to help shelter the kids underground. I’ve done stuff like this before, so I’m there, too. It’s just—” He leaned against you, and groaned. “It’s so much fucking work. Of course I’m gonna do it until they all find somewhere stable to stay, but I barely eat or sleep anymore. We, um—” he looked at you, and smiled sheepishly. “We need help. That’s the actual reason why I’m here, to see if you guys can pick out more city folks who are good at keeping secrets, and see if they want to volunteer.” He tapped a dirty fingernail against the glass of the jug. “I wish I really had come here for nothing but a drink of good water and a fresh meal.”

“It’s not actually fresh,” you confessed. “It’s mostly leftovers—”

“Oh,” he interrupted, “believe me, anything your two hands have scraped up is bound to be a zillion times better than what me’n the others have been eating. Speaking of which—” He kneaded one hand into his belly, which let out a desperate-sounding yowl in response.

“Oof,” you said, “you poor thing.”

“I feel like I’ve been hollowed out,” Ruggie grumbled.

“Here,” you said, opening a large clay dish, and lifted a flatbread out of it, straight onto your hand. You took up a spoon, the only utensil you had picked up in your haste, and used it to spread a layer of cheese onto the soft, doughy bread, before opening the third and final dish, a pot of beans and rice, and scooping some out into the middle. “Promise you won’t eat too fast,” you said, folding the whole thing up into a lumpy little wrap. “I don’t know what I’d do if you hurt your stomach from stuffing it too full.”

“Oh, c’mon,” Ruggie whined, “I’m not starving. I’m just… kinda…”

You raised your eyebrows.

“...Starving,” he finished.

“Please eat, then,” you said, trying to hold back a laugh.

Ruggie snatched the creation from you, eyes glittering in utter delight. Secretly, you had always adored watching Ruggie eat. He had shared snacks with you over the temple walls before, even been traded gifts of food from other people of the night atop your hallowed entryway steps, which he was always eager to devour right there. Now, as each time you had seen him eat in the past, his jaws parted wide, sharp teeth flashed, and he took his food down into himself with single-minded fervor.

Within seconds, your little flatbread had vanished, and a lopsided grin had washed over his face.

“Are you alright?” you said, running a hand up and down his bony spine. “You look almost too happy.”

“Yeah,” he replied, “I’m alright. How much’ve you… Wait. Hang on.”

You paused, and he paused, before raising one fist to his chest, and giving himself a hard thump.

A loud, brassy burp clattered out of him, dragging on a long few seconds, until you were a touch afraid your sleeping fellows downstairs might be able to hear. You blushed, embarrassed at how beautiful you found it.

Ruggie let out a coarse breath a moment later, face screwed up in discomfort.

“Fuck, there was a lotta empty air in there,” he whined. “I guess I’m glad that’s out.”

“How does your stomach feel?” you said softly.

Heaving another breath, Ruggie gave his belly a prod with his fingertips. “Kinda terrible,” he said. “Here, why don’t I—” He picked up the jug of water again, and took a long chug.

“That should help,” you said. “Again, don’t go too fast.”

He set the jug down again, and expelled a long, gurgling noise from his gullet, which you were not sure was a sigh, a burp, or some stormy mingling of both. “Y’know?” he said, “Never mind! I am starting to feel a lot better.”

“I’m so glad!” you said, and, emboldened, gave him a one-armed squeeze.

“I will take more food, though,” he added, and kicked his legs against the bottom of the bench.

This, you thought as you folded another flatbread, was closer to the Ruggie you knew. Hopefully, with a little more nourishment inside him, he would have his energy, wits, and roguish passion back in no time.

“You’re seriously the best,” he said, taking the little package of food from you. “Why don’t you just keep ‘em coming?” He gave his belly a smack. “Heck if I haven’t got room for a boatload more.”

Happy to oblige him, you continued piling the flatbreads with cheese, beans, and rice as he ate.

Before you noticed, he had utterly lost himself in his food, now and then swishing his tail and kicking his feet, even letting out little moans and whimpers of delight. If he did end up hurting himself with the amount he ate, you would be crushed with guilt. However, right now, watching him gorge himself in consummate bliss, you could not bring yourself to hold back.

Ruggie reached out to snatch the very last flatbread from you, and you noticed two grains of rice and a smear of gooey sauce stuck to his upper lip.

“Wait a moment,” you said, and lifted a napkin to Ruggie’s face, before wiping his lips off thoroughly.

His ears flattened, and he sputtered through your onslaught, “Hey—c’mon—”

Ruggie, the storied hero of your city, looked adorable as you cleaned him off. “Your face was dirty!” you chimed.

“Gimme that,” he said after you finished, and took the napkin from you. Carefully, he picked out both grains of rice, and swallowed them.

You frowned. “You… really are hungry, huh? You’ve almost cleaned out all this food, though; would you…”

Apprehensively, Ruggie set the dirty napkin down on the ceremonial table, and looked down at his gut. Beneath his loose black tunic, it was hard to see how full he looked from the outside.

You had never seen Ruggie get really stuffed before. Since he was so skinny and fit, and his appetite was so massive, you could only imagine how much food he could pack into himself on his best days. 

Quickly, you quashed the train of thought. You were taking care of him right now, not indulging your own interest. “I think,” Ruggie said slowly, “the fullness hasn’t really caught up with me yet. My head and body are still in eating mode, if that makes any sense.”

You watched him dreamily. Even the most candid attendants in your temple did not usually talk about their bodily processes so openly.

Ruggie poked his belly, then gently tapped it with his fingertips. “I think,” he said, “in a minute or two, I’ll—UUURRRAAPPH!” The belch crashed out of him, and he nearly doubled over his own stomach, and when he straightened up, he was rubbing his belly firmly and fondly, his bandana and a few locks of his bangs knocked askew. “There it is,” he said, and something in his voice sounded more resonant, open-throated. “Felt that one. Good to know everything’s moving around in there like it should be, right?” He snickered, and his belly gave an accompanying glorp.

“You sure everything’s good?” you asked, unable to hold back a smile of your own.

“Oh, yeah,” Ruggie said. “I feel alive again. Gettin’ a teeny bit full, too! Still got all kinds of room, though, so, uh, may I?” He reached out for the bread pocket in your hands.

“Go right ahead, if you can handle it,” you said, passing it to him.

He immediately bit in. “Mmm, yes!” he said with his mouth full. “This tummy’s begging for more.” Seconds later, he had devoured the whole thing, and was wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“You know,” you said, “though this is all the prepared leftovers we had on hand, we should still have some other raw stuff in the pantries. I could see if we have some fruit.”

“Would that be okay?” he said, raising his eyebrows. “I mean, you guys gotta eat, too—”

“Of course!” you said. “The others will know from the missing leftovers that I had somebody to feed tonight, and they’ll understand that it took a little more than what was available to get the job done. We are a temple, after all. It’s our job to be here for the people.”

“O-Okay!”

“While I’m getting that, here—” You handed him the spoon. “There’s plenty more rice and beans left in the pot. Some cheese, too; feel free to finish it.”

Ruggie grinned, and took the spoon from you. “Thanks,” he said, “mind getting me some more water, too?”

You left him reaching for the remaining leftovers, greed sparkling in his eyes. His appetite was truly astounding. You could not help but admire it, quickly convincing yourself that what enthralled you was seeing him recover and nourish himself, nothing more. It was thoroughly normal to enjoy watching one’s friends eat, you reasoned, as you arrived at the kitchen and began sorting through the pantry.

In a bowl, you picked a bunch of grapes from a large basket, then paused. You had to save some for the temple. Thinking back to him, however, you knew Ruggie would likely consume everything you brought. Your dashing little rogue was a bottomless pit.

Hurriedly, you grabbed some more grapes, leaving about half of the basket left full. Then, you filled a canteen to the brim from a tapped jug of coconut water. Hopefully this would be enough for Ruggie.

Hopefully, he had already begun to fill up.

When you slipped back into the ceremonial chamber, your hopes were duly, outstandingly fulfilled.

Ruggie had stretched over the length of the bench, one hand tucked beneath his head, the other on his belly, rubbing lightly, almost gingerly in wide circles. His belly itself, you could see now, poked upwards beneath his clothes, distended paunch growing clearer with each smoothing caress of his hand.

His eyes were closed, and he only cracked one open when he heard your footsteps and the sound of your dishes upon the table.

As if in greeting, his stomach let out a deep burble.

“Heya!” he chirped, attempting to leap upright, but flopping back down the moment his chest crunched against the bloat of his gut. “Hc-URrp—Sorry,” he said, before letting out one of his characteristically sibilant snickers. “I think I ate a little too fast just now. Turns out you were-urRP-playing a pretty important role, there, packing the food up for me and controlling how fast I packed it away.” He gave his belly a pat, and it responded with a churning growl, causing him to frown and shift atop the bench’s blanket. “I’ll—” He paused to let a deep burp rumble out from between two fluttering lips. “Mm—I’ll be fine, though. I used to gorge myself way crazier than this, back before I stuck myself underground with all those kids. I’m fine.”

You looked down at the foods you had just now brought him. “I got coconut water instead of regular,” you said slowly. “Would that be too much for—”

“Oh, no way,” he said, eyes going round. “That’s better; did you get—” He propped himself up on an elbow, and glanced at the food. “Grapes? These look awesome!”

You smiled. “You were just complaining you had eaten too much!”

He rubbed his mouth off with his hand, and struggled to a seated position. “Actually,” he said, “I said I ate too fast.” He grinned at you, ears perking up. “If you wanna feed me until I really can’t eat a bite more, you’re gonna need way more than this. I might end up eating you out of house and—uh, temple and home that way, though, and I don’t wanna do that. I’m grateful for all this stuff, I promise.”

You resumed your seat on the bench, feeling yourself relax alongside him. Out of all the denizens of the night you kept company with for this job, Ruggie was quite possibly your favorite.

“Alright,” you said, “we can save a feast like that for another day.”

“Can’t wait,” Ruggie said, plucking a grape from the bunch, and popping it into his mouth.

You watched him briefly chew, then gulp it down his throat before his eyes popped open wide.

“You okay—?”

“Yeah,” he replied, “I just—probably shouldn’t’ve—mmgh!” He grabbed you with one hand, and clutched his tummy with the other as he canted forward. A wet, gurgling burp lurched out of him, once again so brassy and loud that you feared for the slumber of those downstairs.

He sighed, hard and blissful, before blinking back at you. He let go of your arm, patting it sheepishly as he chuckled. “Sorry,” he said.

“Don’t be,” you replied. “Just… maybe don’t eat so fast—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ruggie said. “I just gotta wait a minute before eating anything more, I think. I’m fine, I swear, but—”

“Well,” you said, “if you’re still having trouble, is there anything I can do to help?”

“I mean, yeah,” Ruggie said. He squirmed a little in his seat, pressing with his fingertips lower into his gut. “But I’m not gonna make you take care of me more than you already have.”

“Oh, c’mon,” you said, swatting his arm playfully. “I’m a temple attendant. I’ve gotta follow all the core tenets of this institution, and the main one is, y’know, to help people.”

Ruggie shrugged, smirking. “I’ll take advantage of that, then, if you’re so principled.”

“There you go,” you laughed.

“Alright,” Ruggie said. “Use your fist to hit right in the middle of my back, not too hard, but—”

Gently, you thumped him near the bottom of his ribcage. “There?”

“Yeah,” he purred, “a little lower, though—nope, a little higher, actually—ooh, that feels good—”

A loud snarl tore from Ruggie’s guts. “That’s good,” he repeated, before you had the chance to ask. With both hands, he pressed into his tummy, coaxing more whimpers and gurgles out of it.

“Things starting to move around in there?” you said.

“Yeah-urph—yeah,” Ruggie said. A moment later, his spine curled. “Ack—hang on—but don’t stop.”

You brought a second hand to his back, alternating soft pounds with both fists.

Ruggie grimached. “Hang on, hang on, just one more little—” He clenched his fingers. “Just a—BRAAAP!” Posture softening, he smiled. “There we go. Thanks.”

“Any time,” you said, flattening your hand to softly stroke him.

“I’m feeling a lot better,” Ruggie said, a happy looseness to his voice. “Really good, actually.”

You smiled back. “Ready to fit some more into that noisy tummy?”

As if hearing its name, his belly gave a sweet little babble.

“You bet,” said Ruggie, and reached for the canteen of coconut water, taking a swig so big it looked desperate.

Lifting it from his lips, he let out a loud, wet sigh. “You really are the best, you know,” he said. “You gotta be careful, or I’ll start coming here to eat more ‘n more often, until I never leave.”

This was a joke, but it only made you smile wistfully. Of course you would be thrilled for his company if he lived here. Ruggie, on the other hand, had too much to do, too many people he cared about, a thousand errands to run for reasons bigger than you, the most fundamental of which was his own survival. Your position as a common attendant at the city’s main temple also involved looking after the public, but yours was a more passive beholdenness—you were not sure if Ruggie wanted to settle down.

“Hey,” Ruggie said with his mouth full, “since you’re offering, can I ask for something kinda strange? You can say no, I mean.” He swallowed his mouthful of grapes, and reached for another gulp of coconut water.

“No harm in asking,” you said mildly.

“Could you rub my tummy while I’m eating?” he said. “Not, like, my upper stomach. I don’t wanna get all sick ‘n burpy, but a little lower. Just to, um…” He scratched his ear. “Make my belly feel nice.” He glanced up at you, eyes wide. “As I said, you can say no—”

“Why would I?” you chuckled. “Giving you a little tummy rub is the least this humble servant can do.”

“Oh, do not say that,” Ruggie said, adjusting his scarf with one hand as he reached for more grapes with the other. “You’re just my friend, okay? I know you’ve got your whole ecclesiastical duty thing, but—ooh!”

As he spoke, you had slipped a hand beneath his skinny arms, and pressed the lower part of his belly, just as he had asked.

“That’s perfect,” Ruggie mewled, leaning a degree forward into your touch.

“Good,” you said. “You’ve been working so hard lately; if you can relax and feel at peace, that means I’m doing my job.”

“Oh, believe me,” he said, and punctuated his sentence with a proud burp. “I’ll happily relax when you’re pampering me like this. You don’t need to worry about me, promise.”

“Ruggie,” you said over the sound of his still-ravenous crunching, “you literally showed up collapsed on the temple steps. You’ll forgive me if I’m a little worried about you.”

His stomach gave a small thrum of vibration as he swallowed. “Alright,” he said, “you got me there.” He placed the clean-plucked stem of grapes back into the bowl. “But I’m feeling way better now!” Awkwardly, at first, he pulled you into a one-armed hug. “That food was great, and you’ve been so nice—you’re being so nice.”

You gave his tummy a poke.

“Hey!” Scowling, but seemingly unable to stop, he took another grape from the bowl, crushed it once between his teeth, and swallowed it whole.

“I’m relieved you’re feeling better,” you said, watching as he devoured more in the same manner. “You’re always welcome here, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he replied, grabbing a fistful more. “Duty to the common people, and all that—”

“Personally, too!” you retorted. “I like seeing you. I’d be happy to do this again—Uh, preferably without the you-almost-starving part.”

“I told you, I wasn’t—”

“You know what I mean,” you said. “Keep yourself well for me, okay?” You reached for the last bunch of grapes from the bowl, and handed one to him after plucking it off.

Ruggie popped it into his mouth, and rubbed his belly fondly as he ate. “No guarantees,” he said through his chewing. He swallowed, and grinned at you. “Especially not if getting in rough shape lands me this kind of treatment.”

You took off another grape, and Ruggie opened his mouth expectantly.

Blinking, you were caught off guard by this action, but understood it immediately, and dropped the grape into his mouth. “Hey,” you said, “no distracting me—”

“What?”

“I was going to reply,” you said, and suddenly froze up. Your hands flew back to their work at the grapes, and you fed him another. “I was gonna say,” you said shyly, “that you don’t have to fall over just to get me to feed you. You can just ask.” You swallowed dryly. “I mean, does it look like I’m just taking care of you ‘cause it’s my duty? I’m happy to do it, you know.”

Ruggie gave a soft snicker, and leaned against you. “Man,” he said, “no need to be sappy. You’re already spoiling me with food; the niceness is just overkill at this point.” He paused, weight warm and heavy at your side. “Ooh,” he said, “this does feel good, though. I think I, um…” He blinked slowly, ears pushing back as he stifled a yawn. “Do you mind if I lie down for a bit? I’m just a little sore all over from working so damn much.”

“You’ve still got a few more grapes left to eat,” you reminded him.

“I still want ‘em, just—”

“Lay your head on my lap,” you said, “and I’ll feed them to you.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Ruggie obeyed, tucking his legs up onto the bench and nestling his head into your lap as you made room for him by your side. “I feel like a prince, or something,” he mumbled.

“I’m sure you’d make a great one,” you said, gently placing a grape into his mouth.

“Maybe,” he replied, “but then I wouldn’t be able to come here whenever I want.”

You smiled. He relaxed as he ate, shifting, stretching atop your lap. His belly was markedly exposed, and, unable to help yourself, you reached a hand down to rub him there, smoothing out the rumples in his tunic, feeling the places where the food made his stomach bulge, and the little rumblings all over as he digested.

He took the last grape from you with his eyes shut, moaning slightly as he ate.

You told him so gently, petting his stomach as he swallowed: “That’s all of them. Are you satisfied? Want any more coconut water?”

“‘M good,” Ruggie said, and cuddled slightly into your lap. “Nice ‘n satisfied…” As he wiggled his body down into you and the blanket, a little burp escaped him. You supposed even dashing rogues like Ruggie had to unwind sometimes. He looked cute this vulnerable, trusting you in a way that few of your nocturnal friends might ever be comfortable with.

“You can sleep here if you want,” you told him. “I can set you up with a cot. You deserve a good, long rest before going back.”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” Ruggie said over the sound of a low grumble from his belly. “Not until—hic-mmrp—a little bit later, though. I don’t wanna move, ‘n I really don’t want you to stop rubbin’ my tummy…”

You chuckled, and continued to stroke him, running your free hand through his flaxen hair. “Alright,” you said. “Take some time to digest.”

“Yeah,” Ruggie said, and took a heavy breath. “I feel so good…”

You gave his belly a soft caress. “You deserve it.”

[tvcore-productions]

Box full of shards(WIP title)

Chapter 1 of a Gengar taking care of a clefairy egg (1 introductions)

{Currently: only the Oneshot part of it, I need to fix up the fighting scene and than puzzle that it together <3 need that over 1k mark}

Chapter 2/The Filler Chapter

Blanket full of "So?" i don't care {not real title}

A filler full of blankets and Eye's{The fic that's two chapters combined so I can have 1k words}

I just noticed some grammer mistakes, im sorry I feel to laxy not to edit. I apologies, but ima keep going with writing(missed two days of writing 1k a day woops). Im sorry I dont have beta reader, not the best editing ability, ill feel way to down on myself to write. I gotta write more, and deal with plot holes and bad transitions scenes... After novemebr when the challenge is over, or ill fix It in nov 7th if I get an unbiased beta-reader/editer. you can dm or comment my mistakes or criticism please

after all, my motto is "Atleast i have writign to get criticized!" gotta be positive on me having bad writing, when I'm trying to get writing habits

Gengar looks at the Pansage, and the pansage looks back at them. A lot more terrified than the Gengar thought they’d be, even after ran to hide. The air felt stiff, till Arachnia put oranges, and cinnamon sticks in a ceramic bowl of water.

Gengar observes that Arachnia changes the ice-stone with a fire-stone. Just rare items, used for convenience, how rich.

Gengar looks over the market counter for the berries and wood boxes filled with ‘green tea’ or ‘tea’ as carved in footprints. Odd. But it had patterned leaves and a painted color, so that helped.

The Pansage was gone, the door having a smoke of dust.

Gengar strolled around the market, looking at the Zorou and Phantump playing in the middle of the street around the stained glass of the moon with a crashing star being hit by the sun. Their parents watched between the warehouses, in chairs with swirls patterned on the back, drinking herbal tea from the green camping bag the taller tree had.

They glared looking at the Gengar strolling through the other side of the market, near the end of a sturdy little cafe being quite tall over an Aggrons height.

“Hope you take your egg on a nice walk, heard it nice for their soul to gather the energy around them.”

A Kadabra advises, leaning their legs on the table. 

The Gengar glances at their card the one on Kadabra's thumb is shaped like an ornate mirror with a reflective surface in luminous colors, a card with eyes in darkness with distorted borders effect and the third one is not so visible.

Gengar smiled and nodded.

…

“I think the egg they have might be fairy type,”

“How”

“Because I'd hear, and read that Gengar believes that having Aggrons blood is good for their kid, cause of them thinking ol cave divers are a dragon type.” Kadabra slams their cards on the table, showing the last cards a haunter. “That's a why”

The muscular-type Pokemon smiled and rested their hands to look at the Kadabra conspiracy, “Isn't that a little odd?”

“Yes, that is. A typing blood for some superstitious reason and Gengar usually lived here for the human era that was a common superstitious. Gengar might know some dead humans.”

“And… What?” The Pokemon got slapped on the back of the head by a palm, “You don't know what you're talking about, reading Pokemon's mind made your brain scramble.”

“I was there, I just haven't seen Gengar come out often or at all.”

“Yeah but know we might, just with an egg.”

–

Gengar takes their egg on a walk

Gengar looks at the sign with a purple Rattata with a mustache and train station cap.

Looking over the railway station they found themselves. They walked up the stairs with white tiles, up from the dirt path of railways.

“Well good afternoon, I am the train conductor of the station supervising the train tracks welcome.”

Gengar adjusted holding the egg, “Hi…”

“You came out of the railway, well that's unsafe. But I guess from being a ghost type and all, it wouldn't phase you. ”

Rattata peaked over the egg.

“Oh you have an egg, congrats, is it yours.”

“Yeah, em” Gengar looked at the egg, “Found it.”

“Have this.”

Gengar received thin yarn, twiddling the tail of the yarn in its Rose onyx shade (Purple).

“This is a secluded part of ‘Rayvoush Bay’ because it's under my operation for when the train comes in.”

Rattata took Gengar to the next route, to a nice bustling of water and light right on top of the center.

“Visit Frillish’s Grills, they have nice shells.”

Rattata waved, hopping off from the barrel.

Gengar was in the middle of the market, there were a lot of wide bridges and a lot of water sidewalks. Seeing some Magikarps cross paths, and looking down to see its own market to blurry, but the guess was close guess.

Gengar hobbled a little over to more of the land area, that had smaller water paths for fish pokemon to make trades with the rodent marketers.

Gengar could hear the wings flapping overhead, and a crisp orange leaf fell into the water paths.

They pass gazes with a Lucario. Gengar stopped by to look at some heaters, “Oh hey did you come with that Lucario.” Gengar's smile faded as they looked at Lucarios chivalrous stare.

“No.”

Gengar is a bit scared all in all. Just would it be awkward to go in the shadows, they couldn't bring the egg with them… They didn't fully trust themselves it wouldn't break the egg.

Gengar walked down the patterned tiled path more bluer than the second, finding a subway exit.

Gengar had redecorated.

Organized, fixed the place, and rearranged the contents of a box of old collected electronics. Some were gifts from scares, and some were found fair and square.

Gengar had unfolded a patchwork knitting blanket that mostly bled in the pinkest of shades.

The first patch in the right corner was of a mushroom, the second patch was a cloud, and the third was moss shrubs on a tree growing small clusters of purple flowers.

Down the tree and on the second row of patches was a pinned purple mirror on the swirls of the carefully knitted tree, then the star, and then another pair of clouds with flowers.

On the last row, the full Moon sparkled with small purple stars, the second patch was grass with purple knitting, and just by the tree was a stack of purple books.

Gengar turned it around; determination sparked a clear blaze in their eyes.

{This is slapped on part because turns out, up, those words are 957 around it. Wich is good, but ima cut some parts up for conflict cause I ain't editing all that Fr need beta-erader but hey this might be good. Still using prompts, even if its unexcpect}

“Hey! You have a Clefairy’s egg?”

Gengar looked to the entrance of their home, resting on their arm. Seeing a Bunnary with belts and a roll-out bag. Oh yeah and the same Lucario they had seen before, and without the blur of the small crowd their fur is a bit dirtied

“You know as a ghost-type Pokemon the only thing you can do is steal heat for yourself.” The Bunneray gripped their bag, “That Egg won't make it through the winter.”

"So?"

The Lucario beside them’s ears flicked more inwards, pointing at Gengar “... Ah.”

Gengar felt threatened, in their home. What point do they have to come down here? Do they like hunting?

“Hold it right there!”

The Lucario shouted.

“Is anyone here too scared to ask why this Gengar had an Egg!” The Lucario called out.

The Pokemon murmurs ‘Hey fights gonna happen’, Putting Gengar at ease from fully getting up.

The Lucario started to go on a tirade of mournful song, of the swanne’s migrations mourning.

“What you gonna do, you're a cliched fool. You know that don’t you.” 

“If I'm cliche what are you.”

Gengar’s eyes dimmed and sharpened arresting glare. Flinching the Lucario from their half-made stance, their feet patting the dirt in adrenaline.

Gengar gets themselves up, placing the egg behind one of the rocks.

“It’s always the less self-aware ones that are for me.”

The shadows seemed darker or was the Gengar in the shadows? Gengar eye’s intrinsic aura is overshadowed by Gengar's glare. The Lucario froze from taking their last step away.

Gengar shouted, causing to Lucario flinch, “A day of cliches! How Unbearable” A melded fist of shadows hit Lucario straight in the head,

"A day of the Frillish and a day of no task, how disappointing you showed up."

The Lucario seemed faster. Taking a few steps back a bit faster, and zigazing with their claws melding into steel.

Lucario's paws ached, weighing them down at the thought of using ‘steel claws’ again. Lucario adjusted their stance back up.

Gengar was feeling curious punching the Lucario around, until there was the Lucarios head smacking theirs in an agonizing migraine.

Gengar didn't learn any other moves, and might just break the aura detected. Was it even used in battle? I mean it'll probably hurt.

Gengar sure might've been amature in some aspect of being a ghost-type, maybe not average but not bad. There were just posing curses that worked well too.

Making their Bunnery friend have to frag them all the way back from the steps of their homes.

The 3 Finneon circling that usually pool river knew about the curse. The old Clamperl and Shellder couples sure enjoyed the little fight. The Pansage only stared down at the Gengar. After looking at the Pokemon in the river, he tried looking at the Pokemon watching from the cliffside.

The Kadabra beside them was only just as entertained.

"Yknow maybe this is a good resting spot for an old sport like me."

A Qougsire hit the tree, "Sure, and I won the deck of colorful card games from stealing your third card sour Litten"

"It was a rare card"

"It wasn't even shiny like the mirror"

"Yeah, I just could've had a cool combo"

"Haha, yeah it would've been."

Qougsire mumbled the last part out quietly, "I don't know how the game works"

The Kadabra pointed from their tree wagging the hips, "Hah you were fluking!"

"I just joined the game, it felt obvious."

Aggron was one of the many Pokemon that were there, with a Hoothoot kid on their head and a Swanne next to them. They were on the other side of the cliff, being able to see the Gengar from in between the trees.

"Is the Gengar gonna eat us"

"Mm maybe"

The Aggron watched the Gengar pick up their, hidden from the rocks.

Entering back to their den, the Gengar pats the Clefairy egg. Wishing to tell it something more, of things they don't truly know. Because some fears just don't seem reasonable to always tell a child.

Let alone one that hasn't even hatched out of its cradle.

Gengar floats up to their homey room, placing the Clefairy egg on the willow tree's leaves cushions, and pin missiles. With one little wooden thorn, blood dried off on the leaves too.

The Gengar sighs and lays down beside the egg.

--- Oneshot of fluff Fused with Chapter 2

Life… of a train conductor https://traintrackshq.com/life-of-a-train-conductor/ I loved the rattata oc idea, i have 2 pokemon train conducters oc, one from a separate insane 7 sins isekai pmd RPG fic <3

Oc i made it just for filler, my thoughts on ‘mystery dungeons devlopaning recently’ was made in outlines.

Lilith G. F

MOURNING; SIDEWALK; STEPS

i didnt know add mournaning considering the changes, but like. Maybe the lucario died or something, interpertble

I guess the aggron side plot is removed where he helps takes a swanne whos escorted by a lucario named guard to migrate on sea in another forest.

[aetherceuse]

it's a gift. a letter over it's top that simply says:

" --from your friends at Lysandre Labs, luck to keep the pests away. "

the gift itself is a sundial, small, something to set on one's desk. inside is a piece of some kind of material, iridescent in material and rather pretty. it gives off a slight radiation, a geiger would have no fun near it.

( fleurladari )

When it rains, it pours and becomes acid, so it seems. Lusamine had plucked the letter from the parcel, read the name of the sender, and immediately tensed her hand over the envelope.

The timing was uncanny. It hadn't even been 24 hours. How does that sociopath move in such a way?

Paranoia threatens to creep up her throat and spill all over the tiles, but Lusamine takes in a sharp breath, steels her nerves, and hands the letter off to one of her personnel.

" Track the courier who brought that over regional borders. I do not want them to return, " she orders, before shooing them away. Meticulous fingers slowly open the rest of the package.

Lysandre. That damned man. The only one who knew how to properly take aim at her most vulnerable parts of her psyche. Nothing sent from the Kalosion was of good intention. He only wanted to encase her in a glass display that was not much different from what covered her body.

Staring at the small sun dial, it only takes her seconds to react to the material held inside of it. She knew what it was-- she knew it well. It was the very same crystal that was found growing around the body of a deceased Nihilego-- extensive studying had been done to understand why these beasts died and became gem stones, but there was no complete conclusion yet.

Her hand tenses against the surface of herdesk.

She refuses to allow him to do this to her. She was not a specimen to be put on display. She was not a pomegranate to be consumed.

'Darling, they'll cut you wide open one day.'

The memory echoes in the back of her head.

Mankind's disgusting behavior had no limitations, but Lysandre brought an entirely new definition of monstrous to the table.

The crack on her arm grows, creeping ever so slightly down to her wrist, all due to the intensity of her grasp.

Lusamine hunches over, exhales, and holds her breathe.

This cannot be her fate.

[elennalore]

Devotion (865 words, rated M)

My ficlet for @angbangweek Day 6. Prompt: Temples | Sacrifice.

Characters: Khamûl, Mairon.

Gen with background Melkor/Mairon.

Summary: Young Khamûl spies on the God-King in a temple and becomes his unexpected confidant.

I hope it is still okay to post this for Angbangweek even though it became Khamûl’s origin story in the end! But there is Melkor/Mairon, too.

Read it below or on Ao3.

From his watching place behind one of the pillars, Khamûl saw the foreign man die. He saw the light of the Sun flash from the polished surface of the golden sickle as it cut the air and then – the man’s exposed throat. The foreign man had been screaming a moment before, but now he gave a strange gurgling sound as his blood sprayed onto the altar stone and his life left him. His body, held by two temple servants, twitched once or twice before it went limp and still. In a moment it was over, there was no more blood to offer to the stone; the golden sickle was withdrawn. In absolute silence, the servants bowed and retreated, dragging the body between them. They passed the pillar behind which Khamûl was hiding, but he was lucky, and they didn’t notice him. He dared to exhale only after they had left.

He could not hide from the God-King, however.

“I know you are there. Step forward, boy.”

His heart was pounding with fear, but even though he was just the butcher’s son and not a temple servant, he knew he should not hesitate when the God-King gave him a direct order. So, he came out of his hiding place and took a couple of steps on the mosaic floor, towards the altar. His eyes were fixed on the reddish rays of light on the floor – sunlight was coming through the tinted glass window. Then he remembered his manners and quickly prostrated himself before the God-King, his forehead touching cool mosaic tiles. He could not quite hear his steps, but somehow he knew that the God-King had come nearer.

“Rise.” The voice of the God-King sounded almost amused. Khamûl didn’t dare to look up.

“How long have you been here? How many sacrifices did you see?”

“Nine,” Khamûl admitted. “All of them.”

 “And do you think it is enough?”

 His eyes averted from a puddle of blood in front of the altar, still dripping down the smooth stone steps. “I don’t know. Perhaps, if it helps?”

 The God-King laughed, and it was not a pleasant laugh at all. “If it helps to get him back – indeed! You must think of me as desperate, trying to get him back. And perhaps I am!”

 “Never, my King!” Khamûl cried out, horrified. He had seen what the God-King did to heretics. Besides, he was not one. He had seen God-King’s powers and knew that he spoke the truth about the mighty Vala who was betrayed and cast into the Void.

 The God-King came to sit down on the altar steps, careful to avoid the spots still dripping with blood, and gestured Khamûl to join him. He hesitated only for a moment. The God-King looked almost vulnerable all of a sudden. Khamûl was both attracted and scared of his attention. He didn’t dare to look on his left where the God-King was seated, a couple of steps higher than him. When a firm hand came to rest on his shoulder, all fear left him, though. He knew that the God-King sought for connection, or maybe a listener.

“I loved him,” The God-King said after a long pause, his voice heavy with emotion. “Melkor made me what I am today. He taught me everything and opened his heart to me. And they took him away from me! They hurt him and pushed him outside the borders of Arda!”

A soft palm, unnaturally warm, cupped Khamûl’s chin and turned his head so that he was forced to meet those strange burning eyes.

“I will do anything to get him back. Do you believe me?”

Khamûl watched the passion burn in the immortal eyes and shivered. “I believe you,” he assured him.

The God-King studied him with great interest. No one had watched Khamûl like that before, as if he had really seen the restless spirit hiding behind his eyes – his true self.

“You don’t fear me.” The words were said in an admiring voice. A little smile flickered across the God-King’s face. “Not like the others.”

To his surprise, Khamûl realized that it was so. He had feared the God-King before –they all did– but now the feeling had changed into something else. “It’s true, my King.”

The God-King cocked an eye at him. “And what do you think of me then?”

Khamûl thought about it. “You have a passionate heart, and you love your Vala a lot.”

The God-King let go of his chin and laughed again, but his laughter sounded less desperate this time.

“I like you, boy. Would you like to come with me when I leave your city? For I must go away one day. There’s more work to do.”

“Yes,” he said without thinking.

The God-King smiled again, and Khamûl wondered if this devotion he felt in his heart was the same the God-King felt towards Melkor. There was a twinkle in his King’s eye as he leaned forward to whisper something in Khamûl’s ear. His ceremonial robes smelled of smoke and ash and blood.

“My real name is Mairon,” he revealed a secret, the first of the many between them, and Khamûl’s heart leapt with unexpected joy.

[undiscovered-horizon]

Corinthian

Gothic chapel

A hug

A bottle of soda

2K Followers 'Clue' Special

Although you've never been in this chapel before, you're quite certain it looks equally menacing in the daylight. Gothic buildings tend to be like that: cold and spacious with decorations bordering cliche horror movie props. Despite such a haunting aura, you have to admit it's absolutely gorgeous. Behind you are two tall stained-glass windows. Because of the darkness outside, you had to resolve to guess what they showed. One of them is Saint Veronica wiping Christ's face and the other presents Jesus preaching to what looks to be his disciples.

Your attention is brought elsewhere when the echo of a soda being opened resounds in the empty church. Looking up from the old tiles, you notice none other but the Corinthian, emerging from the ominous darkness. Now, in the pale light of the moon, is the only time when he actually does seem insidious. The metal cap clatters exceptionally loudly as it falls to the floor.

Without a word, he offers you the soda. He's holding car keys in his other hand - probably the tool he used to open the glass bottle.

Even in the faint moonlight, you notice the vaguely pink raceme on the label. "Grape?" you ask taking the drink from him.

"Only one they had."

Corinthian sits down next to you on the cold, stone steps leading up to the altar. Perhaps it's not very nice of you to sit there but as some say: 'what eyes do not see, the heart doesn't regret'. Casually, he puts his arm around you, pulling you towards his chest. An aroma of bleach and spicy cologne is stuck to his beige suit jacket.

The grape soda is unbearably sweet, made drinkable only by the faint tangy aftertaste. It tastes exactly as one expects a 1950s soft drink to taste.

Leaning your head against him, you look down the aisle between pews. It seems to disappear into the darkness, hiding the entrance door as though they have never existed; as though you and he were trapped in that gothic chapel, never to be disturbed by anyone. As menacing as the silence and decor of the place is, it feels strangely nice.

"Somehow, this is the weirdest and nicest thing I've done," you admit in a quiet voice. Any louder and prying ears of the spacious church would repeat the confession in a chilling echo.

A half-grin appears on his face. "I'm only getting started," he jokes.

[catholicism-connoiseur]

Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church

In my initial meander into the church, I took no notes or observations as I had not yet formed any intention to create a larger opinion of the church than what I'd already seen. This time though, my purpose was one of documentation and journalistic investigation. To begin, I took note of the physical structure and aesthetics of the church.

From the exterior, the church has been a stark and imposing landmark of Drogheda since its present building's façade was completed in 1884 (incorporating in part the original 1793 building, constructed following the repeal of Penal Law prohibiting a Catholic church within town walls). Nestled amongst the many other churches and historical buildings of the town, it reflects a centuries-old culture of religious architecture. The largest spire reaches far above the rest of the town's rooftops at an impressive 222ft, and boasts ornate decoration from top to bottom, fitting with the rest of the church's face. Multiple statues and carvings adorn the 19th century stonework, an undeniably intricate and imposing visage.

Before the church's three entrance archways (two smaller on either side to a larger) lies stone steps leading up to the doors. Notably, there does not seem to be any present accessibility accommodations for those with mobility-based disabilities. The church has offered webcam footage of masses since lockdowns in 2020, so there is a degree of resource provision for those unable to make it into the church in person, but the only wheelchair-accessible entrance appears to be behind an oft-locked gate and a carpark for church staff and maintenance. This entrance should ideally be marked more visibly and be unobstructed for a more disability-friendly and equitable environment.

Journeying within, the tall, iron-plated wooden doors give way to a marble-tiled porch, which hosts a stoup of holy water, again carved with decorative detail. Passing through another set of doors, we enter the nave: polished, mosaic-patterned brown stone lines the walkway, bordered by the two rows of wooden pews. Wide marble pillars joined with white carved arches fortify the domed, portioned ceiling of the aisles, which is a humble shade of midnight blue and embellished with stars. Resting above the narthex is the organ, an enormous instrument enshrined in colour by the beauty of the stained glass window that resides above and behind it, the centerpiece of the exterior face.

Proceeding through the church, the elaborate reredos and sanctuary bring attention to the altar area. The altar's white stone face is decorated with a carved image of Jesus and the disciples, likely a depiction of the Last Supper. Behind this, the rather large reredos hosts further statues and carvings of saints and holy figures, and is often festooned with bouquets of flowers. The three spires of the reredos reach a decent vertical height and humbly mimic those on the church's exterior in design.

Continuing to the left of the altar, the church hosts its unique relic and point of local historical interest: the severed and preserved head of one (Saint) Oliver Plunkett (Note: the use of "preserved" here is an entirely too generous a description; the poor man looks like a raisin). Plunkett himself was summarily executed (hanged, drawn and quartered) by the British in 1681, after being found guilty of high treason for "promoting the Roman faith".

The head only arrived in Drogheda in 1921, having spent the years between travelling around Ireland, England and even visiting Rome, an undeniably impressive travel catalogue for a decapitated head. Accompanying his head at his shrine in the church is a small collection of (unlabeled, but what one can only assume are his) bones and the door to the prison cell he was kept in prior to his execution.

In more atmospheric regards, the church is not the most comfortable. Partially due to the ceiling's height, a constant, almost damp chill remains in the air within, and there does not appear to be a great effort to heat the interior. This could be due to understandable economical reasons: it would be tremendously inefficient to heat such a structure, but nonetheless creates a less-than-welcoming embrace upon entering the church. The pews are similar in nature; hard, bare, carved wood and thinly carpeted kneelers. The hard stone floor and enormous size of the interior also create a distinct echo to any sound, one amplified by how frequently the church is almost (if not entirely) empty: perhaps a poetic enunciation of the changing attitudes of the people toward the Church as a whole.

All said, the church ranks highly in terms of surface-level aesthetic, but drops significantly in areas of patronage (or lack thereof), accessibility and interior comfort. Now though, to focus on the confessional investigation, this time with more deliberate purpose and clear criteria.

In this second experience of this church's confessional, I was more prepared on how the proceeding would take place. I had my "sin" in question at the ready, taking mental notes of the experience as I went. The wait was short, a line of three or four people before me. Again, no confessional box was used: I had hoped it was perhaps a once-off, perhaps the booth had been under maintenance? Alas, I sat down opposite the priest (a different one from the week before) and gave my confession. A stolen umbrella apparently warranted a practiced, neutral tone of indifference and recited absolution. Not bored, not interested, simply a rehearsed procedure and a distanced air of almost artificial compassion. Now, admittedly, this reaction could be due to the decidedly pedestrian nature of the presented "sin", and a neutral, non-judgmental attitude is no doubt preferable in an environment of confession, so a verdict on the experience couldn't be made on this basis.

The penance given was a trivial two Hail Mary's and a suggestion that I donate some money to charity, supposedly to balance the cost of the theft. I felt this was a rather sensible and conscientious prescription, and so for the sake of authenticity, completed the request in due time.

As a disclaimer, to give the overall church and confessional experience a categorical or nominal rating could possibly be seen as disrespectful, callous, a mockery of the church, perhaps even some form of blasphemy. I, of course, took this into serious consideration with the utmost respect and reverence when writing this. I would never deign to assume that such a varied and sacred practice as religious worship could be so objectively reduced to a mere 1-10 rating.

That said, St. Peter's Church gets a 6.5/10. Wouldn't confess there again tbh.

[ofmark]

Bathroom Tiles

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Tiles

When it comes to renovating or updating a bathroom, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right tiles. Bathroom tiles not only set the tone for the space but also need to be practical, durable, and easy to maintain. Whether you're designing a modern, minimalist sanctuary or a luxurious spa-like retreat, selecting the right bathroom tiles will significantly enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your bathroom.

Why Are Bathroom Tiles Important?

Bathroom tiles play an essential role in both the visual appeal and practicality of your bathroom. Here are some reasons why choosing the right bathroom tiles is crucial:

Water Resistance: Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, so choosing tiles that are resistant to water damage is key. Tiles like porcelain, ceramic, and stone are ideal for this purpose.

Durability: Bathrooms experience foot traffic, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Tiles must be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining their beauty.

Aesthetic Appeal: The right tiles can transform the look and feel of your bathroom. From creating a clean and modern atmosphere to introducing vintage charm, tiles come in various styles, colors, and finishes that can elevate any design.

Popular Types of Bathroom Tiles

There are various types of tiles available, each offering distinct characteristics. Here are some popular options for bathroom tiling:

1. Ceramic Tiles

Advantages: Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors and walls. They're affordable, durable, and come in a wide range of designs and colors. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for high-moisture areas.

Best For: Wall tiles, backsplashes, and shower areas.

2. Porcelain Tiles

Advantages: Porcelain tiles are known for their strength and low water absorption. They’re ideal for areas that experience high moisture, like bathrooms. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic and can be used for both floors and walls.

Best For: Floors, walls, and wet areas like showers.

3. Marble Tiles

Advantages: Marble tiles are synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Their natural veining and unique patterns make each tile a one-of-a-kind piece. While marble is more porous and requires sealing, its classic beauty is unmatched.

Best For: Luxury bathrooms, floors, and countertops.

4. Subway Tiles

Advantages: Subway tiles have been a staple in bathroom design for decades due to their timeless and versatile look. These rectangular tiles can be used in a traditional or modern layout and are perfect for creating a clean and minimalist look.

Best For: Shower walls, backsplashes, and feature walls.

5. Glass Tiles

Advantages: Glass tiles can add a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom. They reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open. Glass tiles are easy to clean and available in a variety of colors and finishes.

Best For: Backsplashes, shower walls, and decorative accents.

6. Natural Stone Tiles (Slate, Travertine, etc.)

Advantages: Natural stone tiles offer a rustic, earthy aesthetic and are known for their durability. Slate, travertine, and granite tiles are great choices for creating a unique bathroom design with texture and character. However, they require regular sealing to prevent stains.

Best For: Floors, shower walls, and feature areas.

7. Mosaic Tiles

Advantages: Mosaic tiles are small, intricate tiles often used to create stunning patterns and designs. They add a sense of luxury and can be used for backsplashes, borders, or entire feature walls.

Best For: Shower walls, floors, and decorative accents.

Tile Finishes for Bathrooms

Tile finishes play an important role in the overall look and function of your bathroom. Common finishes include:

Glossy Finish: A glossy finish reflects light and gives the bathroom a bright, clean look. However, it can be slippery when wet, so it’s important to use it in low-traffic areas like walls or backsplashes.

Matte Finish: Matte tiles offer a more contemporary, understated look and are less slippery than glossy tiles, making them ideal for floors and wet areas.

Textured Finish: Textured tiles provide more grip, making them perfect for bathroom floors and shower areas. They also add a unique visual element to the space.

Bathroom Tile Design Ideas

Tiles offer endless design possibilities for your bathroom. Here are a few ideas to inspire your bathroom renovation:

1. Classic Subway Tile Walls

Subway tiles are a classic choice, but they don’t have to be boring! You can create a bold look by playing with the grout color or adding a fun geometric pattern.

2. Bold Floor Patterns

Use patterned tiles on the floor to make a statement. Opt for geometric or Moroccan-style tiles to create a bold contrast with neutral walls.

3. Accent Walls

Create an accent wall using bold-colored tiles, mosaics, or a different tile texture to draw attention to a feature like a freestanding bathtub or vanity.

4. Neutral Shades

A neutral color palette with soft beige, gray, and white tiles can make your bathroom feel serene and spa-like. Pair these with warm wood tones and sleek fixtures for a minimalist design.

5. Marble and Stone Combos

Combine the timeless beauty of marble with the rugged elegance of natural stone to create a sophisticated bathroom look that exudes luxury and comfort.

Tips for Maintaining Bathroom Tiles

To keep your bathroom tiles looking great for years to come, regular maintenance is essential:

Clean regularly: Wipe down tiles after every use to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup.

Seal stone tiles: Natural stone tiles require periodic sealing to protect them from water and stains.

Use gentle cleaners: Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface of the tiles. Stick to pH-balanced cleaners.

Grout care: Regularly clean grout lines to prevent them from staining and becoming moldy.

Conclusion

Bathroom tiles are a key component in creating a beautiful and functional space. Whether you prefer the elegance of marble or the durability of porcelain, there is a tile option for every style and need. When choosing tiles for your bathroom, consider factors like water resistance, durability, and overall aesthetic. With the right tiles, your bathroom will become a relaxing and stylish retreat that stands the test of time.

[hyperiontiles-co-uk]

Bathroom victorian-wall-tiles

Bathroom Victorian Wall Tiles: Bringing Timeless Elegance to Modern Spaces

Victorian-style bathroom wall tiles bring a sense of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and unique charm to contemporary interiors. Known for their intricate designs, bold colors, and historical significance, these tiles are a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of classic sophistication to their bathroom. Whether you’re restoring a historic home or simply looking to create a vintage-inspired bathroom, Victorian wall tiles offer a versatile and stylish solution. In this article, we’ll explore the key characteristics of Victorian wall tiles, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into modern bathroom designs.

Key Characteristics of Victorian Wall Tiles

Victorian wall tiles are distinctive due to their detailed designs, vibrant colors, and use of traditional materials. They often feature patterns inspired by historic tilework, such as geometric motifs, floral designs, and arabesque patterns. Here are some key characteristics:

Intricate Patterns:

Victorian tiles are known for their ornate patterns, often featuring a mix of geometric shapes like diamonds, squares, and octagons. These patterns can be found on individual tiles or as part of larger, mosaic-style panels.

Common motifs include floral designs, medallions, and borders with scrolling or latticework. These patterns can be used to create focal points or to add interest to a plain wall.

Bold Colors:

Victorian tiles are typically bold and colorful, often featuring rich tones like cobalt blue, emerald green, deep burgundy, and mustard yellow. These colors were used to convey wealth and status during the Victorian era.

Today, these tiles are available in a variety of colors, making it easy to integrate them into different bathroom styles. Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or a mix of contrasting colors, Victorian tiles can be customized to fit your design vision.

Subway Tile Alternatives:

While subway tiles are a popular choice for modern bathrooms, Victorian tiles offer an alternative with more character. These tiles can be used on walls, floors, and even as accents in showers and backsplashes, providing a unique twist on the classic look.

Material Choices:

Victorian wall tiles are typically made from ceramic or porcelain, both of which are durable and easy to clean. Some collections also use natural materials like stone and glass, adding texture and depth to the design.

The tiles often have a gloss finish, which enhances their color and makes them easier to clean and maintain. Matte finishes are also available for a softer, more muted look.

Benefits of Victorian Wall Tiles in Bathrooms

Timeless Aesthetic:

The Victorian style brings a sense of elegance and sophistication that transcends trends. By incorporating these tiles into your bathroom, you can create a space that feels both classic and contemporary.

The intricate patterns and bold colors of Victorian tiles can serve as a visual anchor in your bathroom, drawing attention to specific areas like the shower, bathtub, or backsplash.

Customization:

Victorian tiles offer a high degree of customization. You can mix and match different colors and patterns to create a unique look that suits your personal taste and bathroom style. From subtle tones to vibrant combinations, the options are nearly limitless.

Durability:

Ceramic and porcelain Victorian tiles are known for their durability and resistance to moisture, making them ideal for bathroom settings. They are also easy to clean, requiring only a simple wipe down to maintain their shine.

The glazed finish of many Victorian tiles makes them resistant to stains and water spots, ensuring they look great for years to come.

Increased Property Value:

Installing Victorian wall tiles in your bathroom can enhance the value of your property. Their timeless appeal makes them a sought-after feature for potential buyers, especially those looking for unique, stylish homes.

Versatility:

Victorian tiles can be used beyond bathrooms. They are also suitable for kitchens, hallways, and even outdoor spaces, thanks to their resistance to the elements. This versatility allows you to carry the Victorian aesthetic throughout your home.

Incorporating Victorian Wall Tiles into Modern Bathroom Designs

Feature Walls:

One of the most effective ways to use Victorian tiles is to create a feature wall in your bathroom. Choose a bold pattern or color to act as a focal point, drawing attention to a particular area such as the sink, bathtub, or shower.

Pair the tiles with neutral walls or surfaces to avoid overwhelming the space. This allows the Victorian tiles to stand out while maintaining a cohesive design.

Mixing Old and New:

Combine Victorian wall tiles with modern fixtures and materials for a fresh take on classic design. Pair them with sleek, minimalist vanities, contemporary faucets, and frameless glass shower doors to balance the traditional with the modern.

Using Victorian tiles as an accent in modern bathrooms can add warmth and character, making the space feel more inviting and personalized.

Border Tiles:

Use Victorian border tiles to frame walls, floors, or areas within the bathroom. This technique can add visual interest and help separate different zones, such as the wet and dry areas of the bathroom.

Consider using contrasting colors for the borders to create a dramatic effect or a more subtle, tonal look depending on your preference.

Floor Patterns:

Victorian tiles can also be used on bathroom floors to create intricate patterns and designs. Opt for larger format tiles for easier maintenance and fewer grout lines.

Geometric patterns, such as chevrons, herringbone, or hexagons, work particularly well as floor tiles, providing both visual appeal and practicality.

Mix and Match:

Don’t be afraid to mix different patterns and colors within a single bathroom. This approach can create a more personalized and eclectic look. Use consistent color palettes and themes to tie the different tiles together.

Conclusion

Victorian wall tiles offer a timeless appeal that can elevate any bathroom space. Their intricate patterns, bold colors, and durability make them a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home. By carefully selecting the right tile collection and incorporating it into your bathroom design, you can create a space that is both functional and visually stunning. Whether you’re restoring a historic bathroom or looking to create a new, vintage-inspired design, Victorian tiles are a versatile and stylish option that can bring a piece of history into your home.

[pooldeckresurfacingofcentral]

Creative Ways to Customize Your Cement Pool Deck

Your cement pool deck serves as the foundation for your outdoor oasis, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull or plain. Cement, with its versatile and durable nature, provides the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a more natural, rustic feel, there are countless ways to customize your cement pool deck to suit your personal style and needs. This blog will explore ten creative ways to turn your cement pool deck into a stunning, functional space that will elevate your entire outdoor experience.

1. Staining and Coloring for Vibrant Appeal

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to customize your cement pool deck is by adding color through staining or integral coloring. Cement stains come in a wide variety of shades and hues, allowing you to create unique and vibrant designs.

Customization Options:

Solid Colors or Tones: Choose natural earth tones for a subtle, elegant look or vibrant colors to make your deck stand out. You can opt for a single color or mix and match multiple tones to create patterns.

Acid Staining: Acid stains penetrate deep into the cement, reacting chemically to create variegated, translucent colors that mimic natural stone or marble. Each application produces a one-of-a-kind finish, making your deck truly unique.

Water-Based Stains: Unlike acid stains, water-based stains provide more consistent color and offer a wider range of shades, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues.

With staining, you can bring life and vibrancy to your cement pool deck without the need for costly materials.

2. Stamped Concrete for Texture and Design

Stamped concrete is a popular method to add texture, design, and even the appearance of other materials like wood, stone, or brick to your pool deck. Using specially designed stamps, patterns are imprinted into the cement before it sets, creating intricate textures that give your deck a high-end look.

Popular Stamped Concrete Patterns:

Natural Stone: Mimic the look of slate, flagstone, or cobblestones for a rustic or Mediterranean feel.

Wood Planks: Achieve the warm, inviting look of a wooden deck without the maintenance issues associated with real wood.

Brick or Tile: Create the classic appeal of brick or tile pavers, complete with mortar lines for a realistic finish.

The flexibility of stamped concrete allows you to replicate the look of expensive materials while keeping costs down and ensuring durability.

3. Exposed Aggregate for Texture and Durability

Exposed aggregate is a technique where the top layer of cement is removed to reveal the natural stones, pebbles, or other materials embedded in the mix. This method creates a rough, textured surface that is both visually appealing and slip-resistant — perfect for pool decks.

Customization Options:

Variety of Aggregates: You can choose from different types of aggregates, such as river stones, quartz, or crushed glass, to add color, sparkle, or texture to your deck.

Customizable Designs: Aggregate can be applied in patterns or borders, allowing you to create decorative designs and differentiate between functional areas of your deck.

The natural look of exposed aggregate complements a range of styles, from rustic to modern, while offering durability and slip resistance.

4. Incorporate Decorative Borders

Adding decorative borders to your cement pool deck is an effective way to define the space and enhance its visual appeal. Borders can be created using various techniques such as staining, stamping, or using contrasting materials.

Ideas for Decorative Borders:

Contrasting Colors: Use a different stain color for the border to make it stand out against the rest of the deck.

Mosaic Tiles: Incorporate mosaic tiles or river stones along the perimeter for a colorful and artistic touch.

Stamped Borders: Create a stamped border in a stone or brick pattern to add dimension and define the edge of the pool area.

Borders can give your pool deck a professionally designed look while drawing attention to specific areas and adding structure to the space.

5. Integrate Built-In Planters

Integrating built-in planters into your cement pool deck design is a great way to incorporate greenery into your outdoor space while keeping the area organized and streamlined. These planters can be custom designed to match the overall aesthetic of the deck and provide space for plants, flowers, or even small trees.

Customization Options:

Raised Planters: Create raised concrete planters that double as seating areas or dividers between different zones.

Decorative Shapes: Form planters in geometric shapes or curves to add visual interest to the pool deck layout.

Material Integration: Use the same stamped or stained concrete as your deck to ensure the planters blend seamlessly with the overall design.

Built-in planters bring life to your pool deck, softening the look of the hard cement with natural elements while adding functionality and aesthetic value.

6. Create Zones with Different Textures and Patterns

Designating different areas of your cement pool deck for specific purposes can enhance both the functionality and the overall look of your outdoor space. Using different textures, patterns, or colors to create distinct zones helps break up the expanse of concrete and makes the deck more visually interesting.

Zone Ideas:

Sunbathing Area: Use smooth concrete in a light color to create a comfortable, heat-reflective space for lounge chairs and sunbathing.

Dining and Entertainment Area: Opt for a stamped concrete pattern in a darker color for the dining or BBQ area to create a cozy, defined space.

Play Area: Use textured finishes like exposed aggregate or slip-resistant coatings for areas where children or guests may be running or playing.

Customizing zones allows you to create purposeful spaces for different activities while adding depth and dimension to your pool deck.

7. Install Fire Features for Warmth and Ambiance

Fire features such as built-in fire pits, fireplaces, or fire bowls can transform your pool deck into a multi-season space. Fire elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings or cooler nights.

Customization Options:

Concrete Fire Pit: Install a custom-built concrete fire pit in the center of your deck for a modern, sleek look.

Fireplace: If you want a more dramatic feature, consider a concrete fireplace as a focal point for your outdoor space.

Fire Bowls: Smaller fire bowls can be placed along the perimeter of the deck for subtle warmth and a visually stunning effect.

These features not only enhance the functionality of your deck but also elevate the ambiance, creating a cozy space for relaxation and entertainment.

8. Add a Pergola or Shade Structure

In the heat of the summer, shade is essential for a comfortable poolside experience. Installing a pergola or shade structure over part of your cement pool deck provides shelter from the sun and adds architectural interest to the space.

Customization Options:

Built-In Pergola: Use concrete columns to create a sturdy, integrated pergola that matches the rest of your deck design.

Retractable Awnings: Consider installing retractable awnings for more flexible shade options. You can extend them on hot days and retract them when you want more sun exposure.

Vine-Covered Trellises: For a natural look, install trellises and allow climbing plants to grow over them, providing shade and greenery.

Shade structures not only provide comfort but also define seating and relaxation areas, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the deck.

9. Decorative Lighting for Ambiance

Adding lighting to your cement pool deck is a functional and decorative way to enhance its appeal. Proper lighting ensures safety and usability after dark, while decorative lighting can highlight key features and set the mood.

Lighting Ideas:

Pathway Lights: Line walkways with low-voltage or solar-powered lights to guide guests around the pool area.

Underwater Lighting: LED underwater lights can create a stunning effect in the pool, casting a soft glow on the surrounding deck.

String Lights: Hanging string lights or lanterns over the deck creates a magical, cozy ambiance for evening entertainment.

Strategic lighting can enhance both the safety and beauty of your cement pool deck, making it a welcoming space day and night.

Your cement pool deck can be further customized with personal touches like outdoor art, furniture, and decor. These elements add personality and character, reflecting your unique style.

Personalization Ideas:

Outdoor Rugs and Cushions: Add pops of color and texture with weather-resistant rugs, cushions, and throws.

Sculptures and Garden Art: Install sculptures or wall art that complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.

Functional Furniture: Choose comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture that fits your design vision and lifestyle needs.

Personal decor brings your cement pool deck to life, transforming it from a simple surface into a personalized retreat.

Conclusion

Customizing your cement pool deck provides endless opportunities to create a unique, inviting space tailored to your tastes and lifestyle. Whether you choose to stain the concrete, add textured finishes, or incorporate decorative features like fire pits and lighting, these creative ideas can elevate your pool deck into a beautiful outdoor sanctuary.

By carefully selecting materials, colors, textures, and features, you can transform your cement pool deck into a stunning reflection of your personal style while ensuring it remains functional and durable for years to come.

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How to Use Mosaic Tiles to Add Texture to Your Interior

Mosaic tiles are an easy and creative way to bring texture and life to your home. Whether you're looking to revamp your kitchen backsplash, add some flair to your bathroom, or create an accent wall, mosaic tiles can make a big impact with little effort. They're versatile, stylish, and come in endless designs. Let’s dive into how you can use these tiles to transform your space.

Why Mosaic Tiles?

First of all, why choose mosaic tiles? The answer is simple: they’re fun, customizable, and perfect for adding texture to any room. These small, patterned tiles can create a unique visual effect that larger tiles can’t match. Whether made of glass, ceramic, or stone, mosaic tiles offer depth and interest.

If you're looking for something eye-catching and elegant, mosaics are your go-to. Head to your local tile shop and you’ll see just how many options there are. From simple geometric patterns to intricate, artistic designs, there’s something for every style and taste.

Where to Use Mosaic Tiles

One of the best things about mosaic tiles is that they can be used in many different areas of your home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Kitchen Backsplash: A mosaic tile backsplash can instantly elevate your kitchen. It’s practical, too—easy to clean and durable. If you want something subtle, go for neutral colors with small tiles. For a bolder look, mix bright colors or metallic accents.

Bathroom Walls: Adding mosaic tiles to your shower or bathroom walls is a great way to introduce texture and color. You can create a calming, spa-like atmosphere by using glass tiles in soft blues and greens. A tile shop will have plenty of bathroom-friendly options that are water-resistant.

Accent Wall: Don’t be afraid to experiment. A full wall of mosaic tiles can turn any room into a piece of art. Whether it’s in the living room, bedroom, or hallway, an accent wall made of mosaics can bring warmth and character to the space.

Flooring: While you might think mosaics are only for walls, they can work just as well on the floor. Use them in small areas like entryways or as a border around larger tiles. They add detail without being overwhelming.

Mixing and Matching

One of the best ways to create texture with mosaic tiles is by mixing and matching different materials and patterns. You don't have to stick with just one style. For instance, combining glass and stone mosaics can add depth and a unique look to your space.

A pro tip: Don't go overboard! While it’s tempting to try every pattern you like, too much variety can make a space feel cluttered. Choose a central theme or color and work around that. A good tile shop can guide you through the process and help you find combinations that work together.

Choosing the Right Colors

Colors are key when working with mosaic tiles. Light-colored tiles can make a small space feel larger and brighter, while darker tones can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. If you're aiming for something timeless, stick with neutral tones like whites, grays, and beiges. But if you're in the mood to make a statement, bold colors like deep blues, reds, or even a mix of metallics can turn your room into a showstopper.

Not sure what colors to pick? A quick visit to a tile shop can help. You'll be able to see and touch different options, which makes it easier to imagine them in your home. Plus, many tile shops have designers on hand to offer advice on which shades and textures would work best in your space.

Practical Tips for Using Mosaic Tiles

Before diving into your mosaic tile project, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

Plan Your Design: Think about where you want to place the tiles and how much texture or color you want to add. Sketch it out or create a mood board. A clear design helps avoid mistakes later on.

Measure Carefully: Mosaics come in sheets, so measuring your space accurately will help you buy the right amount. Too much, and you waste money. Too little, and you might have to run back to the tile shop in the middle of your project.

Professional Installation: While DIY is always an option, mosaic tiles can be tricky to install. If you’re not confident in your tiling skills, hiring a professional ensures a perfect finish. Plus, they can offer tips to make your design even better.

Final Thoughts

Mosaic tiles are an exciting way to add texture and personality to your home. They bring together style, functionality, and durability, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and even accent walls. By visiting a tile shop and exploring all the options available, you can find the perfect mosaic tiles to enhance your space.

Whether you're going for a subtle, sophisticated look or something bold and artistic, mosaic tiles can help you achieve your design goals. They’re easy to love, and once you see how they transform your home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t use them sooner!

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Revamping Your Bathroom with a Rustic Vanity Design

Are you ready to embrace the beauty of raw materials and create a unique bathroom space with a rustic vanity? The bathrooms that have been completely transformed into the inviting and comfortable areas that every home wants are best suited for rustic vanity designs. Bringing the wild beauty to its functional form, a rustic vanity is an added advantage in every bathroom. For those who would like to update the decor of the house, rustic bathroom furniture is surely a classic and warm option.

There is plenty of rustic bathroom furniture in Atlanta to suit your personality and preferences, whether you live in the city or on the outskirts. In this blog, you will explore the key elements of rustic vanity designs and how you can incorporate them into your bathroom to get that luxurious feel. 

Why Choose Rustic Style for Your Bathroom?

Rustic design is all about using natural materials and their structures, colors, and raw materials. Warm and inviting rustic bathrooms create an appealing atmosphere. The charm of rustic vanities lies in its flaws; exposed wood grains, rough finishes, and handcrafted details give your bathroom a sense of handmade beauty.

Ready to update your current restroom? There is nothing better than a rustic-styled vanity since it adds warmth but maintains the required class of bathroom. Whether you want to gain a rustic farm appeal or a more modern space, rustic vanities do not fail to complement other bathroom designs.

Exploring Key Features of Rustic Vanities

Natural Wood Materials:

Natural wood is a necessary component for a vanity to be truly distinctive. It doesn’t matter if it is oak, pine, or even barn wood; the rough look of timber makes the design so rustic. Usually, there are many flaws in the wood which are noticeable, such as knots, splits, and uneven surfaces, which all add to the beauty and genuineness.

Hand-Crafted Elements:

Rustic designs often involve hand-made details. That can be anything from custom doors to hardware, such as pull handles made from bronze or wrought iron. However, every piece seems to have an artwork, making your bathroom rather exquisite.

Stone or Concrete Countertops:

Most wooden vanities with rustic designs are usually finished with natural-looking stone or concrete to accent the wood's raw appeal. Marble, granite, and soapstone tops help achieve an earthy look and are durable.

Functional Storage:

The design and aesthetic quality are more important components of rustic appeal, this does not always mean that functionality has to be compromised. Deep drawers and even shelves are typical features of rustic vanities, which provide plenty of area to store bathroom necessities.

Enhance Your Rustic Vanity Beauty with Other Matching Elements

Bathroom Lighting:

Light fixtures with an industrial or traditional look beautifully compliment the bathroom with rustic vanities. In addition, wrought iron or brass wall decor light fixtures with Edison bulbs enhance the rustic appeal. Even overhead hanging lights in aged metal or glass finish can serve to further accentuate the vanity’s beauty.

Bathroom Tiles:

In addition, to make vanities more rustic, think of incorporating natural stone tiles on the flooring or the walls. Slate, limestone, or terracotta-made tiles blend well with the wooden and stone surfaces of the tops. On the other hand, patterned tiles, with either vintage or Mediterranean inspiration, can also serve to add some extra depth and interest.

Mirror:

It is impossible to imagine any bathroom without mirrors, and if you think of a room that would give off rustic vibes, then huge ornamental mirrors with borders made out of either reclaimed wood or old, worn-out metal would do the job well. A simple round or square mirror with a chunky wooden frame would only enhance the traditional rustic look. You can add large mirrors to create the illusion of luxurious bathrooms.

A Final Takeaway

Upgrading the look of your bathroom with a rustic vanity can completely change the mood of the room and make it more inviting, interesting, and ageless, all at the same time. And if you live around Atlanta, there are a lot of options available near you that provide elegant furniture to fulfill your ideal bathroom dream.

Embrace the beauty of rustic design and visit the Willow Bath and Vanity website to check out their stunning collection.