#rustic island guest house

[harryspet]

well kept [3] r. cameron

[warnings] dark!ceo!rafe x reader, size difference, billionaire!older!rafe, shy!reader with low self-esteem, reader is a person who stutters, boss x personal assistant, heavy abuse of power, emotional/mental manipulation, DUBCON, little editing, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK 18+

A/N: Pls reblog and let me know what you think! Thank you so much for all the feedback so far :)

word count: 4.5k

In which it's your first day working from home with Rafe and you have a new lesson to learn.

well kept masterlist

The Cameron residence was fifteen minutes outside of downtown Charlotte and situated in a large neighborhood where hills and huge oak trees hid all the houses. You didn’t really see his house, only what you could tell was large pond, until the driver was at the end of the mile-long driveway.  When you did, you felt woefully underdressed. Assuming that being inside all day meant you could opt for something casual, you’d chosen a cream knit dress. 

Following Rafe’s instructions, you sent him photos of each outfit you tried on, but he hadn’t told you which ones you could return. It was another blow to your confidence. You began to doubt whether he’d even been serious, but the fear that he might mention it the next day kept you from taking any chances.

Stepping out of the black Escalade, your eyes widened as you took in the architectural masterpiece before you. The house was a striking blend of traditional and modern styles, with a light-colored exterior contrasted by dark shutters framing the windows. A stone chimney rose from the roof, and the three-car garage with wooden doors added a rustic touch.

After your car drove away, a tall and impeccably dressed staff member named Anthony guided you up the stone-paved driveway. From your cheat sheet, you recalled that he was the House Manager. Rafe required a full team: Anthony, two housekeepers, a private chef, a driver, a gardener, and now you—his personal assistant. The inside of the house was as intimidating as the exterior. The expansive foyer featured high ceilings and a grand staircase that curved up to the second floor. To the left, you caught a glimpse of the formal dining room. Each room you passed was more impressive than the last. Anthony informed you that there were six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

“I don’t usually work on Fridays but Mr. Cameron wanted me to give you a tour of the house and show you the ropes of house management. It’ll be important for you to be able to oversee the staff when I’m absent and understand the scheduling.”

Once again, it was all too much to take in. Today was your fifth day working for Rafe, and you’d barely survived until now. 

“I want to clarify that what happened yesterday stays between us. That includes Eleanor. Okay?”

That was all he said about his outburst. There was no apology for groping you, for pinning you down on his office couch, or for taking your virginity. If you were to tell the story, you’d have to mention how your body had betrayed you—not once, but twice. But you had said no. You didn’t want to use the word that described what happened to you. You didn’t want to think about it at all.

And it didn’t happen again—not over the next three days. He continued to be harsh, forcing you to apologize for every small mistake, even those you weren’t aware of.

As you followed Anthony through the expansive kitchen, you couldn't help but marvel at its sheer size and sophistication. The kitchen was a chef's dream, with gleaming marble countertops that seemed to stretch endlessly, state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry in a rich, dark wood finish. An oversized island dominated the center of the room.

At the far end of the kitchen, massive glass-paneled doors stood, offering a glimpse of the world beyond. The porch was furnished with elegant wicker seating with plush cushions. The space was perfect for elegant parties, with enough room to accommodate at least a dozen guests.

Beyond the porch was a stunning infinity pool stretched out towards the horizon. As you walked closer, to the right, you took notice of a garden. You spotted the gardener, Tyler, who Anthony had mentioned earlier. In simple clothes, the young man blended easily into the scenery. 

“This is where Mr. Cameron will typically entertain his guests,” Anthony said, 

The beauty of the outdoor space was undeniable, but so was the control that permeated every aspect of it. You wondered what hand Rafe played in how spotless it looked. You could almost picture him, his jaw clenched and eyes blazing with a harsh intensity, if even the smallest detail were out of place. It was easy to imagine him demanding that every leaf, every petal, every stone be exactly where it belonged. 

Did his staff ever make mistakes? Did he make them beg him forgiveness like he did with you? 

“Shall I show you the study? It’s approaching seven-thirty.”

You nodded, a small smile on your lips. He was kind but part of you didn’t want him to hear your voice shake or your face contort into an uncomfortable position as you struggled to get your words out. 

There would be enough struggling today, you knew that. 

Surprisingly, Rafe’s home office was more quaint than you expected. Dark wood panneling decorated the walls as well as floor-to-celing bookshelves. As you made your way around the room, you took note of the picture frames containing images of what you believed to be his family. Here, it seemed he had a heart. The four of them stood on a dock, sun shining down, and his arms were wrapped a young girl with dark brown hair. His smile was genuine and there was darkness lingering in the blues of his eyes. 

Other than the bookshelves, the room only contained his desk, a set of leather couches and a coffee table. The smaller room still managed to exude sophistication but it was far less imposing than you expected. 

The room almost felt intimate as sunlight trickled in through light colored curtains. You were standing behind his desk, glancing out his office window which faced towards the nearby pond. Beside it, sat a gazebo, although you couldn’t imagine Rafe enjoying it. You wondered if he lived here alone as you saw no traces of the other three people in his family photo. 

“Boo,” You yelped as you heard Rafe’s deep voice. 

You placed a hand over your beating heart as you looked toward where he stood in the doorway. Having been deep in thought, you hadn’t heard the door opened. He knew that much which explained the amused look in his eye.  

Everything flooded back at the sight of him. The air had already left your lungs. You felt his body pressing down on yours, warm breath against your ears, and that pain between your legs. 

The door clicked shut, making you flinch.

“Good morning,” he said, his gaze fixed on you.

It hit you then, you hadn’t greeted him like you were supposed to.

You were taken aback by his appearance. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a plain navy t-shirt, a stark contrast to your heels and carefully applied makeup. You weren’t sure why you were expected to dress up, especially when he looked so casual.

“G-Good morning, Sir,” You crossed the room, his eyes locked on yours. You remembered where he liked you, near the door, ready to greet him and present yourself to him. You hated how your voice always betrayed you, how weak it made you sound. Your only saving grace was that you’d already memorized his schedule for the day, having spent the entire commute looking at your laptop. You recited it to him, including the midday Zoom call he had with Kelce and Topper.

Topper, you had learned, was Eleanor’s husband. Rafe hadn’t ever touched her but the way Eleanor always answered your questions with vague responses made you suspect that her relationship with Topper mirrored your own with Rafe. She hadn’t warned you but now you were suspecting that was because Rafe seemed to always get what he wanted, no matter who got hurt in the process.

You froze the moment his hand reached out to touch you. His fingers curled around your side, hovering just above your stomach but dangerously close to your breasts. His grip was surprisingly gentle as his thumb grazed over the fabric of your dress. You stiffened as his other hand mirrored the first, sliding across to the opposite side of your body. “Eleanor picked this,” he murmured, his brows knitting together as his gaze slowly traveled down your figure. A jolt shot through you as his thumb brushed over your nipple, sending a wave of panic coursing through you.

“Y-You don’t like it?” you stammered, your voice barely above a whisper. 

He clicked his tongue, “Turn around for me.”

You did as he said, “Doesn’t do enough for your figure,” Your heart panged in your chest, suddenly feeling self-conscious of your own shape, “Are you wearing the panties I sent you?”

All you could do was nod. Rafe never commanded you to wear the panties everyday to work but you didn’t risk it. Luckily, they were all comfortable despite the lace and cheekiness. 

“Pull up your dress,” He said next. 

You’d spent the last three days in a fog, trying to make sense of the situation, trying to understand why your body betrayed you. When you were younger, you always asked the universe why you couldn’t speak like the way all your friends at school did. Now you asked the universe why Rafe’s voice made you want to clench your thighs together. Why you had felt empty ever since he’d finished inside of you. Why you wanted to try again, to experience that intimacy again without so much fear. Your life was so simple before but now it felt like it was too late to turn back. 

Your thoughts were too jumbled. Rafe cleared his throat and you realized you were just staring back, “I’m not gonna fuck you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Please-”

He rolled his eyes, “Don’t make me ask again.”

You squared your shoulders. “I’m nnn-nn-not comfortable—”

“Just do it.”

You reached down to the edges of your dress, slowly pulling the fabric to your waist. It was nothing he hadn’t already seen and yet you were shaking, “Turn around. Face the other way.” Like a robot, you obeyed. You’d chosen a light pink color today. 

“Good,” You felt him against you. He pulled your hair back over your shoulder and leaned down against your ear, “Maybe I should make you walk around naked while you’re here, hmm?”

You bit down on your lip, wanting to contain the protest that was about to leave your mouth. You wanted to lean into his touch, to embrace the comfort that would accompany the torture. He brushed past you just as you tilted your head back, “Go make me a coffee,” He commanded. 

He made his way behind his desk and you reached down to move your dress, “Did I say to pull your dress down?”

“N-No, Sir,” You moved your hands quickly to your sides.

“I could make you walk around like that, couldn’t I?” He asked, leaning back in his chair.

He tilted his head and you realized you needed to answer. You gave him a painful look. You could say no but what would it cost you, “I . . . I don’t know,” He wasn’t satisfied by your answer, clearly. It was torture to force the words out, “Y-Yes.”

“Right answer,” He said, “Pull down your dress, sweetheart.”

You couldn’t help but see the irony in the fact that despite that you upgraded to a salaried job, you were still making coffee for the rich and spoiled. The opulent kitchen had an even fancier coffee machine than his office. Your movements as you prepared his steaming mug of coffee were precise despite the turmoil in your mind. 

Searching for solutions, your mind landed on the idea of trying to assert your competence. Sure, you could make a great cup of coffee but the whole point of getting a real job was so that you could have real skills to market yourself. You could be perfect at this job, anticipate his every need, and you could more than an object to look at. 

You re-entered his office quietly after realizing he’d begun his first meeting of the day. Carefully, you set his coffee down on the edge of his desk. He was always so intense, so completely absorbed in his work, and that unwavering focus made you even more anxious. Maybe that’s how you should be, more composed, projecting an air of confidence.

Unsure of where you should settle, you made yourself comfortable on one of the leather couches. You checked your email on your laptop, finding several reminders from Eleanor. You found yourself frustrated by how she picked and chose what information to share with you but you balanced those feelings with the fact that she was often your saving grace. 

She gave you a list of tasks including arranging for a delivery of documents that needed to be signed by Rafe, confirming his dinner reservations for the night, and proofreading the notes you took from yesterday’s meetings. You told yourself by the end of the next week, you’d be able to handle things by yourself, and you wouldn’t have to lean on her so much. You’d have a day, eventually, where Rafe didn’t point out anything you did wrong. 

“I was thinking-” Rafe’s voice cut through the silence. You were so focused that you hand’t realized his meeting had ended. He folded his hands over each other, his eyes on you, “From now on, I want you to wear what I pick for you each day.”

“How …y-you’re not happy with what I’ve been choosing?”

“It’s not about not being happy. Now I have more of an idea of what I like on you,” His voice was smooth and authoritative, “You want to reflect my taste, my standards, yeah?”

You mustered the courage to ask your next question, “Can I-I dress a l-little less … formally when I work at home with you?”

“Less formally?” He tasted the words on his tongue, “You mean, like more casual?”

“Yes, Sss-sir. Like more comfortable.”

“We could experiment with that,” His tone was deceptively light, “On my terms though. Yeah?”

You nodded and were grateful that he hadn’t reacted lightly. He seemed to enjoy that you were asking him for permission.

“You’ll have to wear something different tonight though, for dinner. Eleanor is coming by towards the end of the day to bring you your outfit and take you to get your nails done.” 

“Oh,” Your eyes opened wide, “I-I thh-thhought it was more of a personal-”

“I won’t keep you out forever,” He said, “You got plans or something?”

You shook your head quickly, “No, Sir.”

Rafe worked through lunchtime, so you brought him the meal prepared by his chef, Stevie—an elegant older woman with blonde hair. She had made a pesto pasta salad that looked like it belonged in a gourmet magazine, despite your protests and insistence on eating your own packed lunch. Only after delivering the meal did Rafe grant you permission to take your break elsewhere.

You settled on the outdoor patio by the pool, enjoying the peacefulness of the space despite the distant, steady hum of a lawnmower. For a moment, you didn’t feel out of place. Your dress, though apparently unflattering to your figure, was worth a small fortune, and the gourmet lunch you were now enjoying was a far cry from the PB&J you’d packed.

Thirty minutes later, after finishing your lunch and enjoying a lengthy chat with Stevie, you reluctantly headed back upstairs. Hearing Rafe still on the phone, you decided to explore a bit more. His office was situated in the private wing of his house, and as you meandered through opulent corridors, you couldn’t resist sneaking a glance into the master bedroom. It was cozier than you had anticipated, with tall gray walls that gave it a masculine feel and a plush bed draped in navy linen blanket that created a snug, cocoon-like atmosphere.

Rafe ended his call a minute later and the afternoon wore on. You settled into a rhythm, completing the various tasks that you’d added to your own to do lists and ones he’d assigned to you. You spent some time organizing files in his office. His gaze burned into you, even more when you were turned around, and surprisingly, you were starting to get used to that unnerving feeling. 

He waited for you to make a mistake but you used a hundred-percent of your effort to make sure that didn’t happen. 

The clock inched towards the evening, and the day grew even more quieter, more intimate. “I was looking over your notes from yesterday’s meeting with the board members. I highlighted some sections for you to read back to me,” He waved you over, his voice gruff after a long day of talking. You joined him behind his desk and you moved to lean over and get closer look, but he placed a hand on your hip. The gesture was firm, possessive, leaving no room for hesitation. With effortless strength, like a wolf guiding its prey, he maneuvered you onto his lap, settling you on his thigh. You felt the power in his grip, the unspoken control, and all you could do was comply.

“Rafe–” You started, an desperate attempt at a protest. 

“Start with the first section,” He commanded, his grip tightening. 

“I’ve been working on proofreading them–”

“Sweetheart,” He warned, not needing to add that you were making him angry. You could feel it, the heat coming off of him. 

You took a deep breath and slowly tried to read each sentence. Even if you didn’t have a sentence with a small typo, you still stammered over several of your words. He slid the chair closer to the desk and you yelped. 

“See right here,” He pointed to the screen but that only pressed him into you. You breathed slowly, trying not to hyperventilate, “This whole section needs more detail. I don’t want to have to ask more information.”

You were taken aback when Rafe actually began to instruct you on what you were meant to do. He spent at least ten minutes walking you through each sentence, explaining how to word your report, and deleted all the unnecessary details you added. He was surprisingly patient. 

“Now, your turn,” he said finally, leaning back in the chair. For a moment, you thought he was letting you up, but the pressure of his hand on your waist told you otherwise. “Fix it.”

You swallowed, hesitating as your fingers hovered over the keys. Ever keystroke was amplified in the quiet room. Doing your best to actually use your brain, you carefully made the changes he suggested. He watched you closely, his hands first placed on your hips but soon one wandered between your thighs. 

“Good,” He said. You could do it again, you thought, and not be so scared. His touch was teasing, a reminder of what he could do to you, all the pressure that built inside of you a spilled over. You could impress him, you could be beautiful, and not turn into a crying mess when he was inside of you. You could be more than a fragile thing to be broken.

Each word was a small victory. It was a battle you thought you could win until his fingers slipped inside your panties and his other hand grabbed a handful of one of your breasts. It was unbearable, and as he made small circles, you found your fingers slipping clumsily over the keys. 

You pressed your palms into his desk, your body tilting forward. A frustrated sigh left your lips, you couldn’t contain it, and Rafe’s chuckle rumbled from behind you, “Do you ever touch yourself like this? Be honest with me this time.”

“Y-Yes,” You whispered. 

“How do you do it?” He pulled you away from the desk, pulling your torso against his, “You use a toy?”

“J-Just my fff-fingers,” You admitted. 

“Like this? How do you like it?” Carefully, he switched between different approaches. He rubbed circles over your clit, smaller ones and then slower, bigger ones. Then he stroked you up and down, fingers slipping easily into your warm hole as he wandered lower, “You put those little fingers inside of you?”

“Rafe, please.”

“Tell me,” He kissed the side of your neck, “Or I’ll stop.”

"I-I don't usually put them inside… ," you confessed, your voice barely more than a whisper. "I always use my pillow…”

He hummed against your ear. "See how much better this is when you cooperate? You can be such a good little assistant when you try."

You nodded, unable to speak, and let the feeling consume you. He brought you right to the edge, you were seconds away coming undone, but his movements slowed. Before you could register the feeling as disappointment, Rafe was hoisting you off of his lap. 

Moving with sudden determination, your feet were suddenly off the ground and Rafe was carrying you out of the room in his strong arms, “Rafe!” You clutched his shoulders as he carried you down the hall.

You turned your head as he nudged the bedroom door open with his foot, the heavy thud of the door slamming shut reverberating through the room. With a swift motion, he laid you gently on the bed. The softness beneath you was just as you had imagined, but the thought barely registered. You shot him an incredulous look, your face flushed with a mix of pleasure and frustration.

He leaned over you, grabbing a pillow from behind you and placing it in front of you, “Show me.”

You shook your head instantly and moved to crawl away. Somehow, you could let all of his other sleazy behavior slide by but this was an insane boundary for him to try to cross. He’d already been inside you and yet this was a thousand times more intimate. 

He grabbed ahold of your thigh, “You’re so close, sweetheart. I know you want it,” He challenged you, “Probably feels like you need it.”

“Please,” You tried, your voice threatening to crack. His hands found your hips again, slowly positionin you over the pillow. The soft fabric brushed against your most sensitive spot, the familiar sensation making you bite down on your bottom lip, “Rafe.”

“You saying my name like that just makes me want it more,” Balancing on his knees, he grabbed ahold of your face and leaned in to kiss you. You felt the intensity of his desire, how much he wanted this, and it left you dizzy. 

When he pulled back, he looked over you. Your hips started moving in a familiar motion despite your embarrassment. You trembled from the vulnerability, the pounding in your chest, but you chased that high he gave you. It ignited your fire again, and since you didn’t have the full force of his touch anymore, you focused your eyes on him, “Good girl,” He said again and you whimpered, “Look at me just like that.”

You rolled your hips harder, faster, imagining his kiss, his touch, as the tension coiled tighter inside you. His gaze never left yours, his words a constant stream of encouragement and control.

“Doesn’t that feel good?” 

His words all jumbled together. 

“Just let it happen.”

“I want to see your face when you cum, sweetheart.”

“You look so desperate.”

“So needy.”

“You’re gonna make yourself cum, huh?”

“Just because I told you too.”

“Such a good girl.”

“Look at you.” 

The words pushed you over the edge, finally, and you were able to let go. He watched as you rode out that wave of pleasure and his hands found your body again, his grip grounding you. “Fuck,” You heard him say but you couldn’t respond. 

You were too overwhelmed to respond, your mind unable to fully process what had just happened. All you knew was that you felt good, embarrassed, and strangely satisfied that you'd pleased him, all at once. 

When you manage to look at him again, the doorbell rang. 

Eleanor navigated through the upscale nail salon, a palace of white and silvers, with ease, like she was a regular, and this was just an extension of her universe. You imagined this place as an escape for her, from both Rafe and Topper. She secured side-by-side seats near the back of the salon and you followed her lead as she set down her purse and removed her sandals. Her movements were fluid and assured. 

“Have you thought about what color you want?”

“Oh, um, n-no,” You tried to make yourself comfortable in the pedicure chair, “What d-do you think Rafe would like?”

“Maybe something pastel. You can’t go wrong with a soft pink.”

“Is that what you’re getting?” You asked, unassured, as you glanced around the luxurious setting. It wasns’t like other nail salons you’d been to where the technicians and customers talked at whatever volume they liked. It was quiet and each technician wore matching black uniforms. 

“I’ll tell them you want ballet slipper on your nails and white on your toes.”

You nodded, grateful for her guidance, “Thank you.”

As your pedicures began, the warm lavender-scented water soaking your feet, two technicians took their places by your sides, working silently as they filed your nails. 

“How are you holding up?” Eleanor asked.

“Fff-fine,” You said, “I’m trying to . . . t-to understand him, I guess.”

“You’ll go crazy doing that,” She laughed lightly, flashing a look that said “poor you”. 

“How d-did you meet Topper?” Her face tightened at your question, “I mean, y-you didn’t say.”

“I’m from the same town as them, Rafe and Topper. Not really the same town, my parents didn’t have money growing up. But I worked at the country club they all went to. That’s how I met Topper.”

“And you started dating?”

“Something like that,” She made a small shrug, “I owe everything I have to them.”

You nodded, sensing the weight of her words despite the lack of detail. Another piece to the puzzle you were trying to put together. Maybe the two of them had an attraction to girls struggling to get by.

“It’s not so bad, is it?” She asked and it made you pause.

Your instinct was to mirror her shrug, but you hesitated, wondering if you could trust her with your thoughts. If anyone could understand what you were going through, it had to be Eleanor.  “I-I just ffff-ffeel like I’m doing everything wrong.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ve only heard good things.”

“A-About me?” She nodded and your lips parted in shock. 

“Yes. I know you feel uncertain right now, but I think you'll be glad if you can stick it out. Topper… he’s a bastard, but he takes care of me. Rafe likes you too. Maybe he doesn’t know how to show it, but…” She paused, her eyes flickering with something you couldn’t quite place. “He’s filthy rich. That would be enough for me.”

In that moment, her brutal honesty felt almost like reassurance. You weren’t sure if Eleanor truly grasped the extent of Rafe’s inability to show affection, that his pleasure came from humiliating you, from making you cry. Just as you couldn’t fully know what she endured with Topper. Her words weren't necessarily comforting but at least they felt real.

Please reblog WITH your thoughts on the chapter to be added to the taglist for the story :)

[likehoneyandsilk]

Good Graces

A little late to the Thanksgiving game . . . ☺️ Nevertheless, here's something sweet. I am a bit rusty returning to writing, so feedback is appreciated as always. Enjoy! 💛 (18+)

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A serene quiet graced the home. The boisterous laughter and elated chatter had departed with the last of your guests. The lingering scents of cinnamon and firewood enveloped the home in warmth, a pleasant reminder of the meal shared with the most beloved of family and friends.

The lights had been dimmed throughout the house, casting shadows along the walls as you worked silently putting your house to bed. The leftovers had been packed, the pumpkin pie eaten, and the dishes had been loaded into the dishwasher. While Joe cleaned the kitchen counters, you worked across from him, tidying the rustic dinner table.

A few taper candles remained lit, wax dripping down their sides. Glass vases were spread in expanse all over the table, the light casting rainbows along their rims. In them, meticulously picked red and white flowers dipped their stems in water. An assortment of faded red, yellow and orange pumpkins had been placed amongst the decorations. You stacked the untouched china, working feverishly as if the slightest bit of strength may shatter them within your hands.

Too engrossed in your task, you had yet to notice the way your lover had become immune to anything else but you. Joe, in his ever so handsome state, leaned back against the exquisite white granite island counter. The tedious frosted tips of his hair no longer remained, a sign that Summer was long gone, and Winter only neared. His larger frame was adorned in a white cotton and wool shirt, which was now unbuttoned, exposing only his neck and the slightest of his chest.

There had been an ease to Joe tonight. The tempestuous season had taken a toll on him, leaving him awake many nights in bed, wondering where he had gone wrong. As the days grew shorter, so did his courage. The man held every ounce of pride in his craft, but beneath all the pressures and constraints tied to his name, there had arrived a time of epiphany - there was only so much within his control.

What he could control, was focusing on his wife, his newly wed bride whom he had eloped with in a small town during the Summer. His bride. His girl. You. After all the years spent together, all the years passed as you grew with each other, Joe was impatient to pair the engagement ring with a wedding ring.

For Joe, there was an undeniable simplicity with the domesticity of life with you. Beyond the fame and the outlandish lifestyle, he often desired the feel of a normal routine. It was in moments like this where you played house effortlessly.

It was in moments like this Joe seemed to forget all constraints and pressures that arrived with the expectations tied to his name.

You moved seamlessly around the table, tucking chairs with each step. You hands were gentle with the china plates, the stunning diamond on your left hand sparkling underneath even the faintest of light. Joe wallowed in the way your hair enveloped your face, the clip unable to hold the thick perfectly curled jet black hair he adored so much. The powdered blush had faded from your cheeks, your natural rouge creeping from within. The lipstick placed so delicately on your plump lips long gone. It was not until a shaky breath escaped his lips, at the sight of your dress tightening around your breasts with every forceful exhale and bend of your hips did Joe finally catch your attention.

From you spot, you could make out the darkened state of his electric blue eyes. You caught the glimmer of golden on what was exposed of his chest. He had a coy smile on his lips. You wondered if he noticed the way his shirt clung to his biceps when he brought his hand to run through his fair. A dish towel sat idle in the grasp of his free hand, presumptuously from drying his hands after loading the dishes into the dishwasher. His sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows, veins prominent even under the poorly lit kitchen.

As you drew closer he stood straighter. His fingers brushed yours as he grabbed plates from your hand, obeying your silent order as you stretched your neck over to the cabinet above his head. Effortlessly, he placed the dishes in their spot, shutting the cupboard, concealing them away for the next Thanksgiving. Washing your hands at the sink next to him, you reached for the dish towel.

A fatigued haze fell over your chocolate brown eyes. The taste of red wine lingered in your mouth. There was a lull fading across your body, an urge to lay in bed with Joe against you. The clock on the stove signalled midnight.

Catching his eyes again, you felt butterflies erupt in your stomach. His eyes had darkened, the same dark blue that craved you in all ways possible. It was the dark blue that ignited a fire inside you, prepared you for an unfathomable consumption of lust. Catching you by surprise, he tugged on the dish towel, drawing you near. His arms encircled around your frame, hands finding territory on the granite on either side of you, your lower back pressed into the counter. He had you caved in, and you would be a fool to say you did not hope for him to lead the way.

He loosed the clip from your hair, letting it fall freely along your back. His citrus-like and woody scent consumed you. You wondered if he could hear how wildly your heart was beating, as he gazed at you endearingly, forgetting that anything else in the world existed.

"We should get to bed."

You whispered words filled the silence surrounding you. By the crave in your eyes, Joe knew undoubtedly your fatigue held no power against what your heart desired. He could read the shift in your chocolate brown eyes to an intense darkened shade. See the way you unknowingly bit your lip, your breath hitched, the innocent flicker of your gaze to his lips.

"Not yet, we forgot to do something."

It was the first words he had spoken in just under an hour. You felt the gruffness of his voice, the way the words fell effortlessly from his mouth, like velvet against your skin.

Leaning down to your level, your eyes closed as his lips kissed your cheek. He travelled lower, underneath your jaw, along your chin, lingering on your neck. He inhaled your scent. It was an intoxication of vanilla and jasmine. He held himself strongly, his demeanour calm as he spoke against your skin.

"We never said what we were thankful for."

Confusion spread over your body, suddenly replaced with a chill when his cold hand wrapped around your waist. The thin fabric of your cream-coloured dress adorned in dainty red flowers could not withstand the pressure of his touch, the way his large hand fit perfectly along your waist, trailed to your backside and rested at the bottom of you back.

"Your mom led the chain, we all did. Remember?"

His kisses trailed up again. Underneath your jaw, along your jaw, and then your cheek. They hovered dangerously over your right ear. You fingers fumbled with the untouched buttons on his shirt, wondering if you could be as smooth as him in making your crumble against his touch.

"None of that sugarcoated shit babe, I mean one thing your're thankful for. In this room of course."

He pulled your flush against him, your arms wrapping around his waist as your eyes met. His free hand trailed along the side of your thigh, scrunching the fabric of your dress as he rode it higher. With each passing second, your heart fluttered, his touch against your skin like a million butterflies fluttering their wings against it.

Your mouth went dry when his hand curved around your backside, fiddling with the lace garment concealing your most intimate spot. His fingers fiddled with the thin garment, his fingers digging into plush skin.

"Gotta tell me, otherwise we'll be like this all night."

HIs voice was taunting, the smirk lining his lips all too inviting. His arms hooked around you, leaving you dissatisfied with the loss of contact of his fingers to your skin. The hem of your dress fell into place. Lifting you effortlessly, he situated you on the granite counter, the cold seeping through your dress.

Even at this elevation, you gazed up at him, his frame still towering yours. He raised his eyebrows, impatiently waiting for your answer. Brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear, he left his fingers linger in your hair, massaging the sweet spot just below you earlobe.

When the answer finally arrived, it was a breathless barely audible whisper. "It's you."

He nodded, his loving gaze taking you in entirely. He spreads your legs, inviting himself in. Instinctively, you tighten your hold around him, tugging at the collar of his shirt.

"And what about you?"

He responds with a boyish shrug, exhaling loudly. His hands dance up your legs, riding your dress higher and higher.

"I can't tell you . . ." He begins, pulling you close. You lips inches apart as your eyes bore into one another. You feel your chest tighten, the anticipation build in your stomach.

"But I can show you."

Ever so even, ever so cool. It is the affirmation in his tone that sends a thrill up your spine.

His lips against yours are like butter, smooth and silky. He meshes against you so well. He is a drug, an all to encompassing drug that you crave so desperately. You feel limp, simply because you become all to consumed by his presence.

Wrapping your arms gingerly around his neck, your fingers dance with the hair at the nape of his neck. You feel his hands travel up your back, along your neck, and then to the back of your head, where they get lost in your hair. You legs tighten around his waist.

You gasp softly, feeling him against you. When his teeth gently dig into your bottom lip, you groan, barely audible but soft and musical.

You pull back first, breathless. "Will I feel it to? What you're thankful for?"

It's the way your voice is so timid, but teasing. It has taken every ounce of you to ask such questions, cheeks burning red as you drop your gaze. Joe knows you inside out, and he cannot help relish at the way he pulls you into ecstasy with the simplest of actions.

“I'd be a failure if you couldn't" Again, it is the mere calmness of his voice that sends you in a frenzy.

This kiss is deeper, it speaks volumes of his love for you. You shudder when he draws his lips back, an intoxication for one another evident in the other's eyes. An airy breath leaves from between your lips as he kisses your neck. It is not until you feel his teeth graze your sensitive skin do you shift, instinctively drawing his hands to your hips to hold you in place. His hair tickles your skin as he kisses lower, your chest rising and falling in rushed paces. His name falls from within you, a whisper so quiet, he almost misses the way you drag his name in uncontainable desire. He breaks the kiss to undo the buttons against your sternum.

Joe is achingly slow when he begins to draw the dress lower. It is the soft kiss, the bite of your lip, and the way his fingers dance along your skin that drive you insane. He locks your gaze with his own, and observes how you decompose before him. His touch travels down your neck, along your collarbone, down your shoulders, and finally hits fabric. The places he has touched are warm and tender. He pulls your dress down slowly exposing more skin. You groan in dissatisfaction when he draws back. An airy chuckle escapes from his lips, a satisfied look plastered across his face.

"I've got you, easy now, huh?" You nod, obeying entirely.

You slide off the counter, arms wrapping around his neck as your body becomes flushed against his. Your lips mold into one, his arms holding you firmly by the waist. His fingers dig into your sides, earning himself a groan from the back of your throat. Before you can comprehend, he lifts you, carrying you with ease towards the couch.

The lamp in the corner casts a golden hue about the room, the smell of fire burning wood still evident in the air. He sits down, your knees embedded in the cushion, your sex resting against his muscular thigh. Your hands cling to his collar, whimpering as he shifts in his spot, the movement of his thigh against your delicate sex sending electrifying sensations up your body.

"I love you." His words are rushed, as if finding the opportunity to remind you before he unravels your before him completely.It is a brief second, but it is soft, as he cups your face, mumbling words of encouragement as you tell him you love him back, your hips still moving rhythmically. He marvels at the innocence etched on your face, the pink tinge to your cheeks, and the way your body begins to shudder. When your head falls back and sweat glistens on your neck, he holds you, keeping you upright, letting you ride out your first high.

The room fills with the faint moan you expel, the sound bouncing off the walls. Your head falls against Joe, finding comfort in his neck as you catch you breath. His hands trails along your back, whispering sweet nothings in your ears.

With the profound intensity of the moment and the uncontainable shifts of your hips, your dress has fallen past your breasts, revealing pink lace adorning. You sit up, watching as Joe becomes awestruck at the site before him. Love bites litter your neck. Your chest rises and falls profoundly. Lips pink and eyes on fire. You're nodding in approval as he silently seeks permission to rid you of your dress entirely.

As he guides you beneath him, you whimper as his hips press into yours. The fabric of his clothes brushes across your skin, and you pull at his shirt, which soon finds a way to the ground. The skin to skin contact embraces you like a blanket. The fabric of his pants is rough against your legs, but just as you're about to undo his belt, he fulfills the distance between you.

His lips devour yours in a hungry kiss before pulling back. He watches you wither against him, cheeks flushed as his lips trail you neck, along your sternum, and all the way to your navel. You whimper, the sound becoming a faint exclamation of his name, as his fingers travel between you thighs, his eyes burning into yours as he gentlly brushes his fingers against lace.

He works you through slowly, whispering endearing terms and guiding you through a pleasurable high. When your legs begin to shake, your nails dig into his shoulders, and the sounds of your moans and whimpers dance off the walls he knows he has you exactly where he wants.

The rise of your hips draws his fingers to the lace concealing you. He exposes you with such fragility, watching you wither before him. You pull at his hair, knees bent as he find solace between your legs. It is the first sensation of his mouth on you that sends you in an undeniable state of euphoria.

And he shows you, makes you feel, just how thankful he is for you.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 2022 home in Acworth, GA is colorful and in the short time since the current owners moved in, they managed to paint and wallpaper nearly every inch of it, but the 7bd, 9ba, 10,348 sq ft home has a pending sale for $2.3m + $267mo HOA. What do you think of the decor?

The entrance to the home is unusual. There's no foyer, hallway, or drop zone, and you immediately see the mezzanine above.

The main living area has a completely open concept layout. There's a fireplace with a rustic mantle to match the ceiling beams.

Between the living room and kitchen there's a large dining table.

However, there's also a separate formal dining room.

The kitchen is quite large. I like the big island and tons of storage.

In addition to all the kitchen storage, there's a pantry.

In this hallway, it looks like a place for outerwear, etc.

And, have you ever seen a livelier laundry room?

The huge primary bedroom soars up 2 levels and has a sitting area in front of a fireplace.

Look at the size of the shower in the en-suite.

There's a big dressing room, also.

The home library has lots of shelving and an interesting light fixture.

Here's a very lively guest powder room.

Up on the mezzanine you can see the front doors below.

Look at how cute this big bedroom is. It's a children's bedroom and each has a cubby.

Lovely soft pastel bath.

The bedrooms are all so large.

There are 10 very colorful baths in the home. I like the turquoise tile.

This child's room has a cute mural behind the bed.

This is the children's playroom.

Downstairs there's a very large rec room with a fireplace and a full kitchen.

This is a cool room- it's got a sunken hot tub and looks like a spa.

There's also a sizeable home theater.

I don't know if this setup will convey.

Behind the house there's a pool and 2 levels of covered patios. 2.29 acre lot

Look at the golf course.

Plenty of tennis courts, too, plus a clubhouse.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/4944-Oglethorpe-Loop-NW-Acworth,-GA-30101_rb/337341748_zpid/

[johnwickb1tsch]

bittersweet ~ a yandere!John Wick x fem!reader sunshine/grump coffee shop AU... Part 5 all chapters

-You take him home, and you can't help but stare in awe as you go through the gate. The Wick residence is quite the cabin-style manse, a behemoth in dark painted wood and stone and massive mirrored windows.

“Do you...want to come in?” he offers as you park in the circle drive. “Dog would love to see you.” 

You look at him, not sure if that is code for he would like you to spend more time with him. It’s so hard to read this man. It doesn't seem like he's hitting on you though. Just…being nice? You know he must be lonely, and you truly have nothing better to do. 

“Ok. I can stay for a little while.”

The mudroom leads into the kitchen, which is dark cabinets and black marble countertops. Dog trots up to you immediately upon entrance, snoofing your outreached hands and leaning heavily on your legs. “Hi sweetie,” you say, scratching his side.

“How about a snack?” John offers, opening the refrigerator. “I’m always hungry after a hike.”

“Okay.” 

“Want some coffee? Tea?”

“I can make it, if you show me where your stuff is.”

“No, it’s your day off. Let me take care of you. You always take care of me.”

You're a little dumbfounded, standing in this man’s kitchen who by his own admission, you barely know. Never once have you been invited by any of the wealthy visitors from the coffee shop into their homes. Why would you be?

You aware again of how he towers over you. It makes your very bones weak, when he looks down at you with those shining dark eyes. He does not look away from you, holding your gaze. You don't know why, but you feel a little like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web. 

“Have a seat,” he directs, nodding towards a leather-upholstered stool at the island.

 “Ok...”

You are not used to being taken care of. You’ve been on your own for so long.

You feel a little out of place, and cautiously slide up onto the stool, looking around. It’s an open plan, you can see into the recessed living room with its cavernous ceiling. The house is painted in dark shades, masculine, but very stylish. It's classy but comfortable, with large windows to let in the light and the natural beauty from outside.

Then you watch with more than a little fascination as John sets up a kettle and a French press, then starts putting together a little charcuterie spread on a wooden board. His hands are poetry in motion, and like when he’d helped you with your burn, you cannot look away. He slices artisan sausage and cheese, expensive locally crafted treats from the grocer you can never afford on your ramen budget. They look delicious.  

You feel like quite the honored guest. The kitchen fills with the heavenly scent of coffee as he pours the hot water into the carafe, and you relax slightly.

“You didn’t have to do all this for me, Mr. Wick,” you say as the selection on the charcuterie board expands to sliced apple and herby crackers, still a bit mortified.

 “Call me John,” he insists, looking at you through his hair. Your heart does an extra hard tha-thump in your chest. “And it’s my pleasure, really.”

With sundries in tow you go to the living room, where there are soft leather couches and a rustic walnut wood coffee table. He turns on the gas fireplace, lending the room a warm glow. You notice there are bookshelves flanking the fireplace that rise almost to the ceiling, completely full. This place is incredibly cozy, and as you settle into the cushion you regret already that you’ll have to leave.

Dog clambers up on the couch with you, practically climbing into your lap. You laugh, hugging the affectionate canine as he licks your face, but John gives him a funny look. 

“Is he not allowed on the couch?” you ask, feeling sheepish. 

“Not usually, but I'll let it slide.” He says it with a slight smile, looking at the animal bemusedly. “It's not often we have company.” 

Dog offers a canine smile, undoubtedly well aware that he is getting away with something this special day.

You take a sip of your coffee, and sigh. This is the good stuff. “God. You make better coffee than I do. Why do you even bother to come into the shop when you could just stay here all day?” You could just sit and read in this room for hours, you reckon. Look out the window. Watch the fire, and forget the outside world even exists.

“The shop has its perks,” he says quietly, looking at you out the corner of his eye. As usual, you're not sure if he's talking in double speak. In the end you decide it’s all in your head, and you relax a little more.

After snacking on tasty tidbits and sipping a bit more brew, you look around more. A wrought iron staircase leads up to a landing. You can tell the house sprawls a long way further back than just what you can see. Before you can stop yourself you blurt out, “Do you really live here all alone?”

You’ve never noticed a wedding ring, but then, he’s missingthe appropriate finger.

“Yes.” He looks off into the fire. “I was married once, but she passed away.”

Shit. You and your big fucking mouth.

“Oh. I'm so sorry.”

“Thanks. It seems like it was a lifetime ago now.” He frowns, clearly still deeply pained about it, and you feel so terrible for bringing it up. But sometimes once the scab is open, it's best to remember something good.

“What was her name?”

“Helen.”

“How pretty.”

“Yes. She was...a lovely woman.”

“What was she like?”

He smiles then. It's slight, and completely to himself. But you feel some validation in your train of inquiry. “She was smart, and funny, and she lit up any room she walked into.”

His total opposite, it sounded like. There’s a reason opposites attract, to make a whole. 

He sighs, a forlorn sound that squeezes your heart. “And, I loved her with all my heart.” 

“What a lucky woman,” you say before you can stop yourself. 

You absolutely feel the weight of the sidelong look he pays you this time.

“We had some luck, before she was diagnosed. But when you love someone like that...eternity wouldn't be long enough.”

You're not sure why there are tears in your eyes for someone you never met. 

“I wouldn't know,” you admit. 

No one has ever loved you so much. 

“You're young yet. You will, someday.” You can still feel him looking at you, out the corner of your eye. His gaze has such weight to it, a heady, heavy thing that is like a hand on your skin. 

“I’m not sure I want to,” you admit frankly. “It sounds…terrifying.”

“It is,” he agrees. “But when it hits you...you don't really get a choice.” 

Before you can think of an answer to that, somewhere in the house a phone rings. With a little frown John gets up to answer it. “Make yourself at home,” he tells you. It sounds a bit like an order.  

You take an impossibly soft blanket and drape it over you and dog, snuggling up in the cozy warmth. You don’t really mean to fall asleep, but you close your eyes, and you ae done for.

You dream that someone is gently touching your face, tracing the curve of your cheek ever so lightly.

You only wake up when there's a small noise, and you find John cleaning up what's left of the charcuterie board. 

“Sorry,” he whispers, glaring down at the cheese knife that dared roll off onto the table. 

That he would apologize to you, when you're the one who fell asleep in his house, is pretty absurd.

You sit up a little. The weight of dog has made one of your legs go numb. 

“I'm sorry,” you counter. You are mortified as you wonder if you were snoring. Waking up early for your shift at the coffee house tires you out so badly. It can be hard to have a real life, when you wake up at four in the morning. “I didn't mean to doze. It's so warm and comfortable here.”

He frowns again, but you don’t realize it’s because he’s wondering if you are warm and comfortable in your own tiny apartment. He holds up a hand when he sees you struggling to get free of the blanket. 

“It's alright. Stay as long as you like.” 

He takes what little is left of the sundries back into the kitchen. 

You manage to get up, and stretch, reawakening your limbs. You join him in the kitchen. The sun is hanging low in the sky. It will be dark soon. You have sooo overstayed your welcome, or so you think.

“You might as well stay for dinner now,” John says. As usual, you can't really tell if he's joking. 

He’s not, in fact, but he is being careful about how he handles this delicate thing between you. Seeing you snoozing contentedly on his couch with his dog moved him to his toes, and the notion of keeping you there with him is becoming harder and harder to resist.

It would be so easy, he thinks, just to keep you.

Fat snowflakes have started to fall outside. 

“I think I've imposed on you enough for one day. Thank you, this was nice.” 

He looks out at the snow, which is falling even more heavily now. 

“Sure you want to go out in this?” 

“Right now? Yes. In two hours, probably not.” 

He nods at that, seeming to think on something. “Will you...text me that you've gotten home safe?”

You are finding out that this outwardly stone-faced man has a protective steak that is totally endearing. You never would have guessed from his prickly exterior. 

“Sure. What's your number?”

He tells you, and you punch it into your phone. “Alright. See you later, Mr. Wick.” 

He doesn't correct you, and is it just you, or do his pupils dilate when you call him that? 

Hard to tell, with eyes so dark as his.

There is a pregnant moment between you, in which you wonder if you should offer him a hug, or if that would totally ruin the balance of your companionship. You briefly wonder what he would do if you stood on tiptoe, steadied yourself with a hand on that muscular chest, and kissed him on the cheek, before you decide you need to go.

Later you text him a funny string of emojis involving a house, snowflakes, the wide-eyed smiley, and a penguin, imagining how they would make him scrunch up his brow. 

Does this mean you're home safe? 

Yes, Mr. Wick.

Glad to hear it. Good night, y/n.

[midnighthazee]

Greenridge ABO Series

Greenridge Aesthetic/Pics of Inspo

I'm a very visual person in case you couldn't tell...🙈 so I thought I would add some pictures to help you see what I envisioned for the Greenridge pack house! I've started showing more of the house so now you can get an idea of how it looks. Hope you like!

Obviously the pics aren't exact but I found as best I could. Thanks to Pinterest and the AI feature on Canvas!!

Series Masterlist Masterlist

As you've seen before, the back of the house. 3 Stories, walk out basement leads to the backyard and full property. Basement level includes med room, living space with a bar, a guest bedroom and bath, and an exercise room. Main level has a Chan's room, kitchen, dining, living room, Chan's office. Upstairs is the rest of the bedrooms. Massive house lol

Basement living area and bar space. Doors lead out to backyard. Behind the camera view is the stair case and other rooms.

Med Room and Exercise room in the basement.

Living Room. Fireplace like so - framed by windows. Just add a flatscreen above the mantle. Couch like this facing the fireplace, back to the kitchen.

Kitchen. Let's mix the two pics. The kitchen is white with the wood ceiling, bright with a big window and has a large island. But like the right pic, the barstools are on the outer side of the island, and it faces the living room like so. And the dining table is on the side of windows, facing the view.

BEDROOMS! This was really fun!

*These are all my opinions on what fits each character. Pls don't attack me lol*

Chan's Bedroom and Closet. First floor and immaculate. Large and spacious, his bed is huge. Has a fireplace and sitting area on the side. Lovely view of the property with private balcony. Vaulted ceiling. Closet is fancy and organized!!

Chan's Bathroom. Custom work for his master ensuite. Spacious and usually pretty clean. Double sinks, private toilet room, and this lovely stone shower and standing tub. (The depth seems off so it's probably AI but use ur imagination)

Minho's Bedroom and closet. I feel he's very clean. And he gives rich vibes so I know his closet is pristine. Usually yelling at Jisung for his messy room.

Minho's Bathroom. Like a master en suite, he's got the full tub and a shower. Also kept very clean.

Changbin's Room and closet. I feel like his closet would be organized and low-key fancy. IDK why this pic just seemed to fit him lol

Changbin and Jeongin's Shared bathroom. They share since Changbin is Head Beta and Jeongin is a new alpha.

Jeongin's Room and closet. I feel like he would keep his surroundings slightly messy but not as bad as Jisung. He's got enough on his plate to balance to worry about his room okay. As for his closet, he's gotten more into fashion so he takes care of his clothes.

Hyunjin's Room and Closet. I feel like he would have a clean room and organized closet. Doubt he would have a tv in there tho, so replace it with your fav piece of his art ;)

Hyunjin and Jisung's Shared bathroom. Jisung usually leaves a mess when he's done and Hyunjin yells at him.

Jisung's Bedroom and closet. Just make his room also messy since he's confirmed that's usually how it is LOL.

Felix's Room. I feel like he would have a pretty color and not too messy of a closet. The ray of sunshine also needs a big window to enjoy the sunshine.

Felix's and Seungmin's Shared Bath. No tub. They do a good job of keeping it clean.

Seungmin's Room and Closet. He gives me modern vibes so his room is decorated more modern than the others. His closet would def be organized as well.

Y/N's Room and closet. Rustic feel but still super cozy. Was a guest bedroom and will be more personalized as you nest. Light colors to make you feel safe and free.

Y/N's Bath. Small and simple. No tub just a shower. Maybe one of the boys will let you use their tub ;)

TAGLIST:

@estella-novella @lxvxchxrlxttxbxrsx22-blog @butterflydemons @readr1221 @gaby105-skz @notevenheretbh1 @bah2004 @sinfulfic

Shout out to my beta for inspiring, motivating, and pushing me! @its-the-solar-system

[recitedemise]

𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. Nestled along the coast of Waterdeep, it is both sunlight and the insistent cling of salt that Gale's grown to find exceedingly soothing. It is the bastion of his comforts, outfitted with a grand assortment of a thousand enchantments. Charmed, it is far larger on the inside than it appears on the outside, and nestled in its rooms wade about a million secrets. A wizard's tower, after all, should be as much an enigma as the mage themselves.

Entryway.

Upon entering Gale's home, one would be welcomed by a sectioned off room, the house separating its guests from the rest beyond this point. It is nondescript, all deep woods with the warmth of a far away fire, sure, but plainly put, is not what one expects from a wizard's home. There is a mirror by the door, and before it, a little end table with an aging candelabra. There is a thick, fine drape that rests snug at the arch walling off the tower's entryway, and there is a plush, old rug sat in front of the door. Framed, there hangs a painting of a garden by the right-most wall. The decor is dated, speaking of an aesthetic veering on 'dark academia' and here, there is an enhancement Gale placed to thwart those not explicitly welcomed--hold person, in the rug, can hold you still.

But at least the shy smattering of hanging plants can keep you company.

The first floor: Entry way, living room, kitchen, and washroom.

After exiting the entryway, one would at last enter a hall, short, that leads to a cozy and admittedly half-cluttered room. Here, there is a coffee table, some leather seats in a shade of hemlock-green, and a winding staircase--fit with a red stair runner-- that goes, up, up, up (again, enchanted, some time manipulation steeped in the runner to shorten walk-time). In fact, should one look up, one would think Gale has furnished twelve floors at least, the ceiling like a pinprick with rich deep-gold tiles. It's evident this floor's hardly used, however, beyond the kitchen that is sat snug and half-walled off from the adjoining living room. The seats seem seldom used, not a crack or wrinkle in their delicate upholstery, and the cups lines in Gale's kitchen never used beyond the one. There's several books splayed about, a knitted blanket Morena had made him some decades ago--purple, his favorite, shade, of course--thrown about the sofa, and a myriad of paintings lined on the walls. There's a hanging light in the fashion of some brassy armillary. In the built-in shelves in the paneled walls, there rests even more books with some decanters of whiskey. There rests a wide circular window fit with an alcove right at the center wall, too, with a darling view of the waters with some hanging candles.

Beside the living room, the kitchen--again, very frequently used--waits, charmed with a fire that seems always to burn (safely, of course). At all times, something fragrant lingers within it, be it darling, spice-fruit tartlet or a succulent rack of ribs or lamb. Here, the fashion is a touch more rustic in nature, more dark-red bricks and taupe woods. Over his oven--black iron, a simple cast wood stove--rests an overhang of herbs, dried and half-self grown with the pots by his open windowsill, and the other half purchased from the ladies at the markets. He's a sizable coldbox charmed with a suspended chromatic orb of frost (it pulses, giving perpetual cool to the contents inside), beside countertops filled with all manner of jars. Gale makes his own jams, his favorite being a delightful, tart raspberry, and it with its fruity sisters and brothers rests bottled up with delightful cloths. Gale spends much time in here, and it's plain to see he lavishes it with love. Always, there is something delightful set up by the island counter that looks off into the rest of the living room--like a cake stand piled generously with something exquisitely vanilla. With a door nearby, Gale would explain it leads to his little pantry of hundur sauce. There, one will find, too, his notable collection of both red and white wines. An evening with Gale Dekarios is an evening with a five course meal.

The washroom set off by the staircase is humble, a tap of flowing water charmed to flow and stop when you so wish it. There is an ornate mirror, some suspended flowers there for a spot of freshness, and lit candles for ambiance. The small of something earthy and not too overbearing hangs everywhere, steeped in the towels and the wood of the little medicine cabinet.

The second floor: Two bedrooms, with their own personal bathrooms.

Here, you will find Gale's bedroom, and beside it, a spare. To note, no one ever uses that guest room considering, well, one would need guests to start off with. All the same, no would-be over-night stay would find themselves wanting. The guest room, adequately sized, opens up to face a wide, stained glass window-modestly so, just to allow some shades of gold to lick along the floors. A thick curtain dresses it up, its color a burgundy wine that pairs well with the dark woods and surge of white in the bedding. The best itself is a four post one, no veils yet to hang off of them. The large dresser is empty save for some spare things Gale has put in for Tara (spare collars, for example) and a couple of blankets he's never once used. It has its own bathroom as well, its tub charmed to, again, spill water and stopper it whenever you so wish. It's everything you need should you ever stay here, but admittedly, stripped just a bit of any personality.

Gale's room, however, is ride with personality. Here, you will find all manner of trinkets and wide-eyed wonders. It's dark wood again, and lived in, is effectively cluttered. There are books strewn everywhere, laid out on the floors despite two of four whole walls filled completely with tomes. He's a window at the one wall, opening to the scene of the city clamoring just beyond, its windowsill decorated with cups of wine, tea tins, and some pots of terracotta for when he deigns to play gardener. He's a large armillary in a state of perpetual spin, aligned with the real-time turning of the stars. His bed is large, a bed tray usually atop of it with smattering of peeled fruit and his read for the morning, sheets a dark, rich brown with the bedposts taken in dark-green curtains. There's a bed for Tara, too, laid there by one of his growing stacks of ancient reads. His carpet is patterned, a sliver of white to help brighten the space, with some cat toys strewn here and there and an armoire that's charmed much larger on the inside. Beside his bed, there rests Gale's private bathroom. It's impressive, tiled beige with dark woods that border on chestnut black. He's a whole array of bath salts, lotions and creams and shampoos and conditioners, everything combining to capture ascent of sage and jasmine sweetened just a sliver with a persimmon hue. His tub is actually dipped into the floors, a standing shower merely an overhang spout in the space beside the tub. There is incense here, too, that wafts at times with the hot steam of his usual luxurious baths--Gale, let it be known, a sucker for a spot of finery.

The third floor: Dedicated solely to Gale's office and study--dressed up with a terrace. Inside the study, Gale keeps his inheritance and riches.

Going up the stairs this floor has no landing. In fact, it's only a passing door before one continues traveling up towards the rooftops. The door is unassuming, something old and ancient with brass knockers as handles. However, belying its normalcy is the swell of magic and light that glows from crystals within.

This room is what we are most familiar with: it is, as we have seen in game, Gale's study. And yes, it is by and large, Gale's most favored room--kitchen notwithstanding. Here, Gale's study is less a study and more a keep of ancient texts. His walls are littered with them, the copious amount of shelves not enough to cradle their wealth. Stacks of loose tomes can be found crawling up, up, up for the ceiling everywhere, and each one, he'll tell you, is one he's read once before--evidently not faking it like every other bookworm. He knows where each one seems to lay by heart, even the four hundredth manual in an uninspiring shade of brown. He's a crackling hearth, one he's charmed to run forever on and on, with a single chair and a sofa-too-many. He's a statue in a wait-high sizes dedicated to Mystra. He's spent more hours than he'd confess to kneeling before them, a memory he's no rush to indulge in again with any delight, both scrolls and flowers wreathing it like humble offerings. He's a piano he's manipulated to play when he desires, something of a tune that runs very soft and relaxed. At times, Gale himself will even pluck away the keys, the piano chair before it housing some rough compositions.

In this study, one will find a door, locked, to what houses whatever is of Gale's inheritance. Beside that door, one will also find the double doors to his brilliant terrace, outfitted with plants, a rug, and sun-warm sofa. Here, Gale likes to idle away his time, Tara in his lap and some wine on his tongue. In his year in solitude, he would rest here often, looking over the lullabied waters and its quiet ripples... Half mad, half yearning, and entirely wistful.

One can find some empty bottles of wine here with a heavy heart.

The fourth floor: A smaller room, something like an observatory.

Humble but absolutely dazzling, the top floor opens up to a darling observatory of sorts--not a proper room, no, but a mere floor with a railing that looks down to the lower, three-most levels. Here, the ceiling--again, those rich tiles of brown and gold--rest above your head, wide and unobscured of even a hanging light. Instead, there are candelabras set up about this book-littered room (with pillows, too, and a nice rug set up for casually laying) that flicker and whisper with its crackling song. Laid down on this floor, one would look up to that so-bare ceiling...and when Gale so whispers it, says those magical words, the ceiling seems to suddenly disappear, replaced with a ripple of the view of the stars. Here, Gale can trace the course of the twinkling cosmos. Immediately, the shine of the stars come to pale the combined wash of the candles, the atmosphere impossibly drusy and gauzy like silk. Gale likes it up here, relaxing in the majesty of the moon. Sometimes, he will find Tara flapping her wings here, a little trapdoor to the rightmost wall for her to come and go from when she desires. They will cuddle up together as she speaks about her nightly escapades of feline devilry. Gale, in a nest of pillows, will patiently listen.

[anemcia]

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆

Silence. The absence of sound, the lack of noise, the dreadful quiet that had taken her home hostage. Behind the guest room door lie a motionless beast who has not awakened in days. What will happen when his eyes finally open? Will he obliterate everything in his path immediately? Scenarios of all kinds would flood the mind during those dark nights, unable to sleep, knowing he could move at a moment's notice. She prayed he would never wake, to be sealed behind that door forever. And yet, the very notion of conversing with the cicada at all was enough to take him into her house from the start.

As more days pass, the exhaustion of waiting has finally caught up with Honeydew. Unsteady hands run across her complexion, having dropped a glass of water that had listlessly slipped from her fingertips. Upon reaching for the dustpan did she overhear the sounds of footsteps, so unusual and precisely taken. In a cold sweat did she eventually turn to face him, the Bio Android standing just an arm's length away. She forced the quake of her body to settle down, mustering the courage needed to utter the only word that bubbled from her mouth.

“...Hello?”

A blank expression was all he could offer, at least at first. It was as if he was processing what was said to him, to connect with the idea he was being spoken to. He hastily jerked his neck to crack it, nearly causing the farmer to leap from her own skin.

“...Hello.” He muttered, making direct eye contact with the woman. 

She hasn’t the faintest idea what he could be thinking, which is all the more frightening-- but he doesn’t appear to be hostile. Lost for words, she almost forgets to pick up the glass that scattered the wooden floor below. A swift clean up, she would cautiously guide the cicada towards the rustic kitchen table to be seated across from herself. A familiar silence gripped their throats, Honey would soon be the first to cave by stating who she was, what she does for a living, and how she found him on that beach.

Although he hadn’t made his frustrations obvious, his fists would ball tightly as he tuned her out. Cell is his name, and it's all he has left. So alien and meaningless, but it is the only true connection with his past. Like an unfinished book, symphony, or a painting, Cell instinctively yearned for completion. To be whole again, but how? Where to begin? This babbling human is already a bit irritating, but he hasn’t the option to be picky. As far as he’s concerned, she’s the only real help he can get.

Dawn slowly crawls to dusk, having spent the majority of the day simply talking. Cell barely assured he would not kill her outright if she assists in his recovery. In turn, Honeydew agreed to let him stay at the farm, so long as he could lend a helping hand on the island. A begrudging compromise for both parties, but one that was necessary for mutual benefit. 

Over the next 2 months, things have become far stranger than either could have ever anticipated.

[clearanchorstudent]

Safe and Engaging Options

In terms of aesthetics, resin Adirondack furniture can seamlessly mix with various outdoor styles, from up to date to rustic. The flexibility to produce resin in an exceedingly variety of colours and finishes means that buyers will opt for pieces that match their existing outdoor decor. Whether it’s a vibrant blue to embellish up a patio or a muted earth tone to complement a natural landscape, the colour choices on the market in resin furniture enable for greater customization. Furthermore, resin will mimic the appearance of wood grain, providing the classic look of wood without the associated maintenance issues. This versatility in style ensures that resin Adirondack furniture will suit a wide selection of tastes and preferences.

Sustainable Choices for Your Home

The growing popularity of inexpensive Nardi dining chairs reflects a broader trend in the hospitality trade toward price-effective solutions that do not sacrifice quality or vogue. As additional restaurant house owners recognize the benefits of incorporating durable, low-maintenance chairs into their styles, the demand for Nardi choices is doubtless to continue increasing. This trend emphasizes the importance of balancing affordability with functionality, allowing establishments to form inviting environments that enhance the overall guest expertise.

Stylish Outdoor Resin Furniture Sets

Area efficiency has become increasingly vital in restaurant furniture style as rising realty prices drive the need to maximize seating capability. Table shapes and sizes are fastidiously designed to optimize floor set up utilization whereas maintaining comfortable dining spaces. Makers supply coordinated furniture collections that facilitate efficient table combining for larger parties while maintaining consistent look throughout the dining space.

Comfort Meets Style

Restaurant banquette seating combines space efficiency with design impact, usually serving as key visual elements whereas maximizing seating capacity along walls and in corners. Custom banquettes need careful coordination between furniture makers and upholstery specialists to confirm correct ergonomics and durability. Materials must meet industrial flame-retardant standards while providing stain resistance and straightforward maintenance.

How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Lounge with Resin

Miami-based wholesale distributors play a crucial role in supplying restaurant furniture to the Keys, maintaining warehouse facilities that service the complete island chain. These distributors often concentrate on weather-resistant furniture suited to the region's maritime climate, offering intensive inventories of materials engineered to face up to salt air exposure and intense UV radiation. Their proximity to the Keys enables comparatively fast delivery while providing showroom access for hands-on product evaluation.

Trends to Watch

The seasonal fluctuations in Florida's tourism business impact the wholesale resin furniture market's dynamics. Whereas raymour and flanigan outlet many parts of the country expertise significant downtimes during winter months, Florida's extended peak season needs restaurant furniture to stand up to nearly constant use. Wholesale distributors maintain higher inventory levels all year long to fulfill the steady demand from restaurants serving each tourist and local populations. This continuous market activity has led to the event of sophisticated distribution networ

[spookybearturtle]

Include a Touch of Industrial Appeal with a Metal Stool

Are you seeking to beautify your living room with a touch of commercial beauty? Look no further than a metal stool! Metal feceses are flexible, practical, and fashionable enhancements to any kind of home. Whether you're looking to add some seating to your kitchen area island or create a comfy reading nook in your living-room, a metal stool can do the method. In this article, we will check out the various methods you can integrate a metal stool into your home decor, from the kitchen to the bed room and beyond.

Why Pick a Metal Stool?

Metal feceses are excellent for adding an industrial touch to any space. They are sturdy, simple to tidy, and come in a selection metal supplies of designs and finishes to suit your decor. Whether you favor a streamlined modern look or an extra rustic ambiance, there is a metal stool available for you. Additionally, metal stools are lightweight and very easy to move around, making them suitable for small spaces or areas that need periodic additional seating.

Metal Console

A metal console table is a wonderful way to include some industrial panache to your entranceway or living room. Pair it with a number of matching metal feceses for a natural look that will excite your guests.

Metal Outdoor Barstools

Upgrade your outside enjoyable area with some elegant metal outdoor barstools. These feceses are weather-resistant and easy to tidy, making them perfect for al fresco dining.

Metal Clothes Rack

In demand of some added storage space in your bed room or storage room? A metal clothes rack is both useful and elegant, giving plenty of space to hang your preferred outfits.

Watch Metal

Looking for an one-of-a-kind timepiece to decorate your wrist? Think about a watch with metal accents for a smooth and modern appearance that will catch every person's eye.

Metal Rods

Metal rods can be made use of for a variety of DIY tasks around your house, from curtain poles to towel metal racks. Obtain innovative and include some industrial appeal to every room.

Hair Metal

If you're really feeling bold, why not trying out some hair metal bands for an edgy look that shouts superstar chic?

FAQs regarding Metal Stools: Are metal feceses comfortable to sit on? Yes, many metal feceses feature supported seats or backs for added comfort. Can I utilize a metal stool outdoors? Absolutely! Several metal stools are made for outside usage and are weather-resistant. How do I tidy my metal stool? Simply wipe it down with a wet towel and moderate detergent for easy maintenance. Do metal stools come in various heights? Yes, you can find metal feceses in various heights to match different tables or counters. Are metal feceses affordable? Yes, metal stools are often more inexpensive than other sorts of seating options. Can I personalize my metal stool? Some stores supply modification choices such as selecting the surface or upholstery fabric. Conclusion

In conclusion, adding a touch of commercial appeal with a metal stool is a simple and elegant means to elevate your home decoration. Whether you c

[rushnkurblogs]

Warm and Welcoming Home Decor Ideas with Home Decor Baskets

This Christmas, transform your space into a cozy and inviting retreat with thoughtfully chosen home decor. Whether it’s charming home decor baskets or artisanal accents, incorporating natural elements into your holiday decorations can create a festive and stylish atmosphere. With unique handcrafted pieces from Rushnkur, you can effortlessly infuse your home with warmth and charm, making this Christmas truly unforgettable.

Home Decor Baskets: The Perfect Holiday Accent

Home decor baskets are a versatile and eco-friendly way to enhance your holiday space. Their natural textures and warm tones add a rustic yet chic touch to your home. Here are five creative ideas to incorporate  into your Christmas decorations:

Festive Basket Wall Display: Arrange woven baskets in a wreath-like pattern to create a stunning wall feature.

Basket Tree Stands: Use large baskets as bases for small Christmas trees to bring a natural, rustic vibe to your decor.

Basket Ornament Holders: Fill shallow baskets with ornaments, fairy lights, or pinecones for a delightful centerpiece.

Gift Basket Stacks: Stack baskets filled with beautifully wrapped gifts for a festive and organized display.

Basket Light Fixtures: Hang baskets with string lights inside to create a warm, glowing effect.

Position these baskets in entryways, next to sofas, reading nooks, coffee tables, or near fireplaces for an extra dose of holiday charm.

Home Decor Ideas for Every Room

Rattan Trays for Holiday Elegance

Rattan trays are another must-have home decor piece that can elevate your Christmas decorations. Here are some creative ways to style them:

Mini Holiday Crate: Add greenery and tiny ornaments to create a festive display.

Hot Cocoa Station: Use a tray to set up a cozy hot cocoa bar with mugs, marshmallows, and candy canes.

Snow Globe Accents: Arrange mini snow globes for a magical winter scene.

Gingerbread House Display: Decorate your tray with tiny gingerbread houses and faux snow for nostalgic charm.

Place rattan trays on coffee tables, kitchen islands, or dining tables for a stylish holiday look.

Warm Dining Decor with Placemats and Coasters

Handcrafted placemats and coasters are essential for creating a welcoming dining experience. These home decor items add texture and warmth to your holiday meals.

Layered Placemat Designs: Combine fabrics like burlap and lace for a unique look.

Personalized Coasters: Paint festive designs on coasters to add a custom touch.

Rustic Accents: Add dried flowers or herbs to your placemats for a seasonal vibe.

These simple yet creative ideas can make your dining space feel warm and festive.

Layered Holiday Decor for a Cozy Vibe

Layering is the secret to creating a warm and inviting holiday look. Pair home decor baskets with rattan trays and woven placemats to achieve a cohesive design. For instance, fill a basket with pinecones and place it on a rattan tray, then layer with a festive placemat to create an eye-catching centerpiece. Or stack small baskets on placemats and fill them with ornaments or candles for a layered display that’s both stylish and festive.

Create a Cozy Holiday Home with Rushnkur

This Christmas, make your home a haven of warmth and charm with natural, handcrafted home decor baskets and artisanal accents from Rushnkur. These versatile pieces not only enhance your holiday decorations but also add a touch of elegance to your space. Explore Rushnkur’s collection today to find unique home decor items that will elevate your holiday celebrations and leave your guests in awe.

Celebrate the season with beautifully styled decor that turns your home into a festive retreat!

[regalokitchen8130]

Modular Kitchen Plans for Cooking Lovers

Source of Info: https://www.regalokitchens.com/modular-kitchen-plans-for-cooking-lovers.php

Introduction

A modular kitchen is more than simply a necessary requirement for cooks, it's also a blank canvas for cooking innovation. Interior design concepts are designed to improve your cooking experience with beneficial layouts, sufficient storage, and customizable workplaces. Regalo Kitchens is skilled in designing customized kitchens that balance usefulness and creativity, making sure your kitchen is both comfortable to cook in and a beautiful place to gather with friends.

Understanding Modular Kitchen

A modular kitchen is a modern remodeling concept that uses already constructed modules or pieces. These modules, which are often constructed of wood, laminate, or metal, have been designed to be built and adjusted to fit both the size of your kitchen as well as your unique tastes. The beauty of customized kitchens lives in their flexibility. They provide a variety of design options and layouts, making them an excellent choice for cooks looking for a useful but stylish environment.

Key Features of Modular Kitchen for Cooking Lovers

Optimized Layouts

For cooks, the layout of the kitchen is important. Modular kitchen layouts can be improved to guarantee that the workstation is well-organized and productive. U-shaped, L-shaped, and galley kitchen layouts are popular, and each has its own set of advantages. An simplified arrangement makes sure everything from the sink to the stove and refrigerator is easily accessible, saving time and effort while moving about the kitchen.

Storage Solutions

Cooking lovers often have a collection of tools, gadgets, and materials that must be kept carefully. Kitchens with modular construction provide a variety of storage options, including pull-out pantries, lazy Susans, deep drawers, and overhead cabinets. These storage solutions keep the kitchen free of mess and make it easy to find anything you need while cooking.

High-Quality Materials

The materials used in a modular kitchen have an important effect on its durability and appearance. Regalo Kitchens uses high-quality materials like durable laminates, solid plywood, and stylish glass to guarantee that your kitchen not only looks fantastic but also holds up to daily usage. Investing in high-quality materials ensures that your kitchen remains useful and stylish for many years to come.

Customized Workspaces

A kitchen built for a cook should include individual workplaces. Flexible kitchens allow for changes such as separate spaces for baking, chopping, and cooking. A built-in island with extra counter space, or a customized workstation for your mixer and other equipment, can greatly enhance your cooking experience.

Ergonomic Design

Ergonomics is an important factor in making an inviting and effective kitchen. Modular designs highlight user-friendly features such as adjustable countertop heights, easily accessible storage, and strategically placed lighting. These components reduce stress and make cooking more fun.

Modern Appliances Integration

Today's modern kitchens are meant to easily combine fresh appliances. Whether you have a stylish oven, a modern refrigerator, or a smart coffee maker, modular layouts can fit them into the overall plan. This not only improves the kitchen's functioning, but also provides it with a modern appearance.

Aesthetic Appeal

For individuals who enjoy cooking, the kitchen serves as an area for socializing and entertainment. Flexible kitchens come in a variety of design styles, including simple, modern, classic, and rustic. Customizing the appearance of your kitchen can turn it into an important part of your house, providing a welcoming environment for family and guests.

Why Choose Regalo Kitchens?

Regalo Kitchens believes that a kitchen should be just as unique as the person who cooks in it. Our expert designers work closely with customers to build modular kitchen concepts that represent their individual style and satisfy their unique requirements. We provide a variety of design choices and materials to guarantee that your kitchen is not only practical but also enjoyable to spend time in.

Expert Design Consultation

Our design professionals provide personalized discussions to better understand your cooking routines and preferences. This allows us to develop a kitchen plan that improves performance and improves your cooking experience.

High-Quality Craftsmanship

We take pleasure in our skilled work, using only the best materials and innovative manufacturing techniques. Our dedication to quality guarantees that your modular kitchen is both attractive and long-lasting.

Custom Solutions

Each kitchen is unique, and so are our solutions. We provide a variety of customisation choices to guarantee that your modular kitchen complements your area and style.

On-Time Delivery

We realize how important time is when it comes to kitchen upgrades. Our crew makes sure that your new kitchen comes and is installed on schedule, so you can start using it right away.

Conclusion

A modular kitchen is more than just a practical solution for cooking lovers, it's a method to improve your food preparation skills and transform your kitchen into a real appearance of your passion. Regalo Kitchens is committed to creating customized kitchens which combine usefulness and style, allowing any food lover to create, enjoy, and enjoy in an inspiring environment. Explore our collection of modular kitchen plans and let us help you in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Would you spend $3.295M on a VERY rustic estate? It was built in 1810 and originally redone for singer Johnny Cash in Hendersonville, TN. Sycamore Homestead is currently the home compound of master builder Braxton Dixon. Main house, 2 guest homes, barn, tea room and smoke house reconstructed from pre-civil war log structures were relocated to this property. 6bds, 5ba.

It has sort of a broody type of appeal.

Open concept main floor includes the kitchen.

Look at the size of the dining table attached to the island.

Kitchen's okay, but not terribly impressive. The slate floors were mined from the site.

Another, less formal sitting room.

Stairs to the bedrooms.

Beautiful etched glass on the door to the primary bedroom.

Display loft above the bed.

Looks like the bath has folding doors to close off the window when you're using the toilet.

This room has nice shelving plus a loft. Like the fireplace and closet doors.

This room also has a nice fireplace and a built-in corner cabinet.

The sky is blue, so I don't think it's the weather, but the place looks dreary.

Guesthouse on the property.

This is a nice place. I'd rent it out.

I like this one better, it's more interesting.

It's smaller, but unique.

The largest one is very cool.

It has some cool features like a grindstone in the wall.

Beautiful ancient fireplace.

Lovely details.

The bath looks medieval.

Covered bridge leading up to the property.

The property measures 5.84 acres.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/42394403_zpid/

[chantelbedford]

HOME SWEET HOME: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Below the cut is a fun little character development survey based around their homes. Feel free to use/repost this for your own characters if you'd like!

INSIDE THE KITCHEN

What is the character’s favorite food?: Steak (rare) with creamed potatoes and asparagus. Are they good at cooking? How good/bad?: She's pretty decent at cooking actually. She loves being able to provide meals for anyone that may need it; and she's never been told her food is bad. (Whether that's just people being nice she'll truly never know) Do they leave the dishes out?: Never. She may leave out a water glass on the counter for the next day but all leftovers are put away and dishes are always done before bedtime. What kind of food is in their refrigerator?: She has a tendency to cook large amounts of food at once, so often times there are several bowls of leftovers they eat throughout the week. She's also a big advocate for more healthier snack options which usually consists of fruits or vegetables from local sources. Do they cook, eat out or get take out/delivered food more?: Chantel prefers cooking at home. If they eat out it's likely for a special occasion like a birthday, town event of special celebration. If they cook do they prefer to cook alone or with company of someone? What about eating, is it preferred alone? She doesn't mind either way. She loves having company in the kitchen but she's content with cooking alone and has grown accustomed to it a lot since moving in with Charlie and raising Houston. Did your character learn to cook at an early age? If so who taught them? She did. She learned to cook with her mother starting at the age of five; there's never been a time in Chantel's life where she didn't feel like she in the kitchen cooking. If your character could only use one small kitchen appliance for the rest of their lives, what do you think it would be? Probably a mixer. Blending things together feels very much like a big part of her personality, similarly to a mixer.

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIVING ROOM

How does the character spend their downtime?: Chantel like to spend time with the animals, play with Houston, knit, read or cross stitch (which she'd just recently gotten into) If they like to watch television, what do they typically have playing, even if it’s in the background?: She's not really a big television watcher, but if she is watching things it's typically documentary series like America's Sweethearts or something similar. Do they prefer their living room to be a more intimate space for personal use or do they prefer to host people here? She doesn't really mind but she's always grown up in a house where it was more intimate. Televisions have never really been a huge part of her home and she would be more than content without one. If this space often more cluttered, or is it more clean and organized? Often more organized as it's kept pretty minimal in her opinion. Most things in the living room are things that belong there. If their living room could talk, what is one secret you think they’d share with guests about you? Probably that she often falls asleep on the couch and once she pries herself off of it, she somehow convinces Charlie she wasn't actually sleeping. Is there a specific scent you associate with your living room? A candle, incense burner, air freshener that’s designated only for the living room? Lemons or citrus. It's either from the lemon candle she has burning on the kitchen island or the counter cleaner she uses in the kitchen, but, her living room often smells like citrus fruit. Do the decorations in this room reflect their personality? For sure. She's always been very into animals and the rustic/hand me down feel and her home very much fits that exact vibe. What’s their favorite piece of furniture in this room? Is there a reason why? While it's not furniture, it's more a decor piece her favorite item is currently the plates that are hanging on the wall. They were her mother's and she thinks they complete the space perfectly.  

SECRETS OF THE BATHROOM

How does the character prepare in the morning?: By washing her face, brushing her teeth, putting on tinted SPF and likely some mascara just to make herself look a little more awake. When showering, does your character listen to music or do they prefer silence? She listens to music if other people are awake. She tends to shower when the house is quiet, though. If they do listen to music, do they sing along?: If music is playing, yes she'll hum along. What kind of hair products/make-up do they use?: Very minimal of anything. She'll use an tinted sunscreen and that's usually the only thing she does outside of mascara unless it's for a big occasion. How clean is this character?: She's really clean. Not only does she tidy all day, she's just naturally a clean person. Does the character have thousands of shampoo/shower gel bottles by the shower, or do they use only the bare essentials?: She only has the bare essentials. She doesn't feel the need to have more than that. Are they more of a bath or shower kind of person? Is there a reason why? Is there a spot for everything within the bathroom or is cluttered counters more their style? She prefers showers, especially these days but she used to love baths at once point in her life. Showers are just easier and faster which gives her more time to do what is needed. She likes to keep all the shower essentials within the shower, but with the small space of their bathroom she has a tendency to run out of room and it will get a little cluttered.

PERSONAL SPACE OF THE BEDROOM

How do they sleep? (Position, sleeping habits, bedtime routines): She is a really light sleeper, and she usually sleeps on her back or her left side. She doesn't have much when it comes to bedtime routines anymore, but, she does try to read a chapter or two of her book before sleeping if she can to settle her. Do they prefer sleeping alone or with someone else?: She definitely prefers sleeping with someone else. She's independent enough to be content with sleeping alone, but she hates it. What are their pajamas like?: Typically pajama sets, usually long sleeves and pants even in the summer because she does prefer to sleep with a fan in the summer time. What do they dream about usually?: She doesn't dream often, really. But when she does, often times her mom is in it. They're usually just talking, but she always wakes up feeling a little sad and also a little happy. How affectionate are they?: She's pretty affectionate when she cares. A lot of times people will know she cares before she ever tells them just based on her actions and responses to the people around her. Is their bedroom considered neat and tidy, or is the personal space a mess? Is there a reason it’s this way? It's a little messier than she'd like, but everything has a place and is in its place. It's just that they'd barely adjusted to her living with Charlie and getting settled when they got Houston, so they're still navigating sharing a space. Does your character’s bedroom decor reflect the rest of the house, or is this where they feel they can truly be themselves? Yeah, the bedroom decor probably reflects the rest of the house even more so than some of the other rooms do. It very much is them though.

WHAT’S IN THE ATTIC & HOW IS THE FOUNDATION

What is the character afraid of?: Dark places, swimming in water above her head, being unable to get to someone in need How do they deal with bad memories?: She prefers to talk about it. Even though she'll likely cry, she knows if she doesn't talk she won't be able to get it off her chest and she'll dwell in it which she hates. How do they hide their secrets?: She doesn't really. She's a pretty open book. If she really needs to talk about something though, that she can't talk about out loud she'll write herself a letter and tuck it away somewhere. What’s a childhood memory or story they hope to never forget? When she learned to ride a bike, and the first time she ever made an apple pie from scratch by herself. If you were to discover something unexpected in the attic, what would you hope it to be? Money would always be nice. Are there any traditions from their childhood they hope to carry on into their own families someday? She used to go caroling with her mom every Christmas so she'd like to continue that with Houston. Who does your character live with? Her boyfriend Charlie and Houston Do they prefer to live alone, or are they more comfortable living with other people? Chantel's never really lived alone. She lived with her mom until she went to college where she had roommates, then she lived with her long term boyfriend, only to move back home once they broke up and she lived with her mom and her cousins until her mom passed. She really only lived alone for a few months - maybe two years total - in her life and she prefers to live with people.

Here is where you can find a full glimpse of their home with a complete description. Here is where you can find a full glimpse of an insight to her home decor style. Disclaimer: I used the survey posted here for inspiration and some of the questions while some are from my own brain!

[the-beaten-path-us-destinations]

Stay Different: Exploring California's Most Unique and Quirky Hotels

California is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and laid-back vibe, but it’s also home to some of the most unique and quirky hotels in the world. Whether you're looking to stay in a treehouse overlooking the Pacific, a retro Airstream trailer, or a desert hideaway that feels like a work of art, California has an eclectic range of accommodations to offer. If you're tired of cookie-cutter hotels and want to experience something truly different, check out these one-of-a-kind stays.

1. The Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo)

The Madonna Inn is an iconic landmark in California, famous for its bold, over-the-top décor. Each of the 110 rooms has its own unique theme, from a cave-inspired "Rock Room" to the whimsical “Love Nest.” No two rooms are alike, making each stay a brand-new adventure. With pink dining rooms, rock waterfalls, and an abundance of kitsch, the Madonna Inn is perfect for travelers who crave an unforgettable, playful experience.

2. Treebones Resort (Big Sur)

For a truly nature-inspired stay, Treebones Resort offers incredible "glamping" experiences along the cliffs of Big Sur. You can stay in a luxurious yurt or, for the ultimate quirky experience, book a stay in their Human Nest—a woven structure that looks like a bird's nest perched high above the ground. This off-the-grid, eco-friendly resort offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is ideal for nature lovers seeking something unconventional.

3. The Joshua Tree House (Joshua Tree)

Located near the Joshua Tree National Park, this desert oasis offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern design. With its bohemian aesthetic and peaceful desert surroundings, The Joshua Tree House is perfect for those looking to disconnect and recharge. The hotel features a variety of quirky touches, like outdoor bathtubs and hammocks with panoramic views of the desert landscape. It’s a dreamy retreat for creative souls and adventurers alike.

4. The Inn at Benton Hot Springs (Benton)

Tucked away in the eastern Sierra, The Inn at Benton Hot Springs offers a unique experience for travelers looking to soak in natural hot springs. The historic inn is set in a ghost town, and each room comes with its own private hot spring tub, fed by the nearby geothermal waters. With its quirky, old-timey charm and serene surroundings, this is the perfect spot for a peaceful, restorative getaway.

5. AutoCamp (Russian River and Yosemite)

For those who love the idea of camping but want a more luxurious experience, AutoCamp is the place to be. With locations near Russian River and Yosemite National Park, AutoCamp offers stays in beautifully designed Airstream trailers and luxury tents. Each site combines the charm of outdoor living with modern comforts, making it a perfect choice for glamping enthusiasts who want to experience California’s great outdoors in style.

6. The Magic Castle Hotel (Hollywood)

Located just steps away from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Magic Castle Hotel is not your typical Hollywood stay. This quirky hotel is known for its bright yellow exterior, fun retro vibe, and quirky perks like free popsicles by the pool and 24-hour snacks. What sets it apart, though, is its connection to the Magic Castle, a private club for magicians. Guests can get exclusive access to the club for a night of magic, making this hotel a unique experience for both families and adults.

7. The Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino)

For a nostalgic road trip experience, head to The Wigwam Motel, located along the famous Route 66. This quirky roadside attraction features teepee-shaped rooms that offer a blast from the past. Each wigwam is equipped with modern amenities but retains its vintage charm. If you're into retro Americana and kitschy roadside stops, this is a must-stay destination in Southern California.

8. The Avalon Hotel (Catalina Island)

For a more island-style unique experience, The Avalon Hotel on Catalina Island blends coastal charm with quirky, art-deco design. This boutique hotel is known for its beautiful rooftop deck, where you can enjoy stunning views of the island and ocean. The Avalon offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, with plenty of quirky touches like tile mosaics and hand-painted murals throughout the property.

9. The Hicksville Trailer Palace (Joshua Tree)

This funky desert hideaway is like no other. The Hicksville Trailer Palace is a quirky resort offering themed Airstream trailers and cabins, each decorated with its own eccentric style. From the “Cactus Flower” trailer to the “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” inspired room, this spot is perfect for those who love retro kitsch. The on-site amenities include a hot tub, archery, and even a saltwater pool.

10. El Cosmico (Marfa, Texas)

While not in California, it’s worth mentioning for those planning a road trip from California. El Cosmico offers a collection of vintage trailers, teepees, and safari tents for an experience that blends quirky design with desert mystique. Located in the artistic town of Marfa, this place is perfect for those looking to combine creativity with comfort.

From treehouses to trailers, California’s unique hotels offer unforgettable stays for every kind of traveler. If you're looking to book a truly different vacation experience, start planning your trip with these quirky and stylish spots in mind!

For travel deals and tips on how to book the best accommodations for your California adventure, be sure to check out here. Whether you're looking for something fun and offbeat or luxurious and chic, b0arding has you covered for all your travel needs.

[modernarchitecturefirminla]

Celebrating World Dream Day 2024 with Inspiring Architectural Design

As we approach World Dream Day on September 25, 2024, we are thinking of the importance of dreams in shaping the world we live in and the spaces we design. This year’s theme, Dreams for the Future, resonates deeply with our team at Dean Larkin Design, as we’ve always believed that architecture is more than just constructing buildings; we are building dreams. Our mission has been to turn our clients’ visions into reality, creating spaces with inspiring architectural designs that reflect their personal styles and ways of life.

Whether we are designing a family home where memories will be made or luxury vacation homes that transport guests into a world of relaxation and wonder, each project we undertake is a testament to the power of dreams.

Designing Dreams

Over the years, we’ve had the honor of working on projects that go beyond mere structure and function. One of our favorites was the transformation of a Malibu beach house into a personal retreat for a client so they could feel like they were on a permanent vacation. Like a dream, the client could feel like they were escaping to a seaside resort every time they walked in the door. We designed expansive terraces that open directly to the ocean, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The result? A space that feels like a luxury getaway every day of the year.

Another dream-worthy project is the Latimer project. This incredible home was built for clients who wanted an oasis that would also accommodate their active empty-nester lifestyle. So we designed their Rustic Canyon home with unique luxury features. You know how we work; we love to incorporate water and natural elements that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor! For example, one partner wanted a lap pool while the other emphatically did not. So we created a pool with a “lake” feel- and the owner could jump into his lap pool right from the master bedroom. This “lake” included a baja shelf, spa, of course the lap pool and a loggia “island.” Visitors could cross stepping pads to get to the glass entryway. We wanted to create a dream come true with this home and the owners were very happy with the result. In addition, this particular property has been featured on California Homes and was up for a Red Award last year.

Bringing Dream Vacations to Life with Architectural Design

One area that we have been excited about recently is the concept of dream vacation rentals—spaces designed to offer not just comfort, but an experience that feels otherworldly. We recently came across an article from Condé Nast Traveler about architectural masterpieces you can rent for your next vacation, and we couldn’t help but feel a connection to this idea. (You can read the article here.)

We have enjoyed being part of projects that will allow guests to escape to a world where design meets nature. One example is our work in Joshua Tree, where we have designed stunning small homes that are slated to become luxury Airbnb rentals that provide a unique blend of modern design and natural beauty. These rentals will allow people to connect with the beautiful landscape of the desert while indulging in the comforts of a bespoke architectural masterpiece.

One of these projects, the Faith Project, is nearing completion. The shape is uniquely inspired by the Yucca Moth and the need to protect the surrounding Joshua Trees. One of the things we are known to do is orient a home to take advantage of whatever the best views are and we designed the house to open to the hills so occupants could enjoy stunning views when the sun goes down. The home has clean lines, a private pool and unique windows and skylights that allow the natural sunlight to fill the home with brightness. For us, design is never just about creating a place to stay; we want to create a sanctuary where people can come to dream, and enjoy their surroundings.

Dreaming of the Future

As we celebrate World Dream Day 2024, we are excited to continue helping people turn their visions into reality with inspiring architectural design projects. The theme of Dreams for the Future encourages all of us to look forward with hope and creativity. Our team’s creativity is constantly fueled by the desires of our clients. No matter what they dream of, a peaceful retreat in the desert or a modern oasis in the city, our passion is in making those dreams tangible through architecture.

About Dean Larkin Design

Dean Larkin Design was established in Los Angeles in 1999. The architectural design company maximizes the potential of a location and its available natural light sources. Dean Larkin is very familiar with historical and contemporary design in the Los Angeles area, and the firm endeavors to achieve a complexity that is multi-layered with an effortless elegance. For inspiring architectural design that is modern, and that makes specific use of views, lighting and more to unlock your location’s innate potential, contact Dean Larkin Design’s luxury residential architects in the Los Angeles area for a consultation.

Blog is originally published at: https://deanlarkindesign.com/celebrating-world-dream-day-2024-with-inspiring-architectural-design/

It is republished with the permission from the author.