#the *concept* of having a significant other is looking rather appealing

[curiouslyeasy]

sometimes people need more support than one person can give.

[chitra111goddess]

Vedic astrology notes

Based on my own experiences

• shravana girlies are loved by other women and the type to attract both genders. Their femininity is strongly felt 🎀

• anuradha is strongly associated with spiders , spiders become mostly significant for them when they're conquering their fears and owning their power 🕷

• bharani women make rly good leaders as they seem grounded but also people tend to look up to them. Venus energy is elite ✨️

• tiger yonis (chitra/vishaka) are fierceee badass bitches they can come off as Intimidating but ppl can't help but notice them 🐆

• vishaka women start out as "good girls" from a young age but the more society or people try to control them they bottle it up and then lash out or spiral out of control at one point becoming destructive, these women grow more into themselves later as they find it important to be authentic and true to who they are , thats how they shine🌻

• ashlesha women can bring out the worst in someone like they really know how to push someone's buttons lol

• mrigashira women are very smart and intellectual they tend to follow their logic rather than their heart when it comes to relationships 💭 they also can keep secrets v well

• krittika women tend to have messy love lives with love triangles or cheating but they're also v attractive to the opposite sex

• revati women have 2 sides to them they're either badass from the outside and soft from the inside or they show their softness but internally they're badass and smarter than they led on

• jyestha women have so much sex appeal and they're not afraid to show it. They tend to have issues with other women whether its jealousy or competition but that doesn't take away from their success. Jyesthas end up being on top they make sure they win 🔥

• purva phalguni fr are sex freaks both men and women , but they can also channel all that sexual energy and passion into their creations which makes them very passionate and creative people overall

• shatabhisha women are so smart especially when it comes to getting info and secrets out of people but its mostly not for personal gains but for the highest good 👀

• can we talk about swati women and how they're strongly associated with cosmetics and beautification? 💄

• purva bhadrapada women hate being controlled or restricted especially when it comes to ideologies, concepts or beliefs. They don't like to be put in a box or labeled and would push against those barriers

Let me know if I should make more of these or if anything resonates

[cinnamonest]

we've talked about mommy darling and Rhinedottir darling before for Albedo; have we considered Alice darling? sweet momma (soft and squishy...) with just enough crazy to keep Albedo intrigued, and she's so much nicer than Rhine, really wants him to think of himself as part of the family. comes pre-packaged with a kid, too! and if i could be so bold, she's probably still lactating by the time Albedo comes along

only issue is the husband being in the picture still, which Albedo doesn't like, and the fact that you keep running off for Celestia knows what and leaving him behind, which Albedo really doesn't like. you put him in this family, take some responsibility. he won't tolerate a second neglectful momma- er, female... role model...

bless his little artificial heart, he's trying his damn best

In love with this concept anon, as much as I love Creator!Darling there's also an appeal to our baby boy getting this stark contrast of someone treating him nicely for the first time and having no idea how to handle it, developing an obsessive attachment but because it's Him™ he just cannot keep it healthy or sane, poor thing.

He finally gets to meet you after hearing about you before, and you're so sweet and gentle while you talk to him, but he just can't pay attention to anything you're saying because he can't un-glue his eyes from your blatantly swollen tits… it's not fair, it's too distracting. He likes to think of himself as mature and self-disciplined, so it's quite annoying and shameful that he feels so captivated, frustrating that he can't stop himself from looking.

Nor can he stop the weird feeling in his chest. Especially if it's shortly after his abandonment — he's in a state of emotional distress and pain, feels so lost and unwanted and here you are all sweet and doting. It's not just that it's a substitution for his Master, rather, you're nicer and sweeter l, in all his life he's never been treated so well.

Master was always so harsh and biting in her tone, always criticizing him, always manipulating him with threats to leave — and until now, that's really all he's known. But you, you're sweet, even if there's more distance between you two because you don't know each other as well. You smile at him and say nice things, you ask him about himself, you tell him to let me know if you need anything.

It feels strange. It's uncomfortable, in a way, feels like someone peering into his mind and heart, it's vulnerable and makes him squirm, yet, it feels good, he likes it, despite the discomfort. He’s not naive nor lacking self-awareness. He can recognize it for what it is from the start, and for that reason, he desperately seals it away early on, knowing it would not work, knowing you have a family, knowing there's a gap in your stages of life and maturity.

But it’s not wrong to notice you like him, right? Even if not in the same way. He knows you feel positively towards him.

It really hits him hard when, once day, there's some virus or another going around, he catches it and ends up having to stay at home sick, in the little lodging he's been provided in the town. He thinks nothing of it until you come knocking on the door.

You sigh in relief when he opens the door, say you were worried when you hadn't seen him all day. Your eyes widen when he explains (with a stammer he hopes you don't notice) that he's sick.

And your reaction feels so foreign. He's used to a sharp glare, a frustrated sigh, being told to suck it up and get over it and stop making excuses. But you, you start to fuss and coo at him, tell him to go rest, say something about how you'll get him some hot tea and run off, leaving him standing there, staring at the empty hall.

You noticed he was absent. He crossed your mind. It makes sense, in a way, but it just feels so… warm, fuzzy.

He crossed your mind. You think about him. You missed him. How much do you think about him? Do you do it every day? How much space in your mind does he occupy? How significant is he to you? There's this swelling feeling in his chest.

But he's often realistic to the point of pessimism, and so he suppresses the childishly hopeful thoughts with bitter self-criticism — telling himself he's being foolish and ridiculous and self-important to think it's anything more than just by chance, that you just happened to think of him for some reason. Taking that innate sense of wishful thinking in the most vulnerable depths of the heart and crushing it himself before reality does it for him. Less painful that way. It doesn't mean anything, he shouldn't hope for anything, he can't let himself form feelings that are just going to bring him pain in the long run.

And he does try to distance himself from you, for some time. It's like a form of addiction — he really does try, but he finds himself moving on a mental-autopilot anyway, seeking you out, letting the words of are you doing anything later? fall out of his mouth on their own and feeling so elated when you happily, willingly spend time with him.

And in time, he even lets himself start to think too much, stops pushing away those absurd thoughts that he knows better than to allow himself to have because he knows that if he has those thoughts and lets them fester, he's just going to get hurt, because the fantasies will never come to fruition, the feelings will never be reciprocated. He lets himself feel some sense of pride and pure bliss and vague sense of irrational hope when you tell him how grateful you are that he takes such good care of your precious girl when you ask him to look after her and how you're so happy he's bonded to her and tell him that she really looks up to him.

Lets himself bask in your praise and lets himself ride the euphoric high a single nice word from you brings him all day, rather than suppressing it. Lets himself look forward to seeing you, something he felt was only going to go badly for him and thus suppressed before.

Lets himself indulge in long drawn-out fantasies that he knows are so unrealistic and shameful, gradually progressing over time from embarrassingly vulnerable thoughts of your praise and kindness and affection, allowing the depravity and perversion he's repressed to slowly seep out further and further until the fantasies progress into those that have him locking his door and panting and gripping the table with his other hand until he's shivering and slouched over in the shameful clarity that follows.

He also tries to fight these thoughts and feelings initially not only because they're shameful and vulnerable, but because these feelings are accompanied by a much darker feelings, too.

One that is strictly unpleasant, rather than the other, more confusing uncomfortable-but-good feelings. This burning, twisting feeling in his gut and chest, whenever he sees you with others, particularly when you smile or laugh. The way the bitter heat blazes whenever he thinks about the fact that you had to be with some other man to have your child. The way his muscles tense and his eye twitches and he grips his utensils harder as he works. He's certain those feelings aren't good — rather, they're very bad, dangerous even.

The other is the longing, yearning pain when you're gone. He has to struggle to summon the motivation to work — what's the point, when he won't see you all day? The work itself isn't motivating enough anymore like it used to be — something that concerns him, yet remains true all the same. He works slower, he mopes, he doesn't do much of anything until you return, at which point his mood suddenly does a complete reversal, and he feels happy and good and motivated again. He knows that's not good, he knows that degree of dependency is alarming, but it's beyond his ability to resolve. It's a frustrating feeling, identifying a problem but having no way to resolve it.

The feeling of frustration only grows when the yearning itself begins to metamorphosize. It shifts over time, a sad longing that begins to turn to frustration, then bitterness, and finally reaches a low, dark resentment. One he knows is irrational, but the thoughts come anyway — why would you leave him alone here? What's more important than he is? Doesn't he deserve to have you stay with him? Don't you realize he's sad when you're gone?

Didn't you once say you'd be there if he ever needed anything? That you'd help him in any way you could? How do you intend to do that when you're gone so often, huh?

These thoughts can only grow worse with time, and yet, by this point, it's not a matter of letting himself do anything — the thoughts just happen, flowing out without any reign, and even if he tries to summon some restraint, they just slip through. Spiteful, bitter, vengeful, selfish, childish thoughts, darker —

(If you're just going to use him to take care of your kid, shouldn't you treat him like a partner, too? Isn't that selfish of you to not give that to him? Doesn't he do a lot for you? Doesn't he deserve a reward?)

— and darker and darker —

(Maybe you do know how he feels. You're just pretending not to. You know. You're just using him. You're taking advantage of him.)

— and he lets his mind sink to its lowest point.

You're just like her.

Yes, the bitterness gets strong. A sense of entitlement, frustration, a sense of transgression. You just dump your kid off on him to help care for, and then leave? And then you have the audacity to give him money, gifts, so on and so on when your return from your long trips.

As if that's what he wants, as if he cares about things like that. It feels insulting, almost, he'd rather have nothing if you're not going to give him what he actually wants. It feels like some pathetic attempt at substituting, even if rationally, he knows you don't mean it that way.

But bitterness easily overrides rationality, and so maybe he can let himself feel that way. Let himself feel a bit mad about it. Let himself grind his teeth and clench his hand into a fist when you start talking about your next journey you're planning, even if he responds with perfect calmness in his voice, a skill that strikes him as increasingly remarkable when he's so so so damn mad on the inside.

And maybe, if the frustration becomes more than he can bear, if it overrides his sense and inhibition entirely, he can finally let himself act on it too…

[sol-consort]

I love the idea of the aliens being absolutely freaked out (positively) about each other's looks.. And I *love* the idea of the aliens being so curious and/or weirded out about human hair, especially since humans are the only ones to have it! Like it's just.. *there* maybe it short maybe it's really long, maybe it's not even there for some! Maybe it's colorful and distracting maybe it's neat and not really altered 🤔

Anyway a krogan girlfriend pulling on her human gfs hair as she goes down on her.

Uhhh must have been the wind... 🤷‍♀️

(And nO I refuse to believe quarians look like a yassified version of humans, their original design will always be canon to me, let them be weird looking and bald!!)

They'd be more on the weirded-out side than freaked-out. The animals on their planets definitely have fur. So it's more of a "didn't expect one of those fluffy animals to have the capacity to evolve into a sentient species" case rather than "wtf is that on your head?"

If you want to take it in a grim direction, you could make a case about how aliens might view humans as less intelligent and more feral because of the whole hair ordeal. Leading to prejudice against humans, yk space racism.

Or on a more wish-fullfilment fantasy direction, the worst that'd happen is them considering humans to be adorable. Think of an alien evolving with cat appearance characteristics and tell me you wouldn't find them cute.

It's jarring at first; fur used to be an exclusively animal trait, a pet characteristic. And now came the humans who insist on referring to their fur as "hair", whose biology kept it in their gene pool for some reason, and made it a main point in aesthetic appeal and self expression.

Hair symbolises many things to us, most importantly, autonomy, freedom, and choice.

Hair holds memories. You cut it off to have a fresh start, and you nurture it long to see how far you've come. Its growth shows the passage of time, its colouration shows our current stage of life and can be a measurement of stress. Neglecting it may indicate a struggle in mental health.

We dye it, we style it, and we come up with specific chemical mixtures for shampoos to accommodate all different hair types. It can showcase your culture and heritage. It can hold religious significance.

Hair takes up space, it has weight, it sheds, it takes time to style, constant maintenance to brush and wash, specific jewellery and ties to adorn it with. From an outsider perspective, it might seem borderline obsessive how much attention humans pay to their own hair and groom it.

It's affected by the weather, it can frizz up, it can become greasy on its own, it can shrink, and it can be shaped by heat. There is a whole science behind human hair, an entire economy built around this one body part, that's how much of a cultural significance it holds.

The Mass Effect aliens would never understand that. They can't even begin to grasp the concept when they've known hair for so long as this thing that covers varren and some of their cattle. No matter how much you explain, it will always seem bizarre to them that an entire species would put so much emphasis on a useless bodypart that's not even alive except for the root.

First few years into the human galactic integration would have the aliens believe human hair naturally grows very short, since the human space population will be mostly made out of military personnel by that point.

Until the civilians began moving into colonies and the Citadel. Vividly dyed hair, intricate lace wigs, butterfly braids, loose beach curls, beads weaved into the hair, and everything under the sun. The hairstyles that scream high maintenance, the ones only a free roaming civilian can afford to have and maintain.

The fluffy hair with soft curls, the elegant hair with defined shiny coils, the sleek brushed back without a hair out of place kind, the puffy glamorous type with good volume. The list goes on, hair takes all shapes and forms.

An asari could spend an entire lifetime studying hair and its significance in human existence.

Much like you and I would like to take a closer look on a drell's scales, closely examine a krogan shell, or trace the sharp edges of a turian's razor teeth. But realistically, won't because it would be a weird thing to ask someone out of the blue, most aliens are endlessly curious about this hair atop your head, those eyebrows you scrunch when confused, those eyelashes you flutter at them, that layer of subtle frizz of hair on your face, the one that covers your arms, your legs, even your most intimate places.

Repeat after me:

Aliens. Would. Not. Have. The. Same. Impression. On. Bodyhair. As. Human. Society. Does.

Not only would they not understand why some humans shave their body, they'd be completely dumbfounded by shaving ads. That woman in the ads clearly has hair on her head! So why is she only removing the hair on her leg?

Some would even enjoy the feeling of running their claws/palms/whatever-alien-anatomy-hand up against your leg and feeling the soft hair. Your alien partner seeing you in lingerie and that peaking tuff of pubic hair from under your tight lacey panties is enough to blow a fuse in their brain and get them to bounce on you, mouth watering at the idea of eating you out.

In a more professional setting, humans won't be looked down upon or judged for not shaving their legs or arms whilst wearing a skirt. It's genuinely incomprehensible to the salarians interviewing you why this would even be something to mention, let alone affect their judgement in measuring your capability for this job.

We're alien to them. A lot of our "social taboos" would be absolutely mundane in their view. Turians don't even have breasts. That concept is bizarre to them. Your turian roommate won't think anything of it if you decide to free the nipple around your shared apartment one day.

[devine-fem]

Re: pinned post, what do you have against Tim Drake? This isn't a "hurr durr how dare you" question, just genuinely curious about your perspective.

It’s nothing that deep to be honest. Before I heavily disliked him, I just thought he wasn’t appealing and literally never gave him a second thought, even with barebones information of DC, other Robins interested me more.

Then after a while, I found him genuinely annoying like when he was on screen, I was somewhat annoyed like I would rather read anything else with any other character. Then a lot of the arcs where Tim gets sad and undergoes some sort of trauma I just find him whiney, I think it’s because he was a cishet white character that was sobbing about his trauma which I always find annoying in any piece of media, I’m sorry, I don’t relate to this cishet white character that breaks down after one little bad thing happens in their life, tighten tf up, then his whole “Batman needs a Robin” concept doesn’t appeal to me.

I don’t like his relationship with his friends because a lot of the time writers will destroy, Cassie, Kon and Bart’s character to prop him up, it’s annoying, one of the reasons I hate Timkon.

Then with how DC loves to prop up Tim and assassinate Damian’s character on Tim’s behalf to be like “Oh look how amazing Tim Drake is” “we miss our relatable cishet white boy robin!” ugh, please shut up. Even now, I’m sorry, Tim Drake is still the Tim Drake of the 2000s to me, I don’t care about no boyfriend.

Let him move away from the Robin mantle so he’s not in my comics anymore, jesus. Peak Tim Drake was yj98 because he barely had any significance to the plot and was done wrong by the other characters often so I could actually defend him, I honestly prefer their old dynamic in yj98 like where Tim is trying to get the mission done, kind of third wheeling to Bart and Kon doing crazy shit in the back, but people in fandom pretend it was the other way around ever since the big wave of Timkon, but eh, other than that. I just dislike the guy and will complain about him on my page, be warned.

[saintsenara]

rare pair tag game

thanks for the tag, @said-snape-softly :)

i'm pretty sure everyone has done this by now, but if you'd like to, please consider this a blanket tag.

apart from all the tomarry and the odd dabble in remadora, i am a rare-pair enthusiast, so i am delighted to spread some propaganda here... the criterion i've used for a rare-pair is less than 2500 works on ao3.

pairs, little metas, fic recommendations, and some suggestions for authors to follow under the cut.

sirius black/severus snape

why i ship it:

this one can just about claim to be a rare-pair.

sirius and severus are narrative mirrors, whose complicated relationship to themselves and to each other is crucial for driving several of the most important arcs in the series.

in particular, sirius - constantly haunted by guilt and grief over his role in the death of the man he loved [you can decide if his love for james is platonic or not, but i definitely think the text thinks it isn't...], trapped in his childhood home, unable to have his real loyalties acknowledged before his death by the fact he's on the run - leads harry through his journey in hero-worshipping, then being disappointed in, then forgiving james. and then promptly dies.

this is one of harry's most significant areas of personal growth - it begins to chip away at his rather black-and-white morality, which is finally destroyed by his ability to confront the complexity of dumbledore in deathly hallows - but it is also key narratively: harry coming to understand james starts to hint to the reader that it is lily - otherwise absent from her son's conception of himself - who is the key to the mystery...

which brings us to severus - constantly haunted by guilt and grief over his role in the death of the woman he loved, trapped in his childhood home, unable to have his real loyalties acknowledged before his death by the fact he's a spy - who gives harry, and us, the final piece of the puzzle. and then promptly dies.

put them together, though? well, you get the delicious tension of two fundamentally broken people - who cannot comprehend the possibility of their own redemption - bound to each other. can they forgive each other and themselves? is it a disaster? the story can go either way.

and even in fluff there is so much potential for d r a m a between sirius' recklessness and severus' cunning, sirius' emotional control and severus' temper, the fact that sirius is canonically hot and severus is canonically not, how they react to harry and draco [i don't usually accept the fanon that severus is his godfather, except when it means snack can be fighting about it], and so on.

and i'm a sucker for two bitter old men getting a happy ending. sue me.

want to give it a read?

if you trust nothing else i say in my life [and why should you] you can trust this - second life by nwhiker and cassandra7 is one of the greatest pieces of writing i have ever seen, not only in this pairing but in this fandom full stop. it's a profound and solemn meditation on loving and grieving, choice and chance, and the great pain caused by the divide between the magical and the muggle worlds.

then, for gorgeous angst with a happy ending - two boys kissing by @writcraft and the merit in trying by brightened

albus dumbledore/tom riddle | voldemort

why i ship it:

the facetious answer is because they wouldn't be so obsessed with each other if there wasn't some sexual tension underneath it.

the facetious and nsfw answer is because it appeals to the part of me whose favourite book aged 11 was lolita

the serious answer is that they should be horrifying together: they're both liars; both incredibly self-righteous; both living behind masks which conceal their true emotions and motivations; dumbledore took one look at tom as an eleven-year-old, said "he reminds me of gellert", and then did nothing about it; tom thinks dumbledore's a hypocrite and is right, although not for the reasons he thinks; there is a colossal age gap; there is virtually no scenario in any timeline where they could be openly in a relationship unless one of them is concealing his identity; and - really, this seems quite minor in the grand scheme of things - they are constantly trying to destroy each other.

but.

intellectually, they are the only two characters in the series who could be the other's equal - i'm sure that violent arguments about the twelve uses of dragon's blood trigger the majority of their sexual encounters, and a man who's passionate about your research is hot.

if either of them ever fancy being honest - so, no - there is a shared cavernous [although, in tom's case, unacknowledged] grief in their lives which has shaped their not-as-divergent-as-the-text-thinks-they-are views on death, love, duty and so on. their active refusal to understand each other [i.e. dumbledore entirely misreading voldemort's motivations in the job interview scene] and commitment to constantly underestimating each other [i.e. voldemort bouncing around like an idiot in the chamber of secrets instead of using his brain and remembering what a phoenix is] could, in time, lead to something almost resembling acceptance. i mean, just imagine the hurt/comfort sex which happens when voldemort finds out about grindledore.

the way dumbledore describes the young riddle - "self-sufficient, secretive, and, apparently, friendless" - is also an exact description of him. that each sees himself in the other canonically drives their hatred of each other, but it could also appeal to two very vain men in a much racier way. after all, who doesn't want to bang their narrative mirror?

and being an orphan probably doesn't seem so bad when you realise your boyfriend's family is aberforth.

want to give it a read?

i can't recommend concordance by @laeveteinn enough, particularly for one of the best-written dumbledores i've ever seen. i find dumbledore is often written either as far more whimsical than i'd like, or far more fiery and radical [when one of his most interesting personality traits in canon is his tendency towards inaction], but this dumbledore is the perfect balance of contradictions, while tom is his canonical feral self, longing to perceived, rather than the emotionless sociopath of so many other stories.

i also recommend as an entire ocean in a drop by eldritcher, which really leans into just how similar these two are underneath all the artifice.

albus dumbledore/severus snape

why i ship it:

well, we've had dumbledore with one lost boy, let's have him with another [i haven't been brave enough to venture into dumbledore/harry yet, but i'll take recommendations...]

as with riddledore, we have the potential for horror here: a vast power imbalance; enormous age gap; the fact dumbledore sends snape out to potentially die every time he goes off to voldemort; and - this is the crucial one - the fact that dumbledore's recognition of himself in snape is pure self-loathing ["you disgust me"] manifested in punishment [allowing snape to be humiliated in front of fudge, not stopping the presumed-to-be-real moody searching his office, making him give harry occlumency lessons, not letting him teach defence against the dark arts].

but then this stops, when snape does the tremendously brave thing of agreeing to kill dumbledore, and their dynamic equalises, as dumbledore recognises that snape is courageous, steadfast, and redeemed. i'm always struck in half-blood prince by the fact that dumbledore has it with harry's sniping about snape and straight-up tells him to shut up, as well as by the fact that he very nearly gives the game away and confesses why snape switched sides [the thing he promised not to do] when harry finds out it was snape who gave voldemort the prophecy.

and within this equalised dynamic - so this hot geriatric sex is happening in the afterlife, i guess - we have two men who are intellectual close-to-equals, who understand grief and guilt, whose aesthetic senses are charmingly mismatched, who are rarely honest but might be for each other, and who have lots of profound similarities which might lead somewhere...

want to give it a read?

cheerfully disregarding everything i've just said about how snumbledore could work, i highly recommend in infinite remorse of soul by @perverse-idyll, which is a chilling look at how dumbledore uses the power imbalance between the two to assuage his own guilt through snape's humiliation.

for something much more wholesome, i'm a big fan of byzantium by eldritcher

petunia dursley/severus snape

why i ship it:

because vernon is a dick.

i'm fond of petunia, who i think is one of the most interesting characters in the series because of how full of contradictions she is, and who i think is also a victim in fandom spaces of how the adult cast was aged up for the films [in canon, she's only in her early twenties when lily dies, and the implication is that vernon is a good deal older than her)] which makes her inadequacies, such as her inability to truly care for either child in the household, seem much more nuanced than they do if she's pictured as a middle-aged woman with considerable life experience.

like snape, she teeters on a knife edge between various chasms: she is a working-class girl from the midlands made good in middle-class surrey, he is a working-class half-blood boy who spends most of his life in pureblood circles; she ends up with her whole life wrapped up in a square little house when she's barely out of her teens, he ends up with his whole life wrapped up in spying at the same age; she hates the wizarding world and yet covets it, he hates the muggle world and yet cannot escape it; she loves lily and she hates her and she loathes her for dying, he... well, you know the rest.

want to give it a read?

i was first convinced by this pairing by the lovely regretfully yours by @maria-de-salinas, which takes both snape and petunia's awkwardness and bitterness and moulds it into something really tender.

i also highly recommend barking at the moon by rinsbane, the summary of which speaks for itself.

merope gaunt/tom riddle sr.

why i ship it:

our first canon pairing, and probably the most problematic of the canon relationships, since the series never acknowledges that tom sr. is a rape victim.

but i have found myself recently in my merope era and, in particular, in an attempt to give her more nuance than she gets in canon. as i've said to anyone who'll listen in the three broomsticks discord server, i loathe the implication in canon that merope dies because she just cba to live [since it directly justifies voldemort's belief that her death was shameful] and prefer to see her as someone who was desperate to escape a truly horrifying life [the fact she's going to be forced into an incestuous relationship with morfin is right there in canon...] and so did something she didn't have the capacity to understand the implications of [this is not a woman who's ever heard of consent] because she thought it would give her the first chance to be happy in her life, watched it all crash and burn around her, and would have very much liked to have lived to raise her son.

i doubt there was anything real or tender in her relationship with tom sr., of course, and his escape - while merely a brief stay of execution from his son's perspective - is tremendously brave. it's impossible to write tom/merope fluff [although i respect you if you're inclined to try] but fanfiction gives a space to explore the intricacies of their relationship which canon doesn't allow, and i'm obsessed.

want to give it a read?

i'm recommending myself here, and assuring you that you will enjoy: enchanter's nightshade, which explores how merope's attempts to keep her husband enslaved fail; the snow child, which treats the relationship as folk-horror; and the shack at the end of the lane, in which there is redemption, in the end.

the best exploration of tom sr. dealing with the fallout of the relationship is @phantomato's exquisite ganymede, which feels so truly embodied that you can't pull yourself away from the page.

bellatrix lestrange/tom riddle | voldemort

why i ship it:

our second canon pairing, i am obsessed with these two and the tragedy and - to some extent - tenderness bound up in their relationship [which can be proven to be there because noted softy @whinlatter loves them].

i've written before about my conviction - in contrast to a lot of bellatrix fans - that her relationship with rodolphus is utterly miserable, and that voldemort is the only man in her life who can understand her desire to make a life for herself which is not constrained by the gendered expectations of her social class.

obviously, lord voldemort is not a shining paragon of a boyfriend [and he is an awful choice as a baby daddy, bella, get it together], but i think the enormous power imbalance is perhaps slightly less enormous than is sometimes assumed - certainly, she tells him to his face in half-blood prince that he's wrong to trust snape [she's a clever woman], voldemort never physically punishes her for anything [rip to lucius malfoy, who seems to get picked for this in her stead], and voldemort tolerates a surprising amount of nonsense from her which shatters his mystique.

all of which is to say... the scream when she dies isn't just because he's losing the war.

want to give it a read?

tee hee, i'm recommending myself again, and encouraging you to take a look at: atramentum, bellamort's last afternoon together before voldemort goes to the potters; nor all that glisters gold, bellatrix's life - including her relationship with voldemort - through sirius' eyes; and death (eaters) in paradise, because murderous psychopaths deserve crack fics too.

draco malfoy/tom riddle | voldemort

why i ship it:

because the ship name is taco.

these two are a pairing which i enjoy with my tongue firmly in my cheek [and tom's tongue firmly in draco's], as i do with most other things in which draco is a main character [do i want to read drarry angst? no! do i want to chuckle? absolutely!], although this should not be taken as saying that many of taco's fabulous authors don't manage to make the pairing entirely plausible.

in fact, consensual taco [non-con is, of course, its own beast] often has some of the best characterisation of both tom [fretful, mercurial, stubborn, and nowhere near as charming as he thinks he is] and draco [prissy, a very good judge of character, someone who likes being taken care of, and much braver than he appears if he absolutely has to be] i've seen in the fandom, largely because - unlike other voldemort-centric ships [especially tomarry, but also voldemort + any of the adult death eaters] - there's no sense of inevitability there. these two aren't connected by a shared bit of soul, or a prophecy, or having gone to school together, or having been hooked in by voldemort in the first war when he was unassailable.

they have to choose each other. or, more accurately, draco has to choose tom, and tom has to get chosen.

and the results have me entertained.

want to give it a read?

then you will want to have a look at the travelling cabinet by @the-paper-monkey [and its sequel, bluebeard], truly the gold standard of taco content with an absolutely brilliant draco, whose sheer capacity to cling on and make himself an irremovable part of tom's life may just end up changing the course of history.

narcissa malfoy/severus snape

why i ship it:

because i am in deep with the conspiracy theory that it's canon. i am absolutely certain that narcissa is the person that voldemort is referring to at the end of deathly hallows - "he desired her, that was all, but when she had gone, he agreed that there were other women, and of purer blood, worthier of him". it seems highly unlikely to me that the canonical voldemort would give a shit about snape fancying any random pureblood [although the snapemort version is, naturally, hugely jealous], but snape having had some sort of liaison with narcissa, and the ability knowing this gives voldemort to humiliate snape, narcissa, the memory of lily, bellatrix, lucius, and draco is definitely information he would go out of his way to remember...

plus, how do you know where he lives, babe? v suspicious.

want to give it a read?

if you want some fluff, you will very much enjoy the incredibly sweet the reformed man by gingertart50, which features narcissa nursing snape back to health post-nagini and is a favourite re-read for me when i'm drunk and it's christmas.

if you want some very-much-not-fluff, other women and of purer blood by yours truly will scratch the itch...

minerva mcgonagall/severus snape

why i ship it:

because i'm an equal-opportunity age-gap fan, and there is far too little older woman/younger man in the fandom.

and look, i'll admit it, i'm a fan of the fanon that snape and mcgonagall are friends prior to dumbledore's death - i'm not sure it's canonically plausible, but this sign can't stop me because i can't read - and i like the idea of that blossoming into something more, especially in fics where snape survives the second war. after all, he is a man who definitely needs to be treated quite strictly [and i don't just mean in the staff room], there is a shared loneliness and grief to them both, they're intellectual equals despite the age gap, and bickering about quidditch is absolutely fine as a method of foreplay.

plus, you can't tell me dumbledore's portrait doesn't ship it.

want to give it a read?

for a fic which shows minerva at her acerbic - and yet still sensual - best, always but not necessarily forever by gingertart50 is an old, fluffy, and very funny, favourite.

for something much more bittersweet, that good night by kelly_chambliss has my heart.

severus snape/tom riddle | voldemort

why i ship it:

because voldemort is canonically down bad for it - there is no need to believe snape's ridiculous cover story for not attending his resurrection, to try and spare lily as a treat for his man, and to give him a nice, painful death which allows the narrative to move on and harry to defeat him if the dark lord isn't firmly in his simp era.

more seriously, they obviously have an enormous amount in common, particularly in terms of their backgrounds [harry draws a connection between all three of them, but actually the fact that harry is rich in the wizarding world, not a slytherin, and with a muggle mother, therefore giving him a pureblood name, means he can't relate to the post-childhood experience of both halves of snapemort].

as a result, i think snape is the death eater who comes the closest to understanding voldemort's motivations - above all, the fact that he's not seeking an oligarchy, which the malfoys etc. obviously believe - while voldemort is someone snape feels understands his intellectual interests and his creativity.

want to give it a read?

boy, are you in luck, because i myself have a snapemort wip - scylla and charybdis. it is not wholesome.

tom riddle/myrtle warren

why i ship it:

because it started as crack and now i love them.

in particular, i just have so much respect for being incredibly annoying as a method of seduction, and i think myrtle's commitment to just following tom around chattering at him - and, therefore, without her realising it, preventing him from committing all sorts of crimes - is iconic.

want to give it a read?

then my unhinged rom-com - bookbinding - shall provide.

tom riddle | voldemort/ginny weasley

why i ship it:

because i enjoy seeing my dear friends who ship hinny shake and cry.

but also because ginny and tom have an enormous number of similarities, right down to the fact that they both have yew wands [if you're sick of people saying harry has an oedipus complex, you'll be delighted to be confronted with the mountain of evidence ginny reminds him of the villain who keeps trying to kill him instead].

they are both very good liars, quick thinking, remarkably resistant to shame, possessed of nerves of steel, predisposed to violence, brown-eyed, so hot they have harry gagged, and the profound enemy of someone whose surname is smith.

despite what he claims, tom was absolutely not just sat politely in that diary gritting his teeth while ginny complained about having second hand robes and idiot brothers. as he says, he opted "to start feeding [her] a few of my secrets", and i think it's justifiable from canon that they were at the very least half-truths [for example, i would not be shocked to discover he tells her he's a half-blood orphan brought up against his will in the muggle world - there's no other reason, i think, for him to successfully make her tell him these things about harry without it], which means that ginny has lots of lovely emotional leverage over him.

plus, as with tomarry, you have the element of "this is kind of inevitable" in the relationship, and the mysteries of fate are always sexy.

want to give it a read?

this is a tommary/hinny/tominny triad, but it has had me in a chokehold since the first time i read it - shameful company by merrivale, which, truly iconically, manages to be epilogue compliant.

[rallamajoop]

Moreau's secret romantic movie fixation

Most of what you’ll find online searching for cut content from RE8 really isn’t ‘cut content’ so much as ‘rejected ideas that never made it past the concept stage.’ Early plans like having Ada Wong swanning around the village in a plague mask or that Miranda would be a foreign researcher probably never got near the finished game. You can find tons of rejected early concepts like this in the extra concept art that comes with the RE7 DLC pack (or online, for all those who’d rather not shell out that much extra money for a few extra gallery files).

But there is at least one detail from that early concept art that I’m confident did make it almost all the way into the finished game, and it’s that little tidbit about Moreau’s love of sappy romantic movies.

The biggest single piece of evidence I can cite you for this is that you can still find an unused asset for a film poster that was meant to appear in Moreau’s room.

This was to be a collectable treasure item, like Dimitrescu’s lipstick and wine glass. There’s even a description for it ("Poster for an old movie Moreau liked. It's too damaged to read.") which feels pretty significant. There are plenty of other unused treasure item assets in that same folder (I’ll probably get to posting about them later), but the film poster is the only one I could find a description for – complete with translations into all the many different languages supported by the game. I’m guessing that means this one got really close to the final cut.

But the best part? If you look closely at that poster, you might just be able to make out the title. And if you google that title, it turns out this little game asset is based on a real poster for a real movie.

(Yes, that tagline really does read, "When Tragedy Struck, Love Came to the Rescue.")

I haven’t seen Ice Castles myself, but if the Wikipedia summary is to be believed, it’s a 1978 American romantic drama about a young figure skater who loses (most of) her sight in a tragic accident. With the help of her boyfriend, she eventually comes to accept that, because she can still see just well enough to make out the bounds of the rink, she can still work past her disability to realise her dreams. I don’t need to spell out why a film like Ice Castles might particularly appeal to someone like Moreau, do I? Poor guy.

The poster isn’t the only reason I’m convinced secret-romantic-Moreau made it almost to production. Let’s go back to that concept picture again, where Moreau is eating cheese while watching old romantic movies on his TV screen.

Well, the movie may not have made it in, but TV did. So did the cheese.

More importantly, consider the scene where Ethan sneaks up behind Moreau to find the Rose flask unattended. Moreau himself is looking away, apparently focused on his TV screen, though it shows only static. And then he vomits dramatically, and utters the words “Oh Mother Miranda, if it’s for you, I’d do anything.”

I mean, it’s obvious what was meant to be going on here, right? Moreau’s watching a film as Ethan walks in, and sighing at some torridly romantic scene. There’s probably just been some hero or heroine earnestly utter some similar dialog like, “Oh [insert name here], I’d do anything for you!” All the pieces are there except the film itself!

(Do we need to take a moment here to acknowledge the, er, Oedipal implications of Moreau comparing his devotion to Miranda to a presumably-romantic scene? Because... well, it can be easy to overstate that sort of thing, but I don't think it's a stretch to suggest Moreau really would do anything for Mother Miranda.)

So why didn’t the movie make the cut? Why are we left with Moreau watching only static from his poster-less room?

I can only speculate, but a few possible answers come to mind. Maybe the team worried that making Moreau a closet romantic would render their revolting fish-man a little too sympathetic, or a little too comical. Maybe they had trouble finding a film clip that worked for that scene without leaving Ethan awkwardly watching a movie over Moreau’s shoulder for longer than really worked. Maybe test audiences were so distracted by the film going on the background that they missed what was going on in the foreground with the Rose jar. Maybe there were licensing issues around including that Ice Castles poster, or whatever film footage they wanted to show (which I feel obligated to point out may have been some other film altogether). These kinds of snags get in the way of productions all the time. C’est la vie.

The scene still works without the movie playing. But it’s hard to miss what was supposed to be going on.

Still, while I’m talking Moreau, and Moreau’s TV, have a little bonus speculation about Moreau’s relationship with the guy who presumably installed that TV for him: Heisenberg.

It seems to be pretty popular out there in RE8-fanon land to cast Heisenberg as actually-very-fond of Donna, or the Dimitrescu daughters, etc etc – and that irks me a bit, because I’ve yet to see any take on it that feels in-character for anyone involved. Even putting aside Donna’s own issues and the whole Dimitrescu connection, Heisenberg’s seething contempt for the rest of his ‘family’ is not exactly ambiguous. But even with all that said, there are few intriguing hints that good ol’ Karl might just have the teeniest little soft spot for his ‘moronic freak’ of a brother, Moreau.

The big one is that tidbit from Moreau’s diary that I already touched on in my post on the four lords, where Heisenberg apparently comforts him about his place in the family:

Mother Miranda gave me a Rose jar. No one likes me which is why I thought they would leave me out again. But Heisenberg said that was why we each get a Rose. The ceremony cannot happen without us all there.

Now, you can debate how ‘comforting’ this would have come out in practice. Knowing Heisenberg, whatever he said may have been more of a sneering dig at Moreau's intelligence than real reassurance – but even so, just reminding Moreau that he's an essential part of the plan pretty could qualify as an uncharacteristically kind gesture (and perhaps only more so if Heisenberg knew even then that it was a comforting lie).

When I say Heisenberg ‘presumably’ installed Moreau’s TV, I do mean presumably. At the end of the day, there’s a TV screen in Moreau’s quarters that Heisenberg can hijack to spy on or talk to Ethan for the same reason there’s one in some back room behind a stronghold full of lycans: the plot requires it to be there, and it’s easier to use the same asset twice. But it’s no fun sticking to rigidly Doylist analysis, so what could be the story behind it? Have some possibilities:

Moreau got hold of the TV himself, but Heisenberg snuck in at some point and modified it so he can use it to spy on his ‘brother’, without Moreau’s knowledge.

Heisenberg installed or repaired the TV for Moreau under the guise of letting him watch films on it, but secretly also uses it as a monitoring device.

Moreau is fully aware the TV can be used for remote communication and chats to Heisenberg through it regularly. Given that his film obsession didn’t make it into the finished game, maybe that’s all he thinks it does. Maybe he was even just talking to Heisenberg before Ethan walks in.

Though that first option is a workable interpretation, you could also question what Heisenberg imagined he’d ever see Moreau doing that was worth spying on. Our other obvious options are that Moreau thinks Heisenberg installed that TV for the primary purpose of enabling his 900th rewatch of The Shape of Water (oh come on, you know he loves that film), or that it’s so they can talk without leaving home. Heisenberg’s still a creep for rigging it to spy on him, but there’s another surprisingly thoughtful gesture buried in there somewhere.  

There’s one last barely-qualifying little detail that intrigues me, and that’s that both Moreau and Heisenberg seem to have similar ideas about Miranda’s plans for Ethan. Heisenberg states outright that he believes Miranda is testing Ethan, to see if he’s worthy of joining her family. And Moreau bemoans that ‘It’s not fair, I should be with her, not you!’

Neither Dimitrescu or Angie echo any similar ideas, and nor does anything Miranda actually says to Ethan suggest Heisenberg has the right idea (like so much in this mad fairy tale, the vibes are much stronger than the internal consistency). But if Moreau has the same idea as Heisenberg, despite being so generally clueless about the Rose jars and Miranda’s intent, it’s natural to suppose it’s Heisenberg he got it from. So we’ve got another possible hint that Heisenberg’s closer to Moreau than his other siblings.  

To be clear, none of this means Heisenberg has ever been nice to Moreau. He dismisses Moreau as a moronic freak, and seems unbothered by Moreau’s death. Moreau’s diary makes clear that no-one in the family is nice to him, or generally ‘includes him’ in things (though it’s hard to imagine they much include each other either). Even hinting to Moreau about Miranda’s plans could well have been a means to goad him into conflict with Ethan. I doubt Heisenberg would have had much interest in sitting down to watch Moreau’s favourite movies with him either.

But it’s not hard to imagine Heisenberg basically viewing Moreau something of an annoying, stupid, snot-nosed little brother – pitiable, but not too pathetic to inspire the odd gem of real sympathy or uncharacteristic kindness. Heisenberg’s obviously spent years telling himself that only the strong survive, that those ignorant villagers deserve their lot, that he can’t afford weakness, but it’s tempting to think that maybe giving Moreau that TV wasn’t a completely cynical gesture. After all, doesn’t every Frankenstein-wannabe need an Igor?

To finish, have some more extracted assets of Moreau-related pics from Miranda's laboratory. I just love the style and detail that went into these.

[randomvarious]

Today's compilation:

Billboard R&B Hits - 1956 1989 Rock & Roll / Doo Wop / R&B

1956 really appears to have been one of the single-most important years in the history of the US music industry, because this was the first full year in which Billboard's general pop chart—the brand new Top 100—started integrating black artists at levels that had been previously unprecedented. Prior to '56, one could find plenty of examples in which songs had gone to #1 on the R&B chart—which was almost exclusively occupied by black artists—but then failed to touch any part of the corresponding general pop chart; and this new Top 100 concept, which had been first unveiled in November of the year prior, helped to reduce that glaring discrepancy significantly, and therefore reflected a more accurate representation of all the music that was being bought and played all across America too.

And so, one just has to wonder then, how different might our own general pop landscape look today if not for this major change back in 1955? For example, hip hop is the single-most popular genre in the world currently, but had black music not been integrated more representationally into the gold standard of American pop charts almost 70 years ago, does it flourish on enough of a commercial level in order to eventually produce a new, mass-appealing genre like disco? And then does a group like Miami's KC & The Sunshine Band string together a significant amount of #1s in order to alter disco's own trajectory? And then with disco being so popular, do Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers write Chic's "Good Times"? And then after that song hits #1, does Sylvia Robinson then put together the Sugarhill Gang and have a band incorporate it into "Rapper's Delight"? You see what I'm getting at here, right? Kind of a big tipping point moment.

So while the 1955 installment in this Billboard Top R&B Hits series contains four songs that went to #1 on R&B, but didn't make the general pop chart, not a single song on this 1956 edition ended up suffering that same fate; in fact, every song on this comp made both charts in some capacity. And of the thirty top-ranked year-end hits on Billboard's R&B chart for 1956, only one in total that went to #1 failed to make it onto the Top 100.

So, what a difference a year makes, huh? And credit to America's foremost chart researcher, Joel Whitburn, and Rhino Records too, for leaving both Elvis and Carl Perkins off of this comp, because while those guys were pretty major exceptions to what is otherwise almost an entirely black chart, I think it's better to have less appreciated songs by black artists in a series like this, rather than, say, Elvis' rendition of "Hound Dog" or Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," both of which ended up doing very well on the R&B chart in '56, but can also be easily found in plenty of other places too.

Two hootin' and hollerin' Little Richard rollickers in "Long Tall Sally" and "Tutti Frutti," plus the terrific doo wop-rocker of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers are on here, by the way. And as an adolescent performer leading his older groupmates, Frankie Lymon basically walked so someone like a young Michael Jackson could eventually run more than a decade later too 👀.

Highlights:

Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" Little Richard - "Long Tall Sally" The Five Satins - "In the Still of the Nite" Shirley & Lee - "Let the Good Times Roll" Little Richard - "Tutti-Frutti"

[soul-our-punk]

What are we even doing here?

The more people who understand there are ways to meet your needs, and not at the cost of someone else's needs, the better. Particularly if they don't hold bigoted views which lead to silly things like going out of your way to prevent someone else from having their needs met. Making the world worse for someone because you don't know how to make it better for yourself. Life's hard enough without wasting your precious time, energy, and creative force on how to afflict your neighbor.

For my part, I like to think there are more people in the world who like the concept of mutual aid and are merely making do with the current capitalistic-zero-sum game until something better crystalizes--in spite of the system shouting so loud about itself, good or ill, in an effort to make it difficult to hear alternatives. Which is why I believe "solidarity over charity" is such an approachable proposition, regardless of the generation to which you have been ascribed by whomever does the sorting. I mean, Peter Singer was talking about this in the 70's. You have an obligation as a member of society to take measures to preserve wellness and uplift the vulnerable--give until giving any more would cause you harm. You get to decide where that dividing line is based on your finances, energy levels, social support network, available time, mobility, etc. As long as you set that line earnestly, then you are fulfilling the obligation which entitles you to the benefits of other member's solidarity.

The thing is, we're cornered. Restricted in analyses of all the options we could use to compose more humane systems. Isolated from what we could become, by a constant stream of shock doctrines induced by manufactured-disasters. So, mutual aid remains considered a coping strategy, rather than a cultural driving force for fundamental change, for the time being. Though, there's the rub, in that if there is always a new disaster, there is always a perceived need of relief prioritized over sustainable growth, which means the mutual aid has to become a political driving force to get ahead of the source of constructed woes.

I say that while also being painfully aware that discussion of any ideology beyond the current paradigm is defined by capitalistic expectations. Alternatives are invariably framed as monstrous inevitabilities in the supposed disastrous event of dismantlement, at least until they're cut open and adapted to fulfill a material component requisite to quell dissenting voices. "We can have social programs, yes, but it's not socialism, socialism is bad. Capitalism is good, which is why you have these social programs. Ignore other countries that have been providing more of these benefits for much longer, and devote more relative resources." Every other ideology is either fodder to be exploited for some new way to market what we have, or is dismissed/reviled for significant lack of traits that we already have in the devil we know. Which is very convenient for finding more fodder. Why would we want any system we make from here on anything like capitalism? We have to keep in mind that we are not looking for a better release appeal to make before an intractable captor. We are looking for the strategy that will attract enough confidence from fellow captives. To disenchant the captivated of the all consuming capitalist notion that virtue is derived from the free market's advertised high proficiency value generation.

What value? It definitely lets select groups pool resources, making their coffers more "valuable" in a fiscal sense, but where is the Value in that for a society? If its only claim to fame is that it can move numbers around faster and wont judge you for neglecting people's needs, then what does it actually do for us collectively that another system can't? Capitalism's whole premise relies on you not having enough, on you believing that there is not enough out there, that the only way you can have enough is to get there before someone else gets it and you're left with The Zero-Sum. But why would we take that on blind faith? What if there is a way to play the Positive-Sum game and we're just sitting on that because we assume its a fantasy?

How tragic to realize that the whole time you were suffering an obscene Sallie Mae loan, there could have been a non-tuition option. How mortifying to learn the medical bills that were artificially inflated by the relationship between the hospital and your insurance could have been handled by the taxes you already pay. The rent that serves as your proof of earning the right to live, assuaged with universal basic income. The chronic anxiety, stress, and aggression born from a machine of impersonal jobs that can leverage social class and basic needs to claim a third of your life for the least possible compensation possible; replaced with all the possibilities of a well rested mind and body.

Why would we as a collective people ever opt-in to the gamified social hierarchy?

What are we even still doing here?

[trashcornertully]

unsolicited list of some of my current favourite monster prom ships atm and why

buckle up buckaroos. click "Keep reading" if you want to know Too Much. There are spoilers below the cut, so be wary!!

Milo/Damien ("Damilo" or "Revelation 20:14") Damien's an interesting character (despite what I've heard some detractors say) because he's a very sweet, sensitive guy with rad creative hobbies, but (mostly in Prom, less in Camp and Roadtrip) he paints a thick veneer of aggression and nonchalance over the top of it all. But he also enjoys that veneer, so he sort of inhabits two 'types' which, rather than competing, coalesce into one wild whole. Milo also contains multitudes. When I first played Camp it took me a while to perceive their depths, but the more I saw of them the more I got a taste for the person behind the persona. Their elegance and aestheticism is still a key aspect of who they are though, but it's offset by them being both funny and classy. I feel like Milo appeals to Damien's sensitive side, as well as his sartorial and cosmetic hobbies. Conversely, I think Damien's reckless tendencies would be exciting to Milo, and they have the choice to give themselves over or have a bit of fun trying to reign him in (which they're certainly powerful enough to do).

Dahlia/Joy ("Joylia" or "Goetia") While I always found this concept sweet and/or hot, I never expected I'd actually like it so much, but let's just say I got a couple of secret routes and now I really get it. Dahlia, like Damien, has a lot of facets hidden under her nominal motivation. So does Joy, although it's less of a secret that, despite her workaholic nature, she'd rather be doing anything other than constantly saving the world. Her and Dahlia are among the members of the Monster Prom cast that have full-on careers: Joy is a capital-"H" Hero, Dahlia is a warlord with vast off-screen armies at her disposal. Dahlia, like a couple of other characters, wants to be in the Coven so bad it makes her look stupid. I think however that Dahlia really just wants to be closer to Joy. They feel very star-crossed to me, both coming from rather different realms and spheres of influence, but always intersecting in fairly significant events. Two separate friends have shared the sentiment with me that, out of all the ships I've brain-rotted over, I feel like "Joylia" are the ones who would fully get married – even at the risk of one of their storylines interrupting the ceremony. Shout out to @ventagram.

Milo/Polly ("Molly" or "Afterlife") Milo and Polly are a brilliant pair, which @terrencemcterrence first opened my eyes to. My earliest ships involving Milo and Polly were actually putting them individually with Zoe, but "Molly" is a ship with a lot of steam behind it. First of all, they're both very "extra" characters with hidden depths. Secondly, they're both functionally immortal. They've got the potential to be rather bad influences on each other (Milo with their drive for recognition and extravagance, Polly with her dragon-chasing and dangerous impulses), but due to the nature of who they are both physically and psychologically, that's more likely to produce fun results than not. Overall this is a pretty decadent and enjoyable ship. Lots of potential for excellent fluff, deeper moments, wild zesty lemon, and perhaps a bit of poignant angst.

Zoe/Damien ("Zomien" or "Calamari") These two are the kind who'd bond over both their similarities and their vast differences. Both of them spent time in the Academy dealing with roles and responsibilities imposed on them unduly by parental figures. While it's the Player who helps them out with that in both cases, Damien has more overlap and interactions in Zoe's, being one of the major figures in her "IDENTITY" route, while Zoe doesn't really exist yet in many of Damien's routes. Regardless of that, their non-route interactions generally seem to indicate to me that Zoe genuinely has a crush on Damien based on the topics she chooses to discuss both with and about him. They're also both generally very creative and expressive in niche and personal ways. They're all about finding their own truth, perhaps more transparently than some other characters. "Zomien" for me is about exploring those feelings, and where they could take them. They're also just really cute together, prove me wrong.

—

That's all for now, 'cause this was basically a mini-essay. I'll happily answer any questions anybody has about these, or talk about other pairings I like if I can think of enough to say about them.

[libertineangel]

I wanted to sleep fucking hours ago, a guy's coming this afternoon to PAT test the kitchen appliances, yet here I fucking am awake, and I'm still thinking about the potential of joining the Revolutionary Communist Party so maybe typing it all out and posting it here will get it out of my head for now, this will likely not be the most eloquent because I am tired as all fuck shit but whatever.

Right so I do want to actually do something to help change the shit we're currently living in, I can sit and read the books all I like but part of me is frustrated and feels like it's pointless if that's all I'm doing when the whole point of all this theory is to put it into practice, especially as an admirer of the Situationists whose revolutionary concepts so valued going out and living and experiencing rather than letting this all reside in the mind a pseudo-world apart, and it is encouraging that they seem proactive and dedicated and serious about the task of building a movement, but:

...selling a fucking paper, really? I've partially read their new recruits' handbook and there's a whole section dedicated to the importance of the paper and of selling the paper, quoting Lenin to that effect, but the simple fact is that the material conditions that made Pravda instrumental are inordinately different to those of 21st century Britain. The Bolsheviks used a paper to summarise goings-on in the workers' movement across the Russian Empire and easily disseminate their message because that was pretty much the only way to do it, nobody these days buys a fucking paper and getting news & organisation from one end of this tiny little country to the other can be done instantaneously a million different ways.

I asked at the meeting what the general activities of membership entailed, they talked about weekly branch meetings plus another weekly reading group (with occasional social afterward), as well as other activities like selling the bloody paper, and to be blunt - in the words of Johnny Rotten - I'm a lazy sod. More specifically, and more accurately, I have a deep instinctive aversion to any regular commitment that poses a disruption to the blank routine of normalcy, I have the strong feeling that two nights a week is a lot for me to give up even for something I might want to do; I do know, however, that I felt exactly the same when I was about to start escrima, and that concern was completely unfounded (some days I might be reticent to bother, sure, but on other days frankly having a reliable couple of hours to do something that's usually fun out of the flat just for me has helped keep my brain from snapping like an elastic band). I actually got to go to a trial class for escrima though, and there's no free entry to branch meetings, and the organisation emphasises getting everyone out and active as quickly as possible (I believe Trotsky was quoted as regards training revolutionaries on the job) so it'd likely be more, which honestly sounds exhausting considering I already feel like I have so little time, and like obviously building a revolution isn't easy but as mentioned I am a lazy sod and simply do not like work, especially since that work will likely be selling a fucking paper. Honestly I cannot currently remember any activities mentioned other than selling the paper right now, there was also talk of going to protests and suchlike and spreading communism there, but as ever a significant vehicle of that was expected to be...god do I have to type it again, the stereotype about Trots really is true isn't it, but anyway yeah can you really imagine the girl who can't directly look at people for more than a few seconds working a paper stand

I'm also not convinced by the international to which they belong, nor its leader. They came out of the Militant Tendency split when that left Labour to form the Socialist Party in '92, with Alan Woods and the late Ted Grant insisting entryism totally wasn't doomed and forming Socialist Appeal and the International Marxist Tendency; they've now rebranded as the RCP and the Revolutionary Communist International, the guy I met said it's because they grew enough as entryists and now is the time to really make a bold move with many people disillusioned with "socialism" after Corbyn & Sanders' failures but frankly I think it's because they've finally recognised Labour's irrelevant and there's no point being entryists in a neoliberal centrist party. Anyway yeah Alan Woods is still the leader of the IMT/RCI and from what I can see he hates every government & leader that's claimed to be communist since Lenin except for Hugo Chávez whom he was friends with, and I did not think much of his writing in the issue of the paper I got. The guy I met also explicitly mentioned that the Swiss & Canadian branches of the IMT are remarkably strong and rapidly-growing, but uhhh my prior research found that the Canadian IMT really dragged its heels investigating sexual assault allegations by the leadership, and my previous thought was that Canada is not Britain so it might be better here but considering we explicitly talked about how other parties here have such problems and he was like "yeah I'm not gonna deny it's a potential in any organisation but it also shows a lack of true commitment to Marxist principles at every level like ours", like...yeah you can see my scepticism. I've also seen some comments saying they're really great and active and others saying they're basically a very insistent reading group that just wants your money and paper-selling capability, both of which I'm prepared to believe.

Additionally, another early part of the handbook was about conduct - I'm probably not phrasing this quite right 'cause I read it like 4 hours ago, I'm tired as shit and can't be arsed to go get it, but basically it expects us all to behave like good proper revolutionaries, represent the Party well both in person and online, always be at the meetings and apologise & ask what happened ASAP for any we miss; now obviously that hits my natural punk Fuck Off instinct, but couple it with the above and I have a certain degree of actual concern: emphasis on good conduct and regular attendance, immediate expectation of high activity levels, heavy focus on recruitment tactics, immediate financial contributions to support the full-time higher-ups (which honestly surprised me at the time, isn't that the sort of bureaucracy Trots don't like?), led by a single unchanging leader who's been at it for decades, opinions seem divided between people in it who think it's great and people who briefly checked it out and left unimpressed...like this is ticking some boxes of a High-Control Group. I could well be wrong, in fact I hope I'm wrong, it's not like the vague and casual approaches of other far-left groups have accomplished shit fuck and building a revolution is a serious endeavour, and it could well just be me finding excuses to be an aforementioned lazy sod, and admittedly this interpretation is coloured by one obscure blog I found on page 7 of Google claiming as much (from a self-confessed former commie turned reactionary monarchist Tory Christian who first felt unwelcome in the IMT after calling drugs degenerate, so I am not putting much stock in their words), but like...I know some shit about cults, and the potential is there.

This all does sound very negative, but to be honest that's because the positive side basically boils down to "they seem to actively be trying, they're not transphobic and I want to do something". I have no idea what form an organisation would ideally take for me to be genuinely enthusiastic, I have no idea what specifically I would want to be doing in one considering I have no real revolution-building skills (not personable enough to recruit people, not well-read enough to be a theoretician, maybe I could just spew polemic (though that would need a vehicle to be read...perhaps some kind of regularly-published print outlet?)), the sensible thing to do in order to get anything done is to just go with the one that seems best and right now this is it, but...nevertheless I remain hesitant.

[construingseacats]

Umireread - Legend of the Golden Witch: Wake

The following contains spoilers for the entirety of Umineko. Please do not read if you are yet to finish it.

And now for my secret epilogue.

If my heart was not as full as it was, this would be a Post-Mortem. This would be a dissection of Episode 1, a mechanical look at the themes and thoughts developed throughout.

But this is not a heartless check of a cadaver. It is not without respect to the dead. I’m not here to talk scientifically, nor am I here to mourn; we are here to celebrate the life of the story we have just consumed. Henceforth, this is not a Post-Mortem - it is a Wake.

One of the issues with structuring Umireread as a reactionary play-by-play is that it’s difficult to say anything significantly meaningful about the story - while the opportunity has arisen from time to time, we’ll be doing the proper deep dive into the themes here.

Episode 1, while relatively simple on the surface, already establishes quite a lot of the significant themes that Umineko desires to talk about. Of note, we’ve leaned quite heavily into the concepts of truth and fantasy, the dangers of appealing to tradition and the resulting generational trauma, and the ease of dehumanisation towards those you don’t understand. I do not necessarily think that the levels that these are explored in Episode 1 by themselves are of significant note, but rather these explorations lay a phenomenal groundwork for future exploration instead of being complete topics in isolation.

Undoubtedly, the most significant theme explored in Episode 1 is that of truth versus fantasy. This exists in the text not just as a tool towards the mystery - with Battler noting in the Tea Party that he can only trust what he sees, and hence making clear that many of the seemingly unusual elements of the murders are entirely fabricated - but as a way of dealing with truths that offer nothing but suffering. Drawing from a background as a social worker, having been exposed to many terrible incidents and realities of domestic life that the greater public turns a blind eye to, Ryukishi accurately depicts denial as a coping mechanism and paints it with a nuanced brush that does not outright condone it - as evident from the cousins disparaging Maria for pushing her idealised fantasy forcibly onto them - but also ensures that the reader can see the benefits of such a tactic, with many characters being confronted with the truth in a way that is needlessly upsetting. The first twilight makes this evident with Battler being traumatised by witnessing the mangled corpses of his parents, burning the terrible picture into his psyche forever; while George is able to look away from the scene, and avoid having to carry the same weight from witnessing his would-be fiancée in such a state. There is no benefit to their mental health for many characters being privy to the mutilated states of their loved ones, yet the scenes continue to be witnessed by them, bringing naught but avoidable misery.

Being able to turn a blind eye to these truths, while it does not undo them, allows the characters to exist in “fantasy”, letting their mind save them from the horrors they do not need to comprehend. The Tea Party refers to collective fantasy as “magic”, stating that being able to retreat to such a place with others is something special, painting it as a positive thing. While I will not be getting too deep into the specifics, as I am not a theologian, we can see this phenomena in real life in cases such as Religion. Regardless of the truth of what happens to us after we die, humans are aware of the concept of oblivion, and for as long as they have had intelligent minds they have sought to reject it. Religions and other explanations that seek to deny the possibility of oblivion - even if they are not grounded in any known scientific principles or evidence - are an example of this sort of mentality. Religion, and these beliefs as a whole, act as a boon that makes the lives of the people within them better. Similarly, the world is host to significant horrors in all shapes and forms - war and famine are such broad terms that they almost feel sanitised, but the reality of them is devastating, and the fact that so many humans across the world are living in such unimaginable conditions can take a significant mental toll on the human mind. To those living in first world countries, who do not need to worry about where their next meal is coming from, whether today will be their last as explosives rain from the sky, whether continuing to live is even worth the suffering laid before them - being cognizant of these truths is not necessarily a positive thing. It is easy to forget in the information era, with easy access to the affairs of the world at a moment’s notice, but humans have spent the vast majority of their existence completely unaware of the events of far-off places. Even just a hundred years ago, if someone were to ignore the reports of a newspaper, they would be able to live their life centred on the actions and events that were immediately relevant to them. Such a life is not a moral failing; many of those who trek through social media sites, learning of terrible events in far off places, will never make a difference towards them. Their knowledge of these affairs offers no tangible benefit for them; only a further sense of dread towards the state of the world. Even those who deny this notion and insist on being educated on these matters, under some sense that this information makes them a better person, fall prey to the fantasies that have been constructed around them. While the news may lift the veil on atrocities in the middle east, there is a notable lack of reporting to many African countries and the events that are ongoing there. Would being acutely aware of the atrocities taking place over there actually benefit you in any way? Or, for the sake of your mental health, is it better to not concern yourself with negative affairs that may never impact your life in any way? Umineko takes the approach that can be constructed through game theory, stating that if truth makes your life measurably worse, and fantasy makes it measurably better, then you should opt for fantasy; on the understanding that your fantasy may not make the lives of others measurably better, and should be shared with caution and care.

On a lighter note - generational trauma. Umineko also establishes quite early on that the Ushiromiya Family are old money - while Kinzo managed to rebuild the family in the post-war era, meaning there is some separation of tradition and the Neo-Ushiromiya, the family has returned to conservatism and places great value on old fashioned ways. The family is significantly patriarchal, with the dining room arrangements establishing that grandchildren of the family matter more than the married partners of their parents. Women are thoroughly treated as being second-class, if not worse, with the term “borrowed womb” showing up on several occasions - stating that they are nothing to the Ushiromiya but a machine to pump out more children for them. This mentality takes root in Jessica, who as early as Chapter 1, feels defeated over the fact that her sex makes her inferior to men. Kinzo’s lecherous ways are also displayed as a trait that has progressed through the family, with Rudolf being a notorious womaniser and Battler having several moments where he is acting perverted towards all manner of girls in the family. Regarding the aforementioned mentality, Umineko makes sure to portray this in a negative light, by investigating how this stigma affects those who must abide by it. Kinzo is noted as having raised his children quite forcibly, being no stranger to beating them for insolence or perceived misbehaving. This iron-fisted approach to parenting has carried through to the next generation, with most of the cousins admitting to having received beatings, or physically receiving them through the course of the story. This most notably flares up in the portrayal of Rosa and Maria, with Rosa having trouble maintaining control over her life as a single mother to a neurodivergent child, exacerbating the problem by lashing out uncontrollably as she has learned from her father. Rosa’s reaction to being awoken by Genji in Chapter 7 is reminiscent of deep-seated trauma, believing her being stirred is an inherently negative sensation that will be accompanied by heavy reprimanding; potentially of a physical nature. This manifests in her tendency to violently beat Maria, ensuring that the cycle of abuse continues for generations to come, should the Ushiromiya family not be put to a stop before that.

Finally, Umineko makes explicit in the Witches’ Tea Party about the divide between treating characters with love and respect, identifying the human behind them, and seeing them as nothing more than parts of a story. This is reflected even within the story by the nature of dehumanisation, with characters such as Eva removing the humanity from Shannon and seeing her as naught but “some servant girl”. In the same way that someone reading a story with no intent to engage past a surface level understanding would reduce a character to mere tropes - for example, boxing Eva off as a “girl boss” and only engaging with her through the lens of that trope rather than as the complicated character she is - characters who are vibrant with their humanity have it taken away by those who do not care to understand them. As we will come to see, one of the beating hearts of Umineko is that of Yasu wanting someone to understand her; to see her not as a cold-hearted serial killer, nor as an illegitimate child seeking revenge, nor as a trans girl boss who can do no wrong. Anyone reducing her to an aspect of her personality and failing to engage with her beyond that lens has failed to fulfil her wish. She wants to be truly known, appreciated in her entirety by the uncountable aspects that are present in every human being. After all, if you reduce a character to a surface level trope - to but a single purpose in life - then they would be no different to a piece of Furniture.

Umineko will continue to build upon these themes and explore them in the Episodes to come - however, even isolated from that, Episode 1 has done a remarkable job of establishing and exploring these concepts in a way that most readers would fail to comprehend on an initial reading, let alone an immediate follow up should they decide to do so again without progressing further. In the same way that a character in a story must be appreciated in their entirety to be seen as human, so too must Umineko be consumed in full to truly appreciate the work that it sets out to do. After all, you must open your own heart to be able to realise the one that lies before you. Without love, the truth cannot be seen.

Beyond these themes, Umineko Episode 1 is a good piece of literature - by itself, it offers what feels like a relatively realistic depiction of a rich family thrust into a murder mystery situation, where the characters flail and doubt themselves while the clock runs down on what could have been an avoidable tragedy. There is a pervasive sense of dread as more characters are killed off and the survivors struggle with the reality that they do not even know what is killing them. It indulges in horror tropes that we do not really get to see in future episodes, as fantasy is accentuated and tools are provided to help cope with the mystery and avoid drowning in the uncertainties that plague would-be solvers of Episode 1; when a culprit could be identified relatively readily, but cannot be confirmed due to the probatio diabolica inherent to the possibility of a 19th person, or other outcomes such as hidden passages or inexplicable scientific tools that could bypass restrictions placed on apparent closed rooms.

Episode 1 is at its best when it’s really digging into the humanity of the characters - I have listed the first twilight as a specific highlight already, with the visceral reactions feeling incredibly real - perhaps to an extent that I would not be surprised if Ryukishi was drawing upon a specific incident he witnessed during his time as a social worker. However, Umineko is at its worst when the opposite occurs, when humanity is cast aside for the purposes of narrative or exploration. There are several instances when characters will have just gone through unimaginable grief, and within hours are casually chatting about concepts like children who just read something cool on wikipedia. And of course, the story is served a great disservice by opening so heavily with Battler attempting to grope his family members.

Umineko Episode 1 also appears to dwell quite readily in subversion. In many ways, it looks to make the reader lower their guard, before hitting them in a way to ensure that they know they are reading something different to what they are used to. The game opens with a jovial mood and several tracks reminiscent of more generic visual novels, before introducing more complicated musical arrangements and the horror themes further on. The Tea Party in particular directly tricks anyone expecting Umineko to be a rehash of Higurashi, making it clear mere moments later that this will be a very different tale to the time loop mystery that many had read before. Battler’s antics may also be viewed through this lens, with early Battler appearing more like a generic protagonist in a work targeted towards otaku, erring on the side of lechery and having it swept aside as a joke. Whether this was a wise approach, given that early Umineko (and much of the merchandising) is designed to appeal towards otaku while the work itself is a scathing criticism of them, is yet to be seen.

And, if I may finish by indulging myself once more, I just want to quickly reflect on the current state of the reread. I have no doubts that we will be finishing this - while I can’t guarantee that I can handle near-daily updates for the next 20 weeks, this shan’t be a project that will be abandoned halfway. We will progress to the very last lines of Episode 8, by hell or high water.

We are around 32,000 words into this extended analysis. I wasn’t quite sure what form I wanted this to take when we started, beyond a vague idea of the format, but I feel like we’ve already got past the initial hurdles, dealt with some growing pains, and settled into a good approach regarding what should be addressed and omitted for each chapter. Which parts should be acknowledged out of interest, what jokes should be made for levity in our own work, and what demands a more thorough investigation under a microscope. While Episode 1 is actually one of the longer episodes, funnily enough, I still foresee us easily writing more than 200,000 words by the time the pen is placed down after Episode 8. I anticipate Umireread to be longer than even the longest Episode of Umineko.

That being said, thank you to everyone who has engaged with this so far - while this is still a project I would want to undertake even if it was all being projected into the void, the humble amounts of interaction have been good to see. I appreciate that we seem to have a couple of readers coming back for each post, and a few people who have left their own comments and thoughts - which have all been interesting to read. As I said at the very start of this work, to all the people who have joined us already, to all the people joining us now, and to anyone who may join us, no matter how far in the future, thank you for taking part in this journey. I hope that, just as the love evident in every part of Umineko radiates from the page, the love within my own words can be seen by all that they reach.

With that, Episode 1 comes to a close.

Seven more to go.

[magioftheseas]

1 and 2 for svsss maybe?

1. What originally drew me to it

The cover was super nice! I was actually torn between buying it or mdzs volume 1 but svsss won out because of its beautiful cover and also that... I love villainess isekai stories. That became my hyperfixation a while back and to get one of those but as a BL just appealed to me. So I had a feeling that I would at least enjoy it. I had...no idea that it would completely rewrite my brain chemistry although I sure suspected that once I got to the ending of that first volume.

But yeah it was the cover lmao.

It's so green! 💚💚💚💚

2. What I like most and least about it

God I do like a lot about it but the relationship of Binghe and Shen Qingqiu is just very, very, very fucking good. There are so many layers of depth and hilarity. They're both freaks in very different ways which is already fun but the way they affect one another is deeply compelling and evocative. One thing that gets me is how the, well, problematic elements are imbued with so much significance and impact. It's actually VERY IMPORTANT that their relationship starts out as teacher/student and that Shen Qingqiu initially serves as a paternal figure because it validates Binghe's issues and adds a whole other layer of meaning to Shen Qingqiu being rather dismissive and realizing how much he fucked up. You already have the meta element of Binghe having initially been fictional (and thus without autonomy) to Shen Qingqiu/Shen Yuan prior, to have that where Shen Qingqiu is dismissive because he ALSO patronizingly sees Binghe as "his child" and doesn't take him seriously is so interesting and new!!! It's! Just! A! Good Book!!! This is a book that's very smart about its problematic shit because the narrative justification of them is just so strong.

Oh, right, what I liked least about it...

Uh, I thought the extra with Liu Qingge and the succubi was dumb and kinda gross in a bad/unnecessary way. I just didn't like the concept of Shen Qingqiu looking to get laid in the first place since he has come across as pretty fucking grayace prior. The use of a slur sure didn't help. At least it was short?

But if you enjoyed it because you love Liu Qingge and thought he was very funny, I'm not gonna rain on your parade lol.

[wallartideas]

Interior Designers’ Secrets to Perfecting Home Decoration

When it comes to home decoration, interior designers are the unsung heroes who transform your living space into something that reflects your style, comfort, and personality. They know the art of balancing aesthetics with functionality and creating spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also practical. But how do they do it? What are the interior designers' secrets to perfecting home decoration? In this blog, we'll reveal some of these secrets while focusing on Interior Designers’ tips that can help you design your home like a pro.

1. Understanding the Power of Space

One of the first things interior designers pay attention to is space. How do you use the space you have? Whether it's a small apartment or a spacious villa, understanding how to utilize every inch effectively is the key to a beautiful home.

The secret? Interior Designers often work with a concept called "open space," which focuses on maximizing the feeling of airiness. This doesn’t mean eliminating furniture, but rather arranging it in a way that makes the room feel more open. For example, placing a large handmade wall hanging in the center of a room can make the space feel balanced while keeping the design simple.

2. Personalization through Handmade Products

Handmade products have a special place in interior design. Unlike mass-produced items, handmade products add a unique touch to your home. Interior designers know the value of these pieces because they tell a story, reflect craftsmanship, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When designing a living room or any other space, consider incorporating handmade products such as colorful candles, wall art for living room, or even handmade wall hangings. These personalized accents elevate a space’s aesthetic appeal while making it feel more inviting.

The magic of handmade products lies in their distinctiveness. So, don’t shy away from exploring options that add character and originality to your interiors.

3. Choosing the Right Color Palette

Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It can evoke emotions, set the tone of a room, and even influence how big or small a space feels. Interior designers know that choosing the right color palette can make or break the overall look of a room.

For example, soft neutrals like beige or light gray are perfect for creating a calm, serene environment. On the other hand, vibrant colors like orange or blue can energize a space and give it a lively feel. If you’re not sure where to start, go for earthy tones or pastels. These colors are timeless and pair well with wall art for living room or Aesthetic Room decor.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget the power of accent colors! Adding pops of color through handmade wall hangings or colorful candles can make a significant impact.

4. Adding Wall Decor for Personality

One of the best ways to personalize your home is through wall decor. Whether it’s a gautam buddha wall design, a custom piece of handmade wall hanging, or a bold wall art for living room, your walls should tell your story.

Interior designers recommend that you start by selecting a statement piece. This could be a piece of art, a large mirror, or an interesting wall hanging. These elements not only enhance the room but also give it personality and life. If you’re looking to add a calm vibe, a Gautam Buddha wall design can bring peace and tranquility to any space.

5. Incorporating Functional and Aesthetic Furniture

The best interior designs strike the perfect balance between function and aesthetics. Furniture isn’t just for sitting; it should also be a reflection of your style and needs. Interior designers often choose pieces that offer both beauty and utility.

For instance, multifunctional furniture such as a sofa with storage or a coffee table with hidden compartments can be very helpful in smaller spaces. These pieces are not only space-savers but also add to the overall aesthetic of the room.

Additionally, consider including Aesthetic Room decor like unique colorful candles or a decorative vase on your coffee table to add a touch of elegance.

6. Lighting is Everything

Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood of a room. A well-lit space feels more inviting, while poor lighting can make even the most beautiful decor seem drab. Interior designers swear by the power of layered lighting: a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Start with soft, warm lighting for a cozy atmosphere, and add task lighting in areas where you need more illumination, such as above the kitchen counter or reading areas. Accent lighting, like colorful candles or wall art for living room, can highlight your favorite decor and make the space feel more dynamic.

7. Blending Textures for Depth

Interior Designers often use different textures to create depth and visual interest. Combining various materials such as wood, metal, glass, and fabric can turn an ordinary room into something extraordinary.

For example, a plush velvet sofa paired with a sleek metal coffee table and a wooden bookshelf creates a balanced contrast that catches the eye. Don’t forget to include soft textures like cushions or rugs that enhance the comfort factor in the space. Handmade products like woven throws or handmade wall hangings add texture while creating a warm, inviting environment.

8. The Importance of Balance and Proportion

Achieving balance and proportion is another secret that Interior Designers use to perfection. It's about making sure that the furniture, decor, and colors are in harmony with one another. When designing a room, consider the size and scale of each item. A large sofa in a tiny room can overwhelm the space, while small furniture in a large room can make the space feel empty.

Using wall decor like a Gautam Buddha wall design or oversized handmade wall hanging can bring the room into balance and make it feel complete.

9. Embracing Nature

Many Interior Designers embrace the idea of bringing nature inside. Incorporating plants, natural materials, and organic designs makes the home feel fresh and connected to the environment.

A few well-placed plants or flowers can not only purify the air but also add a touch of greenery to your space. Handmade products like planters or baskets also add an earthy charm to any room.

10. Shopping Smart with E-Commerce Platforms

In today’s world, interior designers don’t have to rely solely on physical stores to shop for home decor. Online platforms like dbeautify.com or mystore offer a wide range of unique and stylish furniture, wall decor, and other home accessories.

The advantage of shopping online is that you can explore a variety of styles and products from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re searching for wall art for living room or handmade wall hanging, e-commerce platforms make it easier than ever to find the perfect pieces for your home.

11. Mixing Old and New

Sometimes, the best home designs combine elements of the old and the new. Interior designers often mix antique furniture or vintage decor with contemporary pieces to create a unique and timeless look. For example, an old wooden table paired with modern lighting or a Gautam Buddha wall design alongside a minimalist sofa can create a stunning contrast.

12. Don’t Forget the Details

The devil is in the details! Often, it's the small things that make the biggest impact on the overall design of a room. From decorative cushions and throws to stylish trays and sculptures, these little accents can take your home to the next level.

Adding unique pieces like handmade products, colorful candles, or a beautiful wall hanging can tie the entire room together and make it feel like a curated space.

In conclusion, interior design is about more than just filling a space with furniture. It’s about creating a living environment that resonates with you and enhances your lifestyle. By incorporating some of these interior designers secrets—like choosing the right furniture, incorporating handmade wall hangings, or adding balance through color and texture—you can transform your home into a place you truly love.

Know More About home decor ideas

[harshil01]

Minimalist Rings for Everyday: Simple Yet Elegant Pieces for Every Look

Introduction

In a world often overwhelmed by excess and noise, minimalist rings stand out as symbols of simplicity and elegance. These understated pieces of jewellery capture the essence of beauty through their clean lines and thoughtful designs. Minimalist rings from Aarchievgold have gained popularity not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their versatility and timelessness. Whether worn alone or stacked with other rings, they can enhance any outfit, making them suitable for every occasion. Their ability to blend seamlessly with various styles makes them a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

What are minimalist rings?

Definition and Characteristics

Minimalist rings are characterized by their simple, clean designs that focus on form rather than elaborate ornamentation. These rings often feature smooth surfaces, geometric shapes, or subtle textures that highlight the beauty of the materials used. The essence of minimalist jewellery lies in its ability to convey elegance through simplicity, making it a favorite among those who appreciate understated style. This focus on minimalism allows wearers to showcase their individuality without being overly ostentatious. Additionally, minimalist rings can be easily paired with other jewellery pieces, enhancing their versatility further. 

The result is a timeless accessory that transcends trends and fads, making it a staple in any jewellery collection. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to adapt to various fashion movements while maintaining a distinct identity.

The Philosophy Behind Minimalism

The minimalist philosophy extends beyond jewellery; it encompasses a lifestyle that values simplicity, functionality, and intentionality. In the context of jewellery, this means choosing pieces that resonate with personal values and aesthetics rather than following fleeting trends. Minimalist rings embody this philosophy by allowing wearers to express themselves without the distraction of excessive embellishments. This approach encourages individuals to curate their collections thoughtfully, focusing on quality over quantity. As a result, each piece holds significance and meaning, elevating the overall experience of wearing jewellery. 

Embracing minimalism can lead to a more mindful approach to fashion and personal expression, fostering deeper connections between individuals and their chosen accessories. This intentionality in selection promotes sustainability by discouraging impulsive purchases.

The Rise of Minimalism in Fashion

Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift towards minimalist fashion, with many designers embracing clean lines and simple silhouettes. This trend has influenced jewellery design, leading to the creation of minimalist rings that appeal to modern sensibilities. As more individuals seek to declutter their lives and wardrobes, minimalist rings have emerged as essential accessories that complement a wide range of styles. This rise in popularity reflects a broader cultural movement towards sustainability and conscious consumerism. By investing in timeless pieces like minimalist rings, consumers can reduce waste while still enjoying beautiful accessories that align with their values. 

Ultimately, this trend signifies a desire for authenticity in personal style and an appreciation for craftsmanship over mass production. The growing interest in minimalism also encourages brands to innovate within this framework, creating unique designs that resonate with consumers.

The appeal of minimalist rings

The Beauty of Simplicity: Less Is More

One of the most compelling aspects of Minimalist rings is the principle of “less is more.” This concept suggests that simplicity can create a more profound impact than complexity. Minimalist rings often draw attention to their craftsmanship and material quality rather than relying on flashy designs. This focus on simplicity allows the wearer to showcase their personal style without overwhelming their overall look. Moreover, minimalist designs often evoke a sense of calmness and clarity, making them appealing in today’s fast-paced world. 

By embracing simplicity, individuals can cultivate a more refined aesthetic that resonates with their inner values while also promoting mindfulness in their everyday lives. This aesthetic choice often leads to greater satisfaction with one’s wardrobe as it reduces decision fatigue.

Versatility as Accessories

Minimalist rings are incredibly versatile accessories that can be worn in various ways. They can be styled alone for a classic look or stacked with other rings for a more personalized touch. This adaptability makes them suitable for different occasions, from casual outings to formal events. A single minimalist ring can serve as an elegant statement piece or blend effortlessly with other jewellery for a layered effect. Additionally, their timeless designs ensure they remain relevant regardless of changing fashion trends or seasons; this longevity adds value to each piece purchased! 

This versatility allows wearers to express their creativity while maintaining an air of sophistication that transcends generations. Furthermore, minimalist rings can easily transition from daywear to evening attire without requiring any significant adjustments.

Perfect for Every Occasion

The understated nature of minimalist rings makes them appropriate for any occasion. Whether you’re attending a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or simply enjoying a day out with friends, these rings can enhance your outfit without overpowering it. Their timeless designs ensure they remain stylish regardless of changing fashion trends; this adaptability is part of what makes them so appealing! For instance, a simple band can effortlessly transition from day to night with ease, ideal for those who lead busy lives! 

Furthermore, minimalist rings can be gifted for various occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or just because adding to their appeal as thoughtful presents that suit any recipient’s taste. Their universal charm makes them suitable gifts for friends or family members across all age groups.

Materials that define Minimalist Rings

Popular Metals: Gold, Silver, and Platinum

The most common materials used in minimalist rings include gold, silver, and platinum, each offering distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Gold, available in various hues such as yellow, white, and rose, is favored for its luxurious appearance and durability. Silver, known for its affordability and bright shine, remains a popular choice for everyday wear. Platinum, renowned for its durability and rarity, provides a premium option that withstands daily use while maintaining its luster. These metals not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the longevity of the pieces when cared for properly. This durability ensures that your investment remains worthwhile over time.

Additionally, many jewelers offer options in mixed metals, allowing for unique combinations that reflect individual style preferences even further. This trend encourages creativity in how one chooses to accessorize, making minimalist rings even more versatile. 

The Rise of Sustainable Materials

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable materials in jewellery design. Many brands now offer minimalist rings made from recycled metals or ethically sourced gemstones; this shift reflects consumers’ increasing awareness of environmental and social issues within the jewellery industry. By choosing sustainable options like these, buyers can support responsible practices while still enjoying beautiful pieces that align with their values! Furthermore, sustainable materials often possess unique characteristics that add charm and individuality to each ring, making them even more special! 

As consumers become more conscious about their purchasing decisions, opting for sustainable choices becomes not just fashionable but also ethically responsible! This trend not only benefits the environment but also promotes fair labor practices within the industry.

Choosing Durable Materials for Everyday Wear

When selecting minimalist rings for daily wear, durability is key! Metals like titanium and stainless steel are becoming popular alternatives due to their strength and resistance to scratching, ideal qualities for those who lead active lifestyles who prefer low-maintenance jewellery options! Choosing durable materials ensures that minimalist rings remain beautiful over time even with regular use; this practicality enhances their appeal as everyday accessories as well! Additionally, opting for high-quality finishes can help protect against tarnishing and wear over time, ensuring your favorite pieces maintain brilliance throughout years of usage! 

Investing in durable materials also means fewer replacements over time, making them both economical and environmentally friendly choices.

Stylish Minimalist rings designs

Classic Bands: The Ultimate Simple Statement

Classic bands are the quintessential minimalist ring design; their straightforward form makes them timeless pieces that can be worn alone or stacked with other minimalist rings effortlessly! These bands often come in various widths and finishes, such as polished and matte, allowing wearers to select options that best suit personal style preferences! The versatility of classic bands means they can easily transition from casual settings to formal occasions without missing a beat! Furthermore, many couples choose classic bands as wedding and engagement rings due to their enduring appeal, a true testament to love’s lasting nature! 

Their simplicity also allows them to be personalized through engravings or unique finishes, adding an extra layer of meaning to these cherished items while ensuring they remain relevant through changing trends.

Dainty Rings with Subtle Gemstones

Dainty rings featuring subtle gemstones offer a touch of elegance while maintaining a minimalistic aesthetic! These designs often incorporate small diamonds and colored stones set delicately into the band, providing just enough sparkle without overwhelming the overall look! Minimalist rings are perfect for layering; they allow individuals to mix different styles while still adhering to minimalism’s core principles! Additionally, these delicate pieces make excellent gifts, whether celebrating milestones or simply expressing affection toward loved ones! 

Their lightweight nature ensures comfort during all-day wear, making them ideal choices for both special occasions and everyday use alike! Moreover, dainty designs often evoke feelings of nostalgia or sentimentality when passed down through generations.

Unique Textures and Finishes 

Incorporating unique textures and finishes can elevate minimalist ring designs even further! Options such as matte finishes and hammered surfaces add visual interest while adhering closely to minimalistic principles! These details ensure each piece remains distinctive while still being understated, perfectly capturing what makes minimalism so appealing! Moreover, experimenting with textures allows wearers greater freedom when curating collections, creating opportunities for self-expression through thoughtfully chosen accessories! 

Such variations not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also invite conversation about the craftsmanship behind each piece, making them more than just adornments!

How to style minimalist rings for everyday looks

Pairing Minimalist Rings with Casual Outfits 

Minimalist rings pair beautifully with casual outfits such as jeans, t-shirts, and sundresses! Their simplicity adds polished touches without being too flashy and distracting from overall looks! For example, wearing delicate gold bands alongside casual attire creates effortlessly chic vibes, perfect for everyday wear! Moreover, layering multiple dainty pieces enhances visual interest while maintaining an air of sophistication, ideal when dressing down yet wanting subtle elegance! 

Experimenting with different combinations allows individuals to express creativity while showcasing personal style preferences through curated ensembles and a fun way to make every outfit feel fresh!

Elevating Professional Attire 

In professional settings, minimalist rings enhance business attire without detracting from polished appearances! A simple band and delicate gemstone ring add sophistication to suits and blouses while maintaining professionalism, making them ideal choices during work hours! Furthermore, these versatile accessories seamlessly transition into after-work events, ensuring you remain stylish throughout busy days filled with meetings and social engagements alike! 

Choosing timeless designs ensures your accessories complement rather than compete with your overall look, creating cohesive outfits suitable for any environment while allowing your personality to shine through!

Creating Layered Looks with Stackable Rings 

Stacking is becoming increasingly popular within minimalistic jewellery styling, allowing individuals to express creativity while keeping looks refined! Combining multiple minimalist rings creates visually appealing layers, remaining true to the ethos of showcasing personal style preferences! Additionally, mixing different metals and textures enhances overall aesthetics further, enabling unique combinations tailored specifically to individual tastes and preferences! 

Minimalist Rings as Meaningful Gifts

Symbolic Designs for Special Moments

Minimalist rings often carry symbolic meanings, making them ideal gifts for significant occasions such as engagements, anniversaries, or milestones in life. Their simplicity allows the significance behind each piece to shine through without distraction, creating lasting memories associated with these treasured items. Whether it’s a celebration of love, commitment, or a personal achievement, minimalist rings hold deep emotional value. Furthermore, gifting minimalist rings conveys thoughtfulness, demonstrating careful consideration of the recipient’s style preferences and ensuring meaningful connections remain strong over time. These timeless pieces reflect the wearer’s unique personality while commemorating the special moments they represent. 

Such gifts serve as reminders of cherished moments shared together, offering a beautiful way to celebrate love, friendship, and accomplishments throughout the years while honoring traditions passed down through generations.

Thoughtful Presents

Choosing a minimalist ring as a gift demonstrates deep thoughtfulness and consideration of the recipient’s style preferences. These pieces are often more versatile than statement jewellery, ensuring they can be worn on various occasions throughout the year. Whether it’s a casual day out or a formal event, minimalist rings can seamlessly complement different outfits. Additionally, gifting meaningful items fosters deeper connections between the giver and receiver, creating cherished memories associated with special moments shared together. A well-thought-out piece of minimalist jewellery, especially a ring, can symbolize the bond you share with the recipient and become a cherished memento for years to come. 

Personalizing gifts further enhances their emotional impact, allowing recipients to feel truly valued and appreciated during celebrations and life milestones alike. It’s a heartwarming experience giving something so special, knowing it will be treasured forever.

Customizing Minimalist Rings

Customization options allow individuals to personalize minimalist rings further by adding initials, special dates, or custom designs that tell stories, all while maintaining elegant simplicity. This personal touch enhances the meaningfulness of gifts, ensuring recipients feel valued and appreciated during important celebrations and life milestones alike. Whether it’s engraving a significant date or incorporating a design that has personal significance, the customization process makes the gift even more special. Moreover, customized designs foster deeper emotional connections between the gift-giver and the receiver, solidifying bonds over time. 

The act of personalization transforms ordinary gifts into extraordinary treasures, cherished forever alongside memories created together. This is what makes minimalist rings such a meaningful and lasting gift for those you love.

Caring for Your Minimalist Rings

Simple Maintenance Tips

To keep your minimalist rings looking their best over time, regular maintenance is key. Simple practices, such as cleaning with mild soap and water, help preserve their shine while avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, which can significantly extend their life expectancy. Additionally, using a soft cloth to gently buff away dirt and tarnish ensures continued brilliance throughout the years, keeping your favorite pieces looking new for longer. Routine maintenance prevents the buildup of oils and dirt, ensuring your minimalist rings remain as pristine as the day you bought them. 

Regular cleaning will also maintain the luster of metals like gold, silver, and platinum, helping them retain their beauty for years. It’s important to inspect your rings regularly for any signs of wear or damage, so you can address minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Proper Storage Solutions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your minimalist rings. Keeping them in separate compartments prevents scratches and tangling with other pieces, while dedicated jewellery boxes help organize collections, protecting each item from damage during storage periods. Furthermore, utilizing anti-tarnish pouches or cloths offers additional protection against environmental factors, ensuring the longevity of cherished items and that they remain intact throughout years of usage. Carefully storing your minimalist rings when not in use also helps preserve their original finish. Using a jewellery box with a soft lining can prevent unwanted friction that could damage delicate designs. 

Keeping your rings stored away from direct sunlight can help prevent discoloration, especially in metals like silver and gold. Proper storage not only keeps your minimalist rings in pristine condition but also prevents them from being lost or misplaced.

Professional Cleaning vs DIY Care

While regular at-home care is important, professional cleaning rejuvenates older pieces significantly. Many jewelers offer cleaning services, removing tarnish and restoring shine effectively, allowing you to enjoy beautiful craftsmanship with worry-free, long-term use. Balancing DIY care with occasional professional maintenance ensures your minimalist rings remain stunning over time. Professional cleaning can remove buildup that regular cleaning can’t address, bringing back the sparkle in intricate designs. If your rings feature gemstones or special details, a professional cleaning will ensure those elements are properly cared for. 

Scheduling professional care every 6 to 12 months can keep your minimalist rings looking their absolute best for years, allowing you to continue enjoying these timeless pieces without worrying about wear and tear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, minimalist rings represent more than just accessories; they embody a lifestyle choice rooted in simplicity and elegance. Their versatility allows them to complement any outfit while making meaningful statements about personal style and values! Whether you’re drawn to classic bands or dainty designs adorned with subtle gemstones, these timeless pieces deserve a place in every jewellery collection! By understanding how to best care for styling techniques, 

You’ll enjoy wearing your favorite minimalist rings day after day! So embrace minimalism today; discover why these stunning creations continue captivating hearts worldwide! 

Elevate your everyday style with the Aarchievgold exquisite collection of minimalist rings. Discover the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance that complements every look. Visit our website today! Read More: Click More

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Brushed chrome door knobs are a stylish, practical, and durable choice for your home.

When it comes to home décor, the smallest touches can have the most influence. While we focus on huge aspects such as furniture, walls, and carpeting, door hardware is one of those subtle details that can significantly improve the entire look and feel of a space. Brushed chrome is an increasingly popular finish in home decor. Whether you're redecorating the entire house or just one room, brushed chrome door knobs provide the ideal combination of design, functionality, and durability.

Brushed chrome door knobs are an excellent choice if you want a modern, sleek, and timeless look that complements a variety of house types. These knobs not only add elegance, but they also have exceptional longevity and low maintenance requirements. In this blog, we'll look at why brushed chrome door knobs are so popular, how to choose the best ones for your space, and how they improve both the appearance and practicality of your home.

What Are Brushed Chrome Door Knobs?

Fine abrasives polish the surface to create brushed chrome, a metal finish that results in a delicate, matte texture and a sleek yet soft shine. Compared to polished chrome, which has a reflective, high-gloss look, brushed chrome has a more subtle, elegant finish with a delicate lustre. This coating conceals fingerprints, smudges, and tiny scratches, which are frequent in other finishes.

High-end hardware, such as faucets, cabinet handles, and, of course, doorknobs, frequently uses brushed chrome. The finish is not only beautiful but also functional, as it is very resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting choice for a variety of applications in both residential and commercial settings.

The attractiveness of brushed chrome stems from its ability to bring a modern touch to practically any décor. Whether you're designing a contemporary apartment, a classic family house, or an industrial loft, brushed chrome door knobs add a sleek, clean touch that will elevate the room.

Why Choose Brushed Chrome Door Knobs?

A modern, sleek, and sophisticated look.

The most obvious advantage of using brushed chrome door knobs is their aesthetics. Brushed chrome has a sleek and elegant appearance that suits a wide range of interior design styles. Whether your home is minimalist, contemporary, historic, or even industrial, brushed chrome hardware may complement any style.

The finish's soft, brushed texture allows brushed chrome to gently reflect light, resulting in a mellow glow rather than the high gloss of polished finishes. This makes brushed chrome an especially popular choice for achieving a clean, minimalist look in modern homes. It's ideal for folks who value a sleek, sophisticated look without a high-maintenance, dazzling appearance.

In addition to its contemporary appeal, brushed chrome has an understated grace that makes it suitable for both informal and formal settings. Whether you have a modern, open-concept living area, a sleek and contemporary kitchen, or a traditionally fashioned bedroom, brushed chrome door knobs can give a touch of elegance without overwhelming the decor.

Durability and longevity

One of the key reasons people choose brushed chrome door knobs is their high durability. The brushed surface not only enhances the knobs' appearance but also protects them from scratches, scuffs, and smudges. Brushed chrome outperforms polished finishes in terms of wear resistance over time, making it a better choice for locations with significant foot traffic or regular door use.

Doors exposed to moisture or extreme weather conditions benefit greatly from brushed chrome's high resistance to corrosion and tarnishing. This makes brushed chrome an excellent choice for interior and exterior doors. Unlike other finishes, which may show indications of deterioration from dampness or frequent contact, brushed chrome retains its integrity and appears fresher for longer.

If you have children, dogs, or frequent visitors, brushed chrome door knobs are a worthy investment. Because of their durability, these knobs will not immediately show indications of wear and tear, requiring you to replace them less frequently.

Low maintenance and simple to clean

Another key advantage of brushed chrome door knobs is their low maintenance requirements. Frequent contact with door hardware can lead to the accumulation of fingerprints, smudges, and filth. However, because brushed chrome has a matte finish, it is significantly more effective at masking these scratches than glossy or polished finishes. High-traffic locations frequently use door hardware, making brushed chrome a good choice.

In addition to being fingerprint-resistant, brushed chrome is simple to clean. Regular cleaning entails little more than wiping down the knobs with a microfiber or soft cloth. To keep them spotless, add warm water with mild soap. The roughness of brushed chrome helps to conceal grime and dust, so you won't have to clean your doorknobs as frequently.

A non-abrasive cleanser will work wonders on tenacious filth, but avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads, as they may harm the finish. Overall, brushed chrome is a beneficial choice for individuals who want to save time on maintenance while still having their door hardware look great.

Flexibility in design and function

Brushed chrome door knobs are available in a wide range of forms, sizes, and styles, allowing you to select the ideal style for your room. Whether you want a traditional circular knob, a sleek lever handle, or a more modern geometric form, brushed chrome works with every aesthetic. From simple and modest designs to more ornamental features with detailed embellishments, there's a brushed chrome door knob for every taste.

Brushed chrome's neutral tone also allows it to complement a variety of other materials, including wood, glass, and stone. Whether you have oak doors or sleek, modern metal ones, brushed chrome may bring the entire space together.

Brushed chrome door knobs are also available for a variety of purposes. 

For example:

Privacy locks provide safe locks for privacy in bathrooms and bedrooms.

 Passage knobs are suitable for corridors or closet doors without a locking mechanism.

 Dummy knobs are non-functioning knobs used on non-latching doors, such as double doors.

This range assures that you can discover the ideal brushed chrome knob for whatever type of door or application in your home.

Resistant to rust and corrosion.

Rust and corrosion can be serious issues for door hardware if you reside in a coastal area or a humid climate. Brushed chrome is highly resistant to corrosion, so it will not rust or degrade over time, especially in moist conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for bathroom doors, laundry rooms, and any outdoor doors exposed to the elements.

In addition to its resistance to rust, brushed chrome's low-maintenance finish keeps it looking polished for longer, even when there is moisture in the air. In contrast to finishes such as brass or polished nickel, which can tarnish and corrode in humid environments, brushed chrome remains fresh and clean.

How to Select the Right Brushed Chrome Door Knob for Your Home

Now that you've learnt about the benefits of brushed chrome door knobs, consider selecting the best ones for your environment.  When choosing door hardware, it's important to consider the door's functionality.

1. Consider the frequency of use and the need for a locking mechanism when choosing door knobs.

For example:

To ensure privacy and security, bedroom and bathroom doors should have privacy locks. Non-locking passage knobs are sufficient for closets and hallways. Entry doors should have sturdy knobs with a secure locking mechanism.

Select the style and function that best meet the demands of each room.

Match the knobs with your home's overall style.

Brushed chrome is versatile enough to match a variety of interior design types, but you should consider the look you want in your area. If you have a modern home, elegant, simple brushed chrome knobs will complement the minimalist look. If your home has a more classic feel, search for brushed chrome knobs with complex motifs like detailed edges or vintage-inspired forms.

Select the correct shape and size.

Brushed chrome knobs come in a variety of styles, including round, square, oval, and lever handles. Round knobs are iconic and timeless, although lever handles are generally more ergonomic and user-friendly, particularly for persons with limited hand strength or mobility concerns. When deciding on the right shape and size for your door, keep the door's usefulness in mind.

Quality Matters

Investing in high-quality brushed chrome hardware can help your knobs endure longer and keep their beauty. Look for knobs made of strong materials like solid brass or zinc alloys. Reputable brands often offer warranties, ensuring the durability of your door hardware.

Where to Use Brushed Chrome Door Knobs at Home

You can use brushed chrome door knobs in almost any room in your home due to their adaptability. Here are some common areas where brushed chrome door knobs look great:

Add brushed chrome knobs to your front door for a modern and welcome look.

Brushed chrome privacy handles provide both style and security in personal places, like bathrooms and bedrooms.

Brushed chrome knobs are ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, as they can survive everyday use without losing their beauty.

Exterior Doors: Brushed chrome is corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for exterior applications like back or patio doors.

Conclusion

Brushed chrome door knobs are an excellent option for homeowners wishing to add elegance, durability, and functionality to their home. Brushed chrome knobs are an excellent choice for any home due to their sleek, modern appearance, resilience to wear and corrosion, and low maintenance requirements.

Whether you're decorating a new home, remodelling a room, or simply changing your hardware, brushed chrome door knobs strike the ideal blend of design, functionality, and durability. By carefully evaluating your home's design and functional requirements, you can choose the ideal brushed chrome door knobs that will add beauty and functionality to your space for years to come.

FAQs for Brushed Chrome Door Knobs

What is brushed chrome?

Abrasive tools polish chrome to create a brushed chrome finish, which has a soft, matte feel. It offers a sleek, modern appearance and resists fingerprints and scratches.

Why should I use brushed chrome door knobs?

Brushed chrome door knobs have a fashionable, modern appearance and are highly durable, resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear. They're simple to clean and maintain, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Are brushed chrome doorknobs appropriate for outdoor use?

Yes, external doors exposed to the elements benefit greatly from brushed chrome's resistance to corrosion and rust. It can endure dampness and humidity, preserving its look over time.

How do you clean brushed chrome doorknobs?

Use a soft cloth, light soap, and warm water to clean brushed chrome door knobs. Avoid using abrasive products or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the finish. The smooth finish hides smudges and fingerprints, so regular cleaning is minimal.

What varieties of brushed chrome doorknobs are available?

Brushed chrome door knobs are available in a variety of forms, such as round, square, and lever handles. You can choose locking privacy knobs for bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as passage knobs for corridors and closets.

What is the durability of brushed chrome door knobs?

Yes, brushed chrome doorknobs are well-known for their durability. They resist scratches, tarnishing, and corrosion, making them a wise long-term investment for both interior and exterior doors.

How do brushed chrome doorknobs compare to other finishes?

Brushed chrome resists fingerprints and scratches better than polished surfaces. It also has a softer, more subtle design that complements a variety of interior styles. It's an excellent choice for individuals looking for a blend of elegance and functionality.