7 things that make your living room look empty, according to designers

A living room that looks empty can look unattractive, even if it is fully furnished. If your space is bare, it may be missing key elements that add warmth, style and personality. Here are seven common culprits and tips to liven up your living room.

Meet the expert

  • Caitlin Marie is the founder of the Caitlin Marie Design blog, where she shares design tips, decorating finds, and easy DIY projects.
  • Melissa Michaels she is the founder of The Inspired Room, where she provides inspiration for decorating and style tips.

The focal point is missing

A living room without a focal point can feel directionless and empty. A focal point draws attention and anchors a space, whether it’s a fireplace, a large piece of art or a bold sofa.

“I like to set a focal point when I’m designing a room for two reasons,” says Caitlin Marie of Caitlin Marie Designs. “First, you may want to devote more of your budget to this part of the room because it’s going to get the most attention.”

Choose one main element to emphasize and build your decor around it. Adding a mirror or a large framed piece of art can instantly draw the eye and give a room more structure.

“For most people, the focal point of the living room will be a fireplace or media console, often with artwork or a TV hanging above,” she says.

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The furniture is too small

Small or too small furniture can make even a well-decorated room feel sparse. Small sofas, chairs or tables may not fill the space enough, leaving too much empty space around them.

“A sectional, large couch, large coffee table, and even built-in bookshelves or a piano will help anchor the room so that smaller pieces can be tucked in here and there as accents if needed,” says Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room.

Choose furniture that matches the size of your space. In larger rooms, opt for large sofas or partitions, larger coffee tables and full armchairs. If you have a small space, consider adding a tall bookshelf or floor lamp to give it vertical dimension.

No Area Rug

A room without a rug can feel disjointed, and pieces of furniture appear isolated rather than cohesive. The rug defines the seating area, bringing everything together.

“Rugs can help create separate areas or zones in an open-concept home or larger room,” says Marie. As a result, your living room will feel cozier and more intentional.”

Use a rug that fits at least partially under all the main pieces of furniture (sofas, chairs, coffee tables). This can make a big difference in grounding the space and making it feel complete.

Little or no artwork on the walls

Bare walls make a living room feel empty, but choosing artwork can feel daunting. However, even a few small pieces can help bring warmth and personality to your space.

“Artwork and accessories in a great room should be bigger and bolder,” says Michaels. “If you have framed prints or photos for your wall, go larger than the standard 8 x 10 or 5 x 7 frames. Group larger pieces together to make an even bolder punch.”

Go for large-scale art if you have high ceilings or expansive walls. For smaller rooms, try a gallery wall or a few medium-sized prints that reflect your style. Make sure the art is hung at eye level for the best visual impact.

Lack of layered lighting

One ceiling lamp is often not enough to make a room attractive. A single overhead fixture can leave areas looking shaded and bare. Layered lighting, like table and floor lamps, adds warmth and dimension.

“As a general rule, I like to have three different light sources in a large room (not counting the ceiling light) or two in a small room,” says Mari. “You might be able to get away with less in the open. conceptual space with lots of ambient lighting.”

Use multiple light sources around the room. Place lamps near the seating area, use sconces for wall art, or add a dimmable ceiling light for a customizable ambiance.

Minimal or no textiles

Textiles such as cushions, blankets and curtains add texture and warmth to the living room. Without them, the space can seem complete and empty. Placing different fabrics softens the room and brings color and comfort.

A rustic ladder covered with blankets or other textiles can be just what your corner needs.

Add throw pillows throughout the space with different textures and colors and throw a cozy blanket over the couch. Floor-length curtains, even if sheer, can also add a soft, finished look to windows.

Empty Corners

Unused corners make the room look incomplete, as if the space is not fully lived. Adding a plant, floor lamp or small chair can make empty corners look purposeful and add personality to the space.

A tall plant like a potted fig or palm tree can breathe life into an empty corner. If plants aren’t your thing, a small accent chair or lamp can fill the void nicely.

Not enough decorative pieces or accessories

A living room without decorative pieces or accessories – such as books, vases or candles – can be cold and uninviting. These finishing touches make the space feel alive and layered.

Add personal items such as family photos, travel souvenirs or a book collection to add character to the room. Small decorative items on tables or shelves add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

Your living room should be cozy, comfortable and reflect your style. By adding these elements—like a focal point, layered lighting, textiles, and art—you can transform a room that feels empty into an inviting space that’s uniquely yours.

The Brutalist (2024) (R) – 8.4.5 | A guide and review for parents

Brutalist LANGUAGE 5

– About 5 F-words, 3 sexual references, 1 scatological term, 1 anatomical term, 11 mild obscenities, 2 derogatory terms for African Americans, 1 derogatory term for Italians, name-calling (rape, evil rapist, sick, idiot, urchin, beggar, fool, rude, snake, little bird, rude, fat-headed son, joke, this place is rotten, social leech, anarchist, irresponsible, bizarre, ugly, cruel, stupid, sick senile old dog, you look messy, stubborn, beneath you, poor, irresponsible, selfish, old bastard, egotistical scoundrel, lady of the night, fat, lame, showboat, lapdog, loafer, brash, bagpiper, unimaginative, cow, disturbing, frivolity, dull, awful, rude, bat of (mild obscenity deleted)), exclamations (stop this nonsense, hold your horses, thank God, shame on you) , 6 religious expletives (GD), 8 religious exclamations (eg God bless you, I met God, o my God, oh God, Christ, for God’s sake, God forsaken). | glossary of profanity |

White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf Movie Review

Common Sense Media Review

Renee Schonfeld

By Renee Schonfeld

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







Exciting family adventure with guns, some scares.


age 10+







Based on 1 parent review

What is the story?

IN WHITE FANG 2: THE MYTH OF THE WHITE WOLF, Henry (Scott Bairstow), alone in the Alaskan wilderness, digs for gold, carefully guarding his precious supply of nuggets for a raft trip to a local town where… I’ll collect my fortune. But during a harrowing ride into an unexpectedly raging river, Henry loses his gold and separates it from White Fang, then is rescued by a young Indian woman, Lily (Charmaine Craig), of the Haida tribe. Moses, the Haida chief, is desperate for Henry’s help. His village is in the midst of famine; the caribou whose annual presence they count on for food have not returned to their mountain. In his dream, the old man saw the White Fang leading them to the animals. He appeals to the young man: “Find your wolf companion and let him lead us to the missing caribou to hunt again.” Reluctant at first, but drawn to Lily, sympathetic to the tribe’s plight and desperate to find the White Fang, Henry agrees to help. What Moses, Lily and Henry don’t know, however, is that a vicious team of white settlers will do anything to chase the Haida off the mountain. The adventure intensifies as Henry’s quest threatens to spoil the white man’s evil plan.

Is it good?

Our review:







children say:
Not rated yet

Magnificent set design and cinematography and dynamic native wildlife, especially the White Fang, offset the conventional story line of good versus evil, some on-the-nose dialogue and stock villains. And the gently serious portrayal of the Native American presence in the Northwest adds substance to the story. For kids and families who are comfortable with lots of exciting action and suspense, with young people and animals often in danger, and some long fight sequences to the death, it’s a fun, old-fashioned adventure with more than one happy ending.

Talk to your kids about…

  • The families in this film can talk about the treatment of the Indian tribe. How does it differ from the portrayal in earlier adventure films you may have seen? What do you think caused this cultural shift?

  • Alaska is the location for this movie. The story would have been set differently in any other place. List any specific attributes of this natural environment (terrain, wildlife) that contribute to the adventure.

  • In a sequel, can you always expect the story to be a continuation of the original film? If you have seen White Fangwhat, if anything, does it connect to White Fang 2? How does each film stand on its own?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children

How to update tile floors on a budget

With so many easy ways to update your tile floors, there’s no need to live with dreary tile anymore. You can update your old tile floors on a budget without the expense and mess of replacing tiles.

“Updating tile floors on a budget means getting creative and focusing on small changes that make a big impact,” says James Marino, of Pinnacle Home Improvements.

We talked to the experts to find out their best recommendations for updating your tile floors without breaking the bank.

Meet the expert

  • James Marino is a contractor and managing director of Pinnacle Home Improvements.
  • Jessica Bandstra is the owner and head of design at Dogwood Proper.

Clean the tile

Tiles are incredibly durable and stain-resistant, but they do get dirty over time. Regular cleaning may be all you need to update your old tile floor.

And if you decide to continue with other updates—like stenciling, painting, and decals—a thorough cleaning is still a necessary first step.

Contractor James Marino recommends avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

“They can dull the tile over time and weaken the grout,” he says. “A mild detergent goes a long way in preserving their shine.”

Stick to gentle cleaners and cloths or microfiber cloths to keep things looking polished without damage.

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Add area rugs

The best bang for your buck, says designer Jessica Bandstra, is adding a new rug.

“No elbow grease required,” she says.

Marino agrees that using mats or rugs in high-traffic areas is an easy way to prevent wear and tear. He installed a runner in his kitchen not only to add personality to the space, but also to protect the tile.

You might want to…

Carpets are on average 8 to 9 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet long, so they cover a lot of tile space. We evaluated durability, washability and appearance to offer you the best rugs.

Paint over the grout

Dirt and mold accumulate in tile grout (seams) over time. Painting the grout with a new color refreshes the tile without the need to replace the grout or tile.

Even if the grout is clean and in good condition, it can be painted over for a bright, new look.

Change the grout color by applying the grout color with a brush. Some stains are available in marker-like pens that allow you to draw color directly onto the grout.

Tile Decals

For a more dramatic change, consider tile stickers.

“For a floor that’s dated but structurally in good shape, peel-and-stick decals can give you the look of a patterned tile without the cost of replacement,” says Marino.

Tile stickers are applied to ceramic, porcelain or stone floor or wall tiles. The surface should be smooth and smooth, not porous, rough or textured.

The decals fit any tile size, but leave the grout exposed. The label design fits edge to edge.

Color the tile

Another way to update tile is to paint it, says Bandstra.

“Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface, then apply a quality primer and tile-friendly paint,” she says.

For long-lasting durability, use a primer. The paint should be one-component or two-component epoxy paint.

Tile paint covers both tile and grout. So it’s a great option for dirty tile grout.

Tile template

Stencils are often used on walls and work equally well on tile floors. Create damask, classic or floral designs on floor tiles using stencils. You can stencil the entire floor or just the edge.

Start by coating the tile with a bonding primer that also doubles as a base coat. Place the template on the tile and use a dense foam roller to roll according to color.

Apply a water-based urethane clear coat on top for protection.

Replace the plaster

Grout replacement is one of the best ways to update old tile floors while staying within budget.

“Although they take time and practice, the results can be well worth the effort,” says Bandstra.

Re-grouting is also the best option when the grout is chipped and cracked.

The trick is to use an electric multi-tool with a special blade for removing plaster. The blade chews through the soft grout but leaves the harder edges of the tiles undamaged – as long as you go carefully through.

Once the grout is gone, adding new grout to the tile takes just a few hours – resulting in a floor that not only looks great, but is strong and waterproof.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024) (PG-13) – 1.7.1 | A guide and review for parents

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim VIOLENCE/GORE 7

– A woman stabs a man with a pitchfork: we see the weapon sink into his chest (with some blood) and he falls dead. A man is pushed to his knees, his hands are tied behind his back while another man holds a knife to his throat; we hear a man slash another man’s throat and the body falls, but we don’t see the action as the people watching react in horror. A man is shot in the neck: we see an arrow sticking out from both sides (blood forms and he falls). A man stabs another man in the stomach and we see a bloodstain on his shirt as he falls to his knees. A man throws a knife at a woman, hits her in the shoulder and draws blood, then charges at her with a sword; they fight, she hits him in the throat with her shield and holds the shield against his throat until he dies. A man cuts off an archer’s hand; we see a bloody tree stump and we see a bloody severed hand fall, still holding the bow. Several men were shot with multiple arrows; we see them on the ground, either dead or struggling to move and with arrows sticking out of their bodies. People are stabbed through the torso in several scenes with the sword coming out the other side (some blood is visible). Soldiers charge over the hill (the village is on fire behind them), a man lies dead with a spear in his torso, and a woman cries over his corpse. A man runs to check on his father, who has been knocked down in a fight, only to find that he has been killed; he draws his sword and attacks the assassin.
Two children practice fighting with real short swords and shields; one child hits another in the face, cutting his eye; he covers his face with his hand and we see a pool of blood as another child apologizes and rushes to his aid. Two men argue about politics; one shakes his fist and says, “Kings do not fight in their own house,” but challenges another man to a duel; outside, the men exchange blows, punching each other in the face and body (we see blood on their faces), and one man faints and falls. Several armed men attack an unarmed man; disarms them, strikes (blood spurts on impact) and grabs the spear and throws it, hitting one man in the stomach (collapses).
A man grabs another by the neck and lifts him up choking him, then throws him to the ground and the man on the ground threatens him. A man grabs a woman by the wrists and slams her against a wall, then threatens her with a knife and cuts her face; we see a line of blood. A man sneaks up on a woman, puts a bag on her head, then picks her up and carries her away; she screams and fights back as the man says they should kill her, but the other man says he’ll take her to his commander first. The man knocks the woman down and starts strangling her until the horse rears up and throws him off the woman. A duel between a man and a woman on horseback; they strike each other and both fall from their horses, then get up and continue fighting with swords. The door opens and a man is thrown through the door, hitting the ground; a woman with a sword runs in and fights a man. A woman encounters a giant eagle in a cave on a cliff; he screeched and she backed away in fear, nearly falling over the edge of the cliff.
The armies fight in several scenes and many men are shot by arrows and fall from their horses. Many people hit others with swords and hammers (we see blood spatter with some injuries). A man mounts a war elephant and stabs it several times; we see blood, we hear her making painful noises and she eventually falls down dead. The elephant was struck by a spear through its open mouth; we see an elephant freeze and fall, and people scatter to avoid being crushed. A squid-like monster grabs the elephant with its tentacles, drags it into the water and eats it whole; we watch the elephant’s body disappear into the creature’s mouth. A war elephant charges a group of soldiers, and they attack the elephant with swords and hammers; we see blood and wounds. A wounded war elephant (he has visible wounds and parts of his ears have been cut off) shouts and rushes at a group of people; a man stabs him (we see some blood) and an elephant chases him. A man attacks several monsters, punching them and exchanging blows; one of the monster’s horns falls to the ground, bloody, and we see a bloody wound on its head where the horn broke off. The woman throws a spear at the monster, stabs it through the eye (we see the eye of the wound); when he falls, the man hits his head with a stone (blood spatters the man). Several men find the remains of a dead monster with a smashed, bloody head. A woman takes out a piece of meat on a bone from her bag (blood is visible on it); she throws it to a big bird that eats it whole. Several warriors in several scenes wear masks made of animal skulls. In several scenes the horses jump and squeal in fear, and in some scenes they almost throw their riders off their backs.
In several scenes, people discuss the rumor that the man has become a wraith monster, capable of “unnatural and unholy things,” who stalks his prey and viciously kills them. The man says that the dead bodies have disappeared and must have been eaten by the phantom monster. The orc-type monster tells the other to “check them before you eat them”, implying that they eat human corpses. The woman is captured by several monsters that threaten to eat her. A man asks what to do with a young man’s corpse; another man says let them rot.
Several men scream in terror and run; one of them says that he saw another man who is “not a natural man” killing many people, “tearing them apart with his bare hands” and that he is “coming for us”; another man goes to find a pile of dead bodies (we see blood around them). People flee from an invading army in several scenes; we see adults and children looking scared and hear babies crying. Several scenes show corpses of soldiers and horses, and one scene shows at least 15 armored corpses, lined up in the snow. We see rotting corpses of men and horses in several scenes with decaying flesh and exposed bones. The narrator describes a man frozen in battle, still fighting; we see him standing frozen, surrounded by the frozen bodies of the men he killed. As the army prepares for battle, their commander shouts, “We will dye the dawn red with the blood of our enemies.” A man begs another man to spare the life of his captured son, saying, “My life for my son.”
A man yells at another man and pushes him, saying he didn’t protect the young woman and she “could have died.” People threaten each other with violence, revenge and death in several scenes (eg “I’ll kill your family”, “Your next breath will be your last”, “You’ll regret this”). People discuss past battles and wars, describe people who “take up arms” to fight and people who die. The woman begs the man not to start a war, saying, “Innocent people will die.” The woman tells the others about rumors of ghosts in the fort, including the ghost of a woman who died of a fever the night before the wedding.

16 perennials that make great houseplants during the winter

When choosing perennials for your yard or patio, you’re not limited to those that are winter-hardy in your USDA hardiness zone. Tender tropical or subtropical plants that will not survive the winter outdoors benefit from spending the warm summer months outdoors. When the weather changes, they need to be brought indoors for the winter, where they make excellent houseplants.

In general, herbaceous perennials are the most suitable houseplants, but there are also some woody perennials – small shrubs and even trees – that work well indoors.

Here are 16 perennials that will complement your home with greenery during the winter.

Advice

Before bringing a plant indoors, check its hardiness zones and bring only those plants that are not resistant or marginally resistant to your climate. Overwintering a hardy plant that is perfectly adapted to cold winters is not only unnecessary but also harmful. Moving to a warm indoor location disrupts the plant’s natural growth cycle and can prevent it from entering dormancy, resulting in poor growth and failure to flower.

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The Return (2024) (R) – 7.7.5 | A guide and review for parents

content ratingsWhy is “The Return” rated R? An MPAA rating was given for “violence, some sexual content, explicit nudity and language”. Kids-In-Mind.com’s assessment includes full male nudity in a non-sexual context, several scenes of partial nudity sex, implied rape, many people killed by arrows as well as sword stabs and stabbings with blood and spray, many discussions of war and death, discussions about homesickness, a few arguments and at least 3 F-words. Read our parent guide below for details on this sexual content, violence & strong language.


Based on the final chapters of Homer’s “Odyssey”: Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) manages to return to Ithaca after 10 years of fighting in Troy and 10 years of wandering the Mediterranean, alone and unrecognizable, to find his island surrounded by suitors vying to marry his wife Penelope (Juliette Binoche) and now take over his dilapidated kingdom. Also with Charlie Plummer, Marwan Kenzari, Tom Rhys Harries, Amir Wilson, Ángela Molina, Jaz Hutchins and Moe Bar-El. Directed by Uberto Pasolini. (Duration: 1:56)

The micro-decluttering method will finally clean up your home

Micro-decluttering—the art of decluttering your home in 10- or 15-minute increments—has become quite popular in recent years, and for good reason.

If you’re looking to get your home in tip-top shape starting today, micro-decluttering says you can—you certainly don’t need a ton of free time in your schedule to get started.

We spoke to organization experts to gather six top tips on how to tackle microclassing like a pro.

Meet the expert

  • Jessica Litman is the founder of the home organization blog The Organized Mama.
  • Shira Gill is an organization expert and the author of a book on lifestyle organization.
  • Chitra Swygard is the co-founder of the Organized With Beauty home organization service.

What is micro-decluttering?

Micro-decluttering refers to the process of organizing part of one’s space in 10- or 15-minute increments.

“I think it’s such a helpful way to get rid of junk in small steps,” says Jessica Litman, founder of The Organized Mama home blog. “For a lot of people, giant decluttering can be super overwhelming.”

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Have a plan before you start

Image source / Getty Images

Litman suggests those looking to incorporate micro-exfoliation into their routine to determine a rough plan before embarking on the cleansing process. She recommends deciding which areas of the house are priorities, how often you’ll micro-splurge (whether it’s daily, weekly, or otherwise), where you’ll donate items you no longer need, and more.

“Having a plan keeps things on track,” says Litman. It can be easy to lose momentum without figuring out the logistics ahead of time.

Take things for 15 minutes at a time

Organization expert and author Shira Gill recommends her signature “15 Minute Win” approach to clients, which involves spending just 15 minutes addressing just one small area of ​​the home.

“When you tackle even one shelf or drawer, you’ll experience success, boost your confidence, and begin to feel hopeful, even excited about the rest of your home,” she says.

The spaces or items you can organize in this amount of time are endless—Gill suggests taking this time to grab your wallet, medicine cabinet, junk drawer, or even your refrigerator.

Budget your time like a pro

anela / Getty Images

You may wonder when exactly you’ll find even 10 or 15 minutes in your day to commit to a micro-de-cluttering project, but you may have more time on your hands than you think. You can spend 10 minutes clearing the dishes while you wait for dinner to finish cooking, or make a regular appointment on your calendar to do this.

“The ideal time to micro-splash is shortly after you’ve used up an item category,” says Chitra Swygard, co-founder of Organized With Beauty.

This might mean sorting through beauty products after you’ve put on your makeup for the day, or assessing your dishes after setting the table for a get-together. Pay close attention to which items you’ve been avoiding using and consider getting rid of them.

Limit your distractions

As you micro-remove, allow yourself to be in the moment and focus all your energy on the task at hand. Turn off notifications, set a timer and put your head down. You can take a break and scroll on your phone as a reward when you finish in 10 minutes.

Be small with your categories

Micro-splurge isn’t an all-day process, so you may need to break up your item categories into more manageable chunks so you don’t lose momentum. Instead of telling yourself you’re going to go through all of your kids’ dolls, it might make sense to focus on Barbies one day, American Girl doll accessories the next, and so on.

“It just depends on what your life is like and how much time you have,” says Swygard. “The beauty of micro-declining is that you do it at your own pace.”

Celebrate your success

Micro-showing off can bring a great sense of satisfaction—so feel free to share your progress with friends if you’d like. Take a before-and-after photo of your space to demonstrate to others the impact a little micro-tweaking can have, suggests Swygard. This will make you feel more successful and therefore more likely to try again in the near future.