An Algerian palace built in the mid-19th century tells the tale of occupation and resistance

Published date: 25 September 2020 09:51 UTC | Last update: 25 sec ago

The Ahmed Bey palace in Constantine, northeastern Algeria, is one of the last examples of Algerian Ottoman architecture built before the French occupation of the country.Named after the buildings architect and designer Ahmed Bey ben Mohamed Sherif, the last Ottoman Bey(or governor) of Constantine, the structure was built over nine years and was completed in 1835, two years before Frances colonial rule began in 1837.

Born around 1784 in Constantine, Ahmed Bey served under the Ottoman Regency of Algiers and was one of the central figures of resistance to French occupation, keeping them out of eastern Algeria for seven years.(All images by Kays Djilali from his book,Constantine: memoire, patrimoine et passion,courtesy of Chihab Editions)

In designing a palace he was only able to reside in for two years, (18351837, before French occupation), Ahmed Bey imported columns and other marble pieces from Italy by mule and camel, withthe rest of the materials comingfrom the Netherlands and Spain. Here we havea row of exquisitely carved white marble columns, some of the 266 that prop up lancet arches and porticoes that open onto the gardens like cloisters.

Traditional earthenware tiles called zelij- 47,000 in total - cover the walls of the palace. They were taken from the wealthy homes of Constantine, but also came from Tunisia, Syria and even cities on the northern shore of the Mediterranean, such as Marseille, where Ahmed Bey travelled to find them.

The palacemurals depictingAhmed Beys travels are both a major tourist attraction and a valuable historical document. Covering more than 2,000 square meters, the walls tell the story of his pilgrimage to Islams holy places, as well as tales of battles fought alongside the ruler of the regency of Algiers under the Ottoman Empire. On his journey to Mecca and Medina in 1818, which lasted 15 months, Ahmed Bey also visited Tunis, Tripoli, the port of Alexandria and Cairo.

Set in carved marble porticoes, the inner doors of the palace were made by local craftsmen. Each door is a work of art in its own right. Like much of the palaces architecture the polychrome doors made of cedar wood from the Aures and Kabylia regions in the northeast of the country, have been restored. The doors indicate the luxurious tastes of the palaces former resident.

One intricately carved door leads to the apartments of the harem, a section of the palace where the governors concubines once resided. Ahmed Bey had a large harem in addition to his six wives, and the presence of women filled the palace apartments, which numbered 40 rooms. To honour his favourite wives, Lalla Khadoudj, Lalla Aichouche, Lalla Fattoum, and a fourth whose identity is said to have been kept secret, Ahmed Bey had a palm tree planted in each of the four corners of the main garden.

Gardens and water fountains feature heavily in the palaces design as in the image above,the spray of a sculpted marble fountain spills into a nearly two-hundred-year-old basinin the shade of orange trees and myrtles.

Leopold II of Belgiumand Napoleon III of France are just two of the distinguished guests who once stayed at the palace in the 19th century. In 1934, the palace was classified as a historic monument. It wasn't until 2003 that a four year restoration project began, including landscaping and roof renovation. Today, it is home to Algerias National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.

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In pictures: Inside the home of the last Ottoman Bey of Constantine - Middle East Eye

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You may know carpenter and designer extraordinaire Ty Pennington from TLC's Trading Spaces or the original Extreme Makeover: Home Edition series. Although its been a few years since he's been in front of the camera, he hasnt stopped doing what he loves: renovating homes. Now Pennington is making his return to TV and his HGTV debut with an all new feel-good home renovation series... but there's a little bit of a twist.

Yesterday, the network announced that the new series, Ty Breaker, had been given the production green light. The eight-episode installment will follow Pennington as he helps well-deserving families find their dream homes. But here's the catch: the family must choose whether or not they want to revamp their existing home, or move on to an entirely different home to renovate.

Heres where his costars come in! In each episode, Pennington will encourage the family to stay put in their original homes. Meanwhile, his costars will be pushing the family to give up their home and start renovations on an all-new property. The show asks the question: can certain style and design upgrades make a home feel brand new to a family? Or does that family need to leave their old home behind in order to get that fresh start? Fellow HGTV stars Alison Victoria from Windy City Rehab, Grace Mitchell from One of a Kind, and Sabrina Soto from The High Low Project will rotate as Penningtons cohosts throughout the series.

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Pennington expressed his excitement over the show in a statement to the network. "I am so happy to be back in my element on Ty Breakerhelping people to not only love their space but showing them how to LIVE in it," he said. "Well address challenges that families face every day, but well mix it up with friendly competition from my super-talented friends. Youll see us having a lot of fun and creating killer design."

Well, we're sure excited and also curious to see what families will decide! Ty Breaker is slated to premiere in early 2021.

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Ty Pennington Is Coming to HGTV With An All New Feel-Good Home Makeover Series - HouseBeautiful.com

With Apple and Amazon continuing to surprise us with their inventions, we are waiting in anticipation of their September 30th event. While the company usually unveils the new Pixel sometime in mid-October, the virtual event is set to be where the company unveils the latest and greatest Pixel phones, along with a new Nest smart speaker and a new Chromecast. The rumors of these products have been floating around and while we wait, here is a list of designs that we surely hope to see come true, if not in this release, but in the next one at least!

The Pixel smartphone went onto redefine what a pure Android experience could look like, becoming the gold standard in the Android OS experience. James Tsais Google Pixel Smartwatch concept does the same for the Android Wear OS. Embodying Googles playful-serious aesthetic, the Pixel Smartwatch concept comes in a traditional round format, and in a variety of quirkily named colors. The Android Wear OS logo displays clearly on the always-on display of the watch, transforming into a colorful set of watch hands every time you look at it to read the time. The watch comes with Googles top-notch voice AI, all of Googles native apps, and a heart-rate monitor on the back, which ties in well with Googles plan of acquiring Fitbit and their entire fitness-tech ecosystem. I wouldnt be surprised if this wearable concept were entirely waterproof too, just to fire shots at Apple!

The Chromecast 3 concept by Roel Heyninck isnt a hockey-puck as much as its a hub. Designed with the stylings of the Apple TV box, Heynincks Chromecast 3 box looks pretty nifty, and in many ways follows Googles product and CMF language. The box connects to a television via a single USB-C connection that has the ability to pull power as well as push media. Using the Chromecast 3 is as simple as pressing the cast button on your phone or tablet and forgetting about it. If you want to interact with or navigate through media, the Chromecast 3 comes with a pretty slick remote control that features 4 buttons and a touchpad on the top, and a standby button on the bottom that you can use to switch the TV on or off.

Meet the Pixel Vector, a smartphone concept byFerdinand Aichriedler that challenges the notion that phones need to have thick bezels, hole-punches, or notches to have front-facing cameras. The Pixel Vector cleverly uses the negative space between the phone and the screens corner to throw in not one, but two front-facing cameras. The phones sharp edges and displays rounded corners provide the perfect triangular negative spacing for cameras, spacing them out too, so they can perform 3D scanning required for facial recognition.

ODD-ONs cute silicone skin transforms your Google Nest Mini into an adorable tabletop cat that, for once, responds to commands instead of maintaining an air of feline attitude! Titled the Caat, the outer body for the Google Nest Mini props your speaker up so its pointing forwards, rather than upwards. This allows the Nest Mini to look rather adorable as it sits patiently on your mantelpiece, responding to all your questions and commands.

The partnership between Belkin and Devialet is interesting for a number of reasons. Belkin is famed for making some of the best charging cables, hubs, adapters, and extension boxes on the market, while Devialet still reigns as the most awarded audio company in the world. The companies announced their collaboration at CES this year, with the Soundform Elite, which happens to be Devialets second smart-speaker after itscollab with Huawei. The Soundform Elite works just like any smart-speaker, albeit with a docking area for your phone. Equipped with a fast-charging 10W Qi charger, the Soundform Elite has the unique feature of being able to charge a wide variety of compatible Android phones as well as iPhones, making it a worthy pick for Apple enthusiasts too.

If Sundar Pichai walked up on stage and unveiled Daniel Cheungs concept of the Stadia controller, Id absolutely believe that it was completely meant to be. Stadia is a revolutionary concept that demands a revolutionary controller, and Daniel Cheungs Playdream is that controller! Ergonomic, but non-organic, the Playdream comprises a tubular design that instantly stands apart as unique, and at the same time, comfortable. Designed for an absolutely robust grip, the Playdream has all the necessary controls, from the buttons to a redesigned D-Pad, to the triggers, Google button, and even two extra buttons on the inside of the grip.

The PixelBloc is comprised of multiple 2500mAh battery-units that connect together using a USB-C port system. The main bloc, which sits at its base, comes with a USB-C port and two USB-A ports, while subsequent blocs only house the USB-C ports. This means the modules need to be plugged into the main bloc to charge them, creating a foolproof system, and the charger is smart enough to recognize them when theyre plugged in together. The PixelBloc uses sequential charging and discharging, which means when the entire unit is assembled, the main bloc is always recharged first (so you always know which bloc to use when youre low on power) after which subsequent bloc-units get recharged. When youre using the entire power-bank to juice up your device, power is pulled from the last bloc first, discharging it from the back to the front and maintaining the system so youre never left with arbitrarily charged individual bloc-units.

Designer Michio Papers created a bridge between the two faces of the tech industry- smart homes tech and laptops, to revive the laptop and the tablet while giving them the makeover they needed. The Google Link is everything you, your workspace, and your home needs. Made of multiple separate gadgets that come together, the Google Link serves all purposes. When assembled together, its your dedicated smart-home device capable of connecting via the internet to all other IoT gadgets in your house. Separate it and things get really interesting. You have a speaker dock that makes the Google Link your very own AI Assistant while being a wireless speaker too.

Google started a digital wellbeing initiative in an attempt to reduce the time we spend on our smart devices and to be honest, theyre pretty cool ideas! One of them is the Envelope cover. London-based design studio Special Projects came up with the Envelope cover, hoping we would break away from the digital world, and enter the real worldeven for a while. Though it only works for the Pixed 3A at the moment, the cover is easily accessible! You download the app called Envelope on your Play Store App, print out the template for the envelope, and assemble it right at home! All you need is some glue to patch it up together. Once you slide your phone into the case, it transforms your phone into a much simpler one.

Designed to enhance the users lifestyle, the G flask by Yoonjae Song is a pure white cylinder with a rounded cap, ensuring a perfect hand grip. Shaped like a capsule, the clean aesthetics of the G flask instantly soothe you down. Devoid of any digital screens or lighting, sipping from it should be a pretty calm experience. Crafted from durable stainless steel, the flask guarantees to keep your water fresh at all times, as it is incapable of retaining any odors or flavors. Accompanied by an app, utilizing the flask couldnt get any easier! It not only tracks your daily water intake, and how much water youve consumed so far, but you can also use it to set goals and compete with your friends, to see who reaches their intake for the day first!

For the people who dont know what this game is about (basically Safari users), the game starts as a webpage that tells you that your browser is offline. Press any key, and the game initiates, and youre tasked with getting the dinosaur to jump over cacti, and under flying pterodactyls. Your high score gets recorded on the top corner. Bells toy set captures the key elements of the game. While there are no pterodactyls in the box set (also because they make their appearance later on in the game), the set actually stays incredibly true to its inspiration. Youve got the dinosaur, four different cacti, and the box is designed to serve as the backdrop too! The box comes with a reversible design, with the starting message on the face, and the game-over message on the back and the jumping Dino is reversible too!

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Google-inspired designs that every techie would love to get their hands on! - Yanko Design

Shofuso House and Garden.Photography byElizabeth Felicelia, courtesy of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.

ArchitectJunzoYoshimura designed the Shofuso Japanese House for the Museum of Modern Arts "The House in the Museum Garden" exhibition in 1954, inspired by the 16th century Kojo-in house in the Buddhist temple complex, Mii-dera, at the base of Mount Hiei in Japan. Philadelphias West Fairmount Park, where a Japanese Temple Gate from the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition had recently burnt down, was later selected for its permanent home as a symbol of postwar peace. A total of 736 crates transferred the de-assembled Shofuso to Philadelphia in 1957, but master carpenter Heizaemon Itos nail-free joinery-based instructions brought the house back into its form with a garden designed by an 8th generation generation gardener who also oversaw the houses garden at MoMAs courtyard.

Some believe the house is, in fact, a tool to view the garden, says Yuka Yokoyama, the co-curator of "Shofuso and Modernism: Mid-Century Collaboration between Japan and Philadelphia," which opened at the house in early September. The exhibition sheds light on the professional and amicable network between Yoshimura, Japanese American woodworker George Nakashima, Swiss designer Nomi Pernessin Raymond, and Czech architect Antonin Raymond. Youre in a desk-centric house here, underlines the exhibitions other curator William Whitaker, who orchestrated a vignette of objects and furniture at the houses central study room to visualize the quartets geography-pushing conversation.

Before COVID-19 mandated changes in the exhibition format, the curatorial duo had planned rotating bus trips to nearby George Nakashima Woodworkers and the Raymond Farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania, from the house, but they instead decided to expand the display of the materials, textures, and surfaces in Shofuso. Now, the orchestration of Modernist design overlooks the serene gardens pine trees, osiria roses, and cherry blossoms with the soothing chime of a three-tier fountain. Between the main room and kitchen, the curators also carved out a dark corner to project a slide show of 74 fittingly 1960s Kodak style photographs that architecture photographer Elizabeth Felicella took at three sites critical to the show.

Read Interior Designs highlights from the display which remains on view through November 29.

Lotus Rug, Nomi Pernessin Raymond, ca 1935

There was no misunderstanding about the mutual thinking both Raymonds brought into their architecture firm; however, Nomis name was overshadowed at the time due to sexism. She started as a commercial illustrator in 1920s, creating smoked glass works for churches and later designing for Frank Lloyd Wright. She was the glue for the boys at the office, says Yokoyama. When Nomi submitted this wool rug to MoMAs Organic Design in Home Furnishings competition in 1940, she still entered under the corporate Antonin Raymond name. We have archival letters in which Antonin asks advice on color to his wife, adds Whitaker. Her involvement with the projects included interiors and orchestration of colors, as well as screen printing later at the farm house in New Hope. This textile adorned with abstract motifs and a reference to leaves manifests her mastery of technique and visual freedom. Japanese influence in the patterns is evident, and so is a Modernist composition.

Dining Chair for the Oka House, Antonin Raymond and Nomi Pernessin Raymond, 1936

The most striking element in this wood and jute chair is a decorative arch crowning the seats back. The circular accent, however, also serves as a handle for transportation. Whitaker sees a delightful rhythm of weaving of the jute and an Art Deco gesture, an homage to west from the couples Tokyo office. They, in fact, were aware of the direction western design was headed at the time through occasional travels to Europe. Particularly Nomi was closely following Le Corbusier and Pierre Chareau from design magazines she was shipping from Paris.

Firedogs, Nomi Raymond, ca 1952

Humor was important part of Nomis design, according to Yokoyama, as well as direct inspiration from nature. So much that, she positioned her desk at their Tokyo firm by the window. This steel duo of dogs is a testimony on her whimsical approach to nature-inspired design with a utilitarian purpose that reflects a medley of east and west. The fire place decoration captures a moment of transformation at Japanese homes in the 50s, with a post-Futuristic elongated representation of two canines, designed to be placed over a tatami mat on wooden floors. If we still take off our shoes, but use hinged doors instead of sliding ones, says Yokoyama, this object is a cohesive example of that mixture.

Toy Chest, George Nakashima, 1942

Nakashima designed this plywood and fir toy chest for his children during their internment at Camp Minidoka in Hunt, Idaho with thousands of other Japanese Americans during World War II. There, he met a master carpenter who trained him in joinery and tool-making, changing the course of his future career as a wood maker and designer. The scarcity of materials and limited access during this grave period taught young Nakashima to be resourceful and inventive within his means. He made the chest from scraps left over from a building, starting with roofing nails but, once they ran out, switching to regular screws at the bottom. The bobbled edge on the chests one corner signals another finding among the remnants.

Mounted Bitterbrush, George Nakashima, ca 1942

While getting his hands on utilitarian craft during internment, Nakashima was also in search of the poetic as another introspective method for comforting his dire situation. Idaho desert was generous to inspiration-seekers at the camp with long, dramatically morphing branches growing over several hundreds of years on a vast land. He mounted this serpentine bitterbrush branch onto a walnut leg and kept as memory of human tragedy and embodiment of hope. Besides the artistic gesture, today, the woods raw characteristics and aged texture also symbolize a wood makers early encounter with the material in its natural habitat.

Desk for the Louis Stone House, Antonin Raymond and Nomi Pernessin Raymond, 1940

A daring asymmetry is noticeable in one of three poplar desks the couple designed for abstract artist Louis Stones Lambertville, New Jersey house, including one for the childrens room. The model currently on view at Shofuso was designed for the living room with the intention to lean against the wall due to its particular form. The compelling design provides drawer storage on one side and leaves ample room for a single circular leg on the opposite end.

Prototype for American Armchair, George Nakashima, ca 1944

Choosing objects from mid to late 1940s when Nakashima started to build his career in the U.S. as a woodworker was crucial for the curators. This walnut and poplar arm chair is a good example for his mixture of influences, especially from his time India in an Ashram where he developed a spiritual connection to making, says Whitaker, who also notes the Shakers reference on the chairs back. Nakashima called himself a Japanese Shaker and was able to find a common ground for his background in different geographies and his personal ties to them.

Prototype for Milk House Table, George Nakashima, ca 1944

During his time at the Raymond Farm after his release from the internment camp, Nakashima furthered his relationship with nature as a wood maker, which started out of an urge for survival on the Idaho desert. He set up his woodworking studio at the milk house, where Raymonds had farmers store milk next to the barn, and suitably named his studio Milk House. This cypress and catalpa prototype is one of the first pieces he made at his studio. Prior to his curvy plank coffee table (1947), which is also in the exhibition, the design and craft here are more didactic and less nuanced or subjective.

Knoll Model N19 Chair, George Nakashima, ca 1948

The Raymonds farm in New Hope was frequently visited by influential figures, which helped Nakashima build a network and get a jump in his career. After being released from the internment camp and set up a wood shop at the farm, he met Hans Knoll who had a house in nearby Montgomery County. This birch chair is one of his first designs after starting to work for Knoll while at the same time building a clientele on the side. Despite his formal architectural training at M.I.T., Nakashima only designed just over a handful of buildings, including a few churches in New Mexico and New Jersey, and focused on architectural possibilities of furniture.

Lamp, Nomi Pernessin Raymond, 1952

Biomorphic fittingly defines this elegant desk lamp which Pernessin Raymond envisioned with her usual fascination for nature, particularly human form in this case. Similar to her steel dogs, whimsy and fun are evident in this metal, rattan, and paper creation, which slightly replicates a person with an oversized hat. This might be one part of a his and her pair, says Whitaker who came across an archival photograph of the lamps at the Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania School of Design where he is the Curator and Collections Manager. The image shows two similar pieces sitting in the back corner of the couples Tokyo house where they lived until they returned to U.S. in the 70s.

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Highlights from the Shofuso and Modernism Exhibition - Interior Design

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To all those whove ever started a Thursday email with Happy Friday Jr.: Who hurt you? Regardless, now that its Friday Sr., the great-grandpappy of all Fridays, the most appropriate way we can think to TGIF is by shopping, naturally. Welcome to the Weekend Shopping Roundup.

This weeks best shoppable moments come with big thanks to an unlikely cast of characters, from Kamala Harris to Beyonc to a crazy-looking skincare mask thats supposed to cost $2,000 but instead costs $160. Oh, and J.Lo, shes in there a bunch too.

Read on to see the very best things you should buy this weekend.

Nordstroms fall activewear delivery is finally here, and it does not disappoint. Tons of cool-weather workout essentials are competing for our attention this season more than ever because, lets be real, hard clothes just dont have the same appeal. Nike and The North Face, plus Nordstroms in-house lines, are gearing up to be the only things worth wearing in our ideal wardrobes.

A Beyonc-loved designer is coming out of retirement for a very important reason: Chelsea Paris, a Black-owned shoe brand worn by the singer, released its fall collection after stepping away from the game for three years. Citing industry pressures and discrimination as her reasons for leaving, designer Theresa Ebagua is ready to come back as her authentic self and is donating a portion of profits to delivering clean energy to homes in rural Nigeria.

If youre at a time in your life where youre ready to be swayed into buying fine jewelry, wed like to submit Charlotte Chesnais, newly stocked by Matchesfashion, for consideration. The fine metals designer creates wearable and non-wearable objets dart.

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This weeks influencer award goes to Kamala Harris? Turns out the buzz she made on social media after wearing a pair of Timberlands (also a favorite of Jennifer Lopezs) has translated to actual shopping interest. According to global shopping platform Lyst, searches for the boots increased 376 percent week over week, while shopping platform Klarna also saw an 88 percent uptick for the brand compared to last year. Kamalas exact Timbs were a comfortable boot-sneaker hybrid, but we understand if youre loyal to the OGs; we know J.Lo is.

LaQuan Smith, meanwhile, deserves recognition as the designer thats popping up everywhere. In one week, the Queens-based designer was worn by Lizzo on the cover of Vogue, as well as by Jennifer Lopez in her new music video for Pa Ti - Lonely. And sure, Jennifer Lopez wins something too, because why not.

Katie Holmess latest go-to bag has our attention for more reasons that one: Not only has the star worn it five times in five days, but the Sharkchaser bag itself includes a very unique cell phone radiation protective lining in case youre concerned about technology interfering with your health.

Theres nothing like a hidden sale, and this week weve unearthed quite a few. Sephora sneakily marked down a bunch of Fenty Beauty, which includes an incredible deal on its Match Stix Trio. Its already a good deal at its suggested retail price of $54, considering it would cost $75 to buy all three individually, so were even more thrilled by the $37 sale price.

Then theres the private sale site Gilt, open only to members (though its free to sign up), which is having TWO big sales this week: over a hundred styles of Ugg shoes are discounted, and an anti-aging skincare pop-up shop has high-end beauty tools that are literally hundreds or even thousands of dollars off.

Lastly, Rat & Boa is throwing a sitewide sale starting this Sunday, with styles going for as much as 70 percent off. Stock up on celeb-loved dresses for startlingly low prices.

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From Sephoras Secret Fenty Beauty Sale to a Hidden Ugg Shop Full of Discounts, These Are the Best Things to Shop This Weekend - Yahoo Lifestyle

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) There is around 60 houses being showcased in the fall Parade of Homes. After the success of last weekend, officials are hoping that visitors can find a place they can call home sweet home.

Alana Reinfeld not only grew up in a good home, but with the knowledge on how to build one.

Being a builders daughter, my whole life has been about finding a cozy place, finding a place to call home, Designer & Client Relations for Amdahl Construction Alana Reinfeld said.

After many years, shes found it: designing them for other people.

Thats what we get to do for these clients: they get to see something that theyre inspired by and decide to build with us which is always an honor, Reinfeld said.

She does client relations and design for Amdahl Construction. Their new Cherry Lake development is one of two homes submitted in the fall Parade of Homes.

This is an expanded version of one weve already built, Reinfeld said.

Reinfeld says her vision for this home was to highlight the backyard lake and give the owners an eye-opening view.

Natural lighting and those huge windows are very important, Reinfeild said.

Vice Chair of the Parade of Homes Dusty Rallis says hes been impressed with the large amounts of diversity hes seen across houses.

Weve got from super contemporary to traditional, printed tiles, traditional tiles, just the whole gamma of style, Rallis said.

The homeowners added some really fun elements, expanded on a couple areas and they style is completely different than the other, Reinfeld said.

Rallis goes on to say that after last weekends showcase, hes hoping it creates a strong foundation for this weekends parade.

Now, weve got the consumer thats already seen it and theyre out there like, Hey, youve got to see these homes,' Rallis said.

And that it might open the door of inspiration for future homeowners.

Its just fun. They get to create a space thats only theirs. Its their spot in the world and you get to help create that, Reinfeld said.

The Parade goes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Sioux Empire Homebuilders Association also has rules in place for those with concerns of COVID-19. You find those rules and the full list of homes on their website.

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Fall Parade of Homes opening the door of inspiration for homeowners & builders - KELOLAND.com

The summer may be over, but here at Business of Home, were feeling reinvigorated following this years Future of Home conference. After (virtually) connecting with so many of you, the uncertain future feels a little brighter. Read on for headlines, launches and events, recommended reading, and more.

BUSINESS NEWS

In response to coronavirus concerns, Pinterest has paid $89.5 million to cancel a new lease on 490,000 square feet of office space that was set aside for construction near its current San Francisco headquarters. In a statement, Todd Morgenfeld, CFO and head of business operations of Pinterest, said, As we analyze how our workplace will change in a post-COVID world, we are specifically rethinking where future employees could be based.

On September 10, the U.S. Green Building Council hosted its Green Business Summit, where more than 1,000 green building and business professionals gathered to discuss the future of corporate sustainability, highlighting COVID-19 and climate change as two standout challenges. As part of the forums conclusion, it released the Healthy Economy Forum Report, outlining some of its key takeawaysnotably, that investing in schools is a first step to reopening the economy; as much as $12 trillion could be added to the global GDP by 2040 if businesses can emphasize better health; future buildings should have a pandemic mode that can be switched on and off; and designers should prioritize high indoor air quality.

Last week, People reported that Kim Kardashian West has trademarked KKW Home, a move that may be the first step toward an expansion of the reality TV stars empire into the home space. With existing lines in beauty and fashion, Kardashian Wests trademark would cover everything from gifts and bath products to furnishing and decor, reports Refinery29.

Former congressman and New York mayoral candidate Anthony D. Weiner (whose political career ended in federal prison following multiple sexting scandals) is now the acting chief executive of IceStone, a Brooklyn-based countertop company. The New York Times reports that despite Weiners colorful history, the former politician had been advising one of the companys executives before he was asked to join the team as CEO in May.

U.K.-based luxury home goods label Buster + Punch announced a 7 million (thats just over $9 million) series B round on September 3. Led by British investor Mobeus Equity Partners, the new injection of capital brings the companys total to nearly 10 million (or $12.8 million). Buster + Punch specializes in lighting and furniture design, offering hardware, design servicesand motorcycles, as well.

LAUNCHES, COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

New Jerseybased kids educational nonprofit Those Amazing Professions has announced the launch of Those Amazing Architects, a new website designed to inform young people about careers in architecture, showcasing examples of how architects work and the difference they make in peoples lives. The platform targets middle and high school students, educators, counselors, universities and design professionals in the U.S. to help build the next generation of architects. It was developed with the support of industry associations like Gensler, HOK, the National Academy of Construction, STV Incorporated and the Thorton Tomasetti Foundation.

Together with Architectural Digest, the Black Interior Designers Network has announced The Iconic Home, a virtual showhouse launching this November that will highlight the talents of Black designers while emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

Last week, Los Angelesbased soft goods company Parachute announced its Home for Dreams Initiative, a new mentorship and grant program that aims to support Black-owned, product-centered businesses with capital, advisory meetings and brand amplification. The program will focus on one business every six months, providing $25,000 in financial support and business advice from Parachute founder Ariel Kaye. The application period opens on October 8; to learn more, click here.

Martinsville, Virginiabased manufacturer Hooker Furniture has announced Breegan Jane as its first digital brand ambassador. The company hopes to engage with consumers and the interior design community by strengthening its social media presence, reports Furniture Today. We knew immediately upon being introduced to Breegan that she would be the perfect fit as our first digital brand ambassador, said Johne Albanese, Hooker Furnitures vice president of corporate marketing.

Beginning September 29, groups of two Los Angeles County residents will have the chance to book one of five nights to stay in a wing of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Airs mansion, courtesy of Airbnb, reports Adweek. The promotion will commemorate the shows 30th anniversary, allowing guests to play foosball or max and relax by the pool in this iconic home.

Sunbrella has released its first comprehensive collection of performance textiles that use up to 93 percent recycled materials, as well as a few designs in a first-time line with textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen.

CALENDAR UPDATES

CEDIA Expo Virtual begins today and runs through September 17, showcasing the latest in home technology innovations.

Following the success of its Virtual MRKT this summer, Field + Supply will host its fall fair as an interactive digital experience. Beginning on Thursday, October 8, the four-day event will celebrate fine craftsmanship, turning to its year-round e-commerce marketplace as a tool to allow attendees to discover and shop the markers collections.

Forty One Madison has announced that this years New York Tabletop Market will take place virtually from October 13 to 20, as well as in person. Showrooms will be open by appointment; all visitors will be required to check in and comply with the buildings COVID-19 safety protocols. Digital programming will include a full schedule of interactive workshops and webinars, lookbook, digital reading room and influencer-curated Instagram product.

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville announced last week that it would cancel its 2021 event due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19. The show, the largest of its kind in the U.S., usually attracts more than 15,000 attendees, whose tickets support the charities Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and Economic Club of Nashville. The organizers are encouraging supporters to make a comparable donation in lieu of ticket purchasing this year to continue support of those organizations, and they plan to resume the show in 2022.

RECOMMENDED READING (and VIEWING)

The Weird Homes Tour has returned, this time entirely virtual. On September 26, the Weird Homes team will travel to Portland, Oregon, leading viewers through the (weird) homes and fielding questions from the virtual audience along the way. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Central City Concern and its mission to provide more affordable housing in Portland. At least seven wacky residences will be featured, from a grotto-like dome home to a psychedelic House of Sarcasm. For a deeper dive, click here.

Last week, The New York Times spoke with several architects and landscape architects to see where their imaginations have taken them in the quest to solve the pressures being placed on public spaces as the pandemic continues. In New York, Claire Weisz of urban design and architecture firm WXY proposes raising awnings to allow small businesses to operate while maintaining social distancing; in Oakland, California, Deanna Van Buren, executive director of community development nonprofit Designing Justice + Designing Spaces, is brainstorming a de-escalation center where conflicts can be anticipated and better resolved.

After speaking to interior designers and architects from around the country, The Wall Street Journal has made its bid for the top design trends to come in the next decadeand some are less obvious than others. Say farewell to open floor plans and hello to nature-inspired spaces that support wellness; furniture pieces will grow more compact; and rigid rectilinear design will further recede, writes WSJ contributor Allison Duncan.

CUE THE APPLAUSE

Arrangements, the winning modular lighting design from FlosCourtesy of Flos

Lighting designer and manufacturer Flos has been honored with two awards from the 26th edition of the highly regarded Italian design award the Compasso dOro ADI. The Product Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Floss Arco lamp, which was originally designed in 1962; the companys modular lighting elements, Arrangements, won the Influential Award.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

As the recipient of the American Society of Interior Designers 2020 Irene Winifred Eno Grant, the Sustainable Furnishings Education Fund has allocated the $5,000 award toward an interior design survey titled Whats it made of? Through the survey, the Sustainable Furnishings Council seeks to identify what interior designers understand about the hazardous chemicals currently used in todays manufacturing of home furnishings. Designers can participate until September 30. To take the survey, click here.

Surface material company Formica has opened its call for submissions for the 2020 FORM Student Innovation Competition, which invites architecture and interior design students to design a piece of furniture using Formica products and addressing the theme Design for the Next Generation. Entries will be accepted until March 12; to learn more, click here.

IN MEMORIAM

On September 14, Ann Getty, longtime benefactor of the arts and head of her eponymous design firm, passed away from a heart attack at age 79. Author of Ann Getty: Interior Style, she coupled her philanthropic work with a prolific design career, and supported innumerable charitable events by opening her home to the public. Gettys taste for traditional interiors will live on as a hallmark of her legacy.

Longtime design editor George Jason Kontos passed away this weekend. After graduating from Strathearn School with an interior design degree, he started his career in publishing at House Beautiful and went on to work at 12 magazines throughout his lifetime, including 25 years at Hearst titles (with posts at Country Living, Colonial Homes and Classic Home, which he founded). Kontos ended his career as much-lauded editor in chief of New York Home and then New York Spaces, a position he held until the magazines closure in 2018. Jason was an incredible boss, an incredible mentor, and most of all, an incredible friend, wrote his longtime colleague and friend Nicole Haddad in a post on Facebook that announced his passing. I will forever be grateful for the joy, laughter and love hes brought into my life. Words will never convey what a beautiful force of nature Jason was. Or how hollow the world will be without his big booming laugh and his fiery temperament when angered. He used to rail at us when we overruled his design decisions, but he continued to surround himself with strong, stubborn womena testament to who he was. He lived life to the fullest always, traveled the world, and spent his days doing what he loved.

Legendary British designer and retail mogul Terence Conran passed away this weekend at age 88. Conran made a name for himself in the industry designing affordable yet stylish home furnishings in postwar Britain before pivoting to the restaurant industry. His influence will continue to resonate within the industry, BOH retail columnist Warren Shoulberg writes in his tribute: Sir Terence Conran leaves his wife, Victoria, five children, 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a legacy that will be felt in the home furnishings business and households around the world for generations to come.

Homepage image: Inside Dome Home from Weird Homes Tour, Portland | Thanin Viriyaki Photography

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You see tours of high-end designers' homes all the time, but have you ever wondered what their rooms looked like back in their teenage years? For Kara Mann, the answer lies in her new home collection, a collaboration with CB2 that marries sleek, modern design with flirty details that call back to the '80s, all inspired by her own dream teen bedroom. Think: A ruffled sofa, pleated lamps unlike any you've ever seen before, and a rose-hued glass catchall inspired by a bracelet, of all things. In her own words, the collection is "chic, but it doesn't take itself too seriously."

"I crack up, because I tend to not like color when I designand apparently it started at a young age!" Mann tells House Beautiful. "My room was white withokay, I'm just going to admit itI had a Patrick Nagel poster. Nagel was cool back in the '80s! But it was black, and the girl in the photo had this asymmetrical haircut that I ended up with. It was mostly white with little accents of black, so that palette is definitely coming through in the collection."

Courtesy of CB2

Mann's favorite piece in the line is, she says, the ruffled sofa, hands down. And that harkens back to her teenage bedding. "There were definitely these moments of flirtiness in my room," she shares. "My duvet cover had a ruffle to it, so I think of the ruffle sofa. When I look back and I think about the room, and I think about the collectionI was very literal in reinterpreting that room for the world of CB2."

And that ruffle theme carries on past the sofa, too. There's a credenza that totally stuns in what's called a "sprayed concrete" finishessentially, a matte lacquer finish that feels smooth but looks like concretewith architectural details down the sides that resemble a ruffle. Then, of course, there are the pleated silk Scrunch Lamps, which Mann is so excited to talk about. ("Oh my God, when I saw those for the first time, I was dyingI love those," she gushes.)

"When you think of the lamps, the Ruffle Credenza, and the Flutter Sofathe body of all of those are very clean and architectural and geometric, but they have a layer of this feminine touch to it," Mann says.

Courtesy of CB2

When she and Ryan Turf, CB2's president, first started working on this collaboration two years ago, Mann says that as both a businesswoman and a designer, she was interested in the behind-the-scenes journey of working with a big business. And for Turf, Mann's high-design background and eye for style made for a perfect collaboration.

"It's also super cool and exciting to partner with someone in more of a luxury world than we are, because so much of what we try to do at CB2 is offer that high design for a little bit more approachable price point," Turf says. "That was my favorite part, besides Kara's amazing personality."

Together, Turf and Mann describe the collection in a few key words: flirty, elegant, edgy, refined, and most importantly, attitude. And it's truethis collection definitely has a little bit of an attitude, which comes from Mann following her own best design advice.

"I strongly believe that with design, you need to be yourself," she says. "Really letting your personality out is important. It's a form of creativity! Everybody's got an opinion about design, so let that out, and don't be bashful. Design is subjectiveI hate the idea of 'what's the latest trend?' because it really should just be what comes out of you."

Courtesy of CB2

As for how she'd style that bracelet-inspired catchallaka the appropriately-named "Bangle" glass bowl in Dirty RoseMann has a few tips. "You always need a place to dump all your stuff when you walk in the door, so it was meant to be that. But it sort of evolved into all these different things. I can see it as a beautiful candy bowl. I love floating flowers in water, so it can be a really beautiful way to do floral on your coffee table. I mean, you could even use it as a place to put your remotes. Multiple layers!"

Shop the full collection at CB2, and check out some of our favorites below.

Lucent Pendant Light

$379.00

Flutter Slipcover Sofa

$1,999.00

Scrunch Table Lamp

$149.00

Voir Clear Glass Vase

$49.95

Ruffle Sprayed Concrete Credenza

$999.00

Bangle Dirty Rose Low Glass Bowl

$69.95

Cut Sprayed Concrete Coffee Table

$799.00

Slip Duck Canvas Queen Bed

$1,299.00

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Inspired by Modern Spanish, Transitional and Modern Prairie architectural styles, as well as the setting among natural vistas and open space, the inviting, two- and three-story detached residences at Teresina by Shea Homes, is exciting both in design as well as setting in a charming hillside neighborhood in Lake Forest, CA. Pictured: Plan 2.

Teresina by Shea Homes showcases large, sophisticated designs offering 4 to 5 bedrooms with lofts, master terraces, outdoor rooms and rooftop decks. Third level living includes bonus rooms with covered roof terraces and master suite retreats, per plan. Pictured: Plan 4.

LAKE FOREST, CA, Aug. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Remarkably inviting, two- and three-story detached residences at Teresina by Shea Homes are exciting both in design as well as setting in a charming hillside neighborhood in Lake Forest. Professionally decorated model homes showcase large, sophisticated home designs offering 4 to 5 bedrooms with lofts, master terraces, outdoor rooms and rooftop decks. Eight floorplan choices range from 3,238 to 4,329 interior square feet, starting at $1.3 Million. Of special financial benefit, there are no Mello-Roos assessments at Teresina.

Teresina is a rare opportunity in Lake Forest that appeals to sophisticated tastes of those who relish entertaining in elegant indoor and outdoor spaces and open living areas, said Karen Ellerman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes. The third level rooftop terraces are perfect for enjoying expansive views of the city lights and surrounding natural rolling foothills.

Inspired by Modern Spanish, Transitional and Modern Prairie architectural styles, as well as the setting among natural vistas and open space, four two-story and four three-story floor plans feature 4.5 to 5.5 baths along with great rooms, fully-appointed gourmet kitchens with stainless steel Monogram appliances, covered outdoor rooms, lofts and master suite terraces. Third level living includes bonus rooms with covered roof terraces and master suite retreats, per plan. Options are available including additional dens or flex spaces, and the Shea Design Studio offers endless opportunities to help you make your new home especially perfect for you.

The list of exceptional features throughout are impressive and invite the full extent of well-appointed indoor/outdoor living with advanced technology and designer finishes. Homes at Teresina include SheaConnect Smart Home features such as Ring video doorbell, Kwikset Smartcode entry door lock, iDevice light switches, Liftmaster smart garage door opener, advanced Cat 6 wiring, Eero wireless access points, and Amazon Echo Show. Whole house energy-savings promise year-round comfort, including Honeywell smart thermostats, WiFi-controlled tankless water heaters, state of the art insulation and dual-paned windows.

Lake Forests convenient location puts you in easy reach of all Orange Countys charm and sophistication. Right at home, experience the relationship between nature and living well amid the peaceful rolling hills that are perfect for hiking and biking over miles of open space. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and ONeill Regional Park are near, offering outdoor getaways with camping and abundant trails. Shop and dine to your hearts content at Irvine Spectrum, Foothill Ranch Town Centre, The Shops at Mission Viejo and world class centers of Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza. The beaches of Orange County are only a short drive away for a day of fun, or simply viewing the serenity of the vast Pacific Ocean. There is so much to discover, here your only option will be to enjoy life to its fullest.

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The city of Lake Forest has also experienced tremendous growth in employment development. Among the many accomplishments are a Community Center, Senior Center, Performing Arts Center, new city parks, and several other prominent development projects.

Model tours at Teresina are offered daily by appointment, and you can now also visit from the comfort of your home with a virtual appointment. Call 866.OWN.SHEA to schedule a private in-person or virtual appointment by visiting http://www.sheahomes.com/virtual-home-buying-program.The Information Center is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For driving directions and additional information, we invite you to register at SheaHomes.com and text TERESINA to 797979 to receive the latest news.

Shea Homes is one of the largest private homebuilders in the nation. Since its founding in 1968, Shea Homes has built more than 100,000 homes. Over the past several years, Shea Homes has been recognized as a leader in customer satisfaction with a reputation for design, quality and customer service. Shea Homes builds new homes in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and Texas. For more information about Shea Homes and its communities, please visit the companys website at http://www.SheaHomes.com.

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TERESINA DELIVERS ON SOPHISTICATED LIVING IN A BREATHTAKING LAKE FOREST LOCATION - Yahoo Finance

Fans of home renovation reality TV love binging Love It Or List It, but how much of the show is real? Check out these facts about the hit show.

Many have found themselves binge-watching multiple episodes of HGTVs hit show, Love It or List It. The show features Hilary Farr, an interior designer, and David Visentin, a real estate agent, who are competing to either transform a couples house into the home of their dreams or convince them to list it on the market and move. Hilary and her design team work hard to renovate homes, while David hopes the couple will realize its time to move.

RELATED: 5 Reality Home Shows That Aren't Real (& 5 We Think Are)

You might watch the show for the home renovations, but Hilary and David make the show enjoyable while they bicker in competition with one another. However, how much of the show is actually true? Its a reality TV show like all others, so it has some secrets. Take a look at 10 behind-the-scenes secrets about the making of Love It or List It.

Hilary and David have great onscreen chemistry. Fans would think they have known each other for years before they started filming the show, but thats not true. In fact, they never met until they auditioned to appear on the HGTV show.

Before auditioning for the show, David had a successful real estate career, and Hilary had her own interior design career. Hilary was the first to be cast for the show, and David followed closely after. He recalled the producers telling him, Youre brilliant. We want you. We think youre going to make Hilary look good. The producers werent wrong. Theyre a dynamic duo.

Many costars dont actually get along behind-the-scenesand when fans find out about this, it can be disappointing. But the audience doesn't have to worry about Hilary and Davids real-life chemistry. Theyre even best friends when the cameras stop rolling. Their affection isnt fake, and they dont bicker as much as they do on the show.

Hilary and I have a lot of fun together. I think people enjoy watching us having a lot of fun, David remarked. Hilary added, We adore each other. We make each other laugh a lot. Doesnt that make you love the show even more?

The show makes you think that the homeowners meet with Hilary and David numerous times during the renovation process. Unfortunately, this isnt true. Hilary and David rarely meet with the homeowners during the filming of an episode. For when they meet and discuss the home or Davids property prospects, the scenes are short and rehearsed.

RELATED: Good Bones HGTV: Get To Know Karen E Laine & Mina Starsiak

While this seems disappointing, its standard practice for most home renovation shows on HGTV. Other shows, including Fixer Upper, Curb Appeal: The Block,and others, rarely have the hosts interact with the homeowners. Instead, they interact more with the shows producers and film crew.

Like many other realityTVrenovation shows, Love It or List It follows a strict formula. Every episode has the same premise: a couple wants Hilary to renovate their home within their budget, while David shows them houses on the market. One partner in the couple usually wants to stay at their home, while the other is desperate to move. Hilary has design complications and then the couple makes a decision at the end of the episode if theyre going to love it or list it.

This is the script every episode follows. Its what sells the show to viewers, and some participants have revealed that the show is even scripted in what the couples can say. However, Hilary has denied some of these remarks. She said, The show is not at all scripted and the reactions of the homeowners to renovation realities and bad news is very real.

This might be disappointing to fans, but the endings of the show are usually faked and scripted for the camera. The producers have everyone film two different endings: one where the couple chooses to love their home, and another where they decide to list it.

Then, during the post-production and editing process, the producers decide which ending works best for the episode. Which one will be more satisfying and entertaining for viewers? So, if a couple decides to love or list their home on the show, it might not actually be true.

In 2016, Raleigh, North Carolina, couple Deena Murphy and Timothy Sullivan took the shows producers to court after they were dissatisfied with a home renovation. They paid $140,00 for the project and in return, Hilary and her design team painted shut windows and performed low-grade industrial carpeting. They even damaged the home.

The couple said, [Farr and Visentin] are actors or television personalities playing a role In this case, none of them played more than a casual role in the actual renovation process. Yikes!

According to many show participants, Hilarys renovation team leaves many of their jobs undone. They start a project but they dont finish them. Instead, some rooms are professionally finished to look presentable for the cameras. Then, after the episode is filmed, the furniture and additional renovation designs are removed from the home.

RELATED: HGTV Renovation Island: Learn About The South Andros Island Location

So, what one sees on the show isnt necessarily what you truly get. With tight budgets and time constraints, it would be difficult for Hilary and her team to renovate the entire house, but fans wish it was possible.

While Hilary is renovating the couples home, David shows them three possible homes on the real estate market. One of them (usually the last home) is nearly perfect and meets the couples needs.

However, just like House Hunters, some of the homes arent even for sale. They might be friends homes or homes the shows producers find. This fact may make some fans look at the show differently.

If you have watched countless episodes of Love It or List It, then you might know that more people tend to love their renovated home than list it. Hilary wins the competition, even though David does a good job trying to convince the couple to move.

Some couples even sign on to be featured on the show when they already know what their decision is going to be. They are going to love their home, but they simply want Hilary and her team of interior designers to renovate the home. They also enjoy the 30 minutes of fame.

When a couple decides to list their home, it might not mean what you think. If they dont love the renovations Hilary and her team made on their house, they decide to list it on the market. However, these couples might not actually list their homes at all.

According to some participants, they decided to announce that theyre going to list their home, but they dont decide to do that once the filming is wrapped up. They had a professional renovation on their home, and they decide to keep it that way.

NEXT: 20 Secrets You Didn't Know About Say Yes To The Dress

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Kasy Long is a full-time freelance writer and editor based in Indiana, USA. She specializes in entertainment news, feature stories, lifestyle articles, and more. She covers entertainment news on Screen Rant for Valnet, Inc. She has a passion for everything Old Hollywood, particularly her favorite show of all time--"I Love Lucy." In her spare time, Kasy can be found reading, writing, painting, and attempting new recipes.

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10 Things You Need To Know About The Making Of Love It Or List It - Screen Rant