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Time of India
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Living room design tips: 6 essential dos and don'ts for a stylish, functional space
Your living room sets the tone for your entire home, so getting the decor right is essential. But even with the best intentions, it's easy to fall into common design traps that leave your space feeling cluttered, outdated, or impractical. Whether you're starting fresh or redecorating, here are the most common living room design don'ts, followed by smart alternatives and decor tips that work in 2025. Living Room Don'ts: Mistakes that disrupt style and function Relying on a single overhead light Using only one ceiling light creates uneven illumination and can make your living room feel flat or gloomy. This is especially noticeable at night when natural light is absent. Overhead lighting alone lacks the warmth and depth needed for a cosy, layered space. Designing for a single function Many living rooms are designed solely for watching TV or hosting guests. This limits how you can use the space and often results in underutilised corners or awkward furniture placement. A one-purpose layout also lacks flexibility, especially in today's multi-functional homes. Using too much of the same material Overusing one type of finish—such as all glossy surfaces, metal accents, or dark wood—can overwhelm the space and make it feel monotonous. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Lack of contrast in textures and materials leads to a visually flat environment with little interest or depth. Choosing delicate materials for high-use zones Luxury finishes like untreated wood, silk, or soft stone may look beautiful, but they aren't ideal for a high-traffic area like the living room. These materials can stain, scratch, or wear out quickly, making them difficult to maintain. Sticking to fixed furniture arrangements A rigid layout that can't be easily adapted for work, entertaining, or relaxation can quickly make the space feel dated. Fixed setups limit how people move through the room and can prevent the area from meeting your evolving needs. Isolating the space from the rest of the home Disconnected layouts, bulky partitions, or dark paint that cuts off the living room from surrounding areas can create a boxed-in feeling. It also reduces the sense of openness and makes the space appear smaller than it is. Living room dos: Simple ideas to refresh and elevate your space Use layered lighting for depth and warmth Instead of relying on a single light source, combine ambient lighting (like ceiling fixtures) with task lights (floor or table lamps) and accent lighting (such as wall sconces). This layered approach enhances comfort, adds mood, and makes the room feel more inviting both day and night. Create multiple functional zones Divide your living room into defined areas for reading, relaxing, or entertaining by using rugs, furniture placement, or low shelving. This creates a visual structure while allowing the room to serve different needs, especially in compact or open-plan layouts. Mix materials for a balanced aesthetic Blend contrasting textures like soft upholstery, matte wood, metal accents, or woven baskets to add visual richness. A mix of materials helps break up uniformity and introduces warmth and interest into the space without overpowering it. Choose finishes that balance beauty and durability Opt for elegant but low-maintenance surfaces—like performance fabrics, engineered wood, or scratch-resistant stone—that can withstand everyday use. This allows you to achieve a luxurious feel without the stress of constant upkeep. Design for flexibility and lifestyle Incorporate modular or movable furniture that adapts to different activities. Consider an ottoman with storage, extendable side tables, or a compact work nook. Flexible design ensures your living room evolves with your lifestyle needs. Ensure visual connectivity with surrounding areas Keep the space feeling open by aligning colours and materials with adjacent rooms, or by maintaining clear sightlines to the dining area, balcony, or outdoor views. Seamless transitions enhance the sense of space and make your home feel larger and more cohesive. By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing adaptable, layered, and thoughtfully selected design elements, your living room can become a timeless expression of both comfort and style. Whether you're redecorating or starting from scratch, the right choices will make all the difference in how your space feels and functions every day Also Read: 7 ways to use colour psychology in home decor to improve mood and design
Time of India
16-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mumbai considers holding major common entrance tests (CETs) twice a year
MUMBAI: The state govt is considering the possibility of holding major common entrance tests (CETs), such as the MHT-CET, for admissions to engineering, pharmacy, and agricultural courses, at least twice a year for the convenience of students. The idea is to provide the students an opportunity to improve their scores and rely on more than a single-day exam, said a source. With the computer-based test (CBT) spanning multiple days and the large volume of students taking CETs in the state, the higher and technical education department will need to study the feasibility of conducting the exercise more than once every year. A govt representative stated that there is too much reliance on a single-day test, which can be unfair for various reasons. A student might be unwell, under immense pressure, or face an unexpected issue that day. "If something goes wrong, they risk losing an entire academic year. We, therefore, want to see if we can offer students more than one attempt. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai However, conducting the CET is a massive exercise that spans several days, and we need exam centres for nearly a month. So, giving students more than one attempt could be challenging, but we are figuring out the logistics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo It is at the discussion stage," said the representative, adding that they hope the number of students may decline towards the later attempts. The department is also trying to bring in more transparency in the way the CET is conducted for professional courses. For instance, the govt is planning to involve aided colleges to act as exam centres. Meanwhile, the higher and technical education department is planning to hold a one-day national-level conference with testing agencies such as the National Testing Agency for sharing and understanding the best practices in holding entrance exams in a student-friendly manner.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Reddit user shares US embassy sent him back over social media account, told: Your account is not ...
A F-1 US visa applicant shared how their US visa application was refused after they failed to reveal their Reddit account information. "I had my F-1 visa interview recently. During the interview, the visa officer raised a concern about my Reddit account, which I had not listed on my DS-160 form," the user wrote in a sub-Reddit post. The user further revealed that while the account was public, she was refused the US visa for not listing all social media accounts in the application form. This comes weeks after the US embassy in India announced a new guideline for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas who will now have to set their social media accounts to public. The US embassy shared this update in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying that the change is necessary to "facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law." The move, the embassy said, is aimed at helping U.S. officials verify the identity and eligibility of visa applicants during the security screening process. 'She mentioned that the account was not visible while was an open account, and at the end of the interview, issued me a 221(g) slip requesting that I make all my social media handles public," the user added. What is 221(g) slip by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Section 221(g) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows a visa officer to put your application on hold if more information is needed or further checks must be done before a final decision can be made. A 221(g) slip is usually issued for reasons such as: Missing documents Need for administrative processing (like background/security checks) The officer needs to review the case more closely Additional clearance from Washington is required Employer or job details need to be verified (for work visas) Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro Review: Flagship audio on a budget AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Savannah Chrisley opens up about undergoing liposuction after gaining 40 pounds: 'I didn't like how I looked'
Reality star Savannah Chrisley, 27, shared how she underwent liposuction after gaining 40 pounds in just three months due to medication prescribed for endometriosis. Speaking with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Charlie Galanis, who performed the procedure. Why she kept it private — Until now Chrisley revealed on the July 15 episode of her Unlocked podcast that 'I was going through all kinds of s*** with my endometriosis and I had taken this medication, and I gained 40 pounds, literally, in three months. It was crazy.' She added that the weight gain left her feeling physically and emotionally drained, especially ahead of a scheduled campaign shoot: 'I felt like s***. I didn't like how I looked. If you don't like how you look, it doesn't just take a toll on you physically, but emotionally and mentally.' Chrisley admitted she never planned to publicly disclose the surgery, citing the stigma around cosmetic procedures: 'I was going through all of my health stuff. Gaining weight, I was working out, eating right, nothing was working… I needed a quick fix, but the judgment that goes along with it.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Even Dr. Galanis was surprised by her openness, 'I'm surprised you're bringing this up. We never talked about this publicly before.' To which Chrisley replied, 'Neither did I.' A turning point toward healthier living The procedure took place around Christmastime, following a virtual consultation. Chrisley flew to Beverly Hills within a week and was joined by her mother, Julie Chrisley, for support. Six weeks later, she saw dramatic results: 'When I saw the results, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I want to keep this up.' It made me want to live a healthier life.' She described feeling like a 'totally different human being' and credited the transformation with motivating her to adopt better habits. She said she felt like an entirely different human being and attributed the change with inspiring her to live better. Speaking out about her liposuction, Savannah Chrisley shows a move for openness in celebrity wellness paths. Her story reveals the emotional expense of long-term disease, the stress of public image, and the personal empowerment one may get from regaining control of one's body—stigma or otherwise.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Princess Eugenia of Hanover shares the dark side of having a royal title
Image credits: Instagram/eugeniaha Even though monarchy still lives on in only a few of countries, young girls around the world grow up with the dream of becoming a princess. Residing in a royal palace, wearing extraordinary ensembles, having people at your beck and call and a surrounding of beautiful creatures and people has seemed exemplary for all young girls out there. However, it seems being a princess isn't all that cool, if Princess Eugenia of Hanover's experiences are to go by. The German royal 23 resides in Vienna, Austria and is the daughter of Prince Heinrich of Hanover, 64 and Princess Thyra von Westernhagern, 51. Her father is the brother of Prince Earnst, the current Head of the house of Hanover. With him being married to Princess Caroline of Monaco, the family also has close ties to the Monagasque royals. One would think such a royal status would give a princess a life worth everyone's envy. However, for Princess Eugenia of has been more of an obstacle. In a conversation with Tatler the princess revealed how she received poor treatment in school because of her title. "In school, I had some teachers that just didn't like me because of it, and they also said some comments which were not very nice or reasonable,' the aristocrat shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure your family's future! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo 'It also has bad sides, having this name… I am interested in the history of my family, but it doesn't mean anything in general for living my day-to-day life.' Image credits: Instagram/eugeniaha 'In Germany, it is just a name and it actually doesn't mean anything anymore. For me, it doesn't mean anything because I don't see myself as something different to others,' she added. She further stated that she didn't "really care about" school and was rather interested in tending to her horses. Still she passed on in her education and enrolled at a prestigious institution in Vienna to study medicine. Additionally the modern royal has even branched out into modelling, something her parents were "apprehensive" about earlier. It seems all is well in her life now where she aims to balance both her interests at least for the next two years.
