The Best of Design Times 2023: Ways to Decorate Your Home with Frames, DIY Hobbit House, and More!

As we approach the final moments of the current year, 2024 is on the horizon, ready to unfold a new chapter in our lives. Before we embark on the future journey, let's take a reflective pause and delve into the world of design, architecture, and innovation with Design Times.

Most of us have to live on a tight budget these days. As a result, there is a temptation to eliminate items that aren't strictly necessary but can provide tangible benefits to your well-being, such as decor features. The good news is that your home does not have to be bland, even if money is tight. There are super-affordable options for transforming it into a haven where you can recharge after work without spending a fortune.

Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is one of the world's most exciting and unique cities. There's something for everyone to discover here, from the picturesque views to the diverse culture and rich history. What truly distinguishes Reykjavik City are the experiences that can only be found here. Here are some unique things you can only do in Reykjavik City, from swimming in the Blue Lagoon to watching the Northern Lights and tasting some of the best local cuisines. Taking tours in Reykjavik is the way to go.

This past October, seven of the most recent and must-see architecture and design events will occur in the United States. October's suggested events include New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Denver design festivals. Not to mention major professional gatherings like this year's ACADIA and Palm Springs' much-anticipated Modernism Week. Refik Anadol's captivating "Unsupervised" installation is one of the must-see exhibitions at MoMA.

South African architect Alosha Lynov ventures into the remote wilderness of Siberia, where he reveals the secrets of building dome cabins out of natural materials in an enthralling display of resourcefulness. Alosha's creation of what he affectionately refers to as the 'Hobbit House' -- an eco-friendly haven that defies traditional notions of costly and time-consuming construction -- is documented in a step-by-step YouTube tutorial.

Barbiecore interiors are the newest design trend. This past November, a unique immersive experience opened in Texas. Barbiecore interiors, fashion, and accessories gained popularity in the United States following the film's release. A new immersive exhibit has opened in Texas.

The works of artist Salvador Dali, illuminated surrealist sculptures, are on display in France as part of the event 'Art In Nature.'

Are the ancient Mayan temples earthquake-resistant? What other amazing strategies did pre-Columbian builders employ? Pre-Columbian builders used incredible building techniques; some of their structures still stand today. The structure escaped the 1976 earthquake that devastated much of Guatemala, prompting the question, "Are ancient Mayan temples earthquake-proof?"

Here are some interesting facts about the Sydney Opera House, such as clay tiles that stay clean. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known architectural structures. Installing clean clay tiles is one of the building's innovative ideas.

Ancient structures were constructed of self-healing concrete. People wonder whether old concrete, which can repair itself, can still be used for new construction as long as historic structures remain standing. According to Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro, a cultural heritage researcher at Spain's University of Granada, it may be possible to produce a material that can be used in modern buildings in a much more sustainable manner by refining the qualities of the material using traditional recipes from past civilizations.

Colors can be transformed into an art form through light installation. A light installation by an artist transformed the Austrian parliament building into a vibrant, multicolored work of art.