Art & Design
The Style that Went Around the World
Most Gothic architecture was built in the 19th and 20th centuries when the medieval style underwent a global revival. Now, Gothic is trending again.
How to Read Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass windows, one of the most durable types of art, have long imparted both powerful religious and secular messages.
Christmas Gnome Infestation
Christmas gnomes are on the march this year in stores, DIY projects and on social media. We look at the strong opinions the mischievous little creatures invoke.
Saint Sulpice Church - Paris’s Temporary Cathedral
Saint Sulpice Church in Paris has a turbulent history dating to the 7th century. Today, it is Paris's temporary cathedral amidst the pandemic.
The Sustainable Culture of Yogurt Jars
Cute little glass and ceramic yogurt jars have become a DIY trend and recycling strategy.
The Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone, which revolutionized the study of Egypt and ancient languages, continues to court controversy today.
Comeback of the Courtyard House
The pandemic, soaring cost of housing and environmental concerns are renewing interest in courtyard houses, albeit on a miniature scale.
Versailles’ Checkered Legacy
Versailles has an image of lavish opulence under the Sun King, Louis XIV, but the palace also has a history of revolution and American ties.
Tradition in a Teapot
Unglazed clay Yixing teapots hold within them hundreds of years of tradition and craftsmanship.
The Booming and Broiling Southwest
The American Southwest is the fastest growing region in the United States, but also the hottest and most arid.
Japan’s Golden Pavilion
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan, is evidence of Japan's aesthetic balance of restrained simplicity and bursts of opulent grandeur.
Why is Washington, D.C. so Roman?
The U.S. capital has more Roman-style architecture than almost any major city. We explore why.
Seagrove’s Marvelous Pottery
For beautiful handmade pottery, there is no better place in the United States than Seagrove, North Carolina.
A Classical Chinese Garden
Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Ore., was built by artisans from the garden city of Suzhou, China, to demonstrate the basic elements of Chinese gardens.
Japan’s Poignant Cherry Blossom Season
Japan's annual cherry blossom season conveys a timely message of renewal, transience and death in a year of global tragedy.
Qing Ming Painting Resonates Over Centuries
China's most famous painting captured traditional life, the traces of which have survived into modern times.
Making a Box for a Chinese Painting
We built a wooden box for a treasured hand-painted copy of China's most famous painting - Along the River During the Qingming Festival.
Translating the Bible
Millions of Christians will turn to the Bible this week to read the Christmas story in hundreds of languages.
Gift Wrapping
Wrapping gifts beautifully can help take the edge off of social distancing during the holidays.
Toward Touchless Technology
The global pandemic is transitioning us from touch to touchless technology.
Making the Invisible Visible
The field of data-based infographics is helping the world see, understand and respond to the invisible threat of the pandemic.
Renovating a Western Landmark
The Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square, among America's most popular tourist destinations, are undergoing a major renovation.
Inside a Chinese Painting
Take a quick break and enjoy spectacular scenery on a boat trip down the Li River near Guilin, China.
Inventory App and Sticker Dots
Use sticker dots and an easy inventory app, Enough Stuff, to keep track of your food supplies, toiletries and other stuff of all kinds.
Private Paradises Amid Adversity
Sheltering at home has been accompanied by an outpouring of creativity that can help us cope with adversity and shape our future.
Paris’s Oldest Church Restored
Paris' oldest church, Saint Germain des Prés, is emerging from layers of grime and soot as a meticulous restoration reveals its vibrant color.
Calendars - The Way We Keep Time
Our calendar system evolved over thousands of years and is continuing to do so with electronic calendars and globalization.
Portraits of Mary
Mary, the mother of Christ, may be the most prominent visual icon in the world. We explore her history.
Journal Strokes for Different Folks
Journaling is an eye- and heart-opening strategy that helps people sort out their lives and feelings and work out their problems.
What is the Louvre?
The former palace, the world's largest museum, music video and fashion show venue, and global brand has never been more cool.
Park City’s Kimball Arts Festival
The Kimball Arts Festival in Park City, Utah, is a feast for art enthusiasts. Here are our favorites from this year's show.
Hand Typing
Simple, legible, careful handwriting on beautiful paper seems old-fashioned in a digital era, but an iOS app developer counts it as one of his most useful tools.
Japanese Design Past and Present
Architect Kengo Kuma's village at the Portland Japanese Garden blends modern architecture with traditional Japanese design.
Dolls with Souls
Japan's magnificent tradition of fine doll making is a miniature window into the nation's culture and history.
The Many Layers of Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa has long been mysterious, not just because of her smile. But was mystery or realism her famous creator's object?
Memorial to Once-Forgotten People
A moving monument and burial ground in Manhattan comemorates enslaved people who once made up more than a third of New York City.
Minimalist Jewelry with Meaning
A silversmith's pared down designs lend understated focus to a minimalist wardrobe and help simplify clothing for a busy lifestyle.
New iPad Pro is a Game Changer
Apple's new iPad Pro has transformed personal organization and design. It's a combination command center and mobile design studio.
Non-biblical Nativity Figures
Why are those figurines in large nativity scenes dressed in European dresses and broad-brimmed hats instead of Biblical costumes?
Illuminated Manuscripts
Illuminated medieval manuscripts preserved culture and religious beliefs and set a foundation for book design and art styles.
Katsura Villa’s Enigmatic Design
Modernist architects admired Katsura Villa as the pinnacle of Japanese architecture and design. It is more complex than they thought.
Building an Arch and Cabinets
To carve space for our office out of a larger living space, we built an arch and cabinets out of old reclaimed beams.
Retreat by Design
What makes a retreat restful and soul restoring? A former imperial retreat in Kyoto, Japan, gets retreat design just right.
Mantel from Reclaimed Wood
Making a fireplace mantel from a reclaimed log requires mounting it so the supporting wall will bear its weight.
Elements of a Japanese Garden
Imagine you're sitting in Los Angeles traffic on a hot day. Take a break and head for a cool green oasis - Suihoen Japanese Garden
Herbie rides again ... and again
The Volkswagen Beetle was among the most iconic designs of the 20th century because it was affordable, simple and cute.
When Simplicity is a Necessity
Simplicity is a necessity for disabled people. The accessible design of some great products exemplifies this characteristic.
The Round Door Arrives
The Thoughtful House's round door has arrived and been installed. Our video and blog celebrate round architecture.
Why Isn’t Every Town Like Carmel?
Carmel, California, demonstrates how design, planning and environmentalism can enhance a small town.