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These 32 Home Decor Pieces Will Transform Your Space Into An Actual Dream House

These 32 Home Decor Pieces Will Transform Your Space Into An Actual Dream House

Buzz Feed08-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Your home will be unrecognizable — in the best way — after this dreamy makeover.
1. A quilted chenille floor pillow to add comfy seating to your space instead of buying new furniture. You'll receive endless compliments when guests come over and lounge in your dreamy home!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan
Get it from Amazon for $33.74+ (available in two sizes/styles and 12 colors).
2. A Venus de Milo torso candle that'll elevate your artsy mantle or coffee table with a modern accent that'll garner endless compliments.
Philly Candles is a Philadelphia-based small biz on Etsy that specializes in uniquely gorgeous hand-poured candles.
Promising review:"I am so absolutely in love with these candles!! I got two in beige with the rose scent and they smell like heaven. The quality is really great as well, and they both stand perfectly upright on my desk!! Absolutely in love!!" — Amanda S.
Get it from Philly Candles on Etsy for $14.36 (available in 10 scents and four finishes).
3. A wood tree bookshelf because being a self-proclaimed bookworm doesn't mean you make boring decor choices! This is a unique way to store your fave titles *and* you'll free up some space on the other surfaces in your home currently cluttered with books.
Amazon
Promising review:"I love this so much! I'm always back and forth on reading and what I want to read and usually have multiple books and journals laying on my nightstand. This was perfect to organize them up and save space." — j.oldham
Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
4. A wooden alarm clock for adding a touch of mid-century mod energy to your bedside area. It has adjustable brightness, two alarm settings, and displays both the day of the week and the temperature.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This clock is worth the money! Buy it. Bright display, stylish, good material. It was easy for me to set up. It really took no time because the instructions were very simple! It keeps time, date, and even temperature accurately! Buy this!" — Robin
Get it from Amazon for $22.09 (available in four colors).
5. An elegant set of square wineglasses — is there really a better way to sip your go-to beverage than from a fancy glass? I think not. Your tablescape will be forever grateful for this sensible purchase.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B.
Get a set of four from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three styles and in sets of two or six).
6. A baroque mirror if your style involves vintage-inspired decor pieces that look like they belong in a haunted mansion — in the best, dreamiest way.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"All I can say is woooow! This mirror is not only affordable, but the quality is amazing. It's heavy and not cheap-looking. The gold color is not so tacky, and it's done just right. My main concern was receiving a broken mirror but the packaging was great and arrived in one piece. Don't hesitate buying this gem, you need it!" — Celeste C
Get it from Amazon for $89.62+ (available in 10 sizes and five finishes).
7. Rainbow window film when you need some extra privacy and some playful light dancing around the room to lift your mood. It's kitty approved and will create excellent IG photo ops!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I was looking for privacy film for our windows but came across this and ended up buying it instead. I have it installed on the window in my bathroom. Super great for pictures and really pretty in general when the sun shines through!" — MK
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 12 sizes and seven colors).
8. A chunky knit throw blanket you can drape over a sofa or armchair and it'll instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic. You'll also feel *very* upscale whenever you snuggle up with it.
Promising review: "Love this look. Makes the room look and feel cozy. But then the blanket ACTUALLY is cozy! Super soft. Heavy. Warm. Worth the money." — Tracy W.
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors).
9. And some corduroy pillow covers because your reading chair or sofa is probably long overdue for an upgrade. Rather than buying all new pillows, save your cash and throw these cuties on instead.
Amazon
These are just pillow covers, so grab some pillow inserts, if you need 'em!
Promising review:"These pillow covers exceeded my expectations. I needed to cover up some older and worn decorative pillows, so I chose solid corduroy to accent my home colors. The cool thing about these covers is that, along with fitting well, the fabric is super soft! Most decorative pillow covers tend to be scratchy; we ACTUALLY use our pillows for naps, so this is great! The coverings easily slipped over my pillows, and the zipper closing worked with ease. The color was just as shown. I will definitely order these again." — zbergteacher
Get a set of two covers from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in eight sizes and 34 colors).
10. A ~handy~ wall hook that'll give your entryway the flowers they deserve. Whether you need a bit of extra storage or want to add some quirky wall decor to the mix, this will do the trick.
Anthropologie
Promising reviews: "This piece is so amazing. I can't wait to use it. I purchased one and loved it enough to purchase another." — DeeShopper
" This is exactly what I was searching for and I LOVE it!! Some comments mention that it is smaller than anticipated, and yes, it's petite. But it's so cool and unique that it stands out!! I can most definitely recommend this brass hand!" — GingerAdele
Get it from Anthropologie for $28 (available in three colors).
11. A ~vibrant~ three-tier ring floor lamp for anyone who's been seeking a trendy accent that'll turn allll the heads that walk into the room. Plus, it'll brighten up your space quite a bit!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can adjust the brightness with a simple tap!
Brightech is a California-based small business that specializes in home lighting.
Promising review: "The light is nice! It's a unique-looking light. I love how it has three different settings so you can adjust the brightness. It fits perfectly with my reading chaise and goes well with the rest of my living room decor. The only con I have is I wish the cord was clear instead of black, it sticks out. Other than that, I love the light. I'd definitely recommend it to others." — Carmelita Joy
Get it from Amazon for $76.49+ (available in four styles).
12. A gorgeous storage ottoman, aka living proof that dreamy home accents *can* be functional. Pop your TV remotes, books, or candles inside and they'll be out of sight until you need 'em.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior writer Emma Lord says: "Another bonus? If you flip the lid over, it has a wooden base, so you can *also* use this as a teensy snack table. I recently got one of these for my new apartment to stash my candles and ~candle accessories~ in and it's pretty much become my favorite piece of furniture?? I use it to prop up my feet during work hours and sometimes if I want to eat on my couch I'll use it as a tray. It's also sturdy enough to sit on if I ever wanted to have guests over and needed an extra chair. It was RIDICULOUSLY easy to set up — I had it done in less than 10 minutes, and probably didn't even need the directions. It also just looks so darn cute (and comes in so many colors that I'm tempted to buy another!)."
Promising review:"I was using a small foldable step stool in my bedroom to reach the top shelves of my wardrobe. But you know, those things aren't pretty. It wasn't bringing me joy, just begrudging utility. This ottoman brings me joy. It's pretty, it's lightweight so I can move it easily to use it as a step stool, and the storage capacity is perfect for things like my nightly moisturizers, my Kindle and journals, and other little miscellaneous things." — Monica N.
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors).
13. A brilliant colorful crystal suncatcher so you can make any room much more enchanting. I dare you not to swoon over the iridescent sparkles dancing around the room while you sip your iced coffee and admire your amazing decor taste.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Sparkling and beautiful. I bought these to hang in my kitchen window, and they are perfect. The sun hits the crystals, and it creates a beautiful shine and radiance. I've received lots of compliments. Nice buy!" — Alicia Burciaga
Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in seven colors/styles).
14. A marvelous yarn tapestry if you wanna incorporate some fun texture into your home's flawless aesthetic. Gallery walls are great, but this will give your space a cozy *and* unique feel.
Amazon
Promising review:"As I unwrapped the safety packaging, I found myself in awe at how beautiful this piece really is in person. You can tell it was put together by loving hands. They included the sweetest note with this piece that together with the care and time this purchase took, really made you a part of the family it came from. I don't consider myself someone who is attached to material things, but this art came with some strong positive vibes that we really needed in our household. I can't thank the creators enough for the opportunity to purchase this piece. It is now my favorite Amazon purchase." — Katie
Get it from Amazon for $41.52+ (available in 10 colors/styles).
15. A faux book display to conceal messy outlets, cables, and other eyesores for a clean, organized vibe. Not to mention that everyone will be impressed by your stellar book collection.
Covogoods / Etsy
Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books.
Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1-7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace
Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $19.80+ (originally $33+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR on Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart).
16. A vintage-inspired dimmable candle warmer that'll evenly melt your favorite candles and fill the room with their scrumptious scent without the need for an open flame. Your nightstand has never looked so stylish!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says: "🎶 It's me, hi. I'm the impulsive buyer, it's me. 🎶 After seeing this gooorgeous candle warmer online time and time again (and trying to ignore the urge to buy what I absolutely didn't need)...I finally did it, and WOW am I glad I did. This lamp looks even better in person, it warms all of my candles evenly, and after moving it to my desk, I figured out it can be used as the cutest mug warmer, too! It comes with two compatible 50-watt warming bulbs that melt candles from top to bottom. The dimming feature is also really convenient for both the brightness of the light and for how fast or slow you want your candle to melt! This would definitely be a 12/10 gift."
Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in clear and golden).
17. A filigree wallplate cover when you want to transform your plain light switches and outlet covers into stunning masterpieces. Who knew something as simple as turning on the lights could spark so much joy?
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"These are good, heavy switch plates. I purchased the double switch plate and the single outlet covers. They are just right with my decor. So unique, and they look great. I also like that when reaching for the light switch in the pitch black, you can easily find them because of the texture and thickness." — T.A. Urban
Get it from Amazon for $4.98+ (available in six variations and in bundles).
18. A comfy cotton knit duvet cover so your bedroom will become a truly irresistible paradise. Beware: You'll never want to get out of bed with this combo of comfort and style at your fingertips.
Amazon
And if you're looking for a great duvet to fill this cover, here's a hypoallergenic option that reviewers love!
Promising review:"I have been looking for a terracotta jersey knit duvet cover forever and took a chance with this one. The color is great, a dark terracotta/rust color. It's soft, but if I had to be knit-picky it isn't as soft as other jersey knit fabrics I have felt. Shipping was surprisingly fast and the size was perfect for my queen bed. Overall I am happy with my purchase." — Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $38.74+ (available in five sizes and nine colors).
19. A bundle of fresh eucalyptus because who says you can't make your bathroom look and feel like the spa of your dreams? Bonus points: it'll smell downright divine in there.
Eucalyptus Blooms / Etsy
Eucalyptus Blooms is a woman-owned small biz based in North Carolina that makes a variety of unique shower bundles and other scented products.
Promising review:"Followed the instructions on the wrapper, the fragrant was very refreshing and calming! The eucalyptus leaves held strong when I squeezed it with none falling off. Very good quality!" — Lydia
Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $12.63+ (originally $15.99+; available in three sizes and in bundles).
20. A faux cowhide rug with shiny specks of gold to magically tie your space together, especially when that golden hour light hits the room just right! No cows were harmed in the making of this rug and you won't have to worry about weird smells or shedding, either.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have owned huge, real hides in the past and paid $500 to $700. I ordered this hoping it would be cute but worried a bit that it would look cheap. Well, it is Amazon, so I knew I could return it and made the leap. SOOOOOO HAPPY I did! It looks real and the gold adds such whimsy! I sprayed with a water/stain repellent and laid the little beauty in my kitchen. Looks AWESOME! My home is mid-century modern with gorgeous high-end pieces and art. This lovely gem on my tile floor adds such warmth and joy. When the light comes through the windows and lights up the gold, I cannot help but smile! Amazing and fun! LOVE!!!!! Would ABSOLUTELY purchase over and over and over! Perfection!" — Frog Hop
Get it from Amazon for $44.38+ (available in three sizes and three colors).
21. Metallic shower corner shelves if you love a two-for-one piece of decor — these will add a touch of elegance *and* organization to your shower situation. They'll take up less room than a caddy and look very luxurious in your bathroom.
www.amazon.com
These can be installed with either glue or screws, and reviewers report that either method is super secure.
Promising review:"We installed these shelves using the epoxy in our tile shower at home, and we liked them so much, we bought them again when we were remodeling another house. They hold the right amount. They have never come even a little loose." — Marsha dePuy
Get a set of two from Amazon for $22.67+ (available in two styles and four colors).
22. A reviewer-beloved mushroom lamp when you need an extra light source in the room but want something that matches your vibe perfectly. Mission accomplished!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wanted a lamp for my desk with enough brightness to light the desk and my room, but not so much as to ruin the vibe in the evenings. This lamp has been a great purchase! I've been using it consistently for months with no issues. The quality is excellent and the glass allows it to give off a warm light without overpowering my bedroom in the evenings. Highly recommend!" — E K
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two styles).
23. An acrylic dry-erase board so you can easily upgrade the aesthetic in your home while keeping track of your tasks. It comes in multiple sizes and three beautiful hardware options.
1801 & Co. / Etsy
1801 & Co. is a Minnesota-based, family-owned Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in family wall calendars, chore charts, wedding signs, and more.
Promising review: "I love it! I got it so fast after ordering and it's perfect. I love the sleek design for my small home office space. I can't function at work without a dry-erase board but couldn't find any that would look nice in my office space, which is in the corner of my master bedroom! Having functional office space but not LOOKING like an office in the bedroom is challenging but this acrylic board is PERFECT. The black pen that comes with it has a very nice fine tip and erases without a trace." — Dawn Powell
Get it from 1801 & Co. on Etsy for $24.55+ (originally $32.73+; available in multiple dimensions, two thickness sizes, as well as three hardware colors).
24. A set of triangle mug hooks to transform your space with decor that also doubles as storage. Now you'll have plenty of space for your massive mug collection!
Wayfair
Get a set of four from Wayfair for $27.99 (originally $35.99).
25. And a very snazzy coffee syrup dispenser set, which comes with 28 premade flavor labels — it's basically a dream come true for caffeine connoisseurs who appreciate a tasty coffee drink with a side of pristine organization.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
New England Stories is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products.
Promising review: "These are worth the money! There are labels for almost every basic syrup as well as blanks so you can label them yourself. If you get a regular-size Torani syrup bottle, it will hold the whole bottle, so you don't need to worry about storing a quarter of the bottle of syrup. SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, TOO." — Naomi
Get a set of four from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three colors and in sets of two or six).
26. A book-shaped flower vase perfect for readers looking for any opportunity to celebrate their one true passion. Plus, it'll serve as your daily reminder to finish your current book so you can start the next one on your TBR list!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the book vase in action.
Promising review: "The vase was so pretty I bought a second! They're durable and very appealing to the eye. I will be purchasing more." — kayla
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors).
27. Or a set of ceramic head vases you'll probably fall ~head~ over heels in love with. Whether you're team fresh or faux flowers, this is a fun way to brighten up any room with a bit of character.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These vases are honestly more beautiful than I expected! They look so lovely with peonies in them! These vases are simple yet rather stunning! 10/10 would buy them again! Would love to get some more in different poses!" — Katri
Get a set of two from Amazon for $23.99 (also available in three other styles).
28. Plus, a bundle of faux jasmine flower branches so you always have something to display in your classy vases! Real flowers are nice and all but they don't last, they're not cost-effective, and they leave a mess behind. Faux flowers for life!
Amazon
Promising review:"Love these flowers and how they look. It has a natural flow to it and can be shaped easily. Looks great with large white matte vases. Such a great addition to my living room." — A. S. Yilmaz
Get a 10-piece bundle from Amazon for $17.89.
29. A record/magazine/Cool Stuff holder because is there anything better than a lovely piece of decor that serves an additional purpose? You can showcase your fave things while also keeping them neatly organized.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I didn't want anything too bulky on my nightstand but I like to have several books I like to read in bed. I previously had them stacked on top of each other and found this and was afraid it might be cheaply made but it is sturdy and beautiful! I'm such a bookworm and I am in love with this added piece to my room." — SP
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors).
30. A set of miniature glass jars with bamboo lids when you want your bathroom organization to be pretty, effective, and affordable. This will complement your aesthetic while keeping your toiletries in order.
www.amazon.com
P.S. the labels are included!
Promising review:"These are actually cuter than I expected! They are a tad smaller than some I've seen, but they actually looked great and can hold plenty of Q-tips and cotton balls in the spare bathrooms. I have mine on a serving tray with a candle and vase, and they look great without taking up too much space!" — tara savage
Get a set of four jars from Amazon for $7.99+ (also available in sets of two or three).
31. And a set of amber soap dispensers that'll make your bathroom look like the result of a glamorous home makeover. Don't worry, no one has to know you filled 'em with soap from the dollar store.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are amazing soap dispensers. The amber glass is sturdy and strong, and the pump works great. They're easy to fill and they look so good on your bathroom or kitchen countertop. Highly recommend!" — Emily
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.99.
32. A set of accent wall panels to help you create the most dream-worthy headboard of all time. You can also use it to dress up any blank wall that's stressing you out. Luxury hotel vibes at home? Yes, please.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And adding soft padding to walls where your kids love to jump around (i.e. sofas, beds, etc.) may save you from dealing with head bonk tears to boot!
Promising review:"These wall panels are so versatile! You can do just about anything with them. They add a major LUXE quality to your home. You really can't go wrong with these!" — T
Get a set of four panels from Amazon for $189+ (available in two sizes and 30 colors).

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She was a pariah.' 12 Math teacher turned master forger, Pei Shen Qian has been accused of forging the names of abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell and Willem de Kooning on at least 70 paintings. In 2016, what had been elite gossip exploded into the art fraud trial of the century. Freedman, the former president of Knoedler & Co. — Manhattan's then-oldest art gallery, founded in 1846 — was accused of facilitating the sale of $80 million in fake art. The plot, involving a pair of Long Island-based con artists and a math teacher turned master forger named Pei-Shen Qian, was audacious in ambition: Allegedly forging the names of abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell and Willem de Kooning on at least 70 paintings. Everyone from museum experts and art scholars to the relatives of the artists themselves fell for it. But the case was settled before Freedman took the stand. She walked. 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The title references what Avrich calls Freedman's 'very steely, Anna Wintour'-like personality — belied by her rimless glasses, curly gray hair and cashmere wardrobe. 12 Ann Freedman was the director of Knoedler when the fakes came through the gallery, but has insisted she, too, was duped. AP The book is a follow-up to the author's juicy 2020 documentary 'Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art,' streaming on Netflix. ''The Devil Wears Rothko' charts the explosive demise of New York's oldest and most prestigious art gallery with detailed and salacious insight into one of the world's largest art frauds, involving an '$80 million deception that duped high-profile experts, famous collectors and museums,' Avrich writes. As The Post wrote in 2016, the fraud began in the early 1990s, when a former waiter from Spain, Jose Carlos Bergantiños Diaz, came upon a Chinese artist peddling art on a Manhattan sidewalk. Bergantiños offered to pay the man, Pei-Shen Qian, $500 per painting. 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In 2016, Freedman's attorney told The Post that she too was duped. 12 Domenico De Sole, seen here with wife Eleanor, was one of the high-flying Knoedler clients scammed. Getty Images 12 De Sole is the chairman of Tom Ford's brand. Getty Images But Gregory A. Clarick, a lawyer for De Sole, had doubts. 'The biggest [problem] is that . . . Rosales kept walking in [to Knoedler] with unknown works that had no documentation. This should have signaled that the works were fake,' he told The Post at the time. Avrich's book also serves as a behind-the-scenes making of his film about the case, while diving broadly into the opaque milieu of fine art dealing, the history of forgery and the increasingly high-tech fakes flooding the market. If there's a punchline to the whole affair it's that, while the seething ultra-rich collectors — like Tom Ford chairman Domenico De Sole, private-equity powerhouse John Howard, former US ambassador Nicholas Taubman, casino CEO Frank Fertitta and Lagrange — took hits to their wallets and reputations, the criminally culpable con men mostly got away with it. 12 Hedge funder Pierre Lagrange (center left) sued the gallery over a fake Jackson Pollock after Christie's and Sotheby's turned it down for auction. Greg Kahn Rosales, who peddled the fakes to Freedman, only did three months in the slammer. Bergantiños, fled to Spain, where extradition was denied. Qian fled to China. The playboy Michael Hammer — father of actor Armie Hammer — who owned Knoedler and made a fortune from the fraud, died in 2022 . 'I believe that everybody in this story was guilty of something,' Avrich told the Post. 'The art was hot, and everyone was trading on that.' Following Qian to his apartment in Shanghai, Avrich discovered a room filled with 'hundreds of paintings' leaned against the walls. 12 Glafira Rosales, a small-time Long Island dealer, pleaded guilty to selling the forged artwork. Gabriella Bass 'He claims he's only doing them for himself, he isn't selling them, but who knows,' the author said. Several galleries in China have exhibited Qian's works and, in a surprise turn, he has become a sought after artist. 'I've had dozens of people reach out to me to try and find Qian's paintings to broker them,' said Avrich. 'They say, 'I'll pay you hundreds of thousands of dollars.'' But the majority of the fake art is still with the collectors who bought it and are too humiliated to let it see the light of day. 12 'The Devil Wears Rothko' is on sale Tuesday. 'Some were seized by the FBI and marked as fakes, some were destroyed, but the rest, collectors kept,' Avrich said. 'I asked Domenico de Sole where the Rothko was, and he said, 'It's hanging on my daughter's wall.'' Rosales has had less luck trading on her ill-fame. Ordered to pay $81 million to victims of the fraud, she has seen authorities seize multiple properties, $33 million and more than 200 works of art, including authentic paintings by Sean Scully, Jules Olitski, Ellsworth Kelly and Andy Warhol. She served nine months of house arrest and three years' probation. Rosales was last seen 'working as a bus girl in a restaurant, living in a rented room, struggling to live on a minimal salary,' according to her attorney. 12 'I've had dozens of people reach out to me to try and find Qian's paintings to broker them,' said book author Barry Avrich of the alleged faker (picured). Bloomberg via Getty Images Bergantiños — who according to Avrich, got his start dealing fake beluga caviar (even selling it to auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's) — has fared better. Safe from the FBI's Art Crime Team, he agreed to meet with Avrich in his home town in Lugo, Spain, where he 'showed no remorse and blamed Rosales.' 'Before trying to sell me a harmonica that he claimed was once owned by Bob Dylan, he offered me advice on buying art: 'I would buy two or three upcoming artists and then sit on the paintings and the value will go up,'' Avrich recounted. 'He added: 'I entered the art world where many are called, but few are chosen.'' As for Freedman, she's still dealing art from a space at 25 East 73rd Street, steps from her old throne at Knoedler. 12 Rosales, who peddled the fakes to Freedman, only did three months in the slammer. REUTERS 'She's been selling art with some fervor for the last decade,' said Avrich. 'But the gallery walls are mostly covered with emerging artists and the odd secondary market blue-chip art that she is selling on behalf of someone's estate.' Although she's still a regular sight on Madison Ave., Freedman keeps a low profile. Her website is out of date, her Instagram is dead and her Facebook hasn't been updated since 2023. Still, the cracks keep on coming. 'Wonderful gallery!' begins one sarcastic Google review. 'They are all so nice! On the way out, a thin, curly, gray haired lady whispered that she could get me a Picasso for $500. I talked her down to $325! Paint was barely dry! It looks great, hanging over the cat litter box!' Nevertheless, Avrich says he's taken flak for not going even harder on Freedman. 'I screened the film for Alec Baldwin,' said Avrich of the actor who, in 2010, bought a $190,000 phony painting by Ross Bleckner from a different unscrupulous dealer. 'He yelled at me as only Alec Baldwin does, saying, 'You treat her like a schoolgirl that did something wrong during recess. You have to be tougher on her,'' Avrich recalled. 'But that wasn't my role. I wasn't making a '60 Minutes' episode, or being Michael Moore. I let her tell her story. The world can decide where things shake out. Where she sits in this is a debate that rages on.'

I skipped Fallout 76 at launch — here's why I finally gave it a shot in 2025 (and you should too)
I skipped Fallout 76 at launch — here's why I finally gave it a shot in 2025 (and you should too)

Tom's Guide

time2 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

I skipped Fallout 76 at launch — here's why I finally gave it a shot in 2025 (and you should too)

I love Fallout. Exploring a vast, post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with horrible enemies has always brought a smile to my face. I'm also prone to getting addicted to online looter shooter games like Destiny 2 and I even got sucked into The First Descendent. So when Fallout 76 came out, it should have been the game for me. But based on the negativity from Fallout fans when it launched, I passed. Now, it's 2025, and the game has been chugging along since 2018. It's had hours and hours of content added to it, and it's become closer to the Fallout experience I always hoped it could be. It doesn't have as much personality as the numbered Fallout games (and New Vegas), but it has one key factor that keeps me coming back: it's incredibly fun. Is 2025 finally the perfect time to lose yourself in the Appalachian wasteland? I think it just might be, and here's why. For me, one of the biggest reasons to jump back into Fallout 76 is the value. Because the game is a few years old, you can get it for cheap most of the time. Even at full price, the game is $39 on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox. It's on Game Pass and can often be picked up on sale, either from the first-party platform store or from retailers like Amazon. I've been primarily playing through Game Pass, as I have an active subscription. The ridiculous number of quests and vast wilderness available to explore make it feel like a game that should cost a lot more. I've played more than 40 hours of the game in a few weeks, and it feels like there are a million more quests for me to do and powerful items to find. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. And then there's the building mechanics... Fallout 76 offers a lot of content for the price. You can spend hundreds of hours exploring the wastelands if you like the game, so you'll certainly get your money's available on: Xbox and PlayStation I was a little worried that Fallout 76 might not be fun without a group of friends to play with. My normal group of looter shooter friends has dispersed between various games, with a few still hanging onto Destiny 2. Getting them to try Fallout 76 was a no-go, so it was just me rolling solo (and playing with randoms). Fortunately, after grinding my way past level 50, I can say that I'm having a blast without friends. Friends or not, the core loop of shooting enemies, looting their corpses and leveling up your character is fun and addictive, which is what you want to see from a game like Fallout 76. Whether you play a V.A.T.S. character or one who sprays all over the place, there's a lot of fun to be had in Bethesda's semi-MMO version of Fallout. While the Bethesda game may not have the official Steam Deck badge, in my experience, the game works just fine. And best of all, you don't need to do anything crazy with the settings to get it working. All I did was install the game and launch it. No startup tweaks and no crazy settings to change. Just run it and go. It's not perfect — the frame rate is lower than a traditional gaming PC or console, but the fact that I can play my current looter-shooter addiction while my family does other stuff with the TV is amazing. Now, if only there were a way to transfer characters between platforms (there isn't and probably never will be). Bethesda offers a quality of life (QOL) subscription for Fallout 76 that provides things like scrap and ammo storage, preventing you from having to deal with the headache of encumbrance as much. It costs $99.99 per year or $12.99 per month. I signed up for a month, and it's great to have if you're playing a ton of the game. However, I played all the way to level 50 without it, and it was fine. Will I keep my subscription after the first month? Probably, because I'm incredibly addicted to the game and I like the QOL changes. But I could also live without it, and I think you can, too. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm late to the Fallout 76 party. Players around the world have already known how good the game was for some time, and I'm just walking in like a beginner trying to tell people the game is good. Are there bugs? Sure. Does it crash occasionally? Of course, it's a Bethesda game. Do any of those things stop me from loving the game and wanting to finish this article to play more of it? Not even close.

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