Try These Brilliant Home Gym Hacks in Your Tiny Apartment

What DIYs are you making in 2019? Share with us at @BritandCo!

What DIYs are you making in 2019? Share with us at @BritandCo!

(Photos via Brittany Griffin, Styling & Production via Cassidy Miller / Brit + Co)

Dining rooms today are becoming less formal and more flexible, often doubling as workspaces, reading nooks, or casual lounges. The old fussy interior design rules no longer apply — it’s a space where you can experiment and play with aesthetic ideas like vintage charm with a modern twist or rustic warmth with a bit of minimalist sleekness. From moody, art-filled spaces to light and airy rooms with organic elements, the key is to creating a space that feels cozy and inviting for hosting and everyday use.

Here are 10 stunning dining room ideas to totally reinvent your space!

1. Banquette Seating

Michael P.H. Clifford

Built-in banquettes helps maximize space and create a cozy environment for dining, kind of like living room meets dining area. Kirsten Blazek of a1000xbetter, used her magic to turn a gloomy galley kitchen into a bright and airy space for dining in. "We were able to provide not just a beautiful kitchen, but one that was much more functional as well," says Kirsten.

Serena & Lily

You don't have to splurge on a custom built-in banquette either. Find a stand-alone one from places like Interior Define and West Elm. A sweet loveseat like this one from Serena & Lily also makes guests feel like they can stay a while.

2. Marble Tables

Anthropologie

Marble is making a statement across walls, tables, and accessories, giving dining rooms a regal touch. Paired with this sculptural wavy banquette, the classic stone takes on a fresh, modern edge with the Anthropologie Kanta Square Marble Dining Table.

3. Striped Wallpaper

Alice Palmer & Co.

Stripes are making a bold impact across walls, tablescapes, and even upholstered chairs, adding a cute and carefree vibe. This classic pattern from Alice Palmer & Co keeps the space effortlessly stylish and inviting too.

4. Toile Wallpaper

Pottery Barn

Classic patterns like toile are making a comeback, giving dining rooms a timeless, storybook charm. I love this option from Pottery Barn!

5. Velvet Seating

CB2

CB2 Hank Tufted Light Blue Velvet Dining Chair

Velvet is another way designers are warming up the dining space, while still keeping them elegant. This velvet dining chair designed by Caleb Zipperer takes cues from classic Italian designs of the 1960s and 1970s, upholstered in a stunning soft blue velvet.

6. Vintage Furniture

James & James

Antique hutches, sideboards, and dining tables are making a comeback, adding a layer of history and character to modern dining rooms. I especially love round pedestal tables to create a warm, intimate setting where everyone feels included in the conversation.

7. Color Mixing

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Winton Lacquered Dining Table

Neutrals will always exude a timeless elegance, but a colorful dining room brings an undeniable energy and warmth. From bold-painted walls to colorful chairs and tables — like this table from Anthropologie — and statement artwork, color can transform the space into a lively, inviting hub for gathering and chit-chat.

8. Organic Materials & Shapes

Lulu & Georgia

Playing with sculptural minimalism, organic shapes and subtle hues can transform a dining space into a work of art —where form dominates over bold color. Look for curvy silhouettes, fluid lines, and natural textures to get the look. These Sarah Sherman Samuel Whit Dining Chairs are perfect for that!

9. Bold & Moody Walls 

@sbcreative_ via Farrow & Ball Paint

Deep hues in greens (like this one from Farrow & Ball!), blues, and reds create a cozy and eye-catching dining space you'll love too.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

In The Z-Suite, Lauren Graham stars as Monica Marks, an advertising CEO who finds herself replaced by a Gen Z marketing team after a campaign gone wrong. But just because she's resigned to working from her home office (which is an exact replica of her original office FYI) doesn't mean she's giving up. And in our exclusive clip, she proves she's will to do whatever it takes to stay in the business.

Watch our The Z-Suite exclusive clip, starring Lauren Graham & Nico Santos.

Lauren Graham's Monica puts up a fight in 'The Z-Suite.'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In our exclusive ahead of this week's episode release, Monica and Doug (Nico Santos) give Matt (Evan Marsh) a somewhat friendly heads up that Atelier's previous clients are following them to their new business...AKA they're poaching them.

This proves Monica is willing to do whatever it takes to be considered competition, and also low-key proves Monica and Lorelai Graham are not one in the same — Lorelai isn't necessarily cunning, even if she is determined!

“There are no similarities [between Lorelai Gilmore and The Z-Suite character Monica Marks] and I hope [Gilmore Girls fans] come along for this ride,” Lauren Graham told The Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t do that. I can never replicate the beauty and the magic of that character and that writing and that time, so I might as well not try. This is something very different, but she’s fun and kooky and the show has a spirit to it that I think has a coziness to it, but it’s very different character.”

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

But would Lorelai fit into the workplace culture of The Z-Suite? "Lorelai would not do well," Lauren told Brit + Co exclusively. "She would be bored by the world of the office and I think would relate way more to the Gen Z people cause in her mind, she's always kind of one of the kids. But the office culture, she'd bring them coffee and then leave."

Can I get a latte?

Watch new episodes of The Z-Suite on Tubi every Thursday!

Less is more when it comes to landscaping. While there’s something charming about old-fashioned backyards — the kind of lush, picture-perfect spaces reminiscent of a bygone era — they can be really expensive to maintain. Here are some of the most high-maintenance backyard features that will keep your garden looking classic, but at a cost. If you’re still into these old-school garden elements but want to avoid the upkeep, consider modern swaps like drought-resistant plants or low-maintenance hedging options so you can relax and enjoy rather spend and constantly maintain.

10 old-fashioned landscaping ideas that are too expensive to upkeep.

Shutterstock

1. Boxwood Hedges

Perfectly sculpted boxwood hedges offer privacy and give a sense of poshness to a garden. However, maintaining them requires frequent pruning, they're prone to pests like boxwood blight, and trimming services can add up quickly. Instead, look for low-maintenance hedges like viburnum, common box, and cherry laurel.

Kenneth COSSIN

2. Koi Ponds

A serene koi pond with a water feature requires constant upkeep — regular water testing, filtration maintenance, and fish care (including specialized diets, temp control, and vet care!).

Photo by Elle Hughes

3. Rose Gardens

Traditional rose gardens are lovely when maintained properly but they require constant attention. They need proper pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and are prone to disease. Roses are highly susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids, making them a pretty demanding plant. I gave up my roses for drought-tolerant plants and olive trees in my California garden.

Annie Gavin

4. Cobblestone or Brick Pathways

Over time, moss and weeds grow between the stones and brick, creating slippery surfaces and requiring frequent cleaning. Frost heaving and settling can create uneven surfaces here too, which can be costly to repair. Gravel and mulch are low-budget options that can still look great and don't require a lot of upkeep in the garden.

Shutterstock

5. Topiaries

Shaping plants into whimsical topiaries is not for the faint of heart — or wallet. These sculpted plants demand expert trimming, precise watering, and protection from harsh weather. Hiring a professional topiarist can be an ongoing and expensive commitment for more elaborate topiaries, like animal shapes and other artistic sculpting.

Wayfair

6. Traditional Fountains

A grand fountain can be the focal point of a traditional backyard, but keeping it in pristine condition requires frequent cleaning, water treatment, and pump maintenance. Algae buildup, clogged filters, and winter freezing can all lead to costly repairs and upkeep.

Shutterstock

7. Ornate Ironwork

Iron is prone to rust, meaning you'll need to endure frequent sanding, priming, and repainting to keep them looking polished and pristine, which can get tiresome over time.

Pankaj Shah

8. Massive Lawns

I replaced an uncomfortable, and frankly ugly, rock lawn with a small grass lawn for my kiddo and dog to enjoy and my water bill quadrupled! A sprawling, perfectly green lawn is a major water guzzler. Keeping it lush requires constant mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and irrigation. Consider more mulch and gravel than grass.

Wayfair

9. Gazebos or Pergolas

Maintaining wooden structures like gazebos means regular staining, sealing, and repairs to prevent weather-related wear and tear. If made from natural wood, they’re especially vulnerable to rot, termites, and warping. Look for more weather-resistant protection or plant more shade trees.

Wayfair

10. Plastic Edging

Plastic and gardens don't make an ideal match. Plastic edging may seem like a quick fix, but it's often frustrating to install, prone to shifting over time, and can lead to weed crossover and untidy borders. While affordable upfront, its short lifespan makes it a poor long-term investment. Opt for sustainable alternatives that not only last but also prevent microplastics from contaminating your soil.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Sigh. There’s yet another Trader Joe’s recallto be aware of. The chain just announced that anyone who purchased one particular frozen meal should discard it out of an “abundance of caution” for potential plastic contamination.

Scroll on to learn more about the latest Trader Joe’s product recall.

Trader Joe's

On February 14, 2025, Trader Joe’s posted a recall warning to their website, noting that the Trader Joe’s Organic Acai Bowls may contain “foreign material” – noting that the foreign material in question is indeed plastic.

Trader Joe's

The grocer urged customers to discard the acai bowls or return them to their local Trader Joe’s store for a “full refund.”

Reddit

Trader Joe’s has since removed the product listing for their Organic Acai Bowls from their website, removed the product from their freezers, and posted in-store notices about the recall.

Reddit

The frozen bowls became popular for being a convenient breakfast or mid-afternoon snack option. They contained a puree made from acai, bananas, and berries that turned into a smoothie-like texture after a good microwave thaw. The bowls also came complete with packets of granola and coconut flakes for topping and texture.

Trader Joe's

As of February 19, Trader Joe’s is the only entity that’s announced the recall of the Organic Acai Bowls. The FDA’s recall website does not list the item, but does mention the recall of specific canned tuna products that were included in a February 10 recall due to “manufacturing defects,” which impacted several more major retailers like Walmart and H.E.B.

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There's just something so comforting about a bowl of rice topped with veggies, meat, or even fruit. Plus, having your whole meal in one bowl is a proven time-saving cleaning hack, which is totally fine by us. That's why we've found 22 rice bowl recipes that you might just have to add to your arsenal of go-to weeknight dinners. So get out your homemade gilded bowls and fill 'em up with some of these yummy, one-dish rice bowl recipes.

Scroll on for our 22 best rice bowl recipes!

Poke Bowls

Sarah Anderson

Poke bowls can get pretty pricey when you order them as takeout, but this rice bowl recipe makes enjoying the delicacy super easy – right at home! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Bibimbap Bowls

Brit + Co

The same idea goes for bibimbap. Load yours up with all your fave toppings! (via Brit + Co)

Fried Cauliflower Rice

Brit + Co

Basically, what we’ve learned here today is that cauliflower is a great substitute if regular rice isn’t your thing. But just because it’s healthy, doesn’t mean you can’t fry it! (via Brit + Co)

Banh Mi Slow Cooker Rice Bowls

The Real Food Dietitians

Use the freshest of freshest ingredients to craft these slow cooker bowls – you won't regret it. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Chicken + Egg Rice Bowls

Sea Salt with Food

Sometimes simple and traditional is best, which is why this classic chicken and egg dish tops our list of rice bowl recipes. (via Sea Salt with Food)

Cauliflower Rice Fish Taco Bowls

Julie’s Eats & Treats

Now you can have the flavors of fish tacos without many of the carbs, thanks to the star of this dish – cauliflower rice! Who knew? (via Julie’s Eats & Treats)

Homemade Chicken Burrito Bowls

Crowded Kitchen

Chipotle, who?! (via Crowded Kitchen)

California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado + Rice Bowls

Half Baked Harvest

Add avocado to anything, and it instantly turns into the best thing ever. This dish is fresh eats at its best! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs & Rice Bowls

The Girl on Bloor

The sauce on these chicken meatballs is basically the tastiest thing ever. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Island Rice Bowls with Coconut Ginger Rice

One Lovely Life

The coconut ginger rice and pineapple combo in this recipe add a bit of sweetness to this savory, tropical dish. (via One Lovely Life)

Brown Rice Bowl with Chard + Nutty Tomato Romesco Sauce

The Kitchn

The tasty romesco sauce made with pimiento peppers and almonds (among other things) really makes this dish stand out. (via The Kitchn)

Spicy Italian Sausage Rice Bowl

Noble Pig

With Italian sausage and an Asian-inspired sauce, this meal in a bowl makes it easy to bring fusion cuisine into your home kitchen. (via Noble Pig)

Shrimp Puttanesca Rice Bowl Recipe with Capers + Tomatoes

Cookin’ Canuck

No one ever said rice bowl recipes only have to be Asian influenced!Bright Italian flavors make this dish healthy and comforting. (via Cookin’ Canuck)

Oven-Roasted Salmon & Rice with Coconut Tomato Sauce

The Original Dish

This dish is truly restaurant-tier... without the restaurant prices. (via The Original Dish)

Pineapple-Sriracha Chicken Bowls with Wild Rice

Spache the Spatula

Sriracha makes everything better — especially chicken breasts. Add some pineapple, and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. (via Spache the Spatula)

Black Rice Salad Bowls with Chipotle Orange Chicken, Cashews + Feta

Half Baked Harvest

Upgrade your rice bowl recipes with black rice for a fun way to create a pleasing meal! The contrast of the colors of the oranges, avocados, and tomatoes pop. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Ben’s Chicken, Bacon + Rice Bowls

Iowa Girl Eats

Remember how we said rice bowl recipes were comforting? Well, add some bacon, and you’ve hit the mother lode. And there’s spinach in there, too, so it’s healthy! (via Iowa Girl Eats)

Rice Bowl with Fried Egg + Avocado

Bon Appétit

Talk about a power lunch! The egg and avocado in this rice bowl have all the protein you need to feel powered up throughout the day. (via Bon Appétit)

Tofu + Chickpea Curry with Green Peas

Partial Ingredients

Rice takes a backseat in this dish, because let’s face it – the rice is just a vehicle for soaking up the deliciousness that is this curry. (via Partial Ingredients)

Summer Peach Marinated Salmon + Avocado Rice Bowl

Cooking on the Weekends

Summer will be all about fresh fruit and fresh seafood, making this a perfect end to those extra long (and hot) days. (via Cooking on the Weekends)

Roasted Harvest Veggie, Curried Avocado + Coconut Rice Bowls

Half Baked Harvest

Oh yes, you read that correctly. Curried avocado… AKA the best idea ever. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Slow-Cooker Coconut Brown Rice Pudding

Food Network

Who says a rice bowl has to be savory? This refreshing take on rice pudding is made in a slow cooker, so you can let it go all day and come home to a sweet and light dessert. (via Food Network)

Which of these is your favorite rice bowl recipe? Share your faves and ideas in the comments below or join our email newsletter for more inspiration!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.