Before + After: Rustic-Industrial NYC Bedroom Makeover

Your bedroom is the first thing you see when you open your eyes in the morning, and the last thing you see before you go to sleep. It’s arguably the most personal space in your home. If there’s any place that should make you happy and reflect who you are, it’s this room. At NousDecor, we are all about helping people bring personality to their favorite spaces. So when Tim came to us looking for help redesigning the bedroom in his new apartment in the Bronx, we were super excited. A first-time homeowner, he was anxious to make his bedroom feel more grown up, while staying true to his Brooklyn roots and modern aesthetic. He also wanted to create space to work there, without turning the room into an office. Obviously, we were up to the challenge.

Before

What prompted you to embark on this project?

I really needed some help with my space. I just bought the apartment; it was pretty much a blank slate. I was having trouble making any decisions about anything, so I really kind of needed someone to force me to make decisions about things, and to do it in a way that made me feel confident that everything was going to fit together.

And why NousDecor?

So with the idea of hiring someone, I had no idea how to even begin finding a single person to do it, and it seemed like a lot of time and a lot of money. But NousDecor had such an amazing value proposition of getting to work with a team, and it was really reasonably priced. It was going to basically help me get from nothing to something, so my expectations going in were that it would be a way to get me to the next level of completeness of my apartment. I was so amazed by how high quality the service was, and by what amazing stuff the team found. It really exceeded my expectations.

What was your goal for the space?

I think I really needed a grown-up bedroom. I, like most New Yorkers, was accustomed to moving every two or three years, so I never had a desire to invest in high-quality furniture. Now that I’ve bought the apartment and hopefully won’t be moving anytime soon (unless for really good reasons!), it felt like it was time to start investing in pieces that were reflective of a degree of maturity — so at least I could pretend I had some — and were going to echo this theme of settling down into a place for awhile. Getting rid of all the temporary IKEA furniture and putting in grown-up furniture was the goal, but I wanted to do it in a way that felt like it reflected me and didn’t involve just randomly picking things out of a catalogue.

What about your style? Did you have a strong vision for what you wanted the space to look like?

I didn’t have a strong sense going in. I knew that I generally like a sort of simpler, cleaner, more modern kind of look. That much I knew, but really no preconceptions — I’ve never even bought accessories for a room. I think so much of what the team did was in those details. It would never occur to me to buy a vase and it would never occur to me to buy wall shelves, but those are the details that give the space some character. So I think it was very eye-opening to see that process in action, and certainly a big win from my perspective to be introduced to stuff I never would have picked out.

Tim’s Digital Design Mockup

After

What’s your favorite piece in the space?

There’s just so much I love. The painting was a big win. I LOVE the wood planks on the wall. That is absolutely something that never would have occurred to me to do. They’re actually pretty simple to install, and they’re just so distinctive. One of the nice things about my apartment is that the floors are very nice, and so to kind of evoke the floor on the wall was super trippy, but gave a nice natural contrast to some of the more metallic or modern-looking things. I just absolutely love the wall. That, and the painting. Plus the desk is just gorgeous. Everything in there I just love, but those are the stand-outs for me.

Was the mission accomplished to make the bedroom also work as a workspace?

The team accomplished it so seamlessly that I hadn’t even remembered that was one of the goals. But having what feels like a distinct enough working area in the room that’s not the main focus of the room is great. It will be a good way to encourage me to get some work done, but also a good way to encourage myself to stop work sometimes. You know, I feel like it’s not the time of my life where I should be in bed with my laptop at all hours, haha. Put the laptop on the desk and shut off every once in awhile.

Were you happy with the way the room turned out?

The decor team did a fantastic job. I couldn’t be happier with the results and with the process. It’s funny; I can’t even say it exceeded my expectations because I didn’t know what to expect. But it was just so wonderful and I’m so happy with the room, and I just want to say thank you to the team.

Are you looking to redesign a room in your home? NousDecor is here to help. Take our design quiz to tell us more about what you like, and we’ll take care of the rest. Get ready to love the space you’re in.

Loving this before and after? Follow us on Pinterest for more home makeovers.

For those of us who are passionate about design and decorating, of course, we want our homes to look stylish and put-together, but sometimes life gets in the way and our homes start to look a little neglected. I bought my home four years ago and I'm starting to notice smudges on the walls (lots of 'em), furniture that could use an upgrade, clutter where I never intended, and a lack of cohesion from room to room. This is all to say, no shame if you're guilty of making a few home decor mistakes – we've all been there! But if you're looking to make a few upgrades, here's where you can start, without spending a ton of money. Lighting, maintenance, and just clearing up clutter can make a huge difference in how your home looks, from rags to riches.;)

Home Decor Mistakes Making Your Space Look Cheap

Dated Lighting

Photo by Lina Kivaka

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Photo by Rachel Claire

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Photo by Element5 Digital

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Photo by Pixabay

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Photo: Shutterstock

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Photography by Joao Canziani | Design: Arterberry Cooke,

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Shutterstock

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Photo: Nils Timm

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Photo: Nils Timm | Design: House of Rolison

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

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I'm always keeping an eye out for any and every kind of update from the Bridgerton cast. From adorable red carpet reunions to the stars who are actually dating IRL, this is one cast that truly loves each other. And that love makes their onscreen interactions even better! While Bridgerton season 3 ended in June, and we probably won't see season 4 until 2026, we did just get a Bridgerton cast reunion that will totally hold us all over until we finally get new episodes.

Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope Featherington — er, Bridgerton — on the show) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton) reunited to sit front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on September 20. "Thank you @sabatods for a beautiful show and a class party after," Nicola said on Instagram, while Hannah added, "@sabatods you are magic. 💛 u @gucci - thank you for a gorgeous trip x."

The two actresses sat beside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dakota Johnson, and looked stunning in complementary outfits that were totally giving Mary Kate and Ashley.

Hannah rocked a white button down and jeans with pointed-toe heels and a camel-colored bag, while Nicola paired the dreamiest capelet and white button down dress with bejeweled heels. And TBH, this duo has me dreaming about what Bridgerton would look like in 2024!

Netflix

Now that the Ton knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she's going to have all kinds of celebrity that would totally score her a front row ticket to fashion week in the present day. And as a former wallflower, I think Penelope sees and understands shy Francesca in a really special way.

Ahead of Bridgerton season 3, Nicola told Brit + Co that she loved seeing Penelope "finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play." Hannah also admitted she feels a similar shyness to Francesca amid the buzz of joining the global phenomenon.

"I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with," she saidof Bridgerton's (and Francesca's) future. "I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve, and I hope we get another Bridgerton reunion soon!

Tell us your favorite Bridgerton cast moment in the comments and check out our interview with the cast!

The unofficial start to summer, AKA Memorial Day, is approaching and we are so ready for it. Our backyards and outdoor spaces, following months of rainy, cold winter? Not so much. Thankfully, while we're hosting friends for BBQs and beach days, IKEA is hosting a sale of up to 40 percent off on outdoor furniture, lighting, storage, sofas, kid stuff, even meatballs, now through May 29. Sign us up! Here's what we're eyeing for the big day and beyond.

BONDHOLMEN Armchair (was $170, now $102)

Come and stay awhile. We'll be loading up on these comfy and roomy armchairs made from durable eucalyptus in a soft gray color, perfect for lounging with a summer cocktail.

BONDHOLMEN Table (was $429, now $257)

If you've got the room, enjoy al fresco meals at this gray outdoor table (also made in eucalyptus wood), which seats 6 comfortably at about 92 inches long.

RUNNEN Decking (was $40, now $25 per 8.719 sq feet)

Score 20 percent off outdoor flooring, from these wood stained tiles available in acacia, cream and black, to artificial grass. These tiles are easy to install (just click the pieces together) and upgrade your balcony or deck in an instant.

SJÄLLAND Armchair (was $95, now $57)

You can never have too many outdoor chairs. These garden chairs made with aluminum and hardwood stack up nicely and can double up as dining or lounge chairs. They don't come with cushions, so you'll wanna add those yourself!

SOMMARLÅNKE LED Decorative Light (was $5, now $4)

This battery-powered LED light gives off some glow for nighttime hangs, and at this price you can grab a few!

BACKSÄLEN Sofa (was $679, now $499)

Now is a good time to invest in a new sofa, and this comfy one is available in natural, white, and black. We especially love this couch because you can easily remove the cushion covers and keep clean and fresh for years to come.

NÄMMARÖ Chair (was $55, now $44)

Grab a few of these foldable wood chairs for indoor or outdoor entertaining. They're great for extra seating when you have extra guests, and they stow away easily for quieter evenings. For quieter mornings, use them for balcony breakfasts while you sip and read.

NÄMMARÖReclining Chair (was $85, on sale $65)

Great for reading or sunning, this reclining chair brings the comfort of your living room to your balcony, terrace, or garden.

SOMMARLÅNKE LED Decorative Table Lamp (was $11, now $10)

The built-in timer on this Mason-jar-like lamp automatically turns on when the sun sets, spreading a cool reflections across your table.

ENHET High Cabinet ($158, now $131)

Our bathroom could use a summer spruce up too, and could definitely use some more storage please. This cabinet takes up vertical space without hogging too much floor space. It has plenty of space to stow your everything away, making your powder room perfectly ready for your next summer soiree.

MAMMUT Children's Chair (was $18, now $15)

These colorful and easy-to-clean chairs are great for kids rooms, and you can even move them outdoors for summer play.

MAMMUT Children's Table (was $40, on sale $30)

The MAMMUT kids' table is lightweight so you can move it around easily, plus it's durable enough for outdoors (and your wild ones 😉).

VÄLGRUNDAD Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (20% off starting May 17)

Looking for a kitchen or fridge upgrade? This stainless steel refrigerator comes with a bottom freezer for more room and easier access, plus adjustable storage bins to allow you to fit bottles of different heights. Also check out the counter-depth STJÄRNSTATUS French door refrigerator with handy filtered water feature. You'll be ready to store all your party goodies in no time!

The sale is going on now, but if you want to head over Memorial Day weekend you'll get a coupon for up to $40 off the Swedish Restaurant to save on same-day purchases of $150 or more. (Also, 20 percent off KAFFEREP cinnamon buns, mmm mmm!)

Are you home-sprucing these days? Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!

Header image via IKEA

Jet-setting or road-tripping, your beauty routine doesn’t have to take a back seat. Travel-size beauty products still pack as powerful of a punch as your regular go-to’s! These marvelous minis are perfect for keeping your skin glowing, hair sleek, and makeup flawless, all while fitting neatly into your carry-on or purse. Make sure you're always looking your best, no matter where your adventures take you! Say buh-bye to bulky bottles and hello to convenient, on-the-go beauty with these adorably small hair, skin, and makeup picks (that come at a fraction of the OG price)!

Our Fave Travel-Size Hair Care

Amazon

Moroccanoil Treatment

This hair oil does so much for your locks with only a little bit of product at a time: it conditions, smooths frizz, detangles, and boosts shine "by up to 118%." The mini size goes for $17.

Ulta

OUAI Travel Size Detox Shampoo

This is a great shampoo to use if your hair's craving a thorough clarifying wash. It helps scrub away dirt, oil and product buildup for a really clean feel. It's also formulated with keratin to help strengthen hair. The travel size goes for $14.

Ulta

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner Travel Size

SheaMoisture's hair products are perfect for restoring your hair with hydrating benefits. This "lightweight" $3 travel size pick "restores hair shine and smoothes dry hair cuticles."

Amazon

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

If you plan to heat-style your hair when you're on vacay, this $7 thermal protection spray is a must. It nourishes your locks and prevents heat damage from straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, and the like.

Amazon

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

This $12 travel size hair care product is all about frizz prevention and leaving your locks with a noticeable amount of shine. It's a great bottle to always have in your purse for those pesky flyaway moments.

Ulta

OUAI Travel Size Hair Oil

This $16 travel size hair oil leaves a "high-gloss, super-smooth finish" on your hair. It can be used before or after styling your hair, since it also has heat protectant capabilities. A little goes a long way!

Convenient Travel-Size Skincare

Amazon

Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask

You can finally master your airplane skincare routine on long flights with this travel size face mask. It packs a powerful punch in terms of hydration, which is especially important after being airborne. The mini size goes for $18.

Ulta

Naturium Travel Size Vitamin C Complex Serum

Vitamin C serums are total masters at blocking your skin from environmental stressors and aiding hyperpigmentation, AKA dark spots. This $10 pick promotes "healthier-looking skin" after consistent use.

Ulta

Byoma Barrier + Repair Treatment

This "rich, buttery moisturizer" is dedicated to protecting and building up your skin barrier, all while hydrating it. The travel size is just $13.

Ulta

CeraVe Travel Size Foaming Facial Cleanser

You can easily carry this $5 dermatologist-approved cleanser with you through TSA to tackle your skincare routine at the airport and once you've reached your destination. It's gentle on the skin and oh-so hydrating.

Ulta

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Mini

This $11 cleansing balm helps melt away makeup and SPF in one easy step. The "silky balm" formula will feel like pure heaven on your skin after a long travel day!

Ulta

La Roche-Posay Travel Size Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Make sure you're moisturized when your skin needs it most with this $8 travel size pick. It's good for sensitive skin, too! The formula has niacinamide that provides "48-hour hydration."

Ulta

Neutrogena Travel Size Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid provides this moisturizer with a nice boost of hydration. It boasts a water-gel formula that wears unbelievably light on the face. The travel size goes for $11!

Travel-Size Makeup Faves

Ulta

Too Faced Travel Size Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

After a long travel day, this $14 mini size primer "hydrates, smooths, and brightens" the skin to provide a nice base for long-lasting-makeup.

Amazon

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara Travel Size

Keep this $16 fan-fave mascara in your bag for quick and easy mid-day makeup touchups! It "curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes" for a wide-awake eye look.

Ulta

Tarte Travel Size Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer

You only need a little bit of product at a time to make this $11 travel size concealer pop! It comes in so many shades, too, all without taking up important real estate in your travel makeup bag since it's small.

Amazon

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Travel Size

This $22 CC cream is like a full-coverage foundation, hydrating and anti-aging serum, and SPF50+ sunscreen all in one. f you have to pick one travel size makeup product to keep close on flights and road trips, let this be it!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved beauty products!

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

There are many moments that shape a young woman’s life. For me, I distinctly remember watching Holes and then being so excited to read the book. We were driving home from the movie theater and my mom had the book in her car (no, it’s not odd, she’s an English teacher) and I picked it up immediately.

When I tell y’all the disappointment that followed!! I couldn’t help but picture the people I had just seen as the main characters and I’m still slightly convinced Shia LaBeouf was not the best choice for Stanley. I couldn’t get through it, no matter how many times my mom tried to convince me it was good, I just could not finish the book. From that day on, I vowed to always read the book before watching the movie.

Now I get to tell you about the 13 best book to screen adaptations!

'​Uglies' by Scott Westerfield

Brian Douglas/Netflix

Tally Youngblood has waited her whole life to become pretty, and experience the new life promised by a total body makeover. During her final summer as an Ugly, she befriends Shay and the two pull hilarious pranks, and go on daring adventures as they wait to turn 16. But in the few weeks leading up to their surgeries, Shay disappears and Tally decides she can’t turn Pretty without her. When it comes to loyalty, will Tally betray one of her only friends for her dream?

When Netflix announced this adaptation, I was met with excitement but I was also a wee bit nervous. I remember reading Uglies for the first time and being able to picture it perfectly in my head, especially how cool it would be to hoverboard. And in true Netflix fashion, almost everyone from the cast, including leads Joey King and Chase Stokes, have been in other Netflix shows (they really like to keep it in the family).

This adaptation is so far, so good. I reread the book before starting the movie recently and I will say, it holds up. The writing is definitely super YA, but it was fun to slip back into the story and experience it all over again.

Uglies is streaming on Netflix now and stars Joey King, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, Laverne Cox, Charmin Lee, Jan Luis Castellanos.

'​Percy Jackson and The Olympians' by Rick Riodran

Disney

I simply could not write a book to screen adaptation article WITHOUT mentioning Percy Jackson. This is one of my all time favorite books ever. I read The Lightning Thief every single summer and rock out to the musical by Joe Tracz from time to time.

The first two movies (starring Logan Lerman as Percy) were horrendous, so I about fell out of my chair when Uncle Rick announced Disney was adapting Percy, Annabeth, and Grover's story into a TV show. What if we got burned twice? Would we continue obsessing over the potential for a great Percy Jackson adaptation?

Disney said stop right there. The first season was truly incredible, and it captured so much of the wit and fun from the first book. Earlier this month, the show announced additional cast members for the upcoming season 2, which will bring The Sea of Monsters to life.

If you loved these books and are hesitant to start the show, don’t be scared to press play.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians season 1 is streaming on Disney+ now. The series stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Toby Stephens, Virginia Kull, Charlie Bushnell, and Dior Goodjohn.

The 'Bridgerton' Novels by Julia Quinn

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Our dearest gentle readers, I simply cannot recommend the latest season of Bridgerton enough. I've read all of the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is in my top two (number one: When He Was Wicked, Franscesa’s Story. Grab tissues if you read this one!).

Anything that’s in Shondaland is really magical, and I give her and her team so much credit for bringing the Bridgertons to life. I will say, if you read the books, the show is really nothing like them. I know what you’re thinking, "But Emily, how can you say it’s a great book to screen adaptation if it’s not word-for-word what’s in the book?"

Easy! It brings the text to life in such a cohesive and immersive way that you can’t help but be giddy as you watch your favorites fall in love all over again.

Though the books are being adapted out of order, I have full faith that Netflix can bring these together well. Season 4 will follow Benedict and Sophie, and is almost guaranteed to be filled with plenty of dancing and steamy rendezvous.

Bridgerton seasons 1-3 are on Netflix now. The show stars Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, Harriet Cains, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Madsen, and Bessie Carter! Yerin Ha will join season 4.

'​Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott

Sony Pictures Releasing

Not to sound dramatic, but the 2019 Little Women movie was the first time I understood what people meant when they said, “Wow, that was a great movie.” The casting? Superb. The music? Revolutionary. How Greta Gerwig showed the passage of time with color filters? Genius.

I do think American and British classics are hard to adapt as movies or shows because so much of the plot relies on the reader understanding the historical context, and how people would interact with each other. I say that because it’s not like if you crack open Little Women you’ll immediately know Amy is terrible, you kind of have to pick up on it, especially when she talks about limes. That being said, Florence Pugh, you did that gal a favor because if Amy was my little sister, she probably would’ve stayed in the ice.

The fall is actually a perfect time to reread this book and enjoy the movie. Definitely worth making yourself a cup of tea, putting on fuzzy socks and a good cry.

Little Women is streaming on Hulu and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, and Chris Cooper.

'​Apples Never Fall' by Liane Moriarty

Vince Valitutti/Peacock

Liane Moriarty is no stranger to having her books turned into TV shows. Big Little Lies was a hit on HBO and had people on the edge of their seats.

Former tennis players-turned-coaches, Joy and Stan Delaney have a perfect life and marriage to folks looking in from the outside. They run a thriving tennis camp and have incredibly successful kids who are each following their own path in life. But when Joy goes missing, every ugly truth bubbles to the surface and shatters what everyone thought about the Delaneys.

While Apples Never Fall isn't a super intense book in my opinion, it still has the same whodunit and leaves you guessing like all our favorite thrillers. There’s been a few mixed reviews about the show, but I do recommend it if you’re looking for a little mystery that’s not going to make you question your own reality.

Apples Never Fall is streaming on Peacock and stars Annette Bening, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Conor Merrigan-Turner, Sam Neill, Essie Randles, and Georgia Flood.

'​Black Cake' by Charmaine Wilkerson

James Van Evers/Hulu

Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is an in-depth story about a family’s secrets, betrayals, memories, and so much more.

Byron and Benny Bennett lost their mother Eleanor, who left behind a black cake from a family recipe and a voice recording. In the voice recording, Byron and Benny learn things about their mother they never knew — and her true history.

When books with alternate timelines get turned to TV or movies, I’m immediately skeptical. It can be difficult to show the difference between the past and present, and to keep up with it as a viewer. But this show is unreal. We don’t lose the intricate dynamics of the characters, and the actors bring the concept of family secrets to life. Watch Black Cake on Hulu and see Eleanor’s secrets for yourself.

Black Cake is streaming on Hulu and stars Mia Isaac, Chipo Chung, and Faith & Glynn Turman.

'​A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson

Netflix

Let me start by saying I think Holly Jackson is truly incredible. The first book I read by her was Five Survive and she's a mastermind at creating suspense and taking the story in a completely different direction than you thought WHILE making it make sense.

Years ago in a small town, Andrea “Andie” Bell and Salil “Sal” Singh were killed in a murder-suicide. Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi has a mission to find out what truly happened to Andie and Sal. As she does research for a “school project,” she quickly learns that a killer might still be out there, but who?

I describe this book as a modern day Pretty Little Liars but better. There’s a lot of pressure on actors to deliver when it comes to characters that are as well-rounded as Holly Jackson’s, but the crew pulls it off. I recommend this book and show if you’re looking for something with serial vibes and high stakes drama.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is on Netflix and stars Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Anna Maxwell Martin, Gary Beadle, Mathew Baynton, India Lillie Davies, Rahul Pattni, Henry Ashton, and Mitu Panicucci.

'​Red, White and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuinston

Prime Video

I would like to take a moment to show my appreciation for Casey McQuinston. They are incredible and have given us amazing reads like One Last Stop, I Kissed Shara Wheeler, The Pairing, and most importantly, the love story between First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry (too many last names).

When the First Son makes a fool of himself at a party by confronting his longtime nemesis the Prince, their publicists scramble to create a stunt friendship. But are friends supposed to feel butterflies in their stomachs when they catch them getting dressed? Should friends want to kiss each other at any given moment? These two definitely do.

This book was adapted by Amazon Prime and the casting department knocked it out of the freaking park. Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex was the gift we needed and Nicholas Galitzine was born to play Prince Henry. It was brought to the screen in an inclusive way without one-dimensional stereotypes, and a lot of that is credited to Casey’s amazing writing.

If anyone would like to have a watch party for this, please, please let me know. I will happily giggle and kick my feet while eating snacks and watching these two glorious men fall in love.

Red, White and Royal Blue season 1 is on Prime Video and stars Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Uma Thurman, and Clifton Collins, Jr.

'​Argylle' by Elly Conway

Apple Studios

We need more spy books turned into movies. There’s something so bad—ss about the leather outfits, being strapped with weapons, and hiding in close quarters with someone that just gets me going.

This book and movie differ greatly. The book is a pretty straightforward novel: a CIA agent is the only one who can stop the world from entering chaos, but she needs a partner to help. Whereas the movie takes place to serve as the writer’s adventure — like she’s enters a movie herself and then goes to write about it.

While I wouldn’t say these are necessarily the best adaptations when it come to recreating every detail, I will say they're two pieces of art that live somewhat together, and that you can appreciate separately. Don’t read the book and expect everything in the movie to be the same, but read the book and watch the movie for some fun and entertainment!

Argylle is streaming on Apple TV+ and stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Ariana DeBose, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson.

'​Normal People' by Sally Rooney

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Hot take: I'm not the biggest Sally Rooney fan. I think she's brilliantly talented, but her works are really just not my cup of tea. However, I, like many people, fell in love with Marianne and Connell from Normal People. How can you not? They are characters written so much like real people, it’s like you can see their lives as clearly as your own.

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are the best people that could have been cast as the leads, and they just do it so well. The whole production is vulnerable and intimate, but also doesn’t lose the nuances of Sally’s work by bringing it to life.

The book and show can be heavy, absolutely, but it shows the reality of life and what could have been if we made different decisions in our younger years. If you read or watch, you want to cheer on the characters and feel every up and down alongside them.

Normal People is streaming on Hulu and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal.

'​Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman

Netflix

Did you know Heartstopper was originally published as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas back in 2016? It got such a following that Alice started a campaign to help fund the publication of a graphic novel — and here we are today!

Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson go to the Truham Grammar School and they couldn’t have more different lives. Nick is a popular boy at school and a star of the rugby team. Charlie is quiet, suffering from multiple mental health problems and crushing on Nick from afar. The novel follows their story and everything that comes along with being a teenage couple in love.

Netflix has released two series so far with a third to release later this fall in October. The series has been praised for bringing the characters of Truham Grammar School to life while showing the everyday battles teenagers face about sexuality, fitting in, and honestly just existing.

Alice Oseman stayed close with production and writing to bring her novels to life. It’s also proof that bringing in authors during the creative process for TV is worth every bit of it!!

Heartstoppers seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix. The show stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Rhea Norwood, and Leila Khan.

'​Turtles All the Way Down' by John Green

Max

John Green should have a line in his bio about how he likes to create YA novels that will personally hit you in the heart. John, if you’re reading this, hit me up and I’d be happy to work that line in for you.

Turtles All the Way Down was published in 2017, and if you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, what are you doing? The major plot point of this book is that Aza and her best friend Daisy are supposed to be investigating the mystery of billionaire Russell Pickett, but that isn’t what really held my attention.

Aza Holmes has nearly crippling anxiety and OCD while also grieving the loss of her father. As someone who has been diagnosed with OCD for over a decade, it was a sort of an aha moment seeing myself represented on the pages. You don’t need to be diagnosed with any mental illnesses to understand what Aza is going through, you just need to be human.

Director Hannah Marks brought Aza, Daisy, and Davis to the screen in a way that balances teenage angst and emotions that seem larger than life. Because let’s face it, at 16, everything seems bigger than it is. Isabela Merced, who plays Aza, was praised for her accurate portrayal of OCD thought spirals. It can seem somewhat impossible to nail the big feels that John Green puts in his novels, but this might be one of the best depictions of one of his works ever.

If you’ve ever heard me say “it’s turtles all the way down,” in response to a sh—ty day, you can thank this book right here for that.

Turtles All The Way Down is streaming on Max and stars Isabela Merced, Felix Mallard, Cree Cicchino, Judy Reyes, J. Smith-Cameron, Poorna Jagannathan, and Maliq Johnson.

'​The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride

Amazon

Okay this is a bit of a cheat since this movie isn’t out yet, but this is one I am readyyy for. Barack Obama shared that this was one of his favorite books for 2023, and there's a reason for that. This story is hauntingly beautiful and will show you a part of American history that has been erased and almost forgotten. But we have to tell these stories and educate everyone in America about the ugly, but also hopeful, parts of our nation.

In a Pennsylvania small town, new developments are going up everywhere, but the digging crew didn't expect to find a skeleton at the bottom of a well. The town starts looking for answers, and quickly finds out that the residents of Chicken Hill, a dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans live, may have the answers.

Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived in Chicken Hill, where Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state comes looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe’s theater and unofficial Black leader, work together to keep him safe.

The book weaves a tale of all the characters and as they deepen, shows how people on the margins of white, Christian America struggle to survive.

This movie adaptation is in the early stages of development but A24 and Steven Spielberg are working on the film!

Did your favorite book-to-screen adaptation make the list? Let us know in the comments, and check out The 12 Most Relatable Coming-Of-Age Movies for more flicks you'll love.