Brit + Co's Smart Home Guide for a Connected House


Brit + Co's Smart Home Guide for a Connected House

It’s no secret that technology makes life easier, and you have an arsenal of gadgets on you 'round-the-clock to prove it. But are you up-to-date on the latest tech tools to keep your home running like a well-oiled machine? With new items debuting almost daily, we took a deep dive into the best ones that have all the bells and whistles you *actually* need. Starting in the kitchen, you'll learn about state-of-the-art products that make meal prep a breeze. In your bedroom and bathroom, a few sleek amenities can speed-up your routine. For the living room, we highlighted swaps that help you lounge hands-free; and outside, where maintenance and entertaining can be automated. If you’re ready to ditch the old and bring in the new, scroll below to see the smart home products worth plugging into.



















































































































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

Illustrations by Yising Chou

We all want to give our space a tailored and personalized touch, but elevating your home with that touch of "quiet luxury"doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, Marshalls is packed with luxe-looking home decor pieces that rival the high-end finds you’d shop from Anthropologie or West Elm, all without designer prices! I scrolled through Marshalls' site to uncover 10 total hidden gems that’ll easily help you level up your decor game – all under $20.

Scroll on to shop 10 stunning (and budget-friendly!) Marshalls finds that will give your space an instant upgrade!

Marshalls

MDesign Cotton Striped Pillow

This $17 striped throw pillow with tied corners screamscoastal luxury. While playful, it's still fairly understated in terms of the color palette, so it'll match really well with any interior design setup!

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Nautilus Shell Planter

Same thing goes for this gorgeous shell-shaped planter. Embrace the coastal vibes as the weather starts to warm up for just $15! All your seasonal blooms will adore this piece.

Marshalls

Echante Ribbed Glass Candle Warmer Lamp

Well, hello there! Your search for a chic candle warmer – AKA the most bougie home decor purchase at the moment – is officially over, thanks to this $20 piece you can find at Marshalls!

Marshalls

Enchante Leather Two Wick Candle

Of course, you'll need a delicious-smelling candle to go with your new warmer, which is where this $13 leather scent comes in! While you could go the floral or gourmand route, musky aromas like this one tend to lend your space with more of a sophisticated, grown-up vibe.

Marshalls

Petal Lane Strawberries Framed Wall Art

The ornate gold frame on this fruit-themed art piece gives it such a luxurious feel, though no one has to know you snagged it from Marshalls for just $13! It'll look stunning on any wall you want to hang it from – all the way from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Marshalls

Laura Ashley Printed Curtains

Give your window fixings some extra quiet luxury oomph with this $20 set of curtains! The floral pattern will definitely add a refined touch to any room. If you want to take 'em up a notch, layer each one with a sheer white or lace curtain to enhance the wispy, romantic vibes.

Marshalls

Enchante Bow Detail Tabletop Picture Frame

This picture frame is oh-so Anthro – but only costs $7! Whether it houses photos of recent dear memories or snaps of loved ones, it adds a luxe touch through the gold lining and the adorable little bow motif up top.

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Glass Taper Candle Holder

This taper candle holder is also reminiscent of something our favorite upscale home decor stores would carry. Luckily, you can find it at Marshalls for $13 to infuse your dining table spreads or bedside table setup with playful opulence!

Marshalls

Madison Scalloped Coir Mat

The scallop trend is hot right now. Without it being overly kitschy, try accentuating smaller spaces in your home with the pattern! This $14 doormat is a great place to start, since it'll welcome each and every one of your guests (including you, of course!) with a lively and youthful effect. Everyone will be asking where you got it!

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Arch Handle Indoor Planter

As classic as straight, clean edges are for the quiet luxury look, you can still lean into more organic, earthier decor pieces for the same effect, or to get some contrast goin'. This charming $15 plant pot features some unique handles on the side and a textured base that'll make your houseplants feel right at home.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more luxe home decor finds for less!

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

Spring is full of the absolute best flavors. From seasonal fruits and veggies like apricots and peas to herbaceous faves like dill, I’m already so excited to refresh my snack stash. Luckily, Whole Foods is packed with plenty of tasty options to choose from for springtime snacking. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, these unique finds are sure to liven up your snacking habits this season!

Scroll on for 11 delicious Whole Foods finds that are definitely worth adding to your cart for spring!

Whole Foods

Rubicon Bakers Chocolate Delights Cupcakes

You gotta love a nostalgic snack – especially once the season brightens up! These chocolate cupcakes will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth since they're filled with vanilla cream and covered in a thick coating of chocolatey goodness.

Whole Foods

Ithaca Lemon Dill Hummus

This oh-so creamy hummus makes the perfect dipping destination for chips and veggies alike. The combo of lemon and dill are simply perfect for springtime eating, too!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Thai Curry Cashews

For a kick of spice, pick up these Thai-inspired cashews. They're zingy and super filling if you're seeking a unique way to get a bit of protein in during long spring days!

Whole Foods

Duverger Raspberry French Macarons

Want to elevate your spring snack rotation or have a fun party to attend? These beautiful macarons tinged with the flavors (and colors!) of raspberries are made for sharing and spreading the springtime spirit.

Whole Foods

Smart Sweets Gummy Worms

With just 3 grams of sugar for serving, these gummy worms make a great healthy snack to reach for when you just need something sweet.

Whole Foods

Cava Crazy Spicy Feta Dip

OMG – with this dip, you can finally have Cava at home! It has that cheesy, spicy kick you'd expect from a regular scoop from the restaurant, so you can easily use it for grain bowls or dips, too.

Whole Foods

Clio Snacks Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bar

This delicious chocolate-dipped bar makes getting your Greek yogurt fix on-the-go extremely easy, since you can eat it with your hands. It delivers 8 grams of protein, all in a tasty dessert format that feels like a total treat!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Mini Quiche Trio

Ideal for snack time or setting out as an appetizer, this frozen box of pre-made, bite-sized quiches comes prepared with three different flavors to satisfy eaters of all kinds. With tastes of cheese, spinach, and mushroom, there's a spring vibe in every bite!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Organic Pea Crisps

Peas are one of springtimes best veggies, and these crispy chips make snackin' on em super convenient. Dip each lightly-salted piece into some hummus, and you're set!

Whole Foods

Wella Organic Cashew Matcha Protein Bar

Matcha protein bar?! Okay Whole Foods, you officially have our full attention. This baby packs in 7 grams of protein to get your morning started or keep your energy sustained during the day!

Whole Foods

GoodPop Orange N' Cream Bars

Creamsicles are the epitome of spring and summer sweets – grab these dairy- and gluten-free bars that are only 90 calories a pop to get your fix with a healthy twist!

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Mountain homes naturally have a cozy charm thanks to the landscape and serene surroundings, but with the right design approach, you can elevate the look beyond "log cabin chic" toward a dreamy, sophisticated sanctuary. Designer Sierra Fox of Studio Mountain is known for blending rustic warmth with modern elegance and her latest project is all of the above and more. Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Sun Valley, Idaho, this five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom retreat is surrounded by sweeping mountain views and stunning natural beauty, both of which influenced Sierra’s design. Now on the market and listed by her sister, Delaney, this home is full of inspiring details. "Delaney and I work together to design each home to have a unique and custom feeling, from the decision about the property location all the way down to fabrics on the furniture," says Sierra. "It can be really fun to get to work with family and it helps us spend more time together than we would otherwise."

Here are 10 home decor ideas I can't get enough of in this cozy renovation.

Aimee Mazzenga

1. Warm, Organic Elements

Inspired by the snowy mountain landscape, Sierra filled the home with warm, organic elements that strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Linen slipcovered chairs from Jenni Kayne, reclaimed oak dining table from RH, paper lantern lighting, and rich oak flooring create a sense of cozy elegance, while a flood of natural light makes the home feel so inviting.

Aimee Mazzenga

2. Marble For Dramatic Impact

Sierra prioritized timeless materials, clean lines, and a fluid indoor-outdoor connection. The kitchen features Italian Calacatta Viola marble (a popular kitchen trend), adding a bit of drama to the quiet luxury aesthetic.

Aimee Mazzenga

3. Custom Cabinetry

Custom white oak millwork and floors frame the snowy outdoors, making the inside feel warm and beautiful.

Aimee Mazzenga

4. This Dining Nook

I'm obsessed with this breakfast nook with custom banquette, CB2 oak dining table, Arhaus Briton poufs, and a bunch of throw pillows from places like Jenni Kayne and custom from Sierra's Studio Mtn Shop. It's a showstopper and a place to get cozy and gather.

Aimee Mazzenga

5. Investment Appliances

A 55” Lacanche range and Fisher & Paykel appliances balance high-quality functionality with elevated aesthetics.

Aimee Mazzenga

6. Open Shelving

Open shelving, to me, is the perfect way to add personality to your kitchen. I adore beautiful glassware and pottery, and it's the ideal space to showcase your favorite collections.

Aimee Mazzenga

7. Organization & Symmetry

One of the greatest challenges of the project was maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy within the home’s expansive, modern layout. Sierra achieved this by layering lighting, incorporating rich material contrasts like oak and marble and being thoughtful about spatial planning.

Sierra's tip for making a space feel cohesive?

"Don't be afraid to start from scratch on a blank canvas, focusing on just a few key feelings you want to evoke from your space (serenity, energy, coziness, etc)," she says. "If you can pare down to the core feelings you want from the space, it helps to make all decisions after that from inspiration images all the way down to your silverware easier to make. When you have a cohesive idea of what you want to feel, it helps define and focus the end result."

Aimee Mazzenga

By using the same cabinetry throughout the home, Sierra creates a sense of cohesion and balance. This design choice enhances the home's flow, making each space feel thoughtfully connected. And this bedroom moment — framing the breathtaking mountain landscape — is simply lovely.

Aimee Mazzenga

Who's ready for the most luxurious bath? The symmetry here with the matching Jenni Kayne sheepskin rugs is making me swoon. I also love the use of actual drapes in the bathroom, perfect for this large window. "Incorporating shapes and texture into a design is the best way to make sure that neutrals stay interesting and elevated," says Sierra.

Aimee Mazzenga

8. Mixed Materials

When you're designing a neutral home, experimenting with unique textures is key to making it not boring. Pairing tactile elements like woven accents, natural stone, and soft textiles can bring warmth and interest to otherwise simple spaces. Arhaus framed artwork complement the textile experience in the guest room.

"For the bedrooms, we wanted the bedrooms to feel serene and neutral while still cozy and warm," says Sierra. "We drew from our California vernacular in terms of color palette, but blended with more mountain forward textures like shearling and antique rugs for a refined but rustic feel."

Aimee Mazzenga

A simple marble end table paired with a sheepskin reading chair and footstool from Eternity Modern (so cozy!) is the perfect balance of hard and soft in the master bedroom.

Aimee Mazzenga

9. Tadelakt Finishes

Tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan lime plaster, adds an artistic and organic element to the space. Paired with this stone sink, it's the ultimate in earthy decor.

Aimee Mazzenga

10. Elegant Storage

Everything in the home has a purpose, and the thoughtful storage solutions, like the Annora Bookcase from AllModern, keep the space clean and minimal, allowing the luxe furnishings and breathtaking views to take center stage.

Aimee Mazzenga

Custom cabinetry, built-in consoles, and sleek bookshelves contribute to an organized aesthetic, making the entire home feel curated and intentionally designed. The result is a home that feels luxurious, deeply connected to its natural surroundings, and designed for both comfort and timeless beauty.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

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

We're quickly approaching the Severance season 2 finale, and even if the season's coming to a close, we get to spend a little extra time at Lumon this week, because executive producer Ben Stiller confirmed the Severance season 2 finale is going to be an extra-long episode! So there's a good chance we'll have plenty of questions answered — and have them replaced with some brand new q's as we approach a potential season 3.

Here's everything you need to know about the Severance season 2 finale, airing on Apple TV+ this week.

When can I watch the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

This season's Severance finale will air this week on AppleTV+ Thursday March 20 at 9 PM EST. Episodes 1-9 are available to watch on the streamer now.

How long is the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller confirmed Severance season 2 episode 10 is going to be 76 minutes long. Wowza!

How many episodes are in Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 will have 10 episodes total, with the Severance season 2 finale coming in as episode 10. That's one extra episode compared to season 1, which had 9 episodes total.

Is season 2 of Severance the final season?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller has been vocal about his hopes for a Severance season 3 (including his confirmation that there's a writer's room already) but we haven't gotten official confirmation from Apple TV on a junior season just yet.

“Everything changed a lot after the strike, for everyone, in terms of the way people are looking at budgets and spending,” Ben told The Hollywood Reporter. “To Apple’s credit, they stayed on track with what the show was, and they’ve supported it.” He also mentions he hopes we won't have to wait another 3 years for season 3 — and I have to agree! Stay tuned for the latest Severance season 3 news.

What happens in the finale of Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Well the episode hasn't aired so we can't share exactly what happens at the end of Severance season 2. But stay tuned for the Severance season 2 ending explainer, coming later this week!

Actress Jen Tullock (who plays Mark's sister Devon) did reveal to The Hollywood Reporter that Devon's journey into Lumon really begins with "her fear for mark."

"As Ricken has acquiesced to Lumon’s pitch for his book, she’s so activated that by the time she discovers what they’ve done to Gemma, she’s ready for blood," Jen continues. We'll have to tune into the Severance season 2 finale to see exactly what Devon has up her sleeve.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the employees at Lumon, whose consciousnesses are split between their Innie (their work conscious) and their Outie (their personal conscious). Lumon promises the mysterious work they're doing is important, but the more questions Mark (Adam Scott) and the rest of his team ask, the more suspicious — and dangerous — the company appears.

Check out Where You Can Watch The Severance Cast After Season 2 Ends to see Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and the rest of the cast onscreen again!

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo & Stitch is headed to the big screen. While filming on this spring movie was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Here's everything we know about the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming in May 2025!

The 'Lilo & Stitch' trailer reminds us that "Ohana means family."

Walt Disney Studios

If there's one line in a Disney movie that impacted me, it's "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." Hearing that in the live-action Lilo & Stitch trailer makes me a little weepy! There are so many moments from the OG movie that made it into the new film, and I can't wait to see the full movie. You can watch the trailer here.

And considering the video got 158 million views in 24 hours, making it Disney's second most-viewed live-action trailer behind The Lion King, I'm not the only one who's excited. "Doesn't even look like modern day Disney slop. It actually looks faithful to the og. Incredible," one YouTube user commented, while another added, "This is the first Disney live-action remake I’m actually excited for, Stitch and the other alien characters look great and it’s really nostalgic to see all the scenes recreated."

And whoever decided to make the iconic Disney castle a sandcastle in the first movie teaser? Genius. Stitch has always been one of my favorite Disney characters and this new live-action version definitely has just as much chaos as the OG.

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo & Stitch Cast

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo & Stitch cast?

Walt Disney Studios

The Lilo & Stitch cast is definitely one to remember. The lineup includes:

  • Maia Kealoha as Lilo, a lively and fiery young girl.
  • Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, a blue alien who changes Lilo's life.
  • Sydney Agudong as Nani, Lilo's big sister.
  • Billy Magnussen as the alien Pleakley.
  • Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, another alien.
  • Amy Hill as Tūtū.
  • Kaipo Dudoit as David.
  • Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.
  • Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa.

When is the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Lilo & Stitch Release Date

Lilo & Stitch is coming to theaters on May 23, 2025. It's the PERFECT early summer flick.

Where was the live-action Lilo & Stitch filmed?

Walt Disney Studios

The new Lilo & Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there a live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo and check out the latest news on Disney's Snow White.

This post has been updated.