This Design Trick Will Make Your Tiny Studio Look Way Bigger

If you’ve ever lived in a studio apartment, you know that defining different spaces is key. (Otherwise, you end up with work papers on your bed and your laptop perched next to the kitchen sink, and it’s not good for productivity or your sleep cycle.) But with space at such a premium, it’s not always easy to create separate areas without overcrowding an already-cluttered apartment. Enter the bookshelf hack. Using open shelving units to carve out space is our all-time favorite tip for studio living. Not only does it give you tons of storage space, but it offers a lot more flexibility when it comes to the layout of your studio. Even better? Chances are you already own a shelf that will work for this project. (KALLAX, we’ll never leave you.) And best of all, all that shelving gives you SO many styling options. #Shelfie, anyone?

1. Conceal and Reveal: Tinted and textured glass backing select shelves adds a little privacy and creates an even more custom room divider. (via French Fancy)

2. Color Code: With perfectly color-coordinated shelves like these, this room-dividing piece becomes an instant focal point. (via Brit + Co)

3. Retro Revival: Floating shelves feel very mid-century modern in this space and provide some much-needed separation.

4. Office-Approved: Need some work space STAT? This shelf sets boundaries and corrals all those less-than-display-worthy papers in modern white boxes.

5. Keep It Clean: Turning some bookcases one direction and some the other proves to be a clever trick for adding organizational elements to both areas in one easy move. (via Wnetrzarium)

6. Cube Farm: The cubes come to the rescue yet again, defining the zones for sleep and play with style to spare. (via The Everygirl)

Do you have a studio design trick that’s totally life-changing? Tell us about it on Twitter @BritandCo.

Offering a clean slate of stunning earthy decor is a gorgeous five-bedroom home in LA's Los Feliz hood, tucked in the hills with pine trees and wildlife near the iconic Griffith Park. The home is on the market so it's not yet lived in, which makes it the perfect inspiration for creating a cohesive and modern look that's also clutter-free.

"We’re so sick of all white everything and this house is the perfect antithesis of that," said Sam O'Connor of O'Connor Estates, who helped stage the home after it was beautifully renovated by Ruby and Mike Rubin, design principals at Rubin Studio. "The overall aesthetic is warm and earthy but with the perfect use of color throughout," says Sam.

Keep scrolling to see this gorgeous, earthy LA home tour:

Tessa Neustadt

With a mix of rustic reds, rich greens, and vibrant blues, the home feels inviting and ready for a lucky someone to plant their roots. Budget aside, the inspiration here is worth noting for your 2025 decor and sources come from places like All Modern, Nordic Knots, and HD Buttercup along with vintage pieces too.

"The inspiration for styling was 1970’s Brazilian interiors… Bold, casual and elevated," says Sarah S. Brady, founder of Platform Home. She used an antique rug in the entry from LA's Rose Bowl Flea Market and a large portrait by artist Ali Silverstein.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studio used a Sea Ranch-inspired cedar exterior, and natural materials with interesting textures throughout the home like corks, rough cement tiles, tiles with saturated colors, and cedar, teak, and white oak woods.

Green lovers can take cues from this living room, with saturated green tiles, a Willow Modular Sofa in sage from HD Buttercup, and a Moroccan rug with pops of contrasting yellow by Raha Roho.

Tessa Neustadt

“Going into 2025 we have been seeing a lot of darker tones of browns and deep mauves, including upholstery with interesting texture and rich in tone, plus millwork with darker stains or paint" says Ruby Rubin. Rubin Studios added in custom details with more warmth and character.

Tessa Neustadt

"We created new functional spaces and isolated moments in the walk-through pantry, kitchen, dining room bookshelf, and wet bar," says Mike Rubin of the custom millwork.

Tessa Neustadt

Sam and Claire highlighted the warm earthy tones throughout. "We feel the house is a piece of art and we didn’t want to distract from that. The new dining area is now one of our favorite areas of the home!” Sam says.

Tessa Neustadt

I am 100 percent on board with this green bed in velvet from All Modern. Paired with a jute rug, oak flooring, and mid-century banquette, it's the perfect starter kit for a dreamy bedroom. Vintage art and an iconic Zig Zag chair add personality to already gorgeous design.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studios used a collection of natural honed stone including Jade Quartzite, Quartzite Nero, Calacatta Viola, and Red Travertine that make moments like these interesting, bold, and beautiful throughout.

Tessa Neustadt

The earthy tile and Nickey Kehoe rug continues the green theme from master bedroom to master bath.

Tessa Neustadt

The slate floors, custom millwork, and green tile on the main floor flawlessly complements the trees and views of the home.

Tessa Neustadt

The guest bedroom pairs warm amber tones with natural linens and a jute rug with organic pattern.

Tessa Neustadt

This rosy bathroom is the perfect extension of some of the neutral and warmer tones in the house.

Tessa Neustadt

Here's where olive green meets a burgundy red tile (in the bathroom coming up) to warm up the neutral base.

Tessa Neustadt

Floor-to-ceiling tile makes a beautiful statement in a small bathroom.

Tessa Neustadt

The burgundy marble stone is a stunning complement to the tile above.

Tessa Neustadt

And then there's the rich cobalt blue to surprise and delight with a rug from Nordic Knots. This is the perfect chill spot with wet bar for entertaining. Sign us up!

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My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

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

While holiday enthusiasts are breaking out their Christmas trees and stockings, some of us are getting into the spirit a little differently. As a member of the tribe, December is high time for latkes and dreidels. And while our celebrations are truly lit (it’s the Festival of Lights, after all!) the merch selection has never quite had the same allure as the magic of Christmas.

The eight nights of Hanukkah begin on December 25 this year, and we’re on a mission to elevate the classic blue and silver while helping you answer the most challenging question of our time: “what should I buy for my Jewish friends, anyway?” Whether you're looking to ditch the kitsch or fully lean into the uniqueness being one of the Chosen people, here are 24 items that should be on your Hanukkah decorations list.

Our favorite Hanukkah decorations for 2024:

Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler Dachsund Menorah

I just want an entire zoo of these Jonathan Adler menorahs.

Piecework Puzzles

Piecework Puzzles Hanukkah Cookie Tin

There're truly no better way to celebrate than with jelly donuts, dreidels and gelt – except maybe in puzzle form.

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Talia Dreidel Terrarium

Dreidel-shaped terrariums are the Hanukkah decorations extra I never know I needed. Add a plant for some greenery or dress them up with fairy lights!

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Heirloom Tomato Menorah

If Betsey Johnson were to create a capsule Hanukkah collection, this menorah would undoubtedly be a part.

Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill Personalized Hook Wool Pillow

We love a personalization moment, especially when it's as cozy as this pillow.

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Liora Hurrican Candle Holder

Candle holders shaped like the Star of David? Yes please!

Wayfair

Godinger Contemporary Modern Menorah

For a more modern take, we love this marble menorah (with pops of gold, of course).

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Nava Happy Hanukkah Beaded Sign

ICYMI, it's Hanukkah. This beaded sign is giving DIY vibes without all the effort.

Lele Sadoughi

Lele Sadoughi Indigo Crystal Dreidel Headband

Reigning queen of headbands, Lele Sadoughi, truly has something for everyone. I'll take your ugly Christmas sweater and raise you one (actually cute) dreidel headband.

abc Home

abc Home Menorah Ornament

We may not have Christmas trees, but *some of us* have leaned into the Hanukkah bush movement. 👀 No judgement here, though -- unless, of course, you don't decorate yours with on-theme ornaments like this.

Tchotchke

Tchotchke Bubble Ceramic Menorah

This ultra cool bubble menorah is a vibe. Buy it for your most grown up friend who actually has their life together.

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Bubble Cup

The cool-girl kiddush cup we never knew we needed.

Etsy

Handcrafted Wooden Menorah

Feeling rustic? Lean in and add this artisan crafted menorah to your cart.

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Painterly Dreidel

Dreidels, but make it art.

Etsy

Personalized Hanukkah Candle

We can never have enough candles, especially on Hanukkah! Write a personalized message to your bestie and enjoy the scents of the season.

Etsy

Gold Hanukkah Dreidel

It was only a matter of time until the wooden dreidels of yore got a luxe upgrade.

Piecework

Isabel Halley Striped Platter

Plate all your dishes on this trendy serving platter.

Piecework

Chefaine Yiddish Cocktail Napkins (Set of Four)

Is there anything more Jewish than busting out a random Yiddish word at the slightest inconvenience? No, there's not -- which is why these cocktail napkins are a tongue-in-cheek addition to any dinner party.

Bloomingdale's

Apeloig Collection Menorah

Yes, this is a Barbiecore menorah. And yes, my life is now complete.

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

This post has been updated.

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

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