9 Flooring Updates You Can Do in a Weekend

Sometimes you’ve just got to play the hand you’re dealt, especially when it comes to your home. You can cover the walls you want to tear down, you can dress the windows you wish didn’t exist, and decorate with all the hottest trends, but flooring is a bit more complicated. Or is it? Clear your weekend plans, move all your furniture to the other room, and get ready to make a change for the better. There are tons of options out there, but these 9 trendy floor projects will give you the option to customize as you see fit.

1. DIY Patterned Linoleum Floor: That back porch doubling as a mud room is b-e-g-g-i-n-g for a flooring overhaul. This clean and fresh pattern will totally distract from the paw prints and shoes. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. Layered Rugs: Living with wall to wall carpet, be it in your home or rental, may feel totally limiting. Not to worry, you can actually layer rugs on top of the carpet to help define a space. Even better, though, you can layer rugs on top of rugs. (via The Fox & She)

3. The Home Depot Home Decorators Collection Warm Cherry Vinyl Plank Flooring ($60): You know how on TV shows they put vinyl flooring down in a few hours? It really is that easy as long as the floor beneath is level. There are tons of great tutorials online, but most of the time it’s as easy as snapping planks into place.

4. Renter-Friendly Stairway Runner: This is the weekend you conquer your ugly staircase. Grab some runners, a staple gun, and double-sided carpet tape for a renter-friendly upgrade that will totally change your space. (via PMQ for two)

5. DIY Stencilled Tile: To paint a stencil over your tile, you just have to follow a few simple steps. Pick a bold color and a graphic print to make the biggest impact, or keep it simple with a checkerboard pattern. (via Classy Clutter)

6. DIY Water Color Plywood Flooring: Hold the phone, y’all. You can actually dye plywood. Even better than that, you can then cut it up to use as flooring.For a look that’s out of this world, grab all the details and make your own.(via Dans Le Lakehouse)

7. Wallpapered Floors: It can be tricky to find the perfect stencil for your floors, and even then, you have to really want to paint it. Get all the colors, patterns, and details of wallpaper, but on your floor. (via Grillo Designs)

8. Quadro Style Vinyl Floor Decals ($70): On the other hand, there is a legitimate floor decal out there with your name on it. No varnish or prep work required! Just measure, click to order, and roll it out.

9. DIY Rug Hack: If you don’t even have a rug to vacuum, use this DIY to bring some comfort and texture to your living room. (via Brit + Co)

Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

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

Dog mom and kid moms rejoice! Whether it's muddy paws or snack spills (or wine spills, ahem), washable rugs make cleanup easy while keeping your space looking and feeling fresh longer. Designed to stand up to all the wear and tear a home goes through while maintaining their vibrant colors and patterns, these machine washable rugs relieve you from the hassle of hiring expensive cleaning services. Just toss them in your washer when needed and put them back to work! Here are 16 washable rugs we're swooning over for every space in your home.

Ruggable x Goop

Ruggable x Goop Salerno Soft Black Re-Jute Rug

This classic harlequin style from Goop feels modern and fresh in charcoal and brown diamond pattern. The woven jute-like material is made from recycled polyester, and the rug is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable. It looks great everywhere from kitchens to entryways to offices and more.

Revival

Revival Taylor Washable Wool Rug

You can have a soft wooly rug that can also be thrown in the washer! This New Zealand and Indian wool high-pile rug in a gorgeous moss green and slate blue is perfect for high traffic areas where spills and stains might happen.

Rugs USA

Rugs USA Nicolai Graphic Fringed Reversible Washable Rug

This graphic rug is both reversible and machine-washable so you can keep it looking like new for years to come.

Ruggable x Goop

Ruggable x Goop Elin Stripe Indigo Rug

Inspired by traditional Indian dhurrie designs, this striped style from Goop features imperfect lines in ocean blue and bright cream colors. It's water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable, making it perfect for kitchen and high-traffic areas (kids' room?).

Ruggable x Architectural Digest

Ruggable x Architectural Digest Breakout Teal & Chartreuse Tufted Rug

This bold teal and chartreuse rug from Ruggable's collab with Architectural Digest stands out in any space. Water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable, it makes a great runner too!

Tumble

Tumble Alexa Navy + Multi Washable Rug and Pad

Inspired by traditional Persian hand-knotted rugs, this vintage distressed design in navy and earthy motifs in gold and rust is stunning in a bedroom or living room. Spill-proof and machine washable, Tumble rugs come with their own cushioned, non-slip rug pad.

Tumble

Tumble Wren Ivory & Natural

Light brown and ivory shades in a classic checkerboard pattern give a room visual interest while staying clean and neutral. Spill-proof and machine washable, this rug comes with a cushioned, non-slip rug pad.

Rugs USA

Rugs USA Bayberry Vintage Washable Rug

Rugs USA's collab with interior designer Lauren Liess leans into her signature layered, vintage-inspired style. Persian-influenced and machine washable, this OEKO-TEX-certified rug with a non-slip backing is a great candidate for a dining room or kid’s room. Pro tip: place it over a larger jute rug to capture Lauren’s layered look.

Nestig

Nestig Heyday Rug

These handmade machine-washable rugs use non-toxic dyes on super soft and durable organic cotton. Spilled milk has nothing on these!

Nestig

Nestig Valley Rug

Nestig's sophisticated design makes their super soft, machine-washable rugs perfect for areas in and outside the nursery.

Amazon

Adiva Rugs Machine Washable

This non-slip rug is perfect for entryways where you want to avoid slips and need a rug that's machine washable. It's OEKO-TEX-certified, earning planet-friendly points, and the burgundy color is on trend and beautiful.

Amazon

Palohom Washable Area Rugs

This machine-washable and stain-resistant area rug is made in a soft faux wool (from recycled materials) and non-slip rubber backing, so you don't have to worry about slipping or tripping, plus save on the cost of a rug pad!

Miss Amara

Miss Amara Zaki Gold and Ivory Geometric Washable Rug

This machine-washable, non-slip rug in a graphic gold print will elevate your room with a striking motif.

Revival

Revival Gearhart

A soft, high-pile washable wool rug in the season's favorite taupe will stand out in bedrooms and living rooms. Feel the coziness of New Zealand and Indian wool below your feet first thing in the morning!

Wayfair

Magnolia Home By Joanna Gaines X Loloi Banks Machine Washable Denim

The Banks collection is a machine-washable rug from two of our favorite brands: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines and Loloi. With a vintage-inspired design, it's a key piece to any Gaines-inspired home.

Ruggable x Justina Blakeney

Ruggable x Justina Blakeney Nina Indigo & Rust Rug

Justina Blakeney always inspires us with her vibrant colors and unique designs. Inspired by the work of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, this geometric design features a colorful mix of cream, camel, and navy with rustic orange, red, and brown, perfect for the fall season!

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

Header image via Wayfair

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Ruggable has one-upped their already amazing home decor collabs with a brand-new one from The Home Edit. Each of the 10 featured rug designs (eight area rugs of varying sizes, one doormat, and one bath mat) is flooded with the vibrant colors of the rainbow, infusing your space with a playful aura. Each piece is still subdued enough to suit a more mature style, but we simply can't take our eyes off the multicolored mats! Here are our fave color-drenched picks from the Ruggable x The Home Edit collection to shop today.

Our Favorite Rugs From The Home Edit x Ruggable Collab

The Home Edit Marlowe Ivory Rainbow 5'x7' Area Rug ($279)

The rainbow border on this cushy rug is the perfect frame for a coffee table or communal dining table!

The Home Edit Joanna Ivory Rainbow 5'x7' Area Rug ($279)

This rug plays at checkered patternsfor a totally on-trend addition to your floor space.

The Home Edit Clea Ivory & Black 5'x7' Area Rug ($279)

For those who lean minimalistic, this black-and-white area rug will do the trick. Available in dimensions from 2'x3 to 10x14', there's a size for everyone.

The Home Edit Wavy Rainbow Bath Mat 2-Piece System ($149)

Make stepping out of the shower more joyful with the shades of the rainbow. Squiggly design is so in right now, so if you're one to stay up with trends, this bathmat is a must-have.

The Home Edit Sutton Moss Green & Blue 5'x7' Area Rug ($279)

Did someone say cottagecore? This rug is crafted with deep green and light blue colors to form a delightful gingham pattern, sure to suit any interior.

The Home Edit Stella Ivory Rainbow 5'x7' Area Rug ($279)

If you love color, but don't love *too* much color, this striped area rug emits a chilled-out range of shades – only noticeable to guests who are really looking closely.

The Home Edit Joanna Ivory Pop 5'x7" Area Rug ($279)

Whether placed in your living room or the kiddo's nursery, this precious rug perfectly balances neutral hues.

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

Images via Ruggable

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.